OBITUARIES for Thursday, June 22, 2023
GLORIA J. GERVAIS
UNITY – Gloria Jean Gervais, 74, passed on Sunday, May 28, 2023. She was born to Philip and Ruth (Parks) Gervais on May 11, 1949, in Waterville.
Gloria earned two degrees from the University of New Hampshire, and later spent eleven years living and working in Boston.
While growing up, she loved her horse and all things equestrian. She befriended cats and enjoyed their company throughout her life. Her hobbies included gardening, reading, and seeing the world around her. Her fascination with color and flowers led her to actively pursue lessons in painting with acrylics. She dedicated many years to genealogy, researching the family history and meeting long lost relatives.
She is survived by her brother, James Gervais; a paternal aunt, and many cousins.
Gloria was predeceased by her parents, Philip and Ruth Gervais, and sister, Betty Gervais.
A funeral will be held at the Unity Union Church, Depot St., Unity, on Friday June 23, at 1 p.m.
Arrangements are in the care of Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, 107 Main St., Fairfield where memories may be shared, and an online register book signed by visiting http://www.lawrybrothers.com.
Rather than donating to a charity, Gloria’s wish was that folks reach out to others and spend time with them.
CARY L. JOHNSON
BELGRADE LAKES and St. Petersburg, Florida, – Cary Lee Johnson, 76, passed away unexpectedly on June 11, 2023, succumbing at the hospital from heart issues. Cary was born in Waterville, Maine on May 21, 1947, to Albert and Lydia (Farnham) Johnson.
His father was a house painter and caretaker, and his mother opened the Brass Knocker Gift Shop, which she ran for over 60 years. From both of his parents, he learned the value of a dollar and hard work which he carried with him through life and passed down to his children. In the fall of 1951, Cary’s parents boldly moved to a little hamlet of 300 people in Boca Raton, Florida, starting a lifetime tradition of wintering there and summering in Maine – a tradition that Cary would adopt later in his life. Starting school each year in Maine and finishing in Florida, Cary learned early on the importance of building friendships and being adaptable. He graduated high school in 1965 and attended Florida Atlantic University, majoring in Business Administration.
Cary’s career was diverse. As a young boy, he started off in the family’s bait business. At the age of 16, he worked nights at the local funeral home as a rescue worker and parked cars on the weekends at the local country club. In college he worked in manufacturing for IBM, eventually moving into sales after graduating college. In 1972, IBM transferred Cary to Boston where he continued a successful sales career for many years until 1984 when he joined Progress Software – a small startup company – as one of its first employees. He worked his way into senior leadership roles and was instrumental in taking the company public. After he retired from Progress and took a few years off, he founded Open Meadow, a highly regarded general contracting business that built and renovated custom homes. He loved the detailed, day-to-day operations and working with clients. He sold his business and retired in 2022. Although proud of his many professional accomplishments, Cary believed they all paled in comparison to what he described as the single most important achievement of his lifetime – his children.
Cary’s interests evolved over the years from bird hunting in Maine with his father to learning and enjoying the game of golf, where he was a member of the Waterville County Club. While most of his hobbies centered on camaraderie, he recently began and enjoyed woodworking. Whether you were a friend, family member, colleague, or a near stranger, people loved Cary’s easy-going manner, friendly smile, and genuine interest in all they were willing to share. His calming demeanor, positive outlook, and passion for helping others made him a natural and sincere friend to many. He was a mentor – both personally and professionally – to what must have been hundreds of people, the majority of whom still refer to him as one of their dearest or best friends.
Cary is survived by Lynne, his wife of 19 years; his two daughters and their spouses, Kimberly and Andrew Dallas, of Belgrade Lakes, and Amanda Johnson and Russel Jesski, of St Petersburg, Florida; his son Scott Mayo and his new bride Jen Mayo, of New York City; his grandson Christopher Jesski, of Boston, and granddaughter Olivia Leigh Jesski; his sister Carol Johnson, of Belgrade Lakes; his brother Christopher Johnson, of Kittery Point; his uncle Juss; first cousins Rod, Ernie, Duane, Dawn, Peter, their families; and numerous other cousins; his mother-in-law Velma; his brothers and sisters-in-law Susan, Ira, Toni, Mitch, Steve, Melissa, and their families.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, June 24, at 1 p.m., at the Union Church of Belgrade Lakes, 67 Main Street, Belgrade Lakes, with a celebration of life following at 194 Main Street.
An online guestbook may be signed, and memories shared at: http://www.lawrybrothers.com
Arrangements are by Wheeler Funeral Home & Cremation Care, 26 Church St., Oakland, ME
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Belgrade Fire and Rescue Association, PO Box 404, Belgrade Lakes, ME 04918; American Heart Association PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692. Belgrade Lakes Association, PO Box 551, Belgrade Lakes, ME 04918
JOSEPH H. POMERLEAU
WATERVILLE – Joseph H. Pomerleau, 72, died Friday, June 2, 2023, at home, following a brief illness. He was born in Waterville on July 13, 1951, the son of Adeline (Vigue) and Harold Pomerleau. He attended Waterville schools.
