Obituary of Norma H. Dutch

BELFAST Norma Hatch Dutch passed peacefully in the Hospice Unit at WCGH Feb. 7, 2017. She had been surrounded by family and friends each day during her 3 week stay. Norma was born in Belfast Sept. 28, 1929 to Howard Walter Hatch and Thelma Clement Hatch residing at Head of the Tide neighborhood of Belfast. She was predeceased by her parents, her husband of 43 years, Dryden C. Dutch; her son Larry and daughter-in-law RoAnn; daughter Julie Dutch Marriner; and sisters-in-law Joan F. Dutch and Elizabeth H. Hatch. She is survived by her brother, James G. Hatch, Sr.; brother-in law, Bryant R. Dutch; her son Jeffery J. Dutch, O.D. and wife Mary; son-in-law Michael Marriner; grandson Alfred J. Dutch II; granddaughter Lisa Dutch Chase,her husband Cory and their children Hagen and Ella; granddaughter Melissa Marriner Veilleux and her husband Travis and their children Alex, Tanner, and Eli; granddaughter Erin Dutch Payson and her husband Kyle and their children Kayla Marie and Kyle James; and grandson Daniel Marriner and his wife Jamie and their children Levi and Lane as well as cousins, nieces, nephews and their offspring on both Hatch and Dutch sides of the family trees, all who held their own special place in Norma's enormous heart. Norma literally crossed the street to attend Head of the Tide elementary school thru grade 7 and graduated Crosby High School with the Class of 1947. She excelled at basketball and was a cheerleader at Crosby. Her college career at UMO was cut short when she married her high school sweetheart, Dryden Dutch, in 1948 and then concentrated on the domestic responsibilities of caring for her husband and eventually three active children. With the passing of her mother in 1961, Norma became the second in command at H.W. Hatch Wholesale Confectionary and Tobacco on Main St. in Belfast. Despite these business responsibilities, she managed her household duties providing for all the needs of her hungry, athletic children and husband and still made time to attend the majority of their three-season school activities. That approach didn't change as it became following the lives and the games of the grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Norma has long had the distinction of being "hostess with the mostest", eagerly opening her doors for adult and children parties at Head of the Tide, 150 High St., and Glenview Lane homes. Dryden's 10 years going through the chairs of Anah Temple Shrine ascending to Potentate required much time and attention to hosting fellow Divan and visiting dignitaries and their wives. She continued after Dryden's passing in 1991 as 'Matriach' of the family, hosting holidays, birthdays and extended family gatherings. Dryden and Norma were active in our community leading the BAHS Boosters Club during the boys high school athletic seasons. They served as presidents and traveling ambassadors for Belfast Curling Club, and as members at Northport Golf Club, while Norma served on the Board of Directors and attained the status of Life Member. An adult relationship that began early in Norma and Dryden's marriage was with Robert and Maxine Ellis of Brooks. Bob's younger brother Vaughan became Norma's "boyfriend" some 22 years ago. The special bonding of these two has created a blending of the two families, and our family is eternally grateful for the loving care and attention Vaughan has showered on our Mom the last few years of her life. Our extended family wishes to thank the doctors, nursing staff, special technicians and hospice staff and volunteers at WCGH for the exceptional care and loving touch they have provided for our mom and family. Additionally, Bob Richards and the EMT crew who arrived to attend to Norma's injuries and transport to WCGH ED services was swift and professional care - we thank you for that. A memorial service will be held at 11 am on Tuesday February 21, 2017 at the First Church in Belfast, 8 Court St. Belfast. Those who wish may make memorial contributions in her memory to Hospice Volunteers of Waldo County PO Box 772 Belfast, ME 04915. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.ripostafh.com. Arrangements are under the care of Riposta Funeral Home.