I’m Just Curious: One memory leads to another

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by Debbie Walker

One of my favorite magazines, Good Old Days, arrived today. This issue is full of “Friends for Life” and other old memories. So I did some of my own walking down memory lane.

I believe I am very lucky. My friend for life is Mim. Our parents witnessed each other’s weddings. Mim and I were both born in 1953. We played together as toddlers, went to elementary school together. We actually followed in our mother’s footsteps; we witnessed each other’s weddings. We have one of those friendships that you might not see each other for a year or two, but once together you’d never know we didn’t see each other every day. We both know we are there in the wings, if needed.

“Friends for Life” can also be friends you meet at different times of your life, and you just fit in each other’s lives. I have to add a little note here: It is fun when you all know each other. You can’t beat that kind of support system!

Well, one memory leads to another, even if they are not related! Somehow this walk down memory lane brought up a memory of Dad. That poor man spoiled me and he worked hard for doing so! We had a dug well for household uses but got our drinking water from the woman “up the road.” I have a picture showing Dad and I on a water run (definitely walking!). It shows me in the stroller, Dad pushing stroller with one hand and carrying a bucket of drinking water in the other hand. Because his spoiled daughter had to go he made two trips instead of one. The funny part is I doubt they ever expected people in our area one day would be buying water!

OK, I am going down another memory lane with Great Grammie Smith, Dad’s grandmother, oh how I loved that woman! I could have spent forever sitting on the floor at her feet with her telling me of days gone by while running her poor rheumatoid arthritic fingers through my hair. One story Grammie liked telling me was about the day I was born. Gram said Mom went into labor and being her first child she was a bit afraid. Gram told mom she was to bring home a blonde haired, blue eyed baby girl. She’d accept nothing but! Mom brought me home and gave me to Grammie, just what she asked for. History repeated itself because when my child was born I was able to take her to the nursing home and give Gram another blonde haired, blue eyed baby girl. I always thought there was a bond between Deana and Gram because of that visit.

Sometime I will tell you about a program I used to do called “Journaling for the Generations.” It was just fun passing on all different ideas to encourage people to document some of their moments thru time!!

I’m just curious what memories this brought to your mind!! Contact Debbie at dwdaffy@yahoo.com. Thanks for reading!

Obituaries, Week of February 16, 2017

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BLAINE L. PLUMMER

WINSLOW—Blaine Lee Plummer, 59, son of Elbridge and Hazel (Adams) Plummer, passed away Wednesday, February 1, 2017, at his sister’s home in Winslow.

He was born in Boothbay Harbor on March 11, 1957.

He grew up on Southport Island in the family home known as “Hillcrest” with his parents and siblings, the youngest of four.

He was baptized at the Southport Methodist Church.

Though he never attended school, later in life he participated in programs for people with special needs. He served on the board of the Down Syndrome Society of Maine, Inc. as a consumer representative.

Blaine was best known for his warm smiles and hugs. He loved music, especially Tennessee Ernie Ford, Popeye and the old TV Batman shows. He spent his days organizing his books, records and movies, and counting his money. He enjoyed trains, horses, grocery shopping and swimming. The most favorite of all was the POW-WOWS.

He was predeceased by his parents; brother Glenn Plummer; and nephew Adam Plummer.

He is survived by his sisters, Faye Greaney, of Winslow, Gail Kelley and husband Michael, of Clinton; and nephews Todd Plummer, of Boothbay and Jason Pelotte, of Fairfield Center.

EUGENE E. WANSER

PALERMO—Eugene Edward Wanser, 99, passed away Saturday, February 4, 2017, just a few months shy of 100 years old, at Lakewood Continuing Care, in Waterville. Eugene (Bud) and his twin sister were born in Williamsburg Hospital, Brooklyn, New York, on August 1, 1917, to Eugene Otto and Evelyn Wilt Wanser.

The family moved to Amityville, New York, in 1920. In 1941, Eugene married Christine Josephine Lampe and moved to 11 Franklin Street. There they raised their four children. Bud retired in 1980 from Fairchild Hiller Corporation, a manufacturer of aircraft, and he and Chris moved to Belgrade. In 2015 Bud and Chris moved with their daughter to Palermo.

