Amy MacDuffie Hill

Amy MacDuffie Hill passed away on January 16, 2012, at home surrounded by her loving and devoted family. She battled for two years against myoepithial carcinoma, a rare form of cancer. Amy fought her courageous battle the same way she led her life—with strength, determination and dignity. Throughout her life she demonstrated a positive attitude and bright smile. Amy was always gracious to her family, friends, colleagues, neighbors, and in recent years, her care providers. Prior to her diagnosis she completed the Beach to Beacon Race in 2009.

Born in Portland, Maine on November 21, 1971, Amy is the daughter of Candis E. (Wing) and Daniel A. MacDuffie. On July 26, 1997, Amy married John Hill and they have three wonderful children: Luke 10, Emily 8 and Sophie 5. Amy was a devoted mother and wife. Despite her illness, Amy continued to play an active role in her children’s lives, including attendance at school activities and sporting events. She was an outstanding community service worker and neighborhood supporter. Amy served as a Daisy/Brownie leader, as a volunteer in her children’s classrooms, and as a booster club member. Amy enjoyed spending time with family, her children, as well as gardening, walking, searching for sand dollars, supporting New England professional sport teams and finding restaurants that serve the best lobster rolls. Spending time at the beach was her favorite activity, especially annual family vacations to Cape Cod, MA and to Ocean City, NJ.

Amy attended local schools graduating from Deering High School as part of the class of 1990 where she was a scholar-athlete. A member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Amy served as the president of the D Club during her senior year. Amy was active in and the captain of three sports - field hockey, basketball and softball. She was a member of the Maine Senior League softball team, which won the World Series in 1989. Amy was also highly involved in the Future Teachers of America Club and volunteered at Longfellow Elementary during her junior and senior years. Her goal to be a teacher was established at an early age. She attended the University of Vermont, graduating in 1994 with a B.S. degree in education. While a student at the University, Amy was an active member of Delta Delta Delta Sorority, serving as the chapter’s president during her senior year. Upon graduation, Amy returned to Portland where she began her teaching career. This included long-term substitute teaching positions at the Mabel I. Wilson School in Cumberland, Red Bank School and Skillins School in South Portland before obtaining a permanent position at Mabel I. Wilson School. Amy taught at Mabel I. Wilson for the past fifteen years, and was a member in the ADK teachers’ sorority.

Amy went on to earn a Master of Education degree in literacy from the University of Maine at Orono in 2001. In 2005, she earned the teaching profession’s highest credential – National Board Certification. During the past nine years she served as an elementary literacy coach. Amy was instrumental in guiding her colleagues as they implemented key curriculum initiatives, most notably the Columbia Teachers’ College reading and writing workshop models. Her commitment to teaching impacted numerous lives in the Greater Portland area. Throughout her professional career she displayed a strong work ethic and commitment to the field of teaching.

Amy is preceded in death by her maternal grandfather George R. Wing and paternal grandparents Phil and Evelyn MacDuffie. In addition to her parents, husband and three children, Amy is survived by her maternal grandmother Virginia Wing; sister Abby Munson, brother-in-law Justin Munson, nephews Drew and Ryan Munson, and niece Bryn Munson; brother Daniel MacDuffie II; in-laws Ralph and Mary Hill; sister-in-law Christy (Bill) Girouard; uncle and aunt George and Diney Wing; uncle and aunt George and Mary Jones; as well as cousins Karen, Krisi, George, Scott, Kristen and Jeff.

Family would like to thank the staff at Maine Center for Cancer Medicine and VNA services and hospice for their compassionate care and support. Special hugs and kisses to her favorite nurse and sister Abby Munson.

Family and friends are invited for a time of visitation from 4-8 pm Friday, January 20, 2012 at Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home 199 Woodford St. Portland. A Funeral Service will be held 10 am Saturday January 21, 2012 at Woodfords Congregational Church 202 Woodford St. Portland. Interment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery, Portland. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Center of Grieving Children PO Box 1438 Portland, Me 04104

Please visit www.jonesrichandhutchins.com for additional information and to sign Amy’s guestbook.