Miraim "Moo" B. Hoddinott Obituary (1930

WAYNE – On Saturday, June 30th Miriam B. Hoddinott passed away, surrounded by her loving daughter Martha and husband Bill. Better known by the name Moo, she was born on September 27, 1930 in Summit, New Jersey, to Lawrence Joseph and Ella Peters Burgund. She attended Oak Knoll School of the Holy Child in New Jersey and Georgetown Visitation in Washington D.C. In 1953, she married Richard Lee Hoddinott with whom she raised two beautiful children, Richard Lee Hoddinott Jr. and Martha Louise Hoddinott. Each married and gave her two grandchildren apiece: Rick’s two daughters Erika P. Hoddinott and Avery N. Hoddinott, plus Martha’s two sons, Max C. HoddWells and Lucas J. HoddWells. Erika also blessed Moo with two great grandchildren: Jack and Ella Sullivan. Early in their courtship, Dick introduced Moo to Lake Androscoggin and the family camp. Travelling between their home in Midlothian, Virginia, and Wayne, they eventually modernized their camp and became Maine residents. Together they enjoyed the sunsets on the lake while listening to the loon’s serenade. Moo threw herself energetically into the life in Wayne, including volunteering at the Cary Memorial Library and donating her time to the Androscoggin Lake Improvement Corporation, regularly hosting the annual loon count. Moo was predeceased by Dick, her husband of nearly 50 years, and her son, Rick. She married Bill Sayres, whose wife Wendy had been Moo’s tennis teammate, and whose own subsequent illness was the occasion for Moo’s introduction to Bill. After their marriage, they continued their shared pleasure in tennis during winters in Largo, Florida. Evenings they sought out local restaurants, less for their food than their dance bands, and Moo’s skill greatly benefitted Bill’s contribution as a partner. They also enjoyed cruises by river in Russia and by sail in the Mediterranean, although the sea’s instability did discourage dancing. Moo was a special lady. A fierce competitor on the court, she was respected by all with her aggressive game. Rivals truly admired not only her athleticism but also more importantly, her graciousness. Testimony to her love of the game, a tennis court was only a serve away from her condominium in Largo. She also played golf, logging a hole-in-one at the local course! Known for her quick wit and sense of humor, Moo was always ready to add her witty one-liners. Wherever she went, she would brighten up the room and provide a welcoming presence. Even in her later years, you could count on her for a laugh. She was adorably “feisty.” Beneath the funny exterior, lay a sensitive lady who cared deeply for her family and loved ones. To all, she was warm and welcoming, also steadfastly loyal. Family and friends knew that she would always be there for them. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cary Memorial Library, 17 Old Winthrop Road, Wayne, ME 04284 or the Androscoggin Lake Improvement Corporation, P O Box 307, Wayne, ME 04284. There will be a gathering to celebrate Moo’s life on Friday, July 20th from 4 – 6:30 p.m. at the Androscoggin Yacht Club. A memorial mass of Christian burial will be celebrated the following day, July 21st at St. Francis Catholic Church in Winthrop at 11:00. Arrangements are in the care of Roberts Funeral Homes and Cremation Service where memories, condolences, photos and videos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the website at www.khrfuneralhomes.com