Bud joined the Merchant Marines following Pearl Harbor. He served in the Army Transportation Corp until August 15, 1945. As a captain and navigational officer, he made many trips across the South Pacific and Atlantic Oceans braving enemy submarines, mine fields, and enemy aircraft while bringing US troops their much needed supplies. Bud joined the Amityville Volunteer Fire Department in 1957. He was captain of Hose Company #1 from 1969—1972 and chief of the fire department from 1978 to 1980. He served a total of 23 years in the Amityville Fire Department.

He was predeceased by daughter Christine “Lynn” Termine and her husband Louis.

Eugene is survived by wife Christine; sons Franklyn “Bud” and wife Geri, Eugene “Dell” Wanser; daughter Karen McGreevey and husband Robert; grandchildren, Steven Termine, Kerri Lenihan and husband Kenneth, Michael Smith, Allison Smith, Deb Whitaker and husband Art, Karen Haskins and husband Shawn, Lauren Roche and husband Michael, Diane Zikowitz and husband Andrew; 22 great-grandchildren, and a great-great-granddaughter Kelsea.

Memories, condolences, photos, and videos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the website at http://www.khrfuneralhomes.com/.

If desired, memorial donations may be made to: Multiple Sclerosis Society, Maine Chapter, 170 US Route One, Suite 200, Falmouth ME 04105.

BRENDA A. GLENDENNING

PALERMO—Brenda Althea (Burnett) Glendenning, 63, passed away Wednesday, February 8, 2017, at MaineGeneral Medical Center, in Augusta, following an illness. She was born October 6, 1953, in Augusta, the daughter of David Turner and Althea Jane (Lockhart) Burnett.

Brenda attended schools in Augusta and Hallowell. She attended night classes at Hall-Dale High School where, in a class of one, she earned her high school diploma. She furthered her education and was awarded her CNA. Brenda was employed for 25 years at MaineGeneral Medical Center where she devoted her skills to her patients up to the time of her illness. She was presented with many awards for excellence in nursing while employed by MaineGeneral.

Brenda’s favorite color was yellow which matched her sunny disposition. She loved the outdoors, nature and its creatures. She loved fishing and she would manage to out-fish everyone. Brenda’s favorite place was Pemaquid where she spend carefree days with family. Brenda lived simply knowing that true treasures were held in the heart and not in what was owned.

Brenda was predeceased by her mother, Althea Jane Lockhart Burnett; her first-born infant son Jeremy Burnett; brother David F. Burnett; stepmother Beverly Burnett; brother-in-law Daniel Gagne; and stepbrothers, Dale, Darren and Danny Duncan.

Brenda is survived by her father David Turner Burnett, of Chelsea; her husband, David Glendenning, of Palermo; children, Heath, Heather, Jennifer and Jason Dupont; step-son James Glendenning; several grandchildren; aunts; uncles; cousins; nieces and nephews; sisters Linda Peters and husband Rusty, of Whitefield, Patti Burnett, of Hallowell and Diana Bellavance and husband Ronald, of Belgrade Lakes; step-sisters Dawn Fecteau and husband Mark, of Chelsea; Lisa Basinet and husband Jeff, of Somerville.

Memories and condolences may be shared at directcremationofmaine.com.

Erskine Academy announces talent show

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The Erskine Academy class of 2017 will host the annual talent show which will be held on Friday, March 3, at 7 p.m., in the gym. The show will feature vocal, instrumental, and dance performances by current Erskine students. Admission to the show is $5 and tickets may be purchased at the door. All proceeds will benefit the class of 2017.

VASSALBORO NEWS: 26 parcels due for foreclosure for unpaid taxes

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by Mary Grow

Vassalboro has an unusual number of taxpayers whose taxes are seriously overdue, Town Manager Mary Sabins told selectmen at their Feb. 9 meeting.

With the foreclosure deadline for 2014 taxes – the date on which the town acquires the property if taxes are not paid – that night at midnight, Sabins said 26 parcels were on the verge of becoming town-owned. The blizzard that started as selectmen met that morning did not make her optimistic about people coming in at the last minute.

Town office staff made repeated efforts to reach people through mailings and telephone calls to make sure everyone was aware of the deadline, she said.
For the current tax year, the third quarterly tax payment is due Monday, Feb. 27, by town meeting vote. Voters also agreed to charge interest for taxes paid after the deadline.

