EMBDEN – Madeline L Hinkley, 96, of Embden, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on June 3, 2021 at Cedar Ridge Center in Skowhegan, with her loving family, nursing staff and Beacon Hospice at her side. She was born Nov. 28, 1924 in South Portland, the daughter of Frank and Gladys Keenan. She graduated from South Portland High School in 1943.

As a young woman, she worked at a bakery making doughnuts, cleaned homes and worked at a beauty salon until she met the love of her life Philip Hinkley. They were married in February, 1944. In 1961 they bought a farm in Embden. There Madeline went from city girl to a farmer’s wife. With the help of many beloved friends, she learned to make butter, garden, can vegetables, pickles, jellies, take care of livestock and drive the hay truck. And she learned them all very well.

Madeline was a wonderful mom and grandmother. She loved Christmas and making Christmas cookies each year with the grandchildren. She worked at Devereux Camps in Embden, cleaning the camps before the kids came each summer. She also enjoyed working at Taylor’s Drug Store in Anson. Buzzy Everett called her after Philip passed away in 1980 and offered her a job. She was so nervous, but soon loved working behind the lunch counter making ice cream sundaes, frappes and new friends. A blessing indeed!

Mom loved her flowers, gardening, (even weeding), house cleaning, visiting with family and friends, a cup of tea with cookies and good conversation.

Madeline was a long time member of The First Congregational Church of North Anson, taught Sunday School, sang in the choir and was active in the Women’s Association. On June 15, 2020, she was awarded The Boston Post Cane for being the oldest resident in Embden.

She was predeceased by her husband Philip, her sister Pauline Bell and husband Wilber, sister Frances Redstone and husband Charles, sister Beverly Cole and husband Teddy and brother Frank Keenan and wife Judy.

She is survived by her daughter Linda Tingley and husband Ray of North Anson, son Mark Hinkley and wife Kathi of Windham and daughter Holly Caldwell and husband Randy of Embden. Also a “special” daughter Nancy Welch of North Anson. Madeline is also survived by many beloved grandchildren; great- grandchildren; great-great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces and nephews.

The family will hold a memorial celebration at a later date.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Giberson Funeral Home and Cremation Services. To leave a condolence for the family and to view the online obituary, please visit http://www.gibersonfuneralhome.com

Donations in her memory can be sent to:

The First Congregational

Church of North Anson

P.O. Box 247

North Anson, ME 04958

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