Pauline Hatch

HARRISON — Pauline Hatch, 71, lost a long fought battle with breast cancer on Monday, Dec. 23, 2013 while surrounded by family and friends at her Harrison home.

Born Pauline Estella Richardson in Denmark on April 1, 1942, she was the sixth of 10 children born to Mary and James Richardson.

Pauline worked most of her life, with many years at Bridgton Knitting Mill, and later at Pleasant Mountain Moc, also in Bridgton.

All through her life, Pauline enjoyed many hobbies. She liked to knit and crochet while watching her soap operas in the afternoon, and also enjoyed doing puzzle books. She loved listening and dancing to country music, and as her health allowed, she would be found dancing the night away every Saturday night. Pauline enjoyed farming, hunting and fishing, hobbies that she passed onto her children, as well.

On Oct. 9, 1999, Pauline married Bruce Hatch, whom she loved traveling and being with. Together, they would vacation in many places across Maine and some places as far away as Florida.

In 2011, Pauline was diagnosed with breast cancer. She fought very hard and in early 2013 was said to be cancer free. In November 2013, it was discovered that the cancer had come back with a vengeance.

Pauline was a very generous and giving woman. Numerous times, she opened her home to those in need.  She loved to cook (well known for her pies and mile high biscuits!) and loved sharing the fruits of her labor with others. She passed this skill on to some of her family, as was evident at Thanksgiving when her 10-year-old grandson came to her house to make an apple pie for her because she was not feeling well enough to cook. Pauline taught us a lot, listened a lot more, and will be missed by many.

Pauline was predeceased by her husband, Bruce Hatch; and siblings Silver, Burton, Helen, Kay, Ivan and Valeria.

Pauline is survived by a brother, Frank Richardson of Hiram; two sisters, Saramay Daniel of Denmark and Francena of South Hiram; her children, Tracey Robitaille of Bryant Pond, Tony Bean of Harrison, Tammy McAllister of Oxford, and James Bean of Harrison; six grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews who will miss her as well.

A celebration of her life is being planned for June 21.

Services were performed by Dolby Funeral Home, South Windham.