CAMDEN – Mary Beth (Hayden) Van Alstine, 67, died Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011, surrounded by family at her home, after a long struggle with ovarian cancer. Mary Beth was born July 7, 1944, in Bennington, Vt., daughter of the late Harry and Nellie (Robertson) Hayden.
She attended grade school in the one-room schools of Sunderland, Vt., and was active in Girl Scouts and 4-H. She graduated from Bennington Catholic High School, Class of 1962, and was active in the chorus and drama clubs. She attended Castleton State College and the University of Vermont majoring in social work. Mary Beth and husband, Peter, moved to Maine in 1967, first moving to Cape Elizabeth and then to Camden in 1972. She most enjoyed spending time with her family, especially supporting her two boys in their many athletic and musical endeavors and her beloved yellow Labrador retrievers. Outdoor sports were a significant part of her family life, including sailing – member of Camden Yacht Club, skiing – member of Ragged Mountain Ski Club and Sugarloaf Ski Club, and golf – member of Megunticook Golf Club. During the last 12 years, her primary passion was spending time with her two grandchildren in Camden and at her home at Sugarloaf, “Big Camp.” She was a ball of fire and loved life, especially the family aspects. She was very close to her four brothers and sister, devoted to her husband and two sons, and had a very special relationship with her two grandchildren, Hannah and Hayden Van Alstine, who knew her as “Grandma Happy.”
Mary Beth is survived by her husband of 45 years, Peter Craig Van Alstine; two children, Peter Curtis Van Alstine and Christine of Yarmouth, and James Daniel Van Alstine and Jill of Leeds, England; two grandchildren; her yellow Labrador retriever, Truly Scrumptious; one sister, Kathy Maddaloni and Rich of Arlington, Vt.; four brothers, William Hayden and Dorothy of Montpelier, Vt., James Hayden and Avis of Sunderland, Vt., John Hayden and Karleen of East Greenbush, N.Y., and Michael Hayden and Alison of Lyndeborough, N.H.; many nieces and nephews.
A memorial Mass will be held noon Friday, Oct. 14, at Our Lady of Good Hope Catholic Church, 7 Union St., Camden, with the Rev. Mark Reinhardt officiating. Mary Beth enjoyed autumn’s foliage colors, thus orange, yellow and other autumn colors are encouraged for attire. A reception will be afterward at Camden Yacht Club. If desired memorial contributions, in lieu of flowers, may be made to Camden Area Youth Seamanship Program, care of Camden Yacht Club, P.O. Box 204, Camden, ME 04843 or Ragged Mountain Ski & Snowboard Club, P.O. Box 967, Camden, ME 04843. Arrangements are with the Long Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 9 Mountain St., Camden. Condolences, photos and memories may be shared with the Van Alstine family by visiting their book of memories at
www.longfuneralhomecamden.com.