Obituary: Charlotte N. Tebbenhoff
Maine’s Charlotte N. Tebbenhoff, 94, Passes Away in Phoenix, Arizona
Biddeford native and longtime public servant dies after a life of public service, family devotion, and a love of learning.
Phoenix, Ariz. – Charlotte N. Tebbenhoff, a lifelong resident of Biddeford who moved to Arizona in October 2025 to be with her family, died peacefully on Oct. 6, 2026 at the age of 94.
Born April 10, 1932 in Biddeford, Tebbenhoff was one of nine children in a large family. She graduated salutatorian from St. Joseph High School in 1950 before spending five years with Biddeford Savings Bank. In December 1957 she received an appointment with the U.S. State Department, beginning a career that took her first to Washington, D.C., and then to Brussels, Belgium. While in Brussels, she served as secretary to the assistant coordinator of American projects for the 1958 World Fair.
It was there that she met and married Godefridus Tebbenhoff on June 13, 1959. The couple immigrated to the United States together and raised five children – Peter, Lucy, Eric, Claire and Hans – before divorcing later in life.
After her diplomatic service, Tebbenhoff worked for the Biddeford School Superintendent’s office. She later joined the Portland law firm Norman, Hanson & Detroy, where she served as secretary to founding partner Robert “Bob” Hanson until her retirement.
An avid reader of non‑fiction and history, Tebbenhoff kept up with local and national newspapers—including the New York Times, the Portland Press Herald, the Biddeford Journal‑Tribune and the Arizona Republic. She was also an active participant in games and hobbies such as Scrabble, bowling, crossword puzzles, and gardening. Piano playing was her greatest passion, a skill she maintained well into her nineties.
Tebbenhoff was survived by her only living sibling, “George,” her five children, 11 grandchildren and four great‑grandchildren. A private service will be held in Phoenix, with a family service scheduled for summer 2027 in Biddeford.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the McArthur Library in Biddeford.
