Obituary

Marjorie Hatch, obituary

Thu, 08/15/2013 - 1:00pm

ISLESBORO — Marjorie j. (Coombs) Hatch, 82, of Islesboro passed away peacefully, while surrounded by loved ones, Aug. 5, 2013, at “home.” She was born on Islesboro Aug. 13, 1930, youngest of 10 children to Henry and Bessie E. (Powell) Coombs.

Marjorie was a lifelong resident of Islesboro. After attending the school in Pripet, she worked as one of the island’s telephone switchboard operators.

In 1949, Marjorie married Paul C. Hatch and together they raised three children, Paul "Babe" Hatch, Ruth (Hatch) Bacon and Julie (Hatch) Reidy. Marjorie spent many years as a cleaner and laundress for several island summer residents, as well as working side by side with her husband in the family business making deliveries of “spring water” and ice to island homes, as well as gardening and caretaking.

Marjorie loved the Island and it's continuous changing shoreline and forests and was often found meandering with fellow (and infamous) sisters, otherwise known as “The Coombs girls,” looking for fossils, beach glass and driftwood to carry home. She loved taking photographs and shared several of her best with family and friends over the years, many shots capturing pieces of the island that are now gone.

Marjorie was said to be “one of a kind.” She was a hard worker and never one to be afraid to get the job done, and her ability to laugh and make others laugh through life's ups and downs were gifts that carried her well through the years. There was a special spark that Marjorie brought to a room and a unique way of bringing those she felt a special connection to into her extended family.

Marjorie's family was her love and she was at her brightest when in their company. She believed strongly that without family, and the love of family, one was missing the greatest joys of life.

She was predeceased by her husband; her parents; two brothers, Henry Herbert Coombs and Merrill Ray Coombs; and her sisters, Priscilla Coombs, Ruth Sprague, June Hall, Lydia Rolerson and Kathleen Mulumphy.

Marjorie is survived by two sisters, Marie Hall of Islesboro and Dorothy McNeil of Tennesee. She also leaves behind her three much loved children, Paul “Babe” Hatch of Islesboro, his daughter, Amanda and her husband, Gregory Barron, and their children, Jacob, Lucas and Hannah, and his daughter, Erica, and his son, Jason; her daughter, Ruth and her husband, the Rev. Edward Bacon, and their daughter, Angela of Islesboro and Massachusetts; and her daughter, Julie and her husband, Bill Reidy, and their children, Michelle and Dustin of Islesboro; as well as many nieces; nephews; and special extended family members.

A memorial celebration will be held Saturday, Aug. 24, at 11 a.m. at Second Baptist Church in Islesboro.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Boardman Cottage, 131 Main Road, Islesboro, ME 04848, the best home away from home Marjorie and her family could have ever hoped for on the island.

Arrangements are under the care of Riposta Funeral Home in Belfast. Condolences may be offered to the family online at Riposta Funeral Home.