Penobscot
Susan Jean Hutchins of Penobscot passed away at home surrounded by her twin sister and nephews on Nov. 12, 2021, following a hard-fought battle with complications of multiple myeloma cancer.
Sue was born April 26, 1956, at Castine Hospital, the daughter of Berwyn Hale and Natalie (Dodge) Hutchins of Penobscot. She was a 10th-generation Mainer and a lifelong resident of Penobscot.
Sue graduated from George Stevens Academy in the Class of 1974. Shortly after that, Sue began her 47-year career at Maine Maritime Academy. Much of her time at MMA was in the finance and information technology departments, and due to declining health, she retired in 2021. Over those 47 years, she was truly thankful for the many lifelong friendships she made and the opportunities she was presented at such a great college.
Sue also enjoyed time with her family: picnics and gatherings on Islesboro and watching her nephews and the “grands” in their sports and activities. And it’s true that there’s a special relationship between twins, and Sal and Sue experienced this during their lifetime. Even in those times when their opinions may have differed, they were there always to support each other.
For those who knew Sue, she was always on the move. She loved the outdoors and spent thousands of hours maintaining her and her sister’s home and property. She took much pride in maintaining immaculate lawns and vegetable gardens: there was never a blade of grass out of place, and you couldn’t find a weed if you tried. She also got the biggest kick when total strangers would stop and tell her how beautiful the lawns were. She always had a paintbrush or a polish cloth in hand, making sure everything was in top form.
Sue was predeceased by her dad, mom and older brother, Timothy P. Hutchins. She is survived by her twin sister, Sally Jo Hutchins of Penobscot, two very special nephews and their families — Eric O. Hutchins and his wife, Erin, and their daughters Ella and Layla of Brooksville and Ryan J. Hutchins and his wife, Amanda, and their sons Mackie and Augie of Falmouth, and many cousins and families on the Hutchins and Dodge sides of the family. Sue also loved cats, and she was predeceased by her most recent kitty of 19 years, Dusty.
Special thanks for all the calls, visits, cards, letters, meals, never-ending support and prayers shown to Sue and Sally during her illness. There were so many longtime friends, family and neighbors and co-workers who reached out to Sue and Sally during Sue’s quickly declining health. Special thanks to Northern Light Blue Hill Hospital and for the loving care she received while a patient of Northern Light Home and Hospice Care. Everything was so appreciated during this very difficult time.
In keeping with Sue’s wishes, no service will be held. Interment will be at the Hillside Cemetery in North Penobscot, with views overlooking Castine and Islesboro and close by to her brother Tim. For those who would like to send a donation in Sue’s memory, please consider the Penobscot Fire Department, P.O. Box 20, Penobscot, ME 04476 or a local SPCA of your choice.