CUSHING — Norma H. Boothby, 88, wife of the late A. Hamilton Boothby, died Oct. 28, 2013, at Pen Bay Medical Center in Rockport, following an extended period of declining health.

Born in Camden July 23, 1925, she was the daughter of Ronald and Mildred Richards Hoyle. In 1930 Norma moved with her mother to North Hope, where they resided with her grandparents, Everett and Josie Richards. While living in that community, Norma attended a one-room school house.

Following her mother's marriage to Theodore R. Simmons, she moved with her mother and step-father to Rockport. Norma was a graduate of Rockport High School, Class of 1942. That same fall, she began studies at the University of Maine at Orono, and after attending classes year-round through the accelerated program, graduated in 1945. Later in her career she earned a master’s degree and certification of advanced studies at the University of Maine. Honored with a Fulbright Scholarship for teachers, Norma studied one summer at University of Paris, Sorbonne.

Following her first teaching assignment at Mattawamkeag High School, Norma taught one year at Foxcroft Academy before moving to Rockland in 1949, where she taught at Rockland High School, retiring in 1971.

During her tenure at Rockland, she taught Spanish, French, English and American history.

On Aug. 15, 1971, she married A. Hamilton Boothby. They resided all their married lives on Stones Point Road in Cushing. They spent many happy years together, which included spending time at their Pleasant Pond camp in Turner, listening to and playing music, bowling, swimming and snowmobiling. Mr. Boothby died June 29, 2008.

Early in her career Norma became interested in credit unions. She was instrumental in development of the Maine Education Credit Union, and the original Knox County Credit Union. She served 40 years as secretary of the Maine Education Credit Union in Augusta.

Long active in school and community organizations, Norma held offices in the Rockland Teachers Association, MSAD 5 Teachers Association, Knox County Teachers Association, Maine Teachers Association, and the Department of Classroom Teachers. She served as secretary of the Maine Teachers Association Credit Union Board of Directors for 22 years and served a three-year term as a trustee for the Maine Teachers Association Trust Fund. She was a long-time member and past president of Delta-Kappa-Gamma Sorority.

For many years, Norma enjoyed a close friendship with her neighbors, David and Sharon Glidden, and considered their family as her own. More recently she was grateful for the care and support provided by her caregivers, Tara Lynde, Sandra Lavoie, Brenda Winslow, Debbie Winchenbach and Georgia Arey, who all made Norma laugh a lot.

She is survived by two step-daughters, Margaret Mitchell and her husband, John, of Scarborough, and Roberta McLellan of Belfast; as well as several grandchildren.

Private burial was completed on her family lot at Mountain View Cemetery in Camden.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Pope Memorial Humane Society of Knox County, P.O. Box 1294, Rockland, ME 04841, or the charity of one's choice.

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home in Rockland.