After school he moved out to Colorado and built car washes for years. Joseph enjoyed hanging out at the VFW with all his friends.
He is survived by his son, Joseph Pomerleau Jr. and his wife Carrie of Norridgewock; sister, Ann Maheu and husband Lucien of Benton; three nephews and one niece.
He was predeceased by his parents; three brothers, Ronald Pomerleau of Waterville, Donald Pomerleau of Waterville, and David Pomerleau of Waterville; and his companion Sandy Crowey of Waterville.
There will be a celebration of life Saturday, August 12, at the Waterville Forrest J. Pare VFW #1285, from 2 – 4 p.m.
Arrangements are under the care of Dan and Scott’s Cremation and Funeral Service 445 Waterville Rd. Skowhegan, ME 04976.
CAMERON C. MADORE
PORTLAND – Cameron Carl Madore, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, June 2, 2023, in Portland. Cameron was born in Waterville on December 10, 1984.
He graduated with honors from Waterville Senior High School in 2003. His participation in high school sports included varsity basketball, football and track. Cameron’s passion for sports was only matched by his passion for creating music. Music has been an integral part of Cameron’s life since birth, possessing an innate ability to hear sound and break down its components. He never ceased to amaze family and friends with his artistic and creative abilities.
Cameron went on to attend college at New England School of Communication before transferring to The New England Art Institutes, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in audio engineering in 2008.
Upon graduation Cameron worked at T-Mobile, in Oakland, for 15 years and held various positions including coach. He interacted with many people and was able to share his wisdom both on the job and off. One couldn’t help but become uplifted in his presence; he’d strive to make sure his interactions left the person feeling confident and supported.
Upon returning from college, he reconnected with the music group eventually known as Northern Lights Nation (NLN) with two of his best friends, Dylan Kay and Ryan Durgin. He spent the next several years working on producing and performing. Watching his fans interact with him was always surreal. He clearly loved people and enjoyed sharing his artistic expression.
Recently Cameron obtained a position at Headlight Audio Visual, of Portland, as an AV technician. He was thrilled to be working in his field and greatly enjoyed the challenges, traveling to various locations and making magic happen. Despite only being there a short time, he made a huge impression on management and the team and will be missed.
Cameron was passionate about family. If he loved you, you were family, and family is forever. Cameron will be greatly missed by his friend, mother of his daughter, Chelsey Ashby, and longtime high school friend Shannon Mansfield.
Regardless of the cause, Cameron was passionate about helping. Since childhood he stood up and protected those without the confidence to stand up for themselves. He was an adventurer, not in the sense of exploring Australia, but more like when he climbed on the roof to see how far he could jump. Cameron continually challenged himself and encouraged others to do the same. Fear never stopped him. Hearing the word no only motivated him more. He was fiercely passionate and driven, while being deeply compassionate and sensitive. This world will not be the same without him.
Cameron is survived by his parents Nathan and Jacqueline Madore; sister Ashley Madore (Sean Sullivan); brother Tyler Madore (Megan Poulin); and daughter Callie Madore.
Funeral services will be held at Notre Dame Church, 116 Silver Street, Waterville, on Saturday, July 1, 2023, at 11 a.m.; followed by Interment Service at Saint Francis Catholic Cemetery and Celebration of Life at O’Brien’s Event Center, located in the Best Western Plus, 375 Main Street, Waterville.
BRUCE HEBDA
OAKLAND – Bruce Hebda, 74, passed away on Sunday, June 4, 2023.
Born in Fall River, Massachusetts, Bruce led a vibrant life that impacted many. He began a career in medicine as a medical technician. His aspirations then brought him to Wrocław, Poland, where he studied to be a doctor at Wroclaw Medical University. Bruce began his residency at Eastern Maine Medical Center, in Bangor, and opened his family practice in Oakland. He treated countless patients throughout his 28 years in practice.
While in Maine, Bruce developed a passion for cross country and downhill skiing while also continuing to pursue his loved hobbies of traveling, sailing and golfing. Though these hobbies were a passion, neither surpassed the dedication he had to his family.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Dorene; his son, Tim; his daughter Anya; his brother and sister; five grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents, John and Stella, and his daughter, Victoria.
Visiting hours will be held at Wheeler Funeral Home in Oakland, Maine on June 19, 2023 from 10 -11:15 a.m., with a short liturgy to follow.
CLAYTON R. STEVENS JR.
