Penobscot
Pauline Alfreda Elliott Hutchins died on Sept. 26, 2020, surrounded by her devoted family. She was born June 21, 1923, to Sherman Frank Elliott and Alta Vivian Brewer Elliott and was the center child of 11 children. The family lived in Topsham and Brunswick, Maine, and, while attending Brunswick High School, Polly enjoyed lead parts in many plays and musicals. She graduated in 1942, and within a short time she was working as a shipfitter’s helper at Bath Iron Works. Becoming a World War II “Rosie the Riveter,” she was assigned to work with Hoyt Hutchins. The two of them welded on World War II Class Destroyers and the sparks that flew between them, obviously, were not just from the welding torch. They were married in 1943, a union which lasted over 60 years. They had three children: Marcia Joyce, Sherman Hoyt, and Gertrude Nancy. Through Sherman and his wife Patricia (Leach) are three grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren: Sherman II and his wife Rebecca (Cunningham) and their children Erika Lynn and Julie Ann and her husband Collin Ciomei; Joyce Nancy and her husband David Tarr and their children Ellenore Olivia, Grace Pauline; Ruth Miriam Babirye, and Margaret Joy Nakato; and Allison Harland and his wife Stacey (Peasley) and their children Hoyt James, Cora Evangeline, Trafton Lowell, and Harland Elliott. Polly was very fortunate to still have four of her siblings living; two brothers, Sherman and Harold Elliott, and two sisters, Joyce Caldwell and Nancy Atkins, as well as many nieces and nephews.
While Hoyt provided nicely for their family, Polly took pride in raising their three children and being involved within the community. She led community talent shows and plays, engaged in cantatas with her church, decorated birthday and wedding cakes, gave lessons in her ceramic shop, knitted, and made quilts. For 25 years she was so very pleased to work at the front desk of the Wilson Museum in Castine, Maine, greeting people from all over the world who enjoyed the museum as well as the John Perkins House, which Hoyt had restored, and the blacksmith shop he had built and where he worked as a smith. Polly was a life member of the Wilson Museum and served on the Board of Trustees, a founding member of the Penobscot Historical Society, and a member of the South Penobscot Baptist Church.
As much as Polly enjoyed these activities, she most enjoyed cooking for her family. At the age of 96, Polly could still, on her good days, master the art of baking an amazing apple pie or a pan of yeast rolls. Her most cherished companion was her daughter Marcia, whom she sorely missed during her last two years. The family rests in the comfort that she is now with her daughters and husband.
The family is very appreciative of the kindnesses shown to Polly during her last two years. Hospice was amazingly helpful and kind – special appreciation is extended to Julie and Chrissy and her friend Nancy Peers. In lieu of flowers, the family would like you to remember her by giving encouragement to someone in need. One of Polly’s favorite songs to sing was “Amazing Grace.” May we all come to realize how amazing His grace is.
A graveside service will be held on Sunday, Oct. 18 at Bayside Cemetery; a celebration of her life will be Sunday, Dec. 6. Because of COVID-19, both services are limited to family and will be officiated by her pastor, Jacob Clement. Arrangements are being made by Mitchell and Tweedie Funeral Home in Bucksport.