Dorothy Hodson

Dorothy Hodson, 82, of Sanford, Maine, loving mother, devoted wife, and caring friend passed away in the company of her family on Wednesday February 19, 2020 after a long illness. She now joins her parents, Arthur and Delphine Cestaro, sister, Irene Warren and daughter, Mary Ann at their lasting home in heaven. She will be lovingly remembered by her family including her husband of 59 years, Alfred Hodson II; her children Laura (Mark) Beauchesne, Suzanne (Michael) Binette, Heidi (Marc) L'Heureux, Alfred (Catherine) Hodson lll, and Rebekah Hodson; her grandchildren Abbigayle and Madeline Beauchesne, Olivia and William Binette, Hannah, Jacob, and Eliza L'Heureux, and Heather and Caroline Hodson; her brothers Arthur Cestaro, William (Gay) Cestaro, sister Karen Cestaro and many nieces and nephews.Dorothy was born in Somerville, MA and graduated from St. Joseph's High School in 1955. Her calm demeanor, eloquence, and organizational skills made her well suited to her work as a legal secretary and administrative assistant. It was during this time a friend introduced her to her future husband, Alfred. They were married in 1961, started a family and, after a few years, settled permanently in Maine. There, she was centered on her growing family and created a warm, vibrant home for them. She canned the vegetables from their extensive gardens, made jams from homegrown fruit and baked delicious raspberry muffins. She cooked tasty, healthy dinners and made sure the family was gathered at the table every evening. She was supportive and proud of her children's interests and shuttled them to 4H, art lessons, sports and church for more than 25 years. She good-naturedly helped care for a menagerie of pets that, over the years, included sheep, pigs, chickens, cats, dogs, a canary and even a raccoon! She also trained her children in the domestic arts fostering their self-sufficiency. Dorothy lovingly employed her artistic skills to create magical celebrations for her family. There was always good food, beautiful decorations and lots of fun. She designed unique birthday cakes, created homemade costumes for Halloween, collected unique ornaments to hang on the Christmas tree, and made pretty baskets to greet her children when they awoke on Easter morning. In later years, when the nest emptied, Dorothy and Al traveled extensively. Together they enjoyed the many wonders the world has to offer. Closer to home, they spent a weekend in Bar Harbor celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary with all their children and grandchildren. Family visited often, and when they did Dorothy greeted them at the door with a big hug and a kiss and waved from the front porch as they departed. In so many ways, she made everyone feel loved and important.Dorothy was devout in her Catholic faith. Her devotion to the Virgin Mary led her to join the Lay Carmelites 1975. In 2002, she founded a chapter in Sanford and served as their Directress for 6 years, inspiring others and making many lifelong friendships. She also served as a Eucharistic minister at St. Ignatius Church and volunteered for many years as religious educator at St. Thomas School, where her children attended. Dorothy's warmth, generosity, faith and love created a tight bond amongst friends and family. She spoke kindly, cared deeply for others and firmly believed in goodness. Her family is forever grateful to her many friends, the staff at Avita of Wells and the folks at Compassus Hospice for the kindness and care they provided throughout her illness. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday February 22nd at 12 noon at St. Therese of Lisieux Parish, Holy Family Church in Sanford. Burial will be in the spring at St. Ignatius Cemetery.In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the St. Thomas School Scholarship Fund.Condolences may be expressed at www.blackfuneralhomes.comArrangements are under the direction of the Carll-Heald & Black Funeral Home, 580 Main Street, Sanford.