Shirlene (Heath) Hoch Gosline

GARDINER – Shirlene (Heath) Hoch Gosline, 86, passed away peacefully on Feb. 23, 2025. She is now home with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Shirlene Marion Heath, daughter of George and Evelyn (Jenkins) Heath, was born on Nov. 23, 1938, in Rockport.

She attended school in Rockport where she was actively involved in student council as class president, band, chorus, and the school newspaper. She was also a member of the school’s basketball, volleyball and softball teams. Shirlene graduated from Rockport High School in 1957. Also in 1957, Shirlene was crowned “Sea Goddess” of the long-standing Rockland “Maine Lobster Festival.” From there, she continued her education at the University of Maine Orono where she earned her honors level bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

Following college, Shirlene married William “Bill” Hoch, Sr. Together, they had three children, Jolene, Ellie and Willie. They lived in Rockland until Bill’s work required a move to Gardiner. Sadly, several years later, Bill suddenly passed away.

Shirlene’s lifelong work was as a school teacher for school departments in the Mid Coast and Gardiner areas. While living and teaching in the Gardiner community and schools, Shirlene met and married Norman Gosline, her husband of 42 years.

Shirlene, in her quiet way, was active in many community activities. She served as Chair of the Maine State Museum Commission following her appointment by then Governor, Angus King, and reappointed by Governors Baldacci and LePage. She continued for several years as a board member of the “Friends of the Museum.” Shirlene was recognized for her pro bono research for the museum’s 368-page documentation of “Twelve Thousand Years-American Indians in Maine.”

She was a member and past President of the Kennebec Valley Garden Club, past President of the Garden Club Federation of Maine, and member of the Board of Directors of the National Garden Club Federation of America.

Shirlene served as chair of the Kennebec University of Maine Orono Alumni Chapter, and was honored with the “Block M” Award in 2014 for outstanding UMO Alumni service. She also served as president of the Rockport High School Alumni Association for its Hundredth (100th) Anniversary Year Celebration.

Shirlene, in her very caring way, shared her time helping out where she was needed. She was a hospice volunteer and former board member of the Gardiner Public Library.

She was also a member of Winter Street Baptist Church in Gardiner for over 26 years. She loved serving the Lord and did so by volunteering on various committees and boards for many years including the Christian Education Board, Membership Committee, and the Finance Committee. She willingly gave of herself, her time and her talents to assist in spreading of the Gospel.

Shirlene was predeceased by her parents; husband, William Hoch, Sr., their daughter Jolene Hoch Collins, son William Hoch, Jr. and his wife Kimberly Lunt Hoch. Shirlene was also predeceased by her second husband, Norman Gosline, step-daughter, Lee Gosline; and four siblings, George Heath, Jean Gushee, Arlene Harper, and Norma Probst.

She is survived by her daughter, Ellen Hoch, stepsons Jeff Gosline of Palm Beach County, Fla. and his sons Matthew and wife Brandy, Benjamin and Nicholas; and Mark Gosline and wife Brenda, and their daughter Hannah of Waterville. Shirlene is also survived by granddaughters Andrea Collins and wife Dayna Kramer of Michigan, and Tiffany Lee Avery and family of Phippsburg.

Shirlene will be deeply missed by her nieces, nephews, her dear friend and college roommate, Ellen Shibles, Mike Coutts, and Michael and Donna Phillips and family. She was respected and loved by many within her circle of family, friends and community members which include far too many to list.

Visiting hours celebrating Shirlene’s life will be Tuesday, March 4, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Staples Funeral Home, 53 Brunswick Ave., Gardiner. A funeral service will be held at Winter Street Baptist Church in Gardiner on Wednesday, March 5, at 11 a.m. with a reception to follow. Burial will be in the spring. Arrangements and guidance are under the direction of the Staples Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 53 Brunswick Ave., Gardiner. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared with the family by visiting the Staples Funeral Home website http://www.StaplesFuneralHome.com

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to MSAD #11 with a notation that it is for the

“William K. Hoch Scholarship Fund.”

Donations would be mailed to:

MSAD #11 Superintendent’s Office

150 Highland Ave.

Gardiner, ME 04345