Hancock
Mary Florence “Flo” Wilder, 81, died on April 12, 2021, in Brewer, after a long illness. Born on May 9, 1940, in Auburn, N.Y., she was the daughter of Frederick and Carmen (Erwin) Wilder. After attending Auburn East High School and Oberlin College, Flo lived in New York City and later Brookline, Mass., spending extended periods of time in Maine, especially with family on Mark Island. She settled in Maine permanently in the 1990s, where she lived for nearly 20 years on the East Side Road in Hancock.
Flo was a champion for the environment, volunteering as the recycling coordinator for the Common Ground Fair for a decade and receiving recognition from the Massachusetts Legislature for her community recycling initiatives. She strived to live close to the land, growing and preserving her own organic food throughout her time in Maine. Her activism extended to other causes including the peace and civil rights movements. As a professional bookkeeper, Flo served for many years as the treasurer for the Hancock County Democratic Party.
A gifted musician, Flo sang alto in several local choral ensembles and enjoyed playing and giving lessons on the baby grand piano that took up much of her living room. Her house was always home to at least one cat, most recently Amelie and Oliver.
She is survived by her brother Erwin “Bruck” Wilder of Lincolnville; her son Eric Prud’hommeaux, daughter-in-law Muriel Laubier and granddaughter Léna Prud’hommeaux of Clermont-Ferrand, France; her niece, Sarah Wilder, of Hampden; and many dear friends.
A private memorial service is planned for this summer. Donations in her memory can be made to the The Ark Animal Shelter.