KATHERINE CLAIRE

MCKINNON HOWLAND – Katherine C. McKinnon passed away peacefully in her sleep early in the morning of Nov. 15, 2003, after a very difficult and painful struggle with cancer. During her final days she was surrounded at her home in Howland, by her four children, several of her grandchildren and many other cherished relatives and friends. She was born Katherine Claire Hatch in Saint John, New Brunswick, in 1925. Her parents were the late Dora C. and Charles F. Hatch. Although Charles Hatch was not her birth father, Kathy treasured memories of him all her life, calling him “the only father I ever knew.” She graduated from Lee Academy in the class of 1943. Kathy lived a life of simplicity, quiet dignity and service to others. She also loved music and dancing, and especially being in the company of friends and family. Her pure and open heart and her generous spirit were inspiring to all who knew her. Whether working in the recycling center, or preparing a meal for a less fortunate family, or baking her famous cinnamon bread and fudge for her family at the holidays, Kathy took her greatest joy from doing things for other people. Her generosity always seemed to go beyond her modest and limited means. She was an active member of the American Legion Auxiliary for more than 46 years, and also of the Best Years Club, the Enfield Elders and the Howland Baptist Church. Throughout her life, Kathy touched the lives of many people, and she felt blessed to know them all. As many people as she inspired, she was also inspired by the caring and generous spirits of others, including Leslie Nesin, Sherry Merrill, Mae Shirland, Dawn Gilley, Pete and Isabelle LeMay, Carl and Carol Marshall and Beatrice LaPlante. Kathy had seven siblings: Leila Gordon of Lincoln, William Walker and wife, Virginia, of Zephyr Hills Fla., Charlene Rideout of Burlington, Anita McKee of Everett Wash., Priscilla Shea and husband, George, of Natick Mass., Andy Hatch and wife, Judy, of Germantown Tenn., and Randy Hatch and wife, Sandra, of Lincoln. She was predeceased by her baby brother, John Layte. Kathy leaves behind four children, Kathy June Grant and her husband Phil of Birch Harbor, Helen McKinnon and her partner, Tom Libby, of Deer Isle, Clyde McKinnon and his wife, Susan, of Lebanon Conn., and Lorelei McKinnon and her husband, Rolf Olsen, of Lebanon N.H.; and eight grandchildren, Karin McLean of Birch Harbor, Leola Carter of Cherryfield, Scott Seile of Deer Isle, Jennifer Seile of Deer Isle, Randee McKinnon of Portland Ore., Morgan McKinnon of Lebanon Conn., Erik and Elissa Olsen of Lebanon N.H.; she also leaves four great-grandchildren; as well as many dear nieces, nephews and cousins. A “Celebration of the Life of Katherine Claire McKinnon” will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, November 22, at the American Legion Hall in Howland. A graveside service will take place in the spring or summer. At Kathy’s request, in lieu of flowers, please contribute to a college scholarship in her name to a Penobscot Valley High School student. Donations can be made payable to Helen McKinnon and mailed to her at 20 Gravel Pit Drive, Deer Isle ME 04627. Donations will also be welcomed at the celebration service.