BIDDEFORD – Mattie Mae Hilton, 85, of Biddeford (formerly of Saco) passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family at her home on March 15, 2023. Mattie was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother and a good friend to many. Mattie is at peace with the Lord and will be dearly missed by her family and friends.

Born on Aug. 21, 1937, the daughter of William and Mildred Tracy, she grew up in Saco and graduated from Thornton Academy in 1955.

On April 15, 1961 Mattie married the love of her life, Richard A. Hilton “Dick” of Biddeford. They were married for 61 wonderful years and had two children, Rick and Kathy. Most of all, Mattie enjoyed caring for her family and ensured they always had home cooked meals and beautiful handmade quilts, afghans, baby blankets, sweaters, mittens, hats, socks and scarves.

Mattie was known for her generosity and always thinking of others. She always had a knitting project and gave away numerous hats, mittens, socks and baby blankets to local hospitals and the Salvation Army. The Salvation Army was a big part of Mattie’s upbringing and she wanted to fulfil her calling by serving the Lord. Mattie loved attending church services with her sisters and handing out winter coats and Christmas presents. It gave her great joy and fulfillment to care for others.

Mattie and Dick enjoyed camping with their family and friends for many years. They also travelled to many states collecting souvenirs and making happy memories along the way. Weekends were often spent searching for Beanie Babies to add to her collection and to give as gifts to family. After Mattie collected 100s of Beanie Babies and was running out of room, she decided to give them to the Barbara Bush children’s hospital, much to the delight of her supportive husband.

More than anything, Mattie enjoyed attending numerous sporting and school activities for her grandchildren and would take every opportunity to spend time with them. Mattie would light up when she would talk about her grandkids. She was very active in their lives and as a result always had a funny story to share with family and friends. Mattie has made a lasting impact on her family and has given them many happy memories.

Mattie worked at Saco and Biddeford Savings Institution for 27 years before she retired and prior to that she worked at the Biddeford Saco Water Company for seven years.

Surviving is her husband, Dick; daughter, Kathy and husband Steven Gaudette of Biddeford, son, Rick and wife Debbie Hilton of Saco; as well as two grandchildren, Kaitlin and Joshua Hilton of Saco.

She also leaves behind sisters Marion Levesque and Peggy Boudreau of Old Orchard Beach, brother, Walter Tracy of Saco; and many nieces and nephews. Mattie also leaves behind many friends that were near and dear to her heart.

Mattie was preceded by her parents William and Mildred Tracy; sisters Rachel Blunt, Evelyn Tenney, Ruth Huff and brothers Lawrence, Dick and Donald Tracy; as well as her grandson, Devan Hilton.

Visiting hour will be from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. followed by funeral services at 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 22 located at Salvation Army, 6th Street in Old Orchard Beach. Burial will take place at Laurel Hill Cemetery immediately following the service. A reception will be held at Salvation Army after the burial.

Dennett, Craig and Pate Funeral Home, 365 Main St., Saco are entrusted with her services.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Salvation Army in Old Orchard Beach.

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