Hilda Leita Stevens, 73, passed away with family by her side on Friday, October 28, 2022 at Calais Community Hospital.  Hilda was born in Eastport on August 29, 1949, daughter of Adam Ford Matthews and Elsie (Besse) Matthews.

After attending Shead Memorial High School, Hilda moved to Boston and worked at Filene’s Basement.  She moved back to Maine, initially Portland, and eventually settling back in her hometown of Eastport.  Hilda worked at Eastport Boarding Home, Guilford Industries, and later for Sunrise Opportunities at the boarding home.  She was a proud member and past President of the American Legion Auxiliary in Eastport where she enjoyed working Bingo.  Hilda also enjoyed watching TV shows, puzzles, playing dice and card games, and cooking.  Above all, her most cherished times were those spent with her family, especially her grandchildren.  Hilda’s motherly instincts led her to be “mom” to everyone she knew.

In addition to her parents, Hilda was predeceased by all her siblings, Loring and James Stanhope, infant Richard Matthews, Helen Small and Kathleen Stevens; and three nieces, Julie McPhail, Jelaine “Fred” Ritchie, and Janice McPhail.  Surviving are her five children, Betty Cates of Pleasant Point, Donald Stevens of Somersworth, NH, Wanda Jordan and husband Leroy of Hancock, Beth Rome and husband Nick of Hancock, and Shauna Neptune and companion Shawn Cushing of Pembroke; seven grandchildren, Merlin Cates and wife Kristen of Kennebunk, Justin Stanhope and wife Emily of Ellsworth, Tashina Hersi of Pleasant Point, Madison Rome of Hancock, Mikayla Rome of Hancock, Olivia Stevens of Somersworth, NH, and Landon Cushing of Pembroke; four great-grandchildren, Amaya Hersi, Camden Cates, Colby Stanhope, and Bretton Cates; sister-in-law, Rebecca Stanhope of FL; two that she considered her own sons, Garry Johns and Mike Stevens; many cherished nieces, nephews, cousins and friends; and “her person”, her niece, Sheila Small.