Tanya L. Moulton Obituary (1940 - 2022)

GARDINER-Tanya L Moulton, 82, died after a prolonged illness on October 11, 2022. Although not a long-term resident of Glenridge Rehab & Long Term Care, she was well cared for in her final days by the wonderfully compassionate staff of Glenridge as well as MGMC Hospice. In her final days and moments, Tanya was surrounded by several family members. Many stories were shared about the positive impact she had on so many people’s lives. Tanya was born on August 27, 1940 in Gardiner, Maine to Charles L Looke Jr and Viola Agnes Colfer Looke. Most of her childhood she resided in Farmingdale. Tanya was exceptionally outgoing in high school, played basketball, enthusiastically chanted the rallies of Gardiner High School as a spirited cheerleader, and generally entertained all people with her dramatic antics. In 1956, Tanya married the love of her life, Wilmer “Bill” R Moulton. They had three children they raised in Gardiner: Rebecca, Erin, and Michael. Those who know her describe Tanya as tenacious, witty, loving, and generous. These traits would serve her well as she endured the anxiety of raising three children while Bill’s Seabee unit was deployed to Vietnam. Through such uncertainty, she obtained her driver’s license and got her first job as a house matron at Steven’s Girls’ Correctional Facility in Hallowell. Some years later Tanya would go on to earn her GED, find work as a teller at Depositors Trust in Augusta and finally as a customer service representative at Kennebec Savings Bank where she retired in 2003. Retirement paved the way for Tanya and Bill to set out cross-country with their beloved ragdoll cat, Riley, and tow-behind camper. Throughout her life Tanya served her community and remained social through many organizations and different roles. She was a girl scout leader, past Noble Grand of the local Rebekah’s chapter, member of Red Hat Society, Merry Met at Highland Avenue United Methodist Church, and helper of church suppers until her health declined. Tanya loved a good time and was often the life of the party. She absolutely LOVED Elvis Presley and was known for her gyrations on the dance floor. Laughter consumed her whole body and anyone who witnessed it was sure to join. You’d likely miss a portion of a comedy while listening to her laugh – yet, somehow, it only added to the appeal of the film. You could always bet on Tanya to have seen all Oscar nominated films and be an excellent prognosticator of winners. Tanya and Bill took all of their grandchildren on trips through the years: camping and fishing on Parlin Pond at Loon Echo Campground, the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, Williamsburg, Virginia, and Washington DC. Tanya is predeceased by her parents, Charles & Viola Looke, brother Richard Looke, husband Bill Moulton, and son-in-law Tracy Coutts. She is survived by her sister, Pamela Stanton of Farmingdale and her husband Robert; Uncle Franklin “Frankie” Looke of Scarborough; brother-in-laws Clifford Moulton of Pittston and his wife Carol, David Moulton of Pittston and his wife Jane; children, Rebecca Coutts Nadeau of Pittston and her husband Robert, Erin Moulton of South Gardiner, Michael Moulton of Smyrna, GA and his wife Shannon; grandchildren Amanda Coutts of Salem, MA and her partner Emily Froeschl, Melonie Leighton of Pittston and her husband Chad (great grandchildren Vera & Liam), James DiPane of Fountain, CO and his wife Stephanie (great grandchildren Tyler & Olivia), Maggie Metelmen of Melbourne, Australia and her Husband Tod, Gareth Moulton of Dallas, GA and his wife Cristin (great grandson Thomas), and Devon Moulton of Smyrna, GA; long-time friend Beulah Madden of Farmingdale; and several cousins, nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held in spring 2023. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Tanya’s name to PALS animal shelter at 188 Case Road, Winthrop, ME 04364. Arrangements are entrusted with Staples Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 53 Brunswick Avenue, Gardiner, Maine. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the Staples Funeral Home website, www.staplesfuneralhome.com