ORRINGTON – Joan Hope Abbott Gumprecht Hamel, 75, went to be with our Lord April 3, 2011, surrounded by her family at her lakeside home. She was born July 11, 1935, in Caratunk, the daughter of the late Ora and Evelyn (Snell) Abbott.
She was a loving mother, wife, grandmother and great-grandmother. Jo is survived by her husband of 26 years, Bob Hamel; son, Eric Gumprecht and wife, Karyn, of Cohoes, N.Y.; son, Todd Gumprecht and wife, Amber, of Tyndale Air Force Base in Florida; daughter, Amy Gumprecht and husband, Chris Damboise, of Adams, Mass.; son, Mark Gumprecht and wife, Diane, of Carmel; many nieces, nephews, cousins, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Throughout 26 years of marriage, Jo claimed Bob’s children as her own: Jack and Cindy Hamel of Aurora, Colo., Scott Hamel and Linda Failoni of Green River, Wyo., Mike and Shelley Hamel of Cheyenne, Wyo., Joe and Farrah Hamel of Green River, Wyo., and Doug and Carolyn Hamel of Green River, Wyo. Jo also had a very special adopted family, Kathy Costain and her son, Russell.
She attended Newport High School and graduated from Eastern Maine General Hospital, now Eastern Maine Medical Center, as a registered nurse in 1956. She worked at numerous Bangor nursing homes and doctors’ offices during the course of her 50-year nursing career. Jo worked in the operating room at St. Joseph Hospital for 17 years, ultimately finishing her career there as supervisor. Jo, Josey, Joanie, Grammie Jo and Mama wore many hats and made us all feel special. She will be remembered fondly as a mentor, trusted colleague, dear friend, second “mom” and confidant. Jo and her family thank everyone for the prayers and support given on her behalf. They are especially grateful for the care given by the nurses and medical providers of EMMC. Specifically, the Clough families were dear to Jo’s heart.
A memorial service will be held 3:30 p.m. Saturday, April 16, at Bangor Church of the Nazarene, 1465 Union St., Bangor, with Pastor Damon Hayward officiating. In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to American Lung Association of Maine, 122 State St., Augusta, ME 04430 or online at www.mainelung.org/volunteer/gifts.htm.