Leota Elizabeth Hopkins McCaslin Obituary (2011 - 2012)

ONE OF WATERVILLE’S TOP EDUCATORS HAS DIED AT AGE 100 WATERVILLE, MAINE—Leota Elizabeth (Hopkins) McCaslin died on Friday, January 6, 2012, at Lakewood Continuing Care Center in Waterville, Maine. She was born Leota Elizabeth Hopkins to parents Ernest Freeman and Adaline Henry (Pierce) Hopkins on October 15, 1911, in Readfield, Maine. Leota graduated with high honors from Waterville High School and was very athletic in her younger years being a long distance swimmer and Life Guard with the late Wallie Donovan. She was an accomplished figure skater and enjoyed horseback riding. She went on to Farmington State Normal School and after graduation began her teaching career in Richmond, Maine. After moving back to Waterville she married Earl A. McCaslin on July 24, 1938. They spent 53 years of a very happy marriage. Leota continued her teaching career by receiving her Bachelor of Science Degree from Farmington State Teachers College (now the University of Maine at Farmington) and certification in Elementary Education. She was totally dedicated to Education and teaching-having taught sixth grade at Myrtle Street School, North Grammar, and Pleasant Street School (now the Albert S. Hall School). While teaching she completed a two year program at Colby College in Waterville, Maine and took many extension courses through the University of Maine while continuing her teaching in the classroom. She also tutored many students throughout her lifetime. Leota totally loved her students and had a deep desire for them to achieve. She was always there for family and was always helping to enrich their lives. She was kind to all. Leota was awarded a Lifetime Certification in Elementary Education. She mentored many student teachers from UMF. Leota enjoyed a teaching career that spanned 40 years in the Waterville Public School System. After retirement, Leota and Earl established and maintained Pine Haven Tree Farm on the original McCaslin Homestead in Winslow, Maine. Earl passed away in 1991. Mrs. McCaslin was a member of the Waterville Teacher’s Association serving as secretary, a member of the former Maine Teacher’s Association, Kennebec County Teacher’s Association serving as President and was a Delegate to the National Education Association held in Portland, Oregon, both in 1954 and 1963. She was a member of the Maine Educators Association, Maine Retired Teachers Association serving as Vice President. She was actively involved in the Kennebec Retired Educators Association (KREA) and served on scholarship committees there. Leota was a life member and past officer of the Martha Washington Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star. She was a Life-Deacon of the First Baptist Church having been baptized there in April, 1926, at age 15. She was true to her faith. Leota served as president and treasurer of the Women’s Union and Missionary Society since it began and was dedicated to the Lord’s work in Missions and service to others until she died. She taught Sunday School and Philathea Bible classes there. She was an Honorary member of the Central Maine Garden Club. Leota was an avid golfer. She was a former member and past president of the Waterville Country Club, past president of the Women’s Golf Association and the Maine State Golf Association. While playing golf, she won many tournaments around Maine. She enjoyed traveling to Bermuda to play their golf courses. Throughout her lifetime, she and Earl traveled to Hawaii and the Caribbean on the Queen Elizabeth II. Leota was an avid reader and bridge player. She was always seeking knowledge and was a good conversationalist and was a pleasant lady to be around. She enjoyed helping others-especially children, maintaining friendships, family and keeping informed on current events. Leota was predeceased by her parents, Ernest and Adaline Hopkins; her beloved husband Earl A. McCaslin; her only brother, Harley E. Hopkins; and her son-in-law, Richard F. Caron. She is survived by her only daughter, Adaline Dianne McCaslin Caron of Winslow, Maine; her two grand-daughters, whom she adored-Linanne Ellen Gaunce and her husband, Chris of Waterville, Maine and Cheryl Lee Landry and her husband, Shawn of Haymarket, Virginia; her four great-grandsons, Charles Joseph (CJ) and Daniel Christopher Gaunce, and Benjamin Richard and Nicholas William Landry; her sister-in-law, Leola (McCaslin) Roberts of Winslow, Maine; and many nieces and nephews. Per Leota’s wishes there will be no funeral or visiting hours. A memorial graveside service will be held at the McClintock Cemetery, Nowell Road, Winslow, Maine in springtime. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Leota Hopkins McCaslin’s name to those wishing to pursue a career in Education to: Kennebec Retired Educators Association (KREA) Scholarship Fund, c/o Roberta Morin, PO Box 82, Albion, ME 04910. “TEACHING: THERE IS NO GREATER CALL”