WAYNE – Esther D. Richards, 55, of Wayne died Friday, May 21, at her home.

She was born in Mechanic Falls Oct. 26, 1948. She was the daughter of Leroy and Audrey Hodgkin. She graduated from Mechanic Falls High School in 1966.

She had been employed most recently with the State of Maine, but had worked at a variety of unique jobs including electrician at Bath Iron Works, one of the first woman police officers for the City of Lewiston, secretary for Poland Elementary School and Pineland Center, and also as a mill worker.

She enjoyed camping, gardening, golfing and spending time with family and friends. She was an active member of the American Auxiliary in Winthrop. She loved cooking for and taking care of others.

Survivors include her husband, Alan Richards; her son of Poland, David Hodgkin; her daughter of Oxford, Tammitha Bellefleur and her husband Scott Dixon; her stepson and ex-husband of Lewiston, Steven Bellefleur and Gilman Bellefleur.

She had three grandchildren of which she was very proud, Kali, Blaine and Jared.

She was predeceased by her parents; and one brother, Robert “Bobby” Hodgkin.