PAULINE MAYHEW
WATERVILLE – Pauline Mayhew, 85, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 2, 2025, following a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease. She was born in Manchester, New Hampshire, on August 13, 1939.
Pauline grew up and attended local schools, graduating from Manchester Central High School in 1959. She remained in Manchester for many years, where she raised her four children and met the love of her life, Jack Mayhew.
Pauline and Jack were married on April 14, 1973, and moved to Maine in 1975, where they built a life filled with friendship, community, and adventure. Pauline was a vibrant and active member of her community. She made lasting friendships through her love of volleyball, her involvement with the Kotlas-Waterville Sister City Connection, and her work as a substitute teacher in the schools of Winslow, Vassalboro, and China. Traveling the world brought her great joy, as she and Jack explored new places and formed lasting connections wherever they went.
Above all, Pauline cherished her family. Being a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother was her greatest joy, and she approached these roles with love, grace, and unwavering devotion.
She was predeceased by her husband, Jack Mayhew; her parents, Catherine and Harry Hogancamp; her siblings, Barbara Dufresne, John Hogancamp, and William Hogancamp; and her grandson, Cameron Mayhew.
Pauline is survived by her four children, Cheryl Bumps (Joseph), Maureen Hocking (Tad), Thomas Lafreniere (Rebecca), and David Lafreniere (Angela); and her two stepchildren: Michelle Kosten (Bob) and Michael Mayhew; grandchildren, Rachel Carpenter (Dean), Amanda Shorey (Drew), Benjamin Lafreniere (Brittany), Hannah Rogers (Mitch), Nathan Lafreniere, Karyssa Kosten, and Brandon Mayhew; as well as her great-grandchildren, Ella, Calvin, Alexandria, Shiloh, Oliver, Beau, Blake, Jude, Parker, and Sawyer.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Riposta Funeral Home, of Belfast.
A burial ceremony will take place at the Augusta Maine Veterans Cemetery, 163 Mount Vernon Road, on Friday, July 25, 2025, at noon, where Pauline will be laid to rest alongside her husband Jack. A celebration of her life will follow at her home, in Vassalboro.
SANDRA M. CHRISTOPHER
WINSLOW – Sandra Maxine Christopher, 86, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 17, 2025, just two days after her birthday. Sandra was born on May 15, 1939, and grew up in Madison.
She graduated from Madison High School in 1957, and after graduation attended business school. In 1964 she moved to Silver Creek, New York, and worked for many years at Tradition Insurance Agency, until her retirement in 1999. It was then she decided to move back to Maine to be closer to family and took up residence in Winslow.
Sandra loved being with her family more than anything. She always enjoyed her trips to Young’s Lobster Pound for lobster and the many laughs she would have with Carla and Judy on their numerous shopping trips. She also always looked forward to her monthly lunches with the “Ladie’s Lunch Bunch.”
She was predeceased by her parents, Francis and Aili Christopher, and her brother-in-law Bill Battersby.
She is survived by her sisters Carla Cough and her husband Greg, of Madison, Judy Battersby, of Winslow, and Carlene Christopher, of Fredonia, New York; nieces, Julie, Allyson, and Jennifer; nephews, Christopher, and Tommy; great-nieces Brooke, Olivia, Ashlee, and Tessa; great-nephews, Hunter, Noah, Sam, Ted, and Asher.
A graveside service will be held at St. Sebastian Cemetery in Madison, on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at 11:45 a.m.
Please visit Sandra’s memorial page at https://svremembrancecenter.com/obituaries/sandra-christopher where condolences, photos, and special memories may be shared.
MARLINE P. GURNEY
OAKLAND – Marline P. Gurney, 87, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. She was born on September 14, 1937, in Lewiston, the daughter of Lemuel T. Parker and Violet P. Parker, of Livermore Falls.
Known for her positive personality, warmth, kindness, and easy-going attitude, Marline dedicated her life to being an X-Ray Technician for 30 years retiring at age 62. She was always there with a listening ear and a comforting hug and always found time to make others feel loved.
She married Bob Gurney on December 20, 1957. They had two children, Robert “Skip” Gurney and Mary L. Bowman. She was also a grandmother to four grandchildren, Renee, Matthew, Kayla, and Joseph. And she was a great-grandmother to nine great-grandchildren. She will be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.
Marline is survived by her children; her grandchildren; her great-grandchildren; a sister, and two brothers; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Bob.
There will be a small private family service held on Thursday, June 5, 2025, at the Veterans Cemetery, in Augusta.
Arrangements and guidance are in the care of Knowlton & Hewins Funeral Home and Cremation Care, One Church St., Augusta.
Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the Knowlton and Hewins Funeral Home website, http://www.khrfuneralhomes.com
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St Jude’s Children Hospital.
