Yarmouth – Lynda (Owen) Hathaway passed away peacefully April 20, 2025, comforted by close friends and family following a brief stay in hospice. She was 81 years old.
Lynda spent her early years in Leicester and Sharon, Mass. later moving to Yarmouth, Maine with her parents “Gene” and Charlotte Owen and her sister Donna (Owen) Stokes, where she spent the remainder of her life. She attended North Yarmouth Academy and the University of New Hampshire.
Lynda spent more than 50 years as an ice skating instructor, most of that time as a program director for the Portland, now Troubh, ice arena. Lynda’s passion for figure skating was infectious. She was a cherished teacher, friend and mentor to hundreds, if not thousands, of skaters under her tutelage, inspiring students of all ages to pursue both hockey and figure skating, many excelling on the national stage. Coaching skating was her dream career and one she willed into fruition as an adult skater with no prior experience in the sport.
Armed with a bakery treat and cup of tea, she reveled in exploring coastal Maine with dear friends, visiting the spectacular beaches, and strolling public gardens and preserves, enthusiastically photographing the verdure and observing birds of prey. She took great joy in visiting family and friends, especially holiday forays to family afar. Time at home was spent pursuing her life-long passions of reading, gardening, listening to music, creating art and watching series varying from The Romanovs to Star Trek: Voyager (gushing about her not-so-secret crush on Chakotay). Her musical proclivities were equally broad, bouncing from Nessun Dorma and Carmen; to CSN, Waylon, Willie, and Leon; to Snoop Dogg and Salt-n-Pepa.
Lynda (affectionately known as Grande Minki by her family) is survived by her two daughters, Lisa Hathaway of Utah, Kristen and Stephen Stills of California; her sister, Donna and Monty Stokes of Virginia; her “sister-cousin,” Sandra Erickson Thibaud; her grandchildren, nieces, and nephews; and many, many, many beloved “chosen” family members.
Lynda’s spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of those she touched. Her legacy will forever be a testament to her passion, dedication, and love for her family and community.
In honor of Lynda’s enduring desire to make skating accessible to all, a gift may be made to her scholarship fund for young skaters in need of financial assistance. https://fundraise.givesmart.com/vf/PORTLAND/Fundraiser896
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Charities
The family greatly appreciates donations made to these charities in Lynda (Owen) Hathaway 's name.
Gosnell Memorial Hospice House
The Lynda J. Hathaway Scholarship Fund
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It was a pleasure to open the rink every Sunday for Lynda and her students. She always arrived with a smile and seemingly boundless positive energy. She always made it a great start to my workday. My sincere condolences to her family.