Phyllis W. Hutchins Obituary (1918

WESTBROOK - Phyllis W. Hutchins, 85, went home to be with Jesus, Friday January 2, 2004. Born in Portland, June 22, 1918, she was the daughter of Wallace W. and Vesta Whitney Winn. Educated in Portland schools she was a 1936 graduate of Deering High School.Throughout her childhood and early adult life, Mrs. Hutchins was an active member of the Glenwood Square Baptist Church, Portland, where she served as a Sunday School teacher and organist.Her love of music was born from piano lessons she received as a child. The Ivers & Pond piano her father purchased for her when she was five, still occupies a place of prominence in her home. On September 17, 1939 she married Morris B. Hutchins at Glenwood Square Baptist Church. In the early years of her career she was employed as a nanny and housekeeper. She later worked several years at Porteous, Mitchell and Braun in Portland.In 1953 with her husband, Mrs. Hutchins entered into full-time Christian ministry. She supported her husband in his ministry as secretary and helpmate, providing refreshment for any gathering held in their home. Together they served Baptist churches in New Gloucester, West Harpswell, Growstown, Bridgewater, and Stroudwater in Portland. After retiring from full-time ministry in 1986, with her husband Mrs. Hutchins served interim pastorates in Laconia, New Hampshire, West Harpswell and Central Square Baptist Church, Portland. She was active in the music programs of all these churches and served as organist in most.She was active in American Baptist Women's groups in Maine, a member of the Portland Chapter 1918 Club, member of the Women's Christian Temperance Union, the Christian Civic League of Maine and served several years as a board member of the Portland Female Charitable Society. Her greatest love was serving her Lord and showing His love to any with whom she came in contact. Many will remember her visits to the sick and shut-ins, the food she brought with her and her faithfulness as a prayer warrior. She was a regular volunteer at the Wayside Soup Kitchen and continued cooking for that effort after being confined to her home due to illness.Mrs. Hutchins was predeceased by her husband in 1999 and her son-in-law Wilfred Thibeau in 2001. She is survived by her daughter, Alista B. Thibeau of Westbrook; her son, Walker C. Hutchins and his wife Ann of Rockland; four granddaughters, Lanci Hodgkin and her companion Dennis J. "DJ" Sawyer of Cornish, Rebecca Tuttle and her husband Kenneth of Westbrook, J'Anna Hedrich and her husband Andrew of Northport, Melissa Hutchins of Rockland; and six great-grandchildren. Visiting hours will be held from 2:00 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., Thursday, January 8, 2004 at Stroudwater Baptist Church, 1729 Congress Street, Portland, where a celebration of her life will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday. Interment will be in Murch Cemetery, Casco.Memorial donations may be made to Stroudwater Baptist Church Music Fund, 1729 Congress Street, Portland, Maine 04102. The family would like to thank, Reverend William Beddie and Theresa Jordan of Hospice of Maine, Kit Schofield and the home health aides of Community Health Services, Doctor Peter Shaw and his staff at Cardiovascular Consultants of Maine, and the friends who helped us through this difficult time. Services are under the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland.Back