In other business at a short meeting, selectmen again talked briefly about changing the town’s streetlights to more energy-efficient LED lights and agreed they need not rush to a decision. They have heard proposals from two private companies, but are waiting for information from Central Maine Power Company.
Selectmen were scheduled to begin discussion of the 2017-18 budget at a Feb. 13 workshop, but canceled it because of bad weather.

CHINA NEWS: 10 items on land development code set for annual meeting vote

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by Mary Grow

China voters will have 10 separate articles asking them to approve amendments to China’s Land Development Code at the March 25 town meeting, all of them repeated from Nov. 8, 2016.

The Nov. 8 written ballot had all the changes in a single article. Voters rejected the article by a vote of 817 in favor to 1,248 opposed.

At their Feb. 8 meeting (postponed from the usual Tuesday evening because of bad weather), the three planning board members present voted unanimously to ask selectmen to put the changes to voters again as 10 separate articles on the March 25 warrant.

They believe voters rejected the changes in November for two main reasons: some people objected to one or more of the proposed amendments and could defeat them only by rejecting the entire document, and other people did not understand some or all of the recommended changes.

Board members hope separating the document into 10 sections will help with the first issue. To deal with the second, they intend to have an explanatory handout at the town meeting, and board members and Codes Officer Paul Mitnik will be there to answer questions.

Mitnik pointed out that some of the changes in specified sections will require changes in other areas to keep the entire ordinance internally consistent. For example, substituting the footprint of a building (how many square feet of ground it occupies) for the volume (in cubic feet) in certain measurements, if approved, might require a parallel change elsewhere in the ordinance. Board members asked Mitnik to add such related changes to the documents presented to voters.

The next regular China Planning Board meeting was scheduled for Tuesday evening, Feb. 14. Mitnik expected a presentation from the South China Library Association on plans to relocate the library from Village Street to Jones Road.

CHINA NEWS: Manager leads committee in review of budget

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by Mary Grow

China Town Manager Daniel L’Heureux led five of the seven budget committee members through a preliminary review of 2017-18 town finances at a Feb. 10 meeting. The manager had mostly good news, though he qualified it. As of June 30, 2016 (the last audit date), the town had about $1.318 million in surplus (formally called Undesignated Fund Balance, or UFB), and he expects the figure to be higher when the fiscal year ending June 30, 2017, is audited. Surplus increases when revenues are higher than expected, expenditures are lower or both.

The proposed 2017-18 municipal budget is slightly higher than the current year’s, but L’Heureux expects increases in revenues and property values to offset increased spending, so the tax rate will not rise as a result of municipal expenditures.

However, he said, town finances include factors outside town officials’ control, notably how much money the state provides in revenue-sharing, highway and school grants and other funding; the 2017-18 school budget; and the Kennebec County tax.

Proposed local increases include a 1.6 percent salary increase for town employees; higher dispatching fees for emergency services; rising health insurance premiums; and more expenses at the transfer station because Palermo residents now share it. Palermo’s annual payment plus the per-bag fee charged to Palermo residents will offset the last item, L’Heureux said.

The draft budget contains one new item, a request for up to $40,000 from surplus to compensate China firefighters and China Rescue personnel.
Selectman Neil Farrington told budget committee members he introduced the idea to try to get more volunteers for the services and to start a conversation about how to attract them.

If town meeting voters approve the money, the plan would start July 1. Before then, Farrington said, selectmen would consult with the chiefs of the four organizations – three fire departments and rescue – about how funds should be distributed.

L’Heureux learned from officials in Albion, Whitefield, Vassalboro and Windsor that all of those towns compensate their emergency personnel, each in its own way. Budget committee members had questions about many items, but voiced no major concerns or objections. Remembering discussion at the 2016 business meeting, they endorsed but urged clarifying the way TIF (Tax Increment Finance) expenditures are listed in the meeting warrant.

The 2017 warrant, like last year’s, has a list of proposed expenditures from the Development Program Fund (into which TIF tax revenue goes), in Art. 6. For example, voters are asked to allocate $8,000 to town administration to cover TIF-related work. Under Art. 12, funding town administration, the total of $384,261 specifically includes $8,000 from TIF-generated revenues. Budget Committee members think the double reference should be informative to voters. Last year, they said, it appeared to be confusing.

In addition to the amounts in Art. 6, five following articles ask voters to appropriate money from the Development Program Fund for projects recommended by the TIF Committee.

Budget committee members plan to meet again at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 16, to go through the proposed warrant for the March 25 town business meeting.

