ORRINGTON – Margaret Jean McHale, 75, passed away Sunday, Feb. 18, 2007, at a Bangor hospital after cancer surgery. Her death came with the same dignity that marked her life on Earth. She was born Feb. 11, 1932, in Brewer, the daughter of Samuel and Dorothy (Lyford) White. She was a graduate of Brewer High School, Class of 1951. She was a member of East Orrington Congregational Church. During her working career, she was employed by Sleeper’s clothing store, Robert Hall clothing and Hannaford Brothers as a bookkeeper. Her life was filled with many exciting and varied activities, such as watching over her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whom she dearly loved and cherished. Jean was first and foremost a mother and was willing to share her love with anyone who needed it. Jean was proud of her flower gardens, which she tended to during the growing season, spending many happy hours in the endeavor. Her love of birds and animals dominated much of her spare time activity. The bird feeders were always full. She developed a love for sports and followed her broadcasting husband, George Hale, as he covered University of Maine athletic events. He was the love of her life and never missed a game that he traveled to, if she could manage it. Jean enjoyed meeting the players’ families and cheering for the teams when they played. She was particularly fond of the baseball and football teams of the University of Maine. Her father taught her to be a Red Sox fan and she was dedicated to the New England team for 50 years. Jean’s only regret was that her father did not live to see the Sox win the World Series. People who knew and observed her called Jean one of the classiest ladies they ever met. She knew and loved clothes and was often stopped in stores by other women who complimented her dress style. In her final days, she appreciated the love of the nurses and doctors on surgical floor 3 and the ICU unit at the hospital, as they worked around the clock to save her life. She is survived by her husband, George McHale of Orrington. Jean was predeceased by twin boys, Stacy and Tracy; her brother, Samuel M. White Jr.; and their daughter, Julie. She is survived by brother, Lewis White and wife, Gail, of Northport; sister, Brenda Rogerson and husband, Joe; sisters-in-law, Bertha White and Carolyn Barrett; uncle, Lawrence “Bud” Lyford and wife, Jean; aunt, Elizabeth Lyford; George and Jean’s eight children, Bruce Robertson, Scott Robertson Sr. and his wife, Nancy, Julie Allen and her hus-band, Brian, her twins, Becky Patruska and her husband, Zyqmunt, Bob Robertson and his wife, Susan, Sandy Ouellette, Rick McHale Sr. and his wife, Tracey, Michelle Bush and her husband, Bob; son-in-law, Taylor; 17 grandchildren, Jaison and Jamie Robertson, Kimberly and Ashley Robertson, Danielle and Scott Robertson Jr., Peter and Matthew Allen, Robert, Benjamin and Brielle Kleczek, Chris and Ricky McHale, Katie Wilson, Christina, Tim and Andy Bush; 10 great-grandchildren, Jacob and Kiah Wilson, Wyatt McHale, Haylee, Jeff Jr., Baily Ferrow, Taylor, Jillian, Alyssa, Erin; her beloved dog, Ginger; and very special friend, Gov. John Baldacci and family. Relatives and friends are welcome to call 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 21, at Brookings-Smith, Clark-Piper Chapel, 55 South Main St., Brewer. A funeral service will be held 10 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 22, at East Orrington Congregational Church with the Rev. Robert T. Carlson, pastor emeritus, officiating. Spring interment will be at Pine Hill Cemetery, Orrington. The family invites relatives and friends to share conversation and refreshments at Carlson Hall immediately after. Those who wish to remember Jean in a special way may make gifts in her memory to Penobscot Community Health-care, 1048 Union St., Suite 5, Bangor, ME 04401. Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.BrookingsSmith.com
MARGARET JEAN MCHALE
