Lurena E. Hamel

PALERMO – Lurena E. Hamel, 88, of Palermo, passed away July 20, 2023 at MaineGeneral Medical Center after a brief illness.

Luerna was born on May 4, 1935, a daughter of Harry and Mabel Messenger, and graduated from Gardiner Area High School. Following school, she went on to work for the telephone company, MSAD 11, and Reny’s.

Lurena loved the farm life and going for wagon rides. She enjoyed watching the birds and tending her flowers, but most of all she loved her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved watching them play sports and supporting them on their journeys. She will be missed by all who knew her.

Lurena was predeceased by her parents, Harry and Mable Messenger; her first husband, Robert Hathaway, and second husband, James Hamel; her siblings Burt Wheeler, Barbara Arbour, Marion Bailey, Hazel Bernice Willette, and Pauline Latlip; stepdaughter, Patricia “Ann” Lacasse; her great-granddaughter, Paitn; a nephew, Mark Bailey; and a special cousin, Bobby Newell.

Lurena is survived by two sons, Scott Hathaway and wife Teresa of Gardiner, and Stacy Hamel and wife Geraldine of Palermo; stepchildren, James Hamel and wife Vera of Jacksonville, Fla., Gregory Hamel and wife Judy of Dunn Lorring, Va., Steve Hamel and wife Charlene of Charlotte, N.C., and Celeste Derosier of Manchester, N.H.; three grandchildren, Ashley Hathaway, Steven Hamel and wife Heidi, and Ryan Hamel and fiance Marissa Chamberlain; five great-grandchildren, Nyelle, Trewyn, Lincoln, Levi and Paislee; and a sister, Priscilla Bailey of Augusta.

The family would like to thank nurses, Amy, Stephanie and Craig at MaineGeneral Medical Center for caring for Lurena.

A graveside service will be held at 12 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 4 at the Maine Veterans Cemetery, 143 Blue Star Ave., Augusta, ME 04330. A gathering will follow at the Sheepscot Fish and Game, Route 3, Palermo.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Plummer Funeral Home, 983 Ridge Rd., Windsor, ME 04330. Condolences, stories or photos may be shared by visiting http://www.plummerfh.com.

Donations in Lurena’s name may be made to the

Harold Alfond Center for Cancer Care,

c/o MaineGeneral Health Office of Philanthropy,

P.O. Box 828,

Waterville, ME 04903

and/or to

St. Jude Childrens’ Hospital at stjude.org