CARIBOU – Captola “Cappy” S. Harrington, 88, wife of Clayton Harrington, died July 21, 2009, in Presque Isle. She was born May 1, 1921, in Caribou, the daughter of Dudley S. and Mattie (Thibodeau) Stewart. Captola was a graduate of Caribou High School, Class of 1938. A year after graduation she began work as a secretary for W.P. Hamilton, attorney, working for the firm until March 1962. Little did she know that her experience in the Hamilton Law Office would open doors previously closed to her and other women. In 1955 she was appointed by Gov. Edmund Muskie as recorder of Caribou Municipal Court and in 1959 she was appointed by Gov. Clinton Clauson for the same position, resigning in 1962, when district courts replaced municipal courts. In that same month, Captola was appointed as town clerk of Caribou, replacing the legendary Eva D. Ryder. Captola filled Eva’s shoes well, holding the position for 24 years. From her years at the Hamilton Law Office, to the municipal court and on to town and city government, Captola witnessed many changes, from managing city documents and records by hand to the early days of computerized management of those records. Captola was closely associated with the expansion of the women’s roles as vital and equal contributors to municipal government. After her retirement she still enjoyed following municipal, state and federal government events. Captola was a member of Gray Memorial United Methodist Church, a member and past president of Sno-Drifter’s Snowmobile Club for more than 30 years and a member of Women’s Social Club for more than 20 years. Captola held several offices at New Sweden Covenant Church, 1992-2001 and was a member and past president of the Business and Professional Women’s Club from the 1940s to the 1950s. She married Clayton W. Harrington, Aug. 14, 1958. Surviving in addition to her husband of Caribou, are two sons, Willard D. Hamilton and his wife, Christine, of Caribou and Stewart K. Hamilton of Norwalk, Conn.; three grandsons, Todd M. Hamilton of Windham, Jon D. Hamilton and his wife, Kara, of Caribou and Scott J. Hamilton of Portland; a great-granddaughter, Brynne D. Hamilton of Caribou; a special niece, Gwendolyn Amling and her husband, Fred, of Patomac, Md.; a stepson, Michael Harrington of Readfield; and a sister-in-law, Hope S. Stewart of Caribou. She was predeceased by her first husband, C. Edgar Hamilton, July 8, 1955; and by a brother, William K. Stewart, Sept. 24, 1976. Friends may call 11 a.m. until the time of services Friday, July 24, at Mockler Funeral Home, 24 Reservoir St., Caribou, where funeral services will be held 2 p.m. with the Rev. Dr. Thomas Bentum, pastor of Gray Memorial United Methodist Church, officiating. In lieu of flowers, friends who wish to contribute in memory of Captola may do so to Gray Memorial United Methodist Church Trustees, P.O. Box 69, Caribou, ME 04736. Envelopes may also be obtained through the funeral home. For an online register, please go to www.mocklerfuneralhome.com.
CAPTOLA ‘CAPPY’ S. HARRINGTON
