Esther S. (Schaeffer) Hodgkins, 80, of Hancock, Maine, beloved wife of Merton O. Hodgkins, died Sunday, March 5, 1978 at Ellsworth following a long illness. She was born July 27, 1897 in Olney, Illinois the daughter of Matilda A. (Myers) and John R. Schaeffer.

She attended Illinois State University where she majored in Home Economics and was a  very active member of the Choral Club and continued voice studies under a private teacher.

She and Mr. Hodgkins were married in July 1919 in Richland County Illinois and moved to Detroit, Michigan, where they lived for 40 years. There she joined the Mayflower Congregational Church and was active in all phases of church work. She was also a member of the Women’s City Club.

In 1957 she and her husband moved to Hancock where she joined the Woman’s Club, the Union Congregational Church and the Pilgrim Guild. She directed the Children’s Choir for 14 years until failing health.

She is survived by her husband, Merton Hodgkins of Hancock; two sisters, Mrs. Carl (Lois) Shriver of South Field, Michigan and Mrs. Lyle (Marie) Ritchie of New Canaan, Connecticut; one brother, John Schaeffer of Monrovia, California and several nieces and nephews.

Memorial services held at the Union Congregational Church in Hancock.

The Bangor Daily News (Bangor, ME) – Tuesday, March 7, 1978