AUGUSTA – Bernice H. Giddinge, 79, of Richmond, passed away Thursday, June 23, at the Augusta Rehabilitation Center.

Born in West Minot, Aug. 27, 1924, the daughter of the late J. Merrill and Edith V. Hatch, she graduated from Edward Little High School and the Auburn Maine School of Commerce.

After high school she taught at Rangeley High School, the State School for Girls in Hallowell and for 23 years at Richmond High School. She retired from teaching in June of 1975.

She loved her family and enjoyed sharing time and activities with them. Swimming, camping, and listening to hymns and country music gave her great pleasure. Additionally, she was a member of the West Minot Union Church, a 59-year member of the Mechanic Falls chapter of Dwinal Eastern Star and a 63-year member of the Richmond Enterprise Grange 48.

She will be greatly missed by her daughters, Annie and her husband, Russell Babb of South China, Elizabeth Furlong of Richmond and Barbara and her husband, Wayne Greenlaw of South China; three grandchildren and their spouses; six great-grandchildren; one sister, Wilma Leighton of West Minot; one sister-in-law, Susie Rowe of Auburn; and numerous nieces and nephews and their families.

Mrs. Giddinge was predeceased by her first husband of 44 years, Bernard H. Thyng; her second husband of four years, Harold L. Giddinge; and her sister, Geneva Trundy.