At the town meeting, scheduled for 9 a.m. at China Middle School, voters will approve, modify or reject municipal spending proposals and other town-related items. The school budget will be presented later in the spring.

Carver named to Becker College dean’s list

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Ashley Carver, of Sidney, was named to the Becker College Dean’s List, in Worcester, Massachusetts, for the fall 2016 semester. Carver is pursing an associate of science degree in veterinary technology.

After 40 years, her book is finally published

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Patricia Hustus Banker at work on her recently published book. Contributed photo

Patricia Hustus Banker has always loved to write – stories, poems, and songs. She had a poem published in a religious magazine many years ago. Recently, she got her first book published. The Church at Farewell’s Corner is a story set in the late 1800s in a rural town. Many people who are native to this area may see a connection to Thorndike.

Steven Burt, former pastor of Thorndike Congregational Church, published author and friend, approached Patty at Christmastime about getting a story published that she had written almost 40 years ago. He remembered reading the story when he was pastoring in Thorndike. The following is a quote from his blog:

Patty risked handing me her novel-in-progress. I took it home (her only copy) and went through it quickly. It had promise. I suggested a couple of revisions and gave her a few agents and publishing houses to query. I told her that her chances were slim – not because it was a bad book, but because there were many good books competing for limited space in the market and on shelves. She got involved in other things – “Life is what happens while you’re making other plans” – and never got around to shopping the manuscript around.

Dr. Burt moved away from Maine in 1983 and pastored some other churches before moving to Florida, where he started teaching a course at the Lifelong Learning College – Publish Your Book Free (using the CreateSpace online software system).

I helped a few dozen senior learners get their first books into print. My wife Jolyn and I developed an instruction manual (same name as the course) that won a Florida Book Festival Award in the How-to category. My classes and our guidebook had helped make it easy for beginners to publish their work – novels, collections, cookbooks, memoirs, children’s picture books, and more.

Forty years later, he writes:

Then I remember Patty Banker’s novel manuscript from 1980. I knew that she still wasn’t much into computers and wouldn’t easily get into converting her work into a Word document that could be used as a CreateSpace interior. And I knew she’d be daunted by the Cover Creator program. So I contacted her younger sister, Jacquie Ludden, who has secretarial skills. Jacquie agreed to type the manuscript as a Microsoft Word document, which she sent to me as an email attachment. I did some basic editing, reformatted it from 8 1/2 x 11 to 6 x 9 and changed to “mirror margins.” I had Jacquie email me a photo of Patty for the Author Page, a photo of Patty’s late husband Dick for the Dedication Page, and an historic photo of the Thorndike Congregational Church for the cover. I uploaded the manuscript in its new iteration into the Create Space program.

The following is the bio from her book:

Patty was born in Brooks, Maine, the 4th of 5 siblings. At the age of four, the family moved to a farm in Thorndike, ME, where she grew up. Her first eight years of education was acquired in a little one-room schoolhouse named Roosevelt. She graduated from high school at Morse Memorial, in Brooks. At the age of 21, she married the love of her life, Richard, and they have one son, Chris. Patty has been a deaconess in the Thorndike Congregational Church for 37 continuous years. She’s also president of the Helping Hands Ladies’ group and treasurer of the Sunday School. She was a member of the Harvest Moon Grange for many years holding several different offices until it closed in 2014.

She and her husband of 53 years enjoyed traveling and have visited each of the contiguous 48 states.

Patty has written poetry, songs, short stories, and children’s stories over the years. She also likes to dabble in art, painting scenery and portraits. But her first love is the written word. Sadly, Richard, who constantly encouraged her to get published, passed away in 2013. She lives with her two cats, Cuddles and Melody.

The book is now available on Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com.

Sometimes good things take time. – Rev. Dr. Steve Burt, 10-time New England Book Festival Award winner.

Legal Notices, Week of February 9, 2017

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STATE OF MAINE
KENNEBEC, ss.
TONI M. FREDETTE,
Plaintiff,
V.
MARY ANN FREDETTE
f/k/a
MARY ANN WENTWORTH
Defendant
SUPERIOR COURT
CIVIL ACTION
DOCKET NO:

ORDER ON PLAINTIFF’S
MOTION TO PERMIT
SERVICE BY PUBLICATION
TITLE TO REAL ESTATE IS INVOLVED
688 AUGUSTA ROAD, WINSLOW, MAINE
BOOK 12300, PAGE 133

A Complaint has been filed with the Court against Defendant MARY ANN FREDETTE f/k/a MARY ANN WENTWORTH, which requires personal service in accordance with Rule 4(d) of the Maine Rules of Civil Procedure.

