BOWDOIN — Dorothy Lou (Meyer) Hatch, a woman of great faith in God, entered her heavenly home early Friday morning, Feb. 24.

Dorothy was born in Bolivar, Mo., on Nov. 27, 1927, the first child of Frank and Zela (Brown) Meyer. She grew up near Neosho, Mo. Her father, a public school teacher, taught her for her first five grades at school. Dorothy graduated from Midway High School, Stark City, Mo., in 1945.

While working at a hospital PX at Camp Crowder in Neosho, Dorothy met the love of her life, Harland Hatch, in 1943. They married June 30, 1948, and moved to Maine, settling in Bowdoin and raising three children. When her youngest child was 12, Dorothy began a new career as a teacher aide/librarian at Bowdoin Central School. She worked there for 20 years, showing exceptional skill and passion for teaching reading. She was a Sunday school teacher and deaconess in her church for many years, and held various offices for the Hix Small Cemetery Association. Dorothy loved people and was known for her hospitality, often hosting family groups of 10 or more for weeklong vacations. She particularly enjoyed reading and working outside in her vegetable and flower gardens.

Dorothy was predeceased by her beloved husband of 66 years, Harland Hatch; her parents, Frank and Zela Meyer; two brothers, Frank Meyer Jr., and John Meyer; and a sister, Jo Ann Osborne.

She is survived by her children, David Hatch, Gwenda Hatch, and Stephen Hatch and wife, Son Ye; a brother and sister-in-law, James and Lorraine Meyer of California, sisters-in-law, Constance Carver, Corine Hatch and Bobbie Jean Blair; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Those who wish may leave a note of condolence for the family at www.brackettfuneralhome.com.

Dorothy M. Hatch

Dorothy M. Hatch