Julia S. Hahnel

AUBURN-Julia Shores Hahnel, 88, died peacefully on January 2, 2016 in Auburn, ME. Julia was born in Winslow Maine on October 28, 1927 the youngest child of Helen Patterson Shores Savage and Everett Elhanan Cook Shores. She was predeceased by her devoted husband of 62 years, Oscar R. Hahnel, Jr. on September 2, 2012. They spent their married lives, working, contributing to the community and raising 4 children.Julia was the beloved mother of three daughters and two sons: Adria Elaine Hahnel, Lewiston; Elizabeth Anne Hahnel (deceased 1958); Karen Ann Hahnel, wife of Jonathan W. Smith, Monmouth, Maine; Alan Richard Hahnel, husband of Donna (Figurski), New Gloucester, Maine; and Mark Oscar Hahnel, Lewiston. She was proud of her 4 grandchildren, Augusta, Elizabeth, and Jesse Hahnel, and Eric H. Smith. Julia is predeceased by sisters Ferne Robinson, Cataumet, MA and Louise Johnson, Denver, CO.

Julia graduated from Winslow High School in 1945 and the University of Maine, Orono in 1949. She met her loving husband Oscar at UMO upon his return from WWII and married him in 1950 in Lewiston. Julia was an avid reader, gardener, seamstress and active community member. She volunteered as a Girl Scout leader and Cub Scout den mother. She served on the board of directors for numerous years with the Women’s Literary Union (WLU), the University of Maine Alumnae Club and the YWCA where she was active in raising funds for the construction of the YWCA pool on East Ave. Julia volunteered her time to help children learn to read at the Longley School’s Read-in program for many years and was a long time member of Grace Lutheran Church in Auburn.

Julia is to be remembered for her devotion to family, her innate kindness, her joyful nature, and her commitment to the Lewiston community. You are invited to offer condolences and pay tribute to Julia’s life by visiting her guestbook at www.thefortingroupauburn.com Visitation Fortin Auburn Friday January 8, from 6-8 PM. Funeral will be celebrated on Saturday January 9 at 11 AM at Grace Lutheran Church 757 Summer St. Auburn, ME 04210. Committal will follow at Gracelawn Memorial Park. Those wishing to make memorial donations in her memory may do so to The Woman’s Literary Union 19 Elm St. Auburn, ME 04210. A service of The Fortin Group/Plummer & Merrill Funeral Home, Cremation & Monument Services 217 Turner St. AUBURN ME. 04210.