Katherine R. Hodsdon McCaslin Obituary (1933 - 2012)

WINSLOW, MAINE—Katherine R. McCaslin, of Winslow, Maine passed away peacefully and went home to be with our Lord on Thursday, November 8, 2012. Katherine was born in Presque Isle, Maine on January 22, 1933, the daughter of the late Verne and Mildred (Porter) Hodsdon. Kathy was a very loving and caring wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She had a heart of gold and was always giving without asking for anything in return. Kathy and her late husband, Walter, cared for over one hundred foster children in their home throughout the years. Not only did Kathy unselfishly give to her own family, after her husbands passing, she began providing around the clock in home care for many families in and around her surrounding community. She always went above and beyond providing the love and support to fulfill the family member’s last wish to pass in the comfort of their own home. After the tragic loss of her seven-year-old son Michael, God gave Kathy a passion to paint. Kathy created beautiful rural scenes that still adorn the homes of her family. A woman of many talents, Kathy would lovingly create elegant wedding and prom dresses, beautiful christening gowns and incredible flower arrangements, usually at no cost to the recipient. Kathy enjoyed knitting and crocheting hundreds of hats, mittens, scarves and layette sets then giving them as gifts to individuals or donating them to several charities. Even with the onset of arthritis, she proudly crocheted all of her grandchildren bed spreads. Kathy enjoyed living her last few years with her daughter Judy and her family. Kathy would often say jokingly that her son-in-law had locked her in the cellar. Then with her next breath she would say “Oh no it’s a daylight basement.” Kathy would often admire her modest dwellings as if it were a palace. Kathy loved her aquarium and enjoyed talking about her fish with who ever walked through the door. She loved seeing all of her family and friends whenever they came to visit. She proudly spoke about her visitors to the next person to stop in. Her grandchildren enjoyed spending time with her doing anything from simply sitting and watching TV with her to mopping the floors or even putting lotion on her feet. Kathy has touched so many hearts and will be deeply missed by all. Kathy’s son Wayne would like his mom to know how much he cherished his daily chats and Sunday visits. He will always remember her jokingly saying, whenever she would get upset with him, “I don’t have to like you, but I’ll always love you.” He wants her to know how much he loved and appreciated her, and knows she’ll always be there watching over him and his family. He knows he’s said it a million times, but he wants his mom to know that he loves her and always will. Kathy was predeceased by her loving husband Walter; their son, Michael; her parents Verne and Mildred Hodsdon; and her sister, Sylvia Hood. Katherine will be sadly missed by her children and their families, Richard McCaslin and his wife Kitten of Winslow, Maine and their two children Keith McCaslin of Minnesota, Renee McCaslin of Augusta, Maine and granddaughters Kaitlynn McCaslin, of Minnesota and Marilyn Babb of Augusta, Maine. Her son Jeffery McCaslin and his wife Tina of Winslow, Maine their five children Eric McCaslin of Mass., Johnathan McCaslin and his wife Amanda of Vermont, Jennifer, John and Ashley McCaslin of Winslow, Maine, and grandchildren Ethan, Abigail, and Emma McCaslin of Vermont. Her daughter Judy Daigneault and her husband Darrin of Winslow, Maine and their five children Danielle Easley and her husband Allen of Bucksport, Maine, Desiree Hamilton and her husband Patrick of Winslow, Maine, Devin, Dylan and Dominique Daigneault of Winslow, Maine and grandchildren Andrew Easley of Bucksport, Maine and Natilee Grace Hamilton of Winslow, Maine. Her son Wayne McCaslin and his wife Robyn of Winslow, Maine, and their four children, Courtney, Hunter, Cassie and Olivia McCaslin of Winslow, Maine. She is also survived by her brother, Verne Hodsdon and his wife Betty, of Florida; her sisters- in- law, Hattie Bumps, Elizabeth Bumps, and Delores McCaslin all of China, Maine; and her brothers -in-law, Vernal Hood and his wife Anne of Benton, Maine and David McCaslin of Winslow, Maine. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. The family would like to say a special thank you to Dawn Lorom and Nancy Bellanger and all the staff of HealthReach for the loving care their mom received. Rev. Ronald Morrell, Sr. will preside over a graveside service to be held on Saturday, November 17 at 11:00 a.m. at the North Vassalboro Village Cemetery on Cemetery St. in Vassalboro, Maine. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to: HealthReach, P.O. Box 828, Waterville, ME 04903.