OLD TOWN – Brenda Hesseltine, 70, passed away Jan. 22, 2012, surrounded by her family at a Bangor hospital after several years of poor health. She was born Oct. 29, 1941, in Portland, daughter of Edmund “Sonny” Mishou and Evelyn (Seymour) Mishou.
Graduating from Old Town High School in 1960, she attended Husson College. Her career took her to the University of Maine where she worked until poor health forced her to retire in 1991. Brenda, as a secretary in many departments, enjoyed her time in the English department, college of education, women’s physical education and the last 25 years in the football office, as secretary to seven head coaches and their staffs. Those years were very rewarding for Brenda. She was very proud of the Maine Black Bears and of Coach Jack Cosgrove, watching his career develop, beginning as quarterback for the Bears. Brenda had a deep love for her family. She and Wayne were married April 27, 1963, and both enjoyed their flower garden, watching and feeding birds, hummingbirds and owls being Brenda’s favorites. Because they enjoyed boating, they spent many hours riding in their Bayliner, fishing and watching for wildlife, especially loons. Many days were spent on Cold Stream Pond, just sitting quietly in the middle of the pond, reading, enjoying a picnic and/or just absorbing the beauty of the outdoors. Many vacations were spent tenting with their children in various spots around the state of Maine, especially enjoying their time on Nicatous Lake, either tenting at the Narrows or vacationing at their niece and her husband, John and Ann Reinzo’s camp. Any time spent with her children and grandchildren were the happiest times for Brenda. She and Wayne spent many special times with their family at Fun Town, Saco; Santa’s Village, Story Land and other spots in New Hampshire. Brenda was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church, Old Town. She and Wayne were both Eucharistic ministers, served on the parish council, lectured and taught in the CED Program to seventh graders. Brenda and Wayne served together for many years as “parents” in the Search Program – a religious weekend retreat for juniors and seniors in high school. To the hundreds of participants during that time, Brenda requested that we ask you to “Pass it On.”
Brenda is survived by her husband of 48 years, Wayne B. Hesseltine of Old Town; three daughters, Deborah Cunningham and husband, Kevin, of Eddington, Karen Harling and husband, Thomas, of Hermon, and Julie Hesseltine of Brewer; grandchildren, Stefanie Cunningham and partner, Benn Clark, of Bradley, Amanda Lovejoy and husband, Jason, of Ripley, Joshua Osnoe and partner, Mindy, of Kenduskeag, Meghan Leonard of Bangor, Thomas and Zachary Harling of Hermon, Bethany Nason of Brewer, Kacey Thibodeau of Bradley, Christopher Sossong of Brewer, Jamie Cunningham and Matthew Cunningham of Eddington, Austin Harling of California, Faythe Sossong, Mackenzie Sossong, both of Old Town, Nicholas Morey of Brewer; six great-grandchildren; two brothers, Wally Mishou and his wife, Robin, and Larry Mishou and his wife, Elaine, all of Old Town; several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a son, Christopher Wayne Hesseltine.
Friends may call 6-8 p.m. Thursday at Birmingham Funeral Home, 438 Main St., Old Town. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 10 a.m. Friday at Parish of the Resurrection of the Lord, Holy Family Church, Old Town. Immediately after the service all are invited to the parish hall for a light luncheon and continued fellowship. Spring interment will be at Lawndale Cemetery, Old Town. Notes of condolence may be left at
www.birminghamfuneralhome.com.