Harrington, Captola S., 88, Caribou, at Presque Isle, July 21, 2009. Arrangements are in the care of the Mockler Funeral Home, Caribou.
CARIBOU – Captola “Cappy” S. Harrington, 88, wife of Clayton Harrington, died July 21, 2009 at Presque Isle. She was born at Caribou, May 1, 1921, the daughter of Dudley S. and Mattie (Thibodeau) Stewart. Captola was a graduate of the Caribou High School Class of 1938. A year after graduation, she began work as a secretary for W.P. Hamilton, attorney, working for the firm until March of 1962. Little did she know that her experience in the Hamilton Law Office would open doors previously closed to her and other women. In 1955, she was appointed by Gov. Edmund Muskie as Recorder of Caribou Municipal Court and in 1959, she was appointed by Gov. Clinton Clauson for the same position, resigning in 1962, when district courts replaced municipal courts. In that same month, Captola was appointed as town clerk of Caribou, replacing the legendary Eva D. Ryder, Captola filled Eva’s shoes well, holding the position for 24 years. From her years at the Hamilton Law Office, to the municipal court and on to town and city government, Captola witnessed many changes, from managing city documents and records by hand to the early days of computerized management of those records. Captola was closely associated with the expansion of the women’s roles as vital and equal contributors to municipal government. After her retirement, she still enjoyed following municipal, state and federal government events. Captola was a member of the Gray Memorial United Methodist Church, a member and past President of the Sno-Drifter’s Snowmobile Club for over 30 years; a member of the Women’s Social Club for over 20 years. Captola held several offices at the New Sweden Covenant Church from 1992-2001 and was a member and past President of the Business and Professional Women’s Club from the 1940’s into the 1950’s. She married Clayton W. Harrington on August 14, 1958.
Surviving in addition to her husband of Caribou are two sons Willard D. Hamilton and his wife Christine of Caribou and Stewart K. Hamilton of Norwalk, CT; three grandsons Todd M. Hamilton of Windham, Jon D. Hamilton and his wife Kara of Caribou and Scott J. Hamilton of Portland; a great-granddaughter Brynne D. Hamilton of Caribou; a special niece Gwendolyn Amling and her husband Fred of Patomac, MD, a step-son Michael Harrington of Readfield; and a sister-in-law Hope S. Stewart of Caribou. She was predeceased by her first husband C. Edgar Hamilton on July 8, 1955 and by a brother William K. Stewart on September 24, 1976.
Funeral services were held 2 p.m. Friday, July 24, 2009, from the chapel of the Mockler Funeral Home with the Rev. Dr. Thomas Bentum, Pastor of the Gray Memorial United Methodist Church officiating. In lieu of flowers, friends who wish to contribute in memory of Captola may do so to the Gray Memorial United Methodist Church Trustees, P.O. Box 69, Caribou, ME 04736. Envelopes may also be obtained through the funeral home. For online registry please go to www.mocklerfuneralhome.com.