Upon motion, the Court hereby ORDERS:

That service cannot be made upon MARY ANN FREDETTE, f/k/a MARY ANN WENTWORTH in any of the usual manners prescribed by Rule 4 despite the due diligence of the Plaintiff. Service shall therefore be made upon MARY ANN FREDETTE, f/k/a MARY ANN WENTWORTH and all those who claim or may claim by, through, or under MARY ANN FREDETTE, f/k/a MARY ANN WENTWORTH by publishing this Order once a week for three (3) successive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the County of Kennebec, the county in which the property at issue in the Complaint is located and the county in which MARY ANN FREDETTE, f/k/a MARY ANN WENTWORTH was last known to reside.

The first publication shall be made within twenty (20) days after this order is issued. Service by publication shall be complete on the twenty-first (21st) day after the first publication.

Plaintiff seeks a judgment in Kennebec County Superior Court against MARY ANN FREDETTE, f/k/a MARY ANN WENTWORTH to obtain a partition of certain property now owned by Toni M. Fredette and Defendant, and previously owned by Leo and Loretta Fredette, being located at 688 Augusta Road, Winslow, Maine.

The property at issue in the Complaint consists of the property described in the deed recorded at Book 12300 Page 133 at the Kennebec County Registry of Deeds.

A copy of the complaint for partition may be obtained from Plaintiff’s attorney at the address and number below.

If you wish to oppose this lawsuit, you or your attorney MUST PREPARE AND SERVE A WRITTEN ANSWER to the complaint WITHIN TWENTY (20) DAYS after service is completed by the foregoing method.

You or your attorney must serve your answer by delivering a copy of it in person or by mail to the Plaintiff’s attorney, Bryan B. Ward, of the firm of O’Donnell, Lee, 112 Silver Street, Waterville, Maine. You or your attorney must also file the original of your answer with the Court by mailing it to the following address: Kennebec Superior Court, 1 Court Street, Augusta, Maine, before or within a reasonable time after it is served.

IMPORTANT WARNING: IF YOU FAIL TO SERVE AN ANSWER WITHIN THE TIME STATED ABOVE OR IF, AFTER YOU ANSWER, YOU FAIL TO APPEAR AT ANY TIME THE COURT NOTIFIES YOU TO DO SO, A JUDGMENT BY DEFAULT MAY BE ENTERED AGAINST YOU IN YOUR ABSENCE FOR THE RELIEF DEMANDED IN THE COMPLAINT. IF YOU INTEND TO OPPOSE THIS LAWSUIT, DO NOT FAIL TO ANSWER WITHIN THE REQUIRED TIME.

IF YOU BELIEVE THE PLAINTIFF IS NOT ENTITLED TO ALL OR PART OF THE CLAIM SET FORTH IN THE COMPLAINT OR IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A CLAIM OF YOUR OWN AGAINST THE PLAINTIFF, YOU SHOULD TALK TO A LAWYER. IF YOU FEEL YOU CANNOT AFFORD TO PAY A FEE TO A LAWYER, YOU MAY ASK THE COURT FOR INFORMATION AS TO PLACES WHERE YOU MAY SEEK LEGAL ASSISTANCE.

Dated: January 15, 2017
/s/ Michaela Murphy
Justice, Superior Court
Plaintiff’s Attorney:
Bryan B. Ward
O’Donnell and Lee
112 Silver Street
Waterville, Maine 04901
Telephone: (207) 872-0112
(2/9)

Obituaries, Week of February 2, 2017

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ANN C. HIGGINS

VASSALBORO – Ann Cates Higgins, 80, passed away on Thursday, January 12, 2017, at Alfond Center for Health, following a brief illness. She was born in East Vassalboro on November 24, 1936, to Benjamin Harold Cates Sr. and Annabel Ingraham Cates.

Ann was the youngest of the Cates’ 12 children, all of whom were raised on the family farm in East Vassalboro.

