Linda E. Hatch, of Bridgton, slipped away from us Sunday, Aug. 11, 2019, in her sleep. She was 68 years with us.

Highland Lake was a major part of her life, working as a lifeguard (saving a couple of lives) and teaching swimming lessons. She then worked at Sebago Lake State Park as a lifeguard (also, saving several lives).

Linda’s creative passions were many: gardening, cooking, having many home parties (always the “life of the party”), driving the water ski boat for others, making a loving and fun-filled home for her daughter Effie-Mae and her two nephews, Don and Bruce King. She was a great supporter of the children’s sports organizations, instrumental in regenerating the Lake Region Booster Club, and coordinator of the local chapter for Fresh Air Children for years. In the latter years Linda gave shelter and support to many homeless people. Her special way of bonding with all animals, especially birds (giving names to all), will not be forgotten.

Surviving family members are: daughter Effie Mae Toren and husband Jamie, of Apex, N. Carolina; nephew Don King, wife and family of Mechanic Falls, Maine; nephew Bruce King, wife and family of Venice Fla.; sister Susan Hatch of Bridgton; cousin Joy Wolff and family of Bridgton; brother Bob Hatch and wife of Bridgton; niece Kelly Beaudoin, husband and family of Epping, N.H.; nephew Eric Hatch and partner of Bennington, Vt.; and nephew Mark Hatch, wife and family of Bridgton.

A service will be held Saturday, Aug. 17, at the Methodist Church in Bridgton, at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers donations to the Audubon Society would be special gesture for Linda.