DAVID B. BOLDUC
WATERVILLE – David Bruce Bolduc, 75, passed away on Thursday May 22, 2025, at Togus, VA Medical Center. David was born in Winslow, on February 7, 1950, the son of Hector Bolduc and Gloria (Poulin) Bolduc.
He graduated from Winslow High School in 1968.
Following high school, David proudly enlisted in the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged. Following his time in the military, David began volunteering for D.H.R.S. and later the Togus VA amongst other organizations, fulfilling his life commitment to having compassion for others. Often stating, “the work you do means nothing if you don’t have compassion. You never know what someone else is going through, be kind.” He would drive around town to find the homeless to give away money and winter garments and provided rides to the soup kitchen. He felt no one deserved to go cold or hungry.
David is survived by his wife, Jean (Cilley) Bolduc; daughters, Randa (Shorey) Veilleux, of Waterville and her husband, Donald, Dorothy Bolduc, of Tennessee, and her partner Rick; grandchildren Leo, Phoenix and Nora; siblings Patsy, Sue, Jan, Stephen, Dan, Karen, Paul, Matthew; and many nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, June 17, at 10 a.m., at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 26 Monument Street, Winslow. An interment will follow at the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 143 Blue Star Ave., Augusta.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm St., Waterville. An online guestbook may be signed, condolences and memories shared at http://www.gallantfh.com.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation or consider donating your time to any organization who helps those in need.
DAVID W. SAWTELLE
ORLANDO, Florida – David William Sawtelle, 82, of Orlando, Florida, and Winslow, passed away peacefully following a brief illness, on Monday, May 26, 2025. Born on November 1, 1942, son to Harlan C. Sawtelle and Beatrice A. Sawtelle, he was raised in Winslow.
David was a devoted father and brother to his family. David’s love for his family and good humor will live on in the hearts and minds of his friends and family and all that knew him.
After graduating from Winslow High School in 1961, David joined the United States Marine Corp. After serving his country, David returned to his State of Maine and opened “The Big Ten Pizza” in Farmington. After several years running his business, David sold the business and moved to Portland. The cold winters of Maine convinced David to move to where the winters are warm in Orlando, Florida, where he resided until his passing. He made many trips back to Maine to visit family and friends.
David will be remembered for his love of family, the beautiful beaches of Florida and spending precious time with his daughter Sophie. Wherever David was he had the gift to make everyone laugh and his friends and family will deeply miss his presence and lively spirit. All his nieces and nephews and family were always excited to visit Uncle David and, of course, go to Disney World where David was a great host.
To sum up David’s life, he was a good man and will be sadly missed. The many memories we made with David will be cherished until we meet again.
He is survived by his daughter Sophie Pauline Sawtelle, son Jason David Sawtelle; his sister, Eleanor “Hona” Sawtelle-Longstaff and her husband Bruce Lewis; and many nieces, nephews and brothers-in-law.
Preceded in death are his parents Harlan C. Sawtelle and Beatrice A. Sawtelle, his sisters Barbara Michaud, of Benton, Pauline “Polly” White, of Vassalboro, Peggy Michaud, of Winslow, his brothers Frederick “Freddie” Sawtelle, of Jasper, Alabama, Ralph “Patty” Sawtelle, of Turrell, Arkansas.
A military burial at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery will be held at a later date with details to be announced.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando.
TROY M. WYMAN
SKOWHEGAN – Troy Michael Warren passed away on Monday, May 26, 2025.
Troy was a strong man capable of building just about anything from the ground up. He was a father, a son, a brother, an uncle, a nephew, a friend and a warrior.
Troy wasn’t dealt the best cards to deal with but his time here on earth was never spent in vain. He sewed many fruitful seeds here on earth.
He was predeceased by his grandson, Warren; and his brother-in-law, Anthony Field.
Troy is survived by his parents Pamela and Michael Thomas; his children Michael, Kristi, Seth, Brandon, Tristan; his grandchildren; his brothers Jason Thomas and Michael Thomas Jr.; sister, Pamela Field; nephews McKay Thomas and Michael “Mathew” Thomas; the mothers of his children, Jamie Wyman and Kelly Knight; and son in-law, Dana.
WILLIAM FLETCHER JR.
THORNDIKE – William Fletcher Jr., 82, passed away on Monday, May 26, 2025. He was born in Albion, to Minnie (Morrill) and William Fletcher Sr., on March 23, 1943. He was number five of 12 children.
In 1964 he married Elizabeth (Crawford) Fletcher. They had one child. They were married for 61 years on May 15.
He was predeceased by Betty Fletcher, Janet Davis, Elaine Dionne, and Todd Fletcher.
