Esther M. Dudley

SCARBOROUGH -- Esther May Dudley died on Aug. 17, 2010, at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House.

She was born in Oakland on May 24, 1920, the daughter of Edward H. and Edith (Bowman) Dudley. She spent her childhood in Oakland and graduated from Williams High School in 1937. She graduated from Gates Business College, Augusta, in 1940. She earned the rating of certified professional secretary in 1973.

Esther began her secretarial career in 1941 as a junior clerk secretary at the State Employment Office. In 1952, she became administrative secretary in the Department of Institutional Services, later renamed the Maine Department of Mental Health and Corrections, and served as executive secretary to four commissioners. She founded an organization for secretaries who worked for the state and set up cooperative training among the members.

Esther retired in 1974, after 33 years, to care for her mother and operate a bookkeeping and secretarial service from her home, which she continued into her 80s.

She was executive secretary of the Maine Psychiatric Association for 21 years. She was also a charter member of the Maine Association of Retirees and served as corporate secretary for many years. Esther was a member and past president of the Kennebec Valley Chapter of the National Secretaries Association International.

Esther cared for her parents in their final years. She later cared for her brother, Edward, and served as power of attorney for an elderly cousin and oversaw his care. Esther spent hundreds of hours doing work for the community, baking beans for firemen's suppers, supporting local fund drives and serving as secretary for many organizations. She was Worthy Grand Matron of the Order of the Eastern Star, Jefferson chapter.

Esther was a single, independent woman who lived her life to the fullest and enjoyed everything with gusto, especially ice cream. She climbed Machu Picchu while in her 60s, traveled to France in her 70s, and visited England and Mexico in her 80s.

To mark her 80th birthday in 2000, the Maine Legislature passed a resolution honoring her for her many contributions to her community and state. More than 100 people attended a party in her honor.

Esther moved with her mother and father to Whitefield in 1954. In 2004, she left her home of 50 years and moved to The Pines retirement community in Old Orchard Beach to be closer to her niece, Susan Gold, who lovingly supervised her care to allow Esther to enjoy her later years. In 2007, Esther moved to Scarborough Terrace assisted living facility.

For the past year, she lived in New York with her niece, Jane Dudley-Ruel, and her family, who cared for her with loving kindness. During her last days, she stayed at Gosnell House. Even in death, Esther continued to contribute to society by donating her body to the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine.

She is survived by two nieces, Susan Dudley Gold, of Biddeford, and Jane Dudley-Ruel, of Greenwich, N.Y.; a nephew, Mark E. Dudley, of Hampton, Conn.; a great-niece, Tamara E. Moxham, of Seattle; three great-nephews, Samuel B. Morrison, of Milford, Conn., Damon R. Gray, of Hawaii, and Travers D. Ruel, of Greenwich; a great-great-niece, Callie S. Morrison; a great-great-nephew, Alexander T. Morrison; and several cousins. She is also survived by loving in-laws John Gold, Brian Ruel, Marlene Aulten, Jason Graves, Colleen Morrison and Lupe Gray.

She was predeceased by her brother, Edward E. Dudley, in 1995; and her sister-in-law, Helyn Dudley, in 1983.

Esther shared many happy times with her friend and caregiver, Dorinne Spirito. Tina Thomas Smith also provided comfort and expertise in her care.

The family also wishes to express deep gratitude for the loving care Esther received during her final days at Gosnell House.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks those who wish to honor Esther to contribute to the environmental or cat rescue organization of their choice; the Whitefield Historical Society; or Gosnell Memorial Hospice House, 11 Hunnewell Road, Scarborough, ME 04074.

A celebration of Esther's life will be held in the fall.