1942 – 2014

AUBURN — Juanita “Polly” Haines entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, May 21, with her family by her side at the Hospice House, after a brief period of declining health.

She was born on Feb. 15, 1942, to Blanche and Ralph Hatstat and spoke often of the fond memories of being raised by Clarence McAlister.

On June 6, 1964, she married her soul mate, Gilbert Haines, at Center Lovell Church; together, they raised two daughters, Jody and Louise.

An extremely hard worker, she worked for nine years at Newton and Tibbetts Dowel Mill and several years as a baby sitter for friends in the community. She retired from SAD 44 food service, having worked for 12 years at Telstar High School and 20 years at Crescent Park Elementary School. During her many years in the school district, she was very proud that she served as shop steward.

An incessant cleaner, her home was always immaculate — both inside and out. She was a past recipient of the Chamber of Commerce Education Award and the Food Service State Employee Award. After moving to West Bethel in 1966, she joined West Bethel Union Church and was an active member of the Ladies Aid. She led various youth groups and taught Sunday school.

Mom loved to dance and was obsessed over everyone else’s happiness, many times at the expense of her own. She loved her one and only granddaughter fiercely. A great lady with a great smile, she was loved and respected by everyone she met. She will be deeply missed.

She is survived by daughter, Jody Deegan and her husband, Edward, of Hebron; daughter, Louise Erskine of Portland and her daughter, Morgan, of Florida; fiancé, Chris Wallace, of West Bethel; sister, Louise Willey; brother, Erlon Hatstat; several nieces and nephews; and countless friends.

She was predeceased by her husband, Gilbert; her parents; four brothers; and two sisters.

Rest in peace, Mom … until we meet again.

Online condolences may be shared with her family at www.oxfordhillsfuneralservices.com.

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