Edith Evelyn Hastings (96) of Woodsville, NH passed away January 5th, 2023, with family at her side. She was born October 4, 1926 in Hanover, NH to H.Dewey and Marion (Batchelder) Chase of Orford, NH.  Young Edith lived in various parts of Wentworth and Pike, NH. The Great Depression was tough on her family, but it was the devastating loss of her beloved baby brother, Harold, at age two from leukemia that tore her heart.

Edie, as she was affectionately called, was an avid reader and excelled in her schoolwork, graduating early and with honors from Haverhill Academy, class of 1944. Upon graduation, she moved to Woodsville and worked at Chamberlin's Greenhouse, Spofford's Drug Store, Tegu's Theater, and EA Sargent's Clothing Store. It was while working at the drug store soda fountain that she met her future husband, Carroll T. Hastings. They married in 1953 and together they operated a dairy farm and milk delivery route in the Woodsville area while raising their four daughters.

Edith was active in the community through 4-H, United Methodist Church, school events, and Mt. Gardner Grange (of which she was a member for 62 years). She was very creative and worked on 4-H and Grange displays at the local fairs and taught sewing and art to local youth. During these years, Edith made sure her widowed mother was safe and happy, and helped her launch a sewing crafts business.

Edith had the opportunity to pursue her passion for drawing when an evening art class taught by Harlan Haskins of St. Johnsbury, VT started in Woodsville in 1961. She described art as "a whole new world of subtle colors and tiny details." She loved "Plein Air", setting up her easel along the side of a country road and capturing the beauty of the White Mountains and rocky streams.

Edith always had an interest in helping people live happier lives, "throwing them a lifeline" as she would say. Her dream came true in 1975 when she accepted an opportunity to volunteer for White Mountain Mental Health in Littleton, NH.  She received the "Distinguished Citizen Award" for hosting a social and craft group for the clients in her home for seven years. During her fifteen years as an outreach worker in the mental health field, Edith also earned a BS degree in Human Services, and worked for North Country Home Health Services as a Parent Aide in the Family Assistant Program. One highlight was attending an awards dinner with the former First Lady Rosalynn Carter.

Upon learning about an art class taught by Ralph "Stoney" Jacobs in northern NH, Edith returned to her painting. She had found another truly exceptional artist. She especially enjoyed painting local scenes and still lifes, and the challenge of finding beauty in the most common objects. Dandelions were a favorite. Edith completed many pieces of art, displaying them in several shows throughout the NH North Country as well as in Vermont towns and Ogunquit, Maine.

Edith was predeceased by her husband of 45 years, Carroll, who died in 1998, her parents, and younger brother, Harold. She is survived by her four daughters: Rebecca Mackin and husband Robert of Barre, VT; Pamela Hastings of Concord, NH; Wendy Gray and partner Richard Pollock of Bradford, VT; and Laurie Catanzaro and husband Victor of Poughkeepsie, NY. She adored her five grandchildren: James Mackin and wife Melody, Elizabeth Mackin, Kara Moore and husband Ryan,  Amanda Catanzaro, and Michael Catanzaro. Edith had recently welcomed three great grandchildren: Mali, Elliana, and Cora. She leaves behind several cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Edith's family would like to thank her many friends and relatives for their love and support over the years. They would also like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Grafton County Nursing Home who lovingly cared for her these final years.

Per Edith's request, there will be no visiting hours. A burial service will be held at Pine Grove Cemetery in Woodsville at a later date where she will be buried alongside her husband.

In lieu of flowers, if desired, memorial contributions can be made to Second Chance Animal Rescue, 1517 Meadow Street, Littleton, NH 03561, or Woodsville United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 15, Woodsville, NH 03785.