Gayle M. Hooke

Lincoln—Gayle M. (Thompson) Hooke passed away on March 22, 2023. She was born on December 28, 1934 in Lincoln, ME, daughter of Vernard A. Thompson and Claire Jipson Thompson (both now deceased). Gayle graduated from Mattanawcook Academy in Lincoln in 1953, then went to Becker Junior College in Worcester, MA. After graduating from college she married Wayne Hooke, her high school sweetheart, and they enjoyed 39 happy years together. Gayle and Wayne had two children, Jeff and Lisa.

Gayle was a member of the First Congregational Church in Lincoln from age 10, and served as the senior choir director and organist for over 35 years. She was a Life Deacon of the church. Gayle also served as chapel organist for Clay Funeral Home from 1965 through 2018.

Gayle worked as a piano teacher when her children were small, then as a medical secretary for 22 years, first for Dr. Wilfred Butterfield, then for Dr. Emilio Ocana.

Gayle was a Past Matron of Lincoln Chapter 112, Order of the Eastern Star and was a current member of Millwee Chapter 198, Orrington. In 1968 Gayle served as Grand Organist, OES, for the State of Maine. She belonged to other organizations over the years, including the Orion Club and Lincoln Harmony Club, and was in the Lincoln Community Band until it disbanded. Gayle served on the MSAD 67 Board of Directors for two terms.

Gayle’s beloved husband Wayne died in 1994 after an extended challenge with cancer. Five years later, while volunteering at Eastern Maine Medical Center in 1999, Gayle met Albert E. Martel, Jr., and her second love story began. Gayle and Al had both been happily married before and realized what a gift it was to find love again. They married in September 2002. Al died in 2003, also from cancer. In 2011 Gayle’s phone rang—her widowed friend and neighbor Ron McComb invited her to dinner and a movie. Gayle went on to enjoy a third happy chapter with “dear heart” Ron.

Survivors include her son, Jeffrey W. Hooke (Janet Hamel) of Orono, ME, and her daughter, Lisa E. Hooke (Minerva Ramos) of Alpine, CA; two grandchildren, Drew T. Hooke (Janna Hooke) and Kristen G. Hooke; two step-grandchildren, Katherine and Martha Mendis; and one great-grandson, Atticus Hooke. She loved them all dearly.

Gayle is also survived by her soulmate cousin Linda Eiceman and husband John of Robesonia, PA; cousin Robin Thibaud; and Al’s children, Loretta Logan (Richard Bissell) of Bangor, ME; and Albert Martel III of Tampa, FL. Gayle considered her dear friends as treasures in her life.

Gayle’s family is especially grateful for the kind assistance and care provided to her by R & C Home Care Inc., Aging Excellence, Courtland Rehabilitation & Living Center, and Gentiva Hospice.

Friends may call on April 8 from 1 to 2 p.m. at First Congregational Church in Lincoln. The funeral service will follow at 2 pm, with a reception after the service. Charities close to Gayle’s heart are the Ronald McDonald House, 654 State St., Bangor, ME 04401, and the American Cancer Society. To share memories and to leave condolences please visit www.bowersfuneral.com