Ann attended grade school in East Vassalboro Elementary School. She graduated from the Lincoln School, a Quaker secondary boarding school in Rhode Island. From Lincoln School, she matriculated at Earlham College, a Quaker private college in Richmond, Indiana, where she studies biology with an emphasis on education.

Following her graduation from Earlham College, Ann taught in Bangor, Skowhegan, and Albion. She later worked as the federal postmaser in Smithfield and Vassalboro.

Ann was a longtime member of the Vassalboro Grange and the Vassalboro Historical Society. She was a birthright member of the Vassalboro Friends (Quaker) Meeting in East Vassalboro, where she was the organist for many years. Ann loved music; in addition to playing the organ, she was a talented pianist and accompanist, and provided accompaniment for several musicals, as well as a multitude of soloists. She particularly enjoyed singing barbershop music, and was a member of the Kennebelles, in Waterville, for several decades before the chorus was disbanded. Later she sang with Maine-ly Harmony, in Gardiner.
Ann was predeceased by her parents; husband Guy Higgins; siblings, Maynard Cates, Helen Wyman, Margaret Cates, Effie Cates, George Cates, Benjamin Cates Jr., Marian Murray and June Rodis; sisters-in-law, Coralene Cates and Edna Cates; brothers-in-law, Manson Wyman and Richard Murray; nephew Martin Cates.

She is survived by her son Eric J. Edmondson; daughter Cathy S. Edmondson and partner Regina Blakeslee; brother Herbert Cates, Paul Cates and wife Elisabeth, Carleton Cates and wife Saundra; brothers-in-law Charles Rodis and Kelvin Higgins and wife Joy; stepson, Elwin Higgins; stepdaughter Linda Gervais; 20 nephews, eight nieces and their respective families.

A memorial service will be held at the Vassalboro Friends Meeting on Saturday, March 18, at 2 p.m.

Memorial donations may be made to Vassalboro Friends Meeting, 48 South Stanley Hill Road, Vassalboro, ME 04989.

JOHN GRARD

WINSLOW – John Grard, 64, unexpectedly passed away on Saturday, January 14, 2017, at his home in Florida. John was born on February 20, 1952, and was the only son of the late Fred and Mary (Collins) Grard.

He married the former Cathy Hanscom on August 9, 1975.

John was a graduate of Lawrence High School, in Fairfield, and Maine Maritime Academy, in Castine. He was a major engineer, sailing on the Great Lakes for most of his career. John was a very kind and generous man who loved to garden, hunt and fish. What he loved most was spending time with his grandchildren, Elizabeth and Nicholas.

John is survived by his wife, Cathy; daughter Jennifer and husband Michael; and two grandchildren; two siblings; many cousins.

Memorial donations may be made to Maine P-PODS.org to support Juvenile Diabetes.

LARRY K. OLSEN

JEFFERSON—Larry K. Olsen, 83, of Jefferson, died on Friday, January 20, 2017, in the LincolnHealth-Miles Campus. Larry was born on January 17, 1934, in Berkeley, California, and was the son of the late Alama G. and LaRue (Wallace) Olslen.

Larry proudly served our country for the U.S. Army in the Korean and Vietnam wars. He enlisted in June 1953 and was honorably discharged in May 1955. He then went into the Army Reserves where he served for 12 years. He was a recipient of the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and the Sharpshooter Medal.

He was employed for 11 years as a correctional officer at the Maine State Prison and owned and operated, alongside his wife, Pine Ridge Ceramics for many years. In his spare time he enjoyed watching professional sports and was a voracious reader.

He was predeceased by his wife, Elizabeth E. (Feyler) Olsen; his parents, Alama G. and LaRue (Wallace) Olsen; and brother Craig Olsen.

He is survived by children, Raymond Olsen, Lura Robinson and husband Amoe, Cheryl Rister, Lori Dodge, Shani Healy and husband Billy, John James, and Robert James; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren; and one great-great-granddaughter.

To send online condolences, please visit www.hallfuneralhomes.com.

DONNA H. MURCH

WINDSOR – Donna Helen Plaisted Murch, 91, passed away on Wednesday, January 25, 2017. She was born on November 21, 1925, to Donald Herbert Plaisted and Ora Diantha Wade Plaisted, in Belfast.

Donna started her school years in Belfast and Skowhegan and from junior high through high school attended Augusta schools, graduating from Cony High School, in Augusta, in 1942. Donna married John Murch in 1946 and raised four children, Jeffrey, Diana, Lisa and Glenna.

