AUBURN — Florence Carkin, 89, of Lewiston passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 29, at the Hospice House in Auburn.

Florence was born on March 26, 1928, in North Woodstock, N.H. She was one of two sisters and the daughter of Herman and Margaret Howland.

Florence grew up in North Woodstock on a farm on the East Side Road by the Pemigewasset River. She worked at The Flume Gorge and other tourist attractions while attending Woodstock High School. Florence was the president of her class and made the valedictory address at her graduation from Woodstock High School in 1946. She attended Plymouth State College and worked at Sylvania in Standish.

Florence married Warren Carkin of Lincoln, N.H., on March 5, 1949. Florence and Warren lived for a short time in New Hampshire then moved to South Windham, where Warren began his career as a Maine Central Railroad station agent. Their family home was on the Gray Road in South Windham, where they raised their only son. After Warren’s retirement, several homes were purchased, with their last home located in Lewiston.

Florence and Warren traveled extensively through the United States, Canada and Europe. In addition to lengthy trips they also enjoyed day trips and getaways to northern Maine, Vermont and Canada — just on a whim! Florence and Warren enjoyed going to family reunions and playing cards with family members. Florence and Warren enjoyed being outdoors, and activities such as camping, fishing, berry and apple picking, and walking were part of their daily routine. Taking drives to both known and unknown locations, to enjoy nature’s beauty, and find a new place to eat were regular excursions. They loved their independence! While living on the Gray Road in South Windham, Florence and Warren raised and sold Airedale terrier puppies. Through their later years, they both enjoyed the company of black Labs and her granddog, Maizey, who regularly visited her at Russell Park.

Survivors are her son, Clayton and his wife, Joye.

Florence was predeceased by her husband, Warren; and her sister, Barbara MacNeill in Beverly, Mass.

Her son and daughter-in-law wished to thank the wonderful health care workers at Russell Park in Lewiston. They would also like to thank Cynthia Smith for her help and support over the past years as well as a thank you to Al, Jenn and Heather at the Hospice House in Auburn.

Condolences may be offered to the family on line by going to www.hallfuneralhome.net.

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