Cathleen B. Hanscom Obituary (1930 - 2016)

DEXTER--Cathleen Hanscom, 85, passed away on Sunday, January 3, 2016 at St. Joseph's Hospital in Bangor, surrounded by her loving family. She was born March 29, 1930 in Dexter a daughter of Kenneth and Louise (Hatch) Merchant. Cathleen enjoyed gardening every summer and shared her harvest with her family. She planted vegetables, flowers of all kinds, fruit trees and spent many hours in her greenhouse. She even planned the timing of her hip replacements around preparing her garden. She was the number one supporter of family activities, attending field hockey games, wrestling matches, school concerts, recitals, and spent many summers supporting her grandkids with 4-H activities. During the daytime Cathleen rarely missed daytime soap operas. While she watched her "stories" she found great pleasure in crocheting stuffed animals of all types which she gave her grandchildren and great grandchildren in exchange for a smile. She also enjoyed canning, quilting, knitting sweaters for family (even though her hands would ache), and cross stitch. Cathleen was a legendary baker of biscuits and no one left her home hungry. All were offered her recent baked goods. Cathleen truly appreciated all opportunities to go fishing, camping, travelling to Prince Edward Island or to the fairs for Bingo. She treasured the times she went fishing with her good friends Eula Towle and Florence McKusick. They would make plans first thing in the morning and set out for a full day of fishing. In her later years Cathleen became quite a fan of the New England Patriots and the Maine Black Bears hockey program. Cathleen was a mother above all and spent her life as a farmer's wife dedicated to her family. She also worked in a few of the local mills in Corinna and Dexter. She was long time member of the North Dexter Grange. Cathleen is survived by her beloved husband of 65 years, Richard E. Hanscom; her five children, Kenneth L. Hanscom and wife Laurie, Richard A. Hanscom and companion Debbie, Mark W. Hanscom and wife Laurie, Linda M. Hanscom, Scott E. Hanscom and companion Pam; 13 grandchildren; Melanie and husband Jimmy, Crystal and husband Justin, Joseph, Jessica, Angela, Tiffany and husband Jeremy, Mandy and husband Jotham, Matthew, Joshua, Dylan, Nicholas, Jennifer, and Kendra; 17 great grandchildren: Aaliyah, Aidan, Aliviah, Raelynn, Ally, Peyton, Bella, Annalise, Mitchell, Gavin, Riley, Brantley, Trevor, Tessa, Chole, Kayden, and Maddox. Cathleen was predeceased by her brother Kenneth Merchant, Jr. and half-brother Clifford "Kip" Stevens. Friends may call from 6 to 8 P.M. Thursday, January 7th, at Crosby & Neal, 61 Main Street, Dexter. Spring graveside services will be held at the Lawn Cemetery, Guilford.