Elaine M. Hatch

Elaine Marie Hatch passed away on May 13, 2025, at the age of 83. That day, the apple trees were blossoming, the sun was shining brightly, the birds were chirping, and a light breeze filled the air. She chose a perfect, blessed day to be reunited with Bruce and her loved ones. Elaine was predeceased by her husband, Bruce, of 51 ½ years of marriage in 2017. She is survived by her daughter, Tamara, granddaughter Regina (husband Tyler), grandson McLaren (Mac), great-granddaughters Tatum MaCrae and Copelynn Elaine, sister Carolyn, niece Lila, niece Karen (husband Jim), and grand nephews and nieces, along with many, many good friends including Mary, Julia, Steve, Betty R., and Gail (to name a few). Our hearts are filled with gratitude for Tanna Fall at Cane & Able Home Health Care, and for her incredible Team —Bex, Corrine, Andi, Laura, Betty, Sue, and Lynn—whose unwavering care, compassion, and devotion brought comfort, dignity, and light to Elaine’s life. Their kindness and support for Elaine and the family made a lasting difference that will not be forgotten. Elaine held many different roles during her life, including those of a devoted wife and mother. She was educated at Lasell Junior College and Boston University, where she earned her Master of Education. After completing her studies, she taught in public schools for 37 years. Elaine also participated in various volunteer efforts, including 4H, in-school volunteering, the Retired Senior Volunteer Program, service dog training, and numerous charities. Bruce and Elaine operated Hatches Orchard in South Conway from 1972 until 2017. After her husband’s death, Elaine continued production at the orchard and maintained the property. She became skilled at using all the equipment related to the orchard and excelled at plowing snow. Dad would have been proud. She felt blessed to receive assistance from many valued friends, particularly her apprentice Julia Neville (Goshen Corner Farm) and close family friend Mary Croasdale. Elaine’s passions included nurturing all living things, children, her beloved garden, and their apple trees. She enjoyed quilting and cherishing all the friendships associated with it. She was a longtime member of Gail’s Material Girls, a group creating charity quilts. Bruce was an avid skier, so, of course, Elaine learned to ski. They shared many enjoyable years of skiing together. She was an equestrian, even learning dressage. But her favorite was trail riding - all over everywhere. A service will be held on Saturday, May 24, at United Methodist Church at 1626 E. Main St. in Center Conway, NH at 11 am. Family and friends are invited to gather for conversation, memories, and light refreshments at Merrill Farm Inn, located at 428 White Mountain Highway in North Conway, NH, from 12 pm to 2 pm. The family kindly requests that memorial tributes in honor of Elaine be directed to Visiting Nurse Home Care and Hospice, P.O. Box 432, North Conway, NH 03860. The support and compassion extended to us during this difficult time have meant more than words can express. We are truly grateful. Don’t cry that it is over. Smile that it happened.