When the children were older she started college and earned a teaching degree from the University of Maine at Orono, and graduated in the spring of 1976 alongside her son Jeffrey and now daughter-in-law Claudette. Donna then began her teaching career at the Windsor Elementary School where she was a Title I teacher working with disadvantaged children until she retired in 1988.

Following her retirement, Donna volunteered at what was then Augusta General Hospital and gave tours to school aged children. She worked for two United States census and also did volunteer visits to elderly shut-ins.

She loved the ocean and all things nature and advocated openly to protect the environment. She had a great fondness for animals.

Donna was predeceased by her sister Glenn Plaisted.

Survivors include her children Jeffrey Murch and wife Claudette, from Windsor, Diana Osberg, of Van Nuys, California, Lisa Houllahan and partner Jeffrey Ruder, of Mercer, and Glenna Snively and husband Scott, of Kingston, Washington; grandchildren Garrett Murch, Aubree Murch, Joshua Hayward and wife Nicole, Jennifer Hayward, Johnny Houllahan, Samantha Snively, Braedon Snively and Ian Snively; great-grandchildren Yemaya McLaury, Bradley Hayward, Abigail Hayward.

Memorial donations may be made to the Kennebec Valley Humane Society, 10 Pet Haven Lane, Augusta, Maine 04330, or The Greyhound Clinic, 231 Old Belgrade Rd., Augusta, ME 04330, or the Shriner’s Burn Hospital, c/o Kora Temple, 11 Sabattus St., Lewiston, ME 04340.

ANNETTE J. BOUFARD

SOMERVILLE—Annette J. Bouffard, 86, of the Rockland Road, died Wednesday, January 25, 2017, at Sussman House, in Rockport. She was born in Seekonk, Massachusetts, on July 31, 1930, the daughter of Lorenzo Daneau and Lydia (Pelletier) Daneau.

She was employed as a certified nursing assistant in nursing homes in Massachusetts and Maine for many years.

She was predeceased by her husband, Gerald A. Bouffard, in 2015.

Surviving are two daughters, Christine Gupton, of Somerville, and Marie A. Campbell, of New Hampshire; two sons, Raymond A. Bouffard, of New Hampshire, and Jean A. Bouffard, of Somerville; 10 brothers and sisters in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Florida; five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Condolences, photos and memories may be shared at www.plummerfh.com.

JOSEPHINE E. BUKER

ALBION – Josephine “Jo” Evelyn (Tucker) Buker, 87, passed away on Saturday, January 28, 2017. She was born in Abbot on June 15, 1929, the daughter of Percy and Dorothy (Whitney) Tucker.

After 61 years of marriage, Ken died on October 30, 2011.

Jo is survived by a half-brother, Roy Tucker; two half-sisters, Mary Lou Runnion and Cookie Garret; numerous nieces, nephews, and their spouses; sister-in-law, Ruth Buker; two brothers-in-law, Gene Robinson and Joseph “Sonny” Brown.

She was predeceased by two sisters, Doreen Gerry and Mina Lane; all of her husband’s siblings.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, February 18, at 10 a.m., at the Second Baptist Church, 172 Water Street, Waterville, with Pastor Bill Lawrence officiating.

Interment will be in the spring at the Maine Veteran’s Cemetery, Augusta at the convenience of the family.

Memorial donations may be made to a charity of their choice.

Arrangements under the direction and care of Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service, 445 Waterville Road, Skowhegan, Maine 04976.

WALTER A. WATTS SR.

VASSALBORO – Walter A. Watts Sr., 64, of Vassalboro, died at the VA Maine Healthcare at Togus on Sunday, January 29, 2017, following a long courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Skowhegan on December 3, 1952, the son of James E. Watts and Patricia E. (Bishop) Watts.

His wife T Dale, preceded him in February 2016. He was also predeceased by a sister, Linda.

He is survived by his son Walter A. Watts Jr. and wife Amity, of Brooks; daughter Lindsay L. Watts, of Vassalboro; stepson Ryan Chasse, of Hooksett, New Hampshire; brother Ryan Watts and wife Karen, of Heber, Arizona; sisters Judy Libby and husband Jim, of Skowhegan, Diane Culleton and husband Earl, of Skowhegan, Ruth Cyr and husband David, of Lewiston and Helen Smith, of Tucson, Arizona; three grandsons, Walter A. Watts III, of Brooks, and Miles and Spencer Chasse, of Hooksett, New Hampshire; aunt Dorothy Pinkham, of Waterville, and many nieces and nephews.

