Hildreth Edwards Cass

Hildreth Edwards Cass, 89
     SOUTH PORTLAND -- Hildreth Edwards Cass, 89, universally known as Hillie, died peacefully in her sleep at her home on Oct. 1, 2007.
     A lifelong resident of South Portland, she was born on April 8, 1918, in the Ferry Village home of her parents, Frank B. and Hazel A. Edwards. She attended local schools, was graduated from South Portland High School, and attended the Deaconess School of Nursing in Boston.
     She met her future husband, Dr. Malcolm W. Cass, O.D., at the Peoples Methodist Church in its original High Street location in Ferry Village, where Malcolm's father Walter was pastor. They were married on July 25, 1943, while Malcolm was on leave from his duties in the U.S. Air Force. Following the demobilization of U.S. forces at the end of World War II, Hillie and son Malcolm Jr., were rejoined by Malcolm Sr., to begin their married life as a household. Most of their 64 years of rich and loving marriage were spent at their home at 23 Clemons St., where they raised sons Malcolm and David.
     Hillie was always devoted to the service of her community and church, in which she often found herself in positions of leadership. She was President of the South Portland League of Women Voters, President of the Auxiliary of the New England Optometric Association, and Den Mother of Cub Scout Pack 23. She contributed significantly to the musical life of the community in various ways, including her longtime leadership of the annual city-wide Christmas caroling event in Portland. She was a volunteer for the Portland Concert Association. For many years Hillie appeared on the stage of the Municipal Auditorium as page turner for her husband's recitals on the Kotzschmar Memorial Organ. As members of the Friends of the Kotzschmar Organ (FOKO), Hillie and Malcolm were key supporters of this unique instrument when its continuing existence was in question.
     Hillie and Malcolm delivered meals on wheels to the elderly until they were older than many of their clients. During her lifelong membership in Peoples United Methodist Church, Hillie contributed in many ways to a vibrant church life. A talented musician, she sang in the Senior Choir during
    Hildreth Edwards Cass
    her entire adult life and, for 49 years, led the Junior Choir, in which sons Malcolm and David sang. She was President of the United Methodist Women and was Secretary of the Maine Conference of the United Methodist Church. She served in the Neighborhood Ministry program of her church. Her deep faith was an inspiration to many.
     Hillie became an accomplished landscape painter through classes at the YWCA. Working in just one class a week at the Y over the years, she produced dozens of paintings, many of which she gave away to friends and relatives, to their continuing enjoyment.
     Starting in the 1960s, Hillie and Malcolm traveled widely in England, where over many years they established close ties with Malcolm's English relatives. These relationships continue to be enjoyed by sons David and Malcolm. They later fulfilled their dream of visiting the Holy Land.
     Hillie nurtured many lifelong friendships. Until recently she met regularly over breakfast with several high school classmates. She frequently drove friends and neighbors for doctors' appointments and shopping. In the 1960s, through the American Field Service Hillie and Malcolm hosted Giovanni Losito, an Italian school student who ever since has regarded Hillie and Malcolm as parents.
     Hillie was predeceased by her parents; a brother (Frank B. Edwards); and a sister (Christine M. Darling). She leaves her husband and sons, daughters-in-law, Annette Samuels Cass and Susan Brissette Cass; grandchildren Elizabeth and Anne Cass; a sister (Carolyn Teeter); and numerous loving and beloved nieces, nephews, and their families.
     Visiting hours will be held from 4-7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 5, 2007, at the Hobbs Funeral Home, 230 Cottage Rd., South Portland. A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 6, 2007, at the Peoples United Methodist Church in South Portland. Interment will be private at a later date.
     In lieu of flowers contributions
    may be made to:
    The People
     310 Broadway
     South Portland, Maine 04106
    or United Methodist Church
    310 Broadway
    South Portland, Maine 04106