Stella L. (Giles) Hammond, 91, died Feb. 8, 2015 at her winter residence in Sebring, Florida, with her family and friends beside her.

Stella was born April 30, 1923 in East Boothbay, the daughter of the late Truman and Edith (Alley) Giles.

As a child, Stella could always be found at the heels of her dad Truman (a carpenter by trade). Stella loved two things: work and kittens, lots of warm, fuzzy kittens. She took in stray kittens and even raised litters of puppies.

As a teen, Stella was swept off her feet by Franklin. He was witty, ambitious and full of adventurous dreams. They purchased a home in Wiscasset in 1948 where they started their own successful marine bait dealership.

Where most moms rearranged furniture, Stella though nothing of rearranging rooms. It wasn't unusual for her teen sons to come home from school to discover a wall or two missing in their home. Her years of spontaneous, ambitious acts gave her the well-earned nickname of Mighty Mouse by those who were fortunate enough to have worked beside her.

Stella enjoyed helping the needy and her umbrella of compassion kept those close to her protected and in comfort for years. Strength and honor were her clothing and when sought out for comfort and advice, her tongue spoke wisdom and her heart overflowed with compassion and understanding.

Besides her husband, Franklin H. Hammond, who died in 1999 and her oldest son, Roland T. Hammond, who died in 1999 at age 57, Stella was predeceased by four sisters and three brothers, all of Maine: Eva Cunningham, Boothbay; Doris Dorr, Dresden; Myrtle Morris, Wiscasset; Virginia Woodward, Russell (Tut) Giles, Herbert Giles, East Boothbay; and Frederick Giles, Kennebunk.

She is survived by her youngest son, James A. Hammond of Wiscasset; her youngest sister, Barbara (Giles) Parry of Marlboro, Massachusetts; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; and many nieces and nephews.

At Stella's request, there will be no visiting hours. A celebration to honor Stella's precious sacrifice to life will be held at her son James' residence at a later date. Stella also requested that her grandsons Gregory J. Hammond and Keith A. Hammond assist with any preparations regarding her final resting place.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lincoln County Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 7, Edgecomb, ME 04556.