BANGOR – Florence T. Young, 82, died Jan. 2, 2012, at a Bangor hospital. She was born May 14, 1929, in Limestone, the daughter of Fred and Jen (McLaughlin) Hechler.
She attended school in Limestone and was a graduate of Limestone High School, class of 1946. In 1964 Florence began a long career in the banking industry, going to work for Northern National Bank in the bookkeeping department of the Limestone branch. She held many positions at the bank including, receptionist, secretary, teller, bookkeeper, loan interviewer and assistant manager. In 1983 she became manager of the Limestone branch and in 1988 she was promoted to assistant vice president of Casco Northern Bank and appointed manager at the Presque Isle branch. After her retirement from banking in the early 1990s she served in a number of civic and political roles. She was the first woman to be elected as a member of the Limestone board of selectmen and eventually served as chairman. She was twice elected to the Maine House of Representatives as a Republican from Limestone and served in the 120th and 121st Maine Legislatures. Florence was devoted to her church. She was involved with music at the church beginning in her childhood and served as organist and choir director at St. Louis Roman Catholic Church, Limestone, for a combined total of more than 40 years. She was regent of the Regina Coeli Circle of Daughters of Isabella, Limestone, for many years, and served two terms as Maine State Regent during the 1970s. After moving to Bangor in 2005 she attended St. Mary’s Church. She was very creative and enjoyed crafting, her piano and organ and also flower gardening.
Florence was predeceased by her mother and father; her two brothers, Cyril and Roy Hechler; and her sister, Dorothy Browne. She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Winston “Bud” Young; and her three sons, David and his wife, Mary, of Veazie, Paul of Sheridan, Wyo., and Christopher of Lincoln.
A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 5, at St. Paul the Apostle Parish, St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, Ohio Street, Bangor. After the service relatives and friends are invited to share conversation and refreshments at the church. Those wishing to remember Florence may make gifts in her name to a charity of one’s choice. A service of Brookings-Smith, 133 Center St., Bangor. Condolences to the family may be expressed at
www.BrookingsSmith.com.