POLAND – Gaetane I. Hinkley, 64, of Poland, passed away peacefully Thursday afternoon, June 17, at her home with her family by her side, after a long and courageous battle against cancer.

She was born on July 8, 1939, in Lewiston to Elizabeth and Alfred Therrien. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, daughter and friend to all who knew her. She was looking forward to becoming a great-grandmother this September.

On April 27, 1973, she married Edward B. Hinkley and recently celebrated 31 wonderful years together. She and her husband made their home on Tripp Lake in Poland, and she was very active in her community. She took an interest in serving her church and was a Eucharistic Minister at Our Lady of Ransom Catholic Church in Mechanic Falls, as well as teaching CCD to many area children for several years. She held the position of president and vice president of the Ladies Guild affiliated with her church and was also treasurer and secretary of the Oxford Extension.

She was employed at Vincent Fruit for 17 years as office manager. She and her husband co-owned Hinkley Apartments and other commercial properties.

“Gae” was loved by everyone who knew her. She had a gift for making everyone she met feel welcomed and saw the good things in everyone. She treasured her family, especially her loving husband and “three wonderful daughters.”

She always made an effort to remember all birthdays, anniversaries, and special occasions of those she loved. She was very fond of the pets she had over the years and enjoyed watching her backyard wildlife, as well as the various activities that took place on the lake. Boating with her husband and watching loons was always a special treat. Other favorite hobbies included gardening, crafting, traveling and sharing special times with family and friends.

She is survived by her husband, Ed; three daughters, Suzanne Morin and husband James of Lewiston, Diane Silva and husband Rudy of Ramona, Calif., Christine Poulin and husband David also of Lewiston; her loving mother, Elizabeth Therrien of Lewiston; three brothers, Donald Therrien and Mary Eli of Leeds, Ralph Therrien and wife Shirley of Lewiston, and Jean-Guy Therrien and wife Ginette of Levi, Quebec, Canada; five grandchildren, Chad Morin and wife Heidi of Aberdeen, Md., Kelly Morin, Christopher Poulin both of Lewiston, Francisco and Gaetane Elizabeth Rose Silva of Ramona, Calif.; eight nieces and nephews; and numerous friends, especially Ruth Desjardins and Jean Grady.

She was predeceased by her father, Alfred Therrien; infant sister, Lucille Therrien; and granddaughter, Gloria Anne Gaetane Silva. She will be sadly missed by all who knew her.