Obituary: Matilda Bicknell Fontaine

Matilda Bicknell Fontaine, 100, of Plymouth Harbor and formerly of Longboat Key, died Jan. 31.

Born May 6, 1914, in Swampscott, Mass., she was involved in her youth with the Girl Scouts and earned the Gold Award for her efforts. She went on to study at Wellesley College, in Wellesley, Mass.

Mrs. Fontaine married her husband, Charles Fontaine Jr., Aug. 24, 1940. She made her home with Charlie in Swampscott while he was employed with General Electric; she stayed at home to raise their three children. She moved with her family in 1954 to Niskayuna, N.Y.

In New York, Mrs. Fontaine enjoyed her involvement in many community organizations, including the First Reformed Church, the Girls’ Club and the Mohawk Golf Club in Schenectady.

She expanded her associations and group of friends when she and Charlie retired in 1975 to Longboat Key. She became active with the Longboat Key Golf Club, Sarasota Yacht Club, Longboat Island Chapel and First Congregational United Church of Sarasota.

In 1989, the Fontaines moved to Plymouth Harbor, where Mrs. Fontaine enjoyed forming friendships with residents and staff through bridge games, theatrical productions, social events and hallway encounters.
She took great pleasure in playing bridge and golf throughout her life, having learned both games in her youth. She enjoyed traveling with her husband and never hesitated to engage someone in conversation. She made friends easily and relished connecting with people through sports, the arts, books, games and food.

Mrs. Fontaine was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Charlie. She is survived by her children, Richard Fontaine, of Keswick, Va., Jean Fontaine, of Greenville, S.C., and Donald Fontaine, of Prospect, Ky., and Port Charlotte; seven grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.
A celebration of life tookplace Feb. 14, at Plymouth Harbor.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Plymouth Harbor Employee Assistance fund, 700 John Ringling Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34236.