Irma Irene Crane

    Crane, Irma I., 80, October 12, 2010.  Arrangements by Bowers Funeral Home, Houlton.  Interment to be held in the East Hodgdon Cemetery.
        HODGDON – Irma Crane, 80, died Oct. 12, 2010, in Houlton. She was born Jan. 25, 1930, in Monticello, the daughter of Arthur and Clara (Sharp) Hare.
    Irma graduated from Ricker Classical Institute. She was employed at Houlton Water Co. before marrying LeRoy. The next 58 years of her life were spent taking care of many family members.
    She was predeceased by her twelve brothers and sisters, and only five of them made it to adulthood: Gerry Hainer, Hazen, Dana, Raymond and Vincent Hare, who took care of her after her parents died her senior year of high school.
    Gerry and Raymond were very dear to her for they became her parents. Irma was well known for her cooking in Hodgdon and East Hodgdon, which was enjoyed by many at family gatherings, weddings, potluck suppers and funerals, and by those who were sick. She was also an avid seamstress and knitter, and many family members were recipients of her gifts. Irma also came from the old school of gathering all vegetables and fruits from the garden to preserve for future use in the winter. Her pickles, jams and pies were a welcome addition to many family meals. Irma was a member of Hodgdon Methodist Church, and past member of Rebekah’s, where she was active during her younger years. She and LeRoy were also very active and leaders of several 4-H clubs. Her sons were basketball players for Hodgdon High School, and she and LeRoy stayed avid fans after the boys graduated.
    Surviving are her husband, LeRoy Crane; daughter and son-in-law, Clara and Timothy Beaulieu; sons and daughters-in-law, Kevin and Theresa Crane, and Mark and Peggy Crane; grandchildren, Benjamin Beaulieu, Nick and his wife, Amanda Crane, Ian, Miriah and Lauren Crane, Brandi and Casey Lawrence, David Bassi and John Goulette; great-grandchildren, Avery and Miles; a dear sister-in-law and her husband, Gloria and Jack Bishop; many nieces and nephews; a dear cousin and friend, Yvonne Hartin; and a longtime friend, Marion Sloat.
    Friends called 2:30-3 p.m. Thursday at Bowers Funeral Home, 10 Water St., Houlton, where a funeral service was held 3 p.m. with Marilyn Rhodin officiating. Interment was at East Hodgdon Cemetery. A time of fellowship was held afterward at Hodgdon Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hodgdon Methodist Church, care of Bowers Funeral Home, P.O. Box 579, Houlton, ME 04730.