EMBDEN – Clayton (Sonny) Stevens Jr., 87, passed away on Sunday, June 11, 2023. Sonny lived his life out loud and left no stone unturned. He greeted everyone with a smile, a shake of the hands, a beer and a joke. He always said, “If you get to the river – Drop in!” His house was home to everybody who wanted fun, laughter and friendship.
Sonny began his work life following high school at Allen Quimby Veneer, in Bingham, (where his father worked) for over 20 years until its closure in 1974. He then worked for Nissen Baking Company. His last employer was Cianbro Corporation, in Pittsfield, where he ran a tool crib. Throughout this time, he was a well-known dowser to people in the local communities, finding water countless times with a dowsing switch which he cut off their property.
Sonny is survived by his daughters Dianna Gram and partner Steven Huber, Debbie Veneziano and husband Albert; and son Clayton (Rusty) Stevens III; grandchildren Ashley McGowan and husband Cory, Breanna Conners, Benjamin Gram and partner, Danielle Capalbo, and Garrett Huber; and great-grandchildren Tucker Lavasseur, Brady Lavasseur, Evan McGowan, and Denver Whipple; sisters June Ann Giroux and Diane McCollor; and special friend Angeline LeHay.
Sonny was predeceased by his wife, Joyce Ann (Bunny) Stevens; parents, Clayton Sr. and Alice (Adams) Stevens and his brother, Ernest Stevens.
There will be a graveside service at Sunset Cemetery, North Anson on Saturday, July 1, at 2 p.m. As Sonny was a Mason at Keystone Lodge #80, in Solon, for 66 years, representatives of the lodge will be participating in the service. Afterwards, friends and family are also invited for light refreshments at the Solon Hotel, 4 South Main Street, Solon, ME.
Arrangements are under the care of Dan and Scott’s Cremation and Funeral Service, 445 Waterville Rd. Skowhegan, ME 04976.
“Soar like an eagle, Dad – just like the ones you watched on the river!”
PAMELA J. FEYLER
SOUTH CHINA – Pamela Jeanne Smith Feyler, 75, daughter of the late William T. Smith and Jeanne Turner Smith (Creighton) passed away at home, in South China, on June Tuesday, 13, 2023. Pamela was born on March 19, 1948, in Rockland.
She graduated from Georges Valley High School in 1966 and married her husband of 56 years, Gary W. Feyler, on January 28, 1967. Pam and Gary spent the first years of their marriage in Fairbanks, Alaska, while Gary was in the U.S. Air Force. Pam was a proud military wife, and they made many friends during this time.
Pam and Gary later returned to mid-coast Maine, living in a Victorian home in Rockland where they raised their daughters Amy and Holly. The family often went boating out of Thomaston Harbor in the summers and Pam enjoyed painting scenery from these excursions.
While her daughters were young, Pam stayed home and eventually ran Uncle Wiggily Nursery School for years, positively impacting the lives of many children. She later attended UMF, obtaining a bachelor’s degree in psychosocial rehabilitation and becoming a social worker. She loved caring for others at local hospitals, nursing homes, and outpatient centers. Pam was a CASA volunteer, member of Kiwanis, and Red Hat Lady.
As they neared retirement, Pam and Gary moved to a home they built in Thomaston. They frequently traveled in their motor home and went on several Caribbean cruises. In 2008, Pam and Gary moved to Leesburg, Florida, where they were involved in many activities in their community. Pam especially enjoyed organizing health screenings with her nurse friends. She participated in chair yoga, poker night, book club, and chorus and often walked around the neighborhood, visiting with those she met along the way.
When Pam’s Parkinson’s disease progressed, she and Gary moved to South China, in 2020 to be near family. Pam loved watching birds and spending time with family in her final days. She especially enjoyed her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Pamela was predeceased by her parents and Aunt Nancy Turner.
She is survived by her husband Gary Feyler; daughters, and son-in-law Amy (Feyler) and Carl Gartley, daughter Holly Feyler; grandchildren Alyssa (Gartley) and Jeffrey Pulver, Jared and Brittney (Ibbitson) Gartley; and great-grandchildren Isabella and Jackson Pulver.
The family will be having a private memorial service at a later date.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm Street, Waterville. An online guestbook can be signed, condolences and memories shared, at http://www.gallantfh.com.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to MaineGeneral Homecare and Hospice at MaineGeneral Health, Office of Philanthropy, P.O. Box 828, Waterville, ME 04903-0828.
WARREN MOODY SERVICE
Funeral services for Warren Moody, of Zephyrhills, Florida, will be held Saturday, June 24, at 11 a.m., at the Freedom Congregational Church, with burial to follow at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, in Freedom.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Warren to the American Heart Association, Freedom Church or a charity of your choice.
To the editor:
submitted by Maria O’Rourke,
by The Town Line staff