He is survived by his wife Elizabeth; his son William Fletcher III, of Idaho; four grandchildren (Alex Harris, Ashley Schmidt, Tabatha Sipes, and Tristan Fletcher); five great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, and cousins; sisters Nancy Fletcher, Margaret LeHay, Marion Ewen, Penny Fletcher; and brothers Mike and Mark Fletcher.
There will be a celebration of life on Saturday, June 14, at China Central Lodge #43, in China, from noon to 4 p.m.
ROBERT P. MORNEAU
EAST VASSALBORO – Robert Peter “Bob” Morneau, 85, of East Vassalboro, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at Sebasticook Valley Hospital, in Pittsfield,. Bob was born in Waterville on August 30, 1939, to Sadie (Bolduc) and Phillip Morneau.
He was raised and educated in Winslow where he developed his strong work ethic and deep connection to the land.
On August 24, 1963, Bob met and married the love of his life, Mary (Gilbert) Morneau. Their marriage blessed them with 61 years together until his passing.
In his early years, Bob worked proudly on his family’s farm on Maple Ridge Road, in Winslow, where he raised and cared for chickens and cows that served many local companies.
He later brought his dedication to the Morneau Lumber Company, in Vassalboro, and then to Hammond Lumber Company, where he worked for 32 years before retiring in 2009. Bob’s expertise was legendary – he could identify any type of wood or bark and took great pride in his contribution to Maine’s lumber industry.
Bob lived life to the fullest, with passions that included gardening, hunting, fishing, camping, refinishing wood products, and vacationing with family and friends. His daughter fondly remembers their special day trips to the Maine coast, where they would enjoy fresh lobster while Bob shared stories of the state’s rich history.
Bob was predeceased by his parents; his sisters MaryJane (Morneau) Cliché, Carmen (Morneau) Giroux, and Jacqueline (Morneau) Hallee, and his brother Lawrence Morneau.
He is survived by his wife, Mary; his daughter, Dr. Michelle Bull and her husband Brant; his grandchildren Brandon and Elizabeth “Lizzie” Bull, of Pawcatuck, Connecticut; his sister Theresa Thibodeau, of Marydel, Delaware; and his brothers Paul Morneau and wife Cindy, of Winslow, Reginald Morneau and wife Laurie, of China, and Roger Morneau,of Albion; many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A Funeral Mass will be Friday, June 20, 2025, at 10 a.m., at Corpus Christi Parish (Notre Dame Church), 116 Silver St., Waterville. Burial immediately following the service at St. Francis Cemetery, GroveSt., Waterville. Celebration of Life immediately following burial at Corpus Christi (Notre Dame) Parish Hall, Waterville. All are welcome to attend.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Bob’s honor to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105; Online: https://www.stjude.org/donate/ or to Operation Smile at https://www.operationsmile.org/make-an-impact/ways-to-give/ or by calling: +1-888-677-6453.
WLADYSLAW M. ROMANOWSKI
WINSLOW – Wladyslaw (Walter) Matthew Romanowski, 92, passed away at his home on Tuesday, May 27, 2025. He was born in New Britain, Connecticut, on January 7, 1933, the only child of Wladyslaw and Janina (Balazy) Romanowski.
He attended grammar and high schools in New Britain, Connecticut, and enlisted in the United States Coast Guard in 1956, serving for three years during the Korean Conflict on a Coast Guard weather ship above the Arctic Circle and several lighthouses on the New England coast.
After his discharge from the Coast Guard, he attended the Connecticut State Police Academy and served as a Connecticut State Police Officer for 33 years, retiring in 1989. During his career, he served on the security details of two Connecticut governors, which he enjoyed as he got a front row seat to some of the inner workings of the politics of the day, sometimes meeting or observing state and national political figures behind the scenes on their best or worst days.
Walter moved to China Lake shortly after his retirement and enjoyed many years at the lake with friends and family, always with a beloved dog by his side as co-captain on his party barge. After enjoying the lake life for many years, he and his wife moved to a quieter condo life in Winslow. Walter enjoyed playing cards, reading, surfing the world wide web on his computer, and relaxing at home, enjoying the peace and quiet.
He was predeceased by two wives, Alice in 1979 and Joy in 1984, both succumbing to cancer at an early age.
He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Ellen Johnson Romanowski; his sister-in-law, Janice Sturtevant, of Winslow, her fiancé Patrick, and her two children Karen and Derrick; as well as his brother-in-law, Richard Seamans, of Florida.
Per his request, he will be cremated with no public funeral. There will be a private interment at the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 163 Mt. Vernon Rd., Augusta.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm St., Waterville. An online guestbook may be signed, condolences and memories shared at http://www.gallantfh.