There will be a committal service with military honors at noon on June 2, 2017, at the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, in Augusta.

Arrangements were under the direction of Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusts. Condolences, photos and memories may be shared at www.plummerfh.com.

Memorial donations may be made to Love Without Boundaries, PO Box 1861, Lowell, Arizona 72745, or VA Hospice. Checks may be sent to Hospice Donation, c/o Voluntary Services, VA Maine, 1 VA Center, Augusta, ME 049330. Checks made payable to VA Maine.

ELIZABETH F. COONAN

SOUTH CHINA – Elizabeth Fortin Coonan, 67, passed away on Tuesday, January 31, 2017, following a courageous and valient fight with cancer. She was born on October 13, 1949, the eldest daughter of Donald and Priscilla (Violette) Fortin, in Waterville.

Betty spent her childhood on the family farm in Winslow and graduated from Winslow High School in 1968. She worked at F. W. Webb/Kennebec Supply for many years. Betty enjoyed gardening and spending her winters in Port Charlotte, Florida, with Mike. She loved spending time with her family, most of all. She was a very hands-on grandmother, seldom missing a big event in her granddaughters’ lives. She would travel the country and Germany to visit and spoil them.

She recently became an Alabama football fan due to her eldest granddaughter.

She is survived by her husband Mike, of South China; daughter Heidi and husband Kendric; granddaughters Alayna and Ansley Robbins, of Arlington, Virginia; her sisters Beverly and Bill Rhoades, Deborah and Rodney Dubois, Theresa and Bob Macklin, and Jennifer and Steve Harrison; brotyhers Donald, of Winslow, and Richard, of Alexandria, Virginia.

She was predeceased by her parents; brother Michael; and godmother Sister Normande Fortin.

An online guestbook may be signed at www.gallantfh.com.

Memorial donations may be made to Hospice Volunteers of Waterville Area, 304 Upper Main St., Waterville, ME 04901.

LLOYD A. CORSON

ALBION – Lloyd A. Corson, 82, passed away on Wednesday, February 1, 2017, following a period of failing health, at Oak Grove Center, in Waterville. He was born April 26, 1934, in Athens, the son of Ivory and Althea Corson.

On April 18, 1953, he married the former Charlotte Evelyn Dixon. Together they settled in Albion to raise their three children.

Lloyd had many interests that included classic cars, NASCAR, working on local race cars, fishing, hunting, camping, reading the paper, the Boston Red Sox, and followed many other sports, and camp at Lake Moxie. He often could be seen at the local corner store for breakfast and coffee.

He was predeceased by his parent; his wife Charlotte; brothers Reginald and Merton, and sisters Helen and Beatrice.

He is survived by his sons, Michael Corson Sr. and wife Paulette, of Albion, Mark Corson and wife Tera, of Union, daughter Tsmmy Johnson and husband Gene, of Jackson; grandchildren, Michael Corson Jr. and wife Alyssa, of Albion, Wendy Cutting and friend Gabe, of Bangor, Natasha Johnson, of Jackson, Caleb Johnson, of Thorndike and Beth Corson, of Union; great-grandchildren Harleigh, Kaitlin, Nash, Roman, Jillian Alicen, Tylen and Jayden; stepgrandchildren Robert Kanzler, of Freedom, and Robette Bouchard, of Sidney; niece June Dixon; many siters-in-law and brothers-in-law; nieces and nephews.

An online guestbook may be signed and memories shared at www.lawrybrothers.com.

OTHERS DEPARTED

MATTHEW J. CAREY, 55, of Belgrade Lakes, passed away on Thursday, January 26, 2017, at Gray Birch Rehabilitation and Long Term Care Facility, in Augusta, following a brief illness. Locally, he is survived by sisters, Nancy Cunningham and husband Lee, of Vassalboro, and Susan Inman and companion Paul Jacobs, of Oakland, and brother James Carey and wife Gisele, of Fairfield.

THOMAS F. WHITTAKER SR., 75, ofTroy, passed away on Monday, January 30, 2017, in Waterville. Locally, he is survived by a son, Thomas Whittaker Jr. and wife Anita, of South China.