DR. GEORGE R. SPANN
BELGRADE – Dr. George Raymond Spann, 81, of Belgrade, died peacefully at home on March 26, 2025.
George worked as a lecturer at both Rutgers University and the University of Pennsylvania, and as the Director of Development at Delaware County Community College. In 1989, he began working at Thomas College, in Waterville, as their fourth president where he remained until his retirement in 2012. George was credited with transforming Thomas College. During his tenure, the school launched the Guaranteed Job Program, he oversaw construction and renovation of several new campus buildings and he worked to expand academic offerings to include arts and sciences.
A funeral service will be held at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, Eustis Parkway, Waterville, at 11 a.m., on Friday, June 6. A reception at the George and Marty Spann Student Commons at Thomas College will follow the service.
Services are in the care of Wheeler Funeral Home, 26 Church St., Oakland, ME 04963.
Donations in lieu of flowers, can be made to the Margaret Marnet Scholarship Endowment at Thomas College, Waterville, Maine.
Others Departed
ANN M. DOHERTY
WATERVILLE – Ann Marie Doherty passed away on February 27, 2025.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, June 7, at 11 a.m., at Notre Dame Catholic Church, 116 Silver St., Waterville, followed by interment at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, 78 Grove St., Waterville.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm St., Waterville. An online guestbook and full obituary may be found at http://www.gallantfh.com.
LOUISE S. SMITH
BELGRADE – Louise S. “Lou” Smith, 88, died on Sunday, April 6, 2025, following a brief illness. Louise was born on June 17, 1936, to Eva Anna Gramm Schmoyer and the Rev. Dr. Paul E. Schmoyer, in Pottstown, Pennsylvania.
She graduated from Kutztown (Pennsylvania) High School as valedictorian in 1954. She then attended Pennsylvania State University in State College, Pennsylvania, earning BS (1958) and MS (1960) degrees in bacteriology, with an undergraduate minor in chemistry. While at Penn State, she met her future husband, Wayne Smith, a chemistry graduate student. They were married in a ceremony performed by her father on November 25, 1959, in Reading, Pennsylvania.
After living in Pennsylvania, Michigan, and New Jersey, where she campaigned to end discrimination in housing, she and Wayne moved to Waterville in 1967 with two young children; a third would be born two years later.
There being few jobs for bacteriologists in Maine at the time, Louise devoted herself to raising her family and volunteering in civic organizations, especially the American Association of University Women, where she was successively elected Waterville president, Maine president, and New England vice president. She was active in municipal politics as well, becoming one of the first women both to serve on Waterville’s city council (1975) and to run for mayor (1977). Years later, after Rotary International started admitting women, she joined the Waterville Rotary Club and was an active member for over 20 years. In addition, Louise was proud to be a member of the United Church of Christ since its inception. For over four decades she served the First Congregational Church, U.C.C., of Waterville, in various roles, including as deacon and trustee.
In the mid-1970s, Louise started a new career in computer science, taking courses at Thomas College (and later teaching computer classes there) and at the University of Maine. She later worked in computer programming, systems analysis, and total quality management for Keyes Fibre Co., in Waterville, Scott Paper Co, in Winslow, Cianbro Corp., in Pittsfield, Central Maine Power, and the city of Waterville.
Throughout her full and happy life, Louise loved to laugh and relished spending time with her family and many friends, showing her love through her creative and innovative cooking. She was an avid and intellectually curious reader with a talent for problem solving and systems thinking. In retirement, she designed a new home where she enjoyed entertaining family and friends.
She and Wayne also traveled frequently in the U.S. and occasionally abroad. She continued to play tennis, swim, take long walks, solve puzzles, play games (such as bridge), read, garden, and play piano regularly until the end of her life. In the words of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, she believed that “a [person] should hear a little music, read a little poetry, and see a fine picture every day of [their] life, in order that worldly cares may not obliterate the sense of the beautiful that God has implanted in the human soul.”
She is predeceased by her parents, brother Robert, and niece Rebecca.
She is survived by her husband Wayne; children Gregor, Andri (Brian), and Carter (Jeanette); grandchildren Valerie (Emmanuel), Jeffrey, and Owen; sister-in-law Mary Alice; and nephew Timothy (Kate).
A celebration of her life will be held at a later date.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of Direct Cremation of Maine. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared at directcremationofmaine.com.
Services
HELEN R. DICKINSON
NORRIDGEWOCK – A memorial service for Helen Rose Dickinson, formerly of Elmwood Park, Illinois, who died November 30, 2024, will be held at the First Congregational Church, of Norridgewock, 36 River Road, at 1:30 p.m., on Sunday, June 8, 2025. An interment will follow at the Sunset View Cemetery, in Norridgewock.
by Jude Hsiang
