TIMOTHY S. TRASK

OAKLAND – Timothy S. Trask, 65, passed away suddenly on Monday, July 8, 2024. Tim was born January 29, 1959, to Stacy U. Trask and Carolyn L. (Treat) Trask, of Oakland.

He was raised in a large, blended family that helped nurture his love of sports. His love of basketball in particular, along with his natural talent, earned him three varsity letters, a Most Valuable Player trophy, a captain’s pin, and many other honors, before graduating in 1977 from Messalonskee High School, in Oakland.

After time served in the U.S. Army National Guard, and then the U.S. Army, Tim returned to Oakland. He had various jobs over the years, but for the last 25 years he was self- employed, as well as managing two apartment buildings. Tim was the go-to person for so many, and not just his big, extensive family. If you needed your lawn done, a house painted, or locks changed, he was there.

Tim loved a good laugh, and a good meal. Many memories were made on snowmobiling trips, smelting, fishing, and boating on Snow Pond [Messalonskee Lake] where he rented a camp with Valerie and Tina. He was hilarious, and especially loved making his sisters laugh, often ending with the girls in trouble. He loved a good card game, and trips to the casinos with Dave and Dee. He was a die-hard Kansas City Chief’s fan, as well as the Boston Red Sox and Celtics. Above all, he was a kindhearted man, and loved time with his family.

He was predeceased by both parents; siblings Daniel Trask, Donald Trask, Tanness (Trask) Smith, Alexis Trask, Terry Trask, and Anthony Cocco Jr.; nephew Stacy Trask; brother-in-law Marshall Roy.

Tim is survived by son William McKinnon with his wife Malinda and grandsons Trenton and Tyler, all of Brunswick; brother David Trask of Bath; sisters Linda (Cocco) Roy, of Winslow, Cheryl (Cocco) Michaud with husband Jerry, of Cincinnati, Ohio, Tina (Trask) Boag with husband David, of Oakland, and Valerie (Trask) Paul with husband, John of Oro Valley, Arizona; along with several nieces and nephews with their spouses and families.

A private ceremony will be held Saturday, August 10, 2024, for the family. Please join them at the American Legion, in Oakland, at noon to share some laughs and stories while enjoying some snacks. Just as Tim would have loved.

Please visit Tim’s memorial page at https://dsfuneral.com/obituaries/timothy-trask where condolences, photos, and special memories may be shared.

PAUL E. ROY

WINSLOW – Paul Emile Roy, 81, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, July 15, 2024, in Waterville. Born on August 9, 1942, in Saint-Georges-de-Beauce, Québec, Canada, Paul moved to Waterville at the age of 12 and made the United States his home for the remainder of his life.

Paul’s professional life was marked by an incredible work ethic, meticulous attention to detail, and his belief that one’s word and integrity were as important as the work itself. He began his career at C.H. Vigue & Sons, in Winslow, as a lumberyard manager before honing his skills in sheet rocking and drywalling at Pepin Drywall, Inc., in Augusta. His entrepreneurial spirit found him venturing out on his own leading to the establishment of Kennebec Drywall, Inc., and later, New England Fireproofing. Even after retirement, Paul continued to lend his expertise to commercial construction projects as an estimator and consultant.

Paul was happiest when surrounded by his family and was so incredibly proud of his daughters and grandchildren. He was a man of many interests. He played hockey, softball and golf. His love of nature made fishing and hunting particularly enjoyable when they involved peaceful walks that allowed him to appreciate the surrounding beauty. Those who knew Paul knew they could count on his humor. His wit was characterized by impeccable timing, accompanied by a dry delivery spoken with his Canadian accent, and it will be missed tremendously. He cherished the annual vacations the family spent together at Kokatosi Campground and loved reminiscing about all those special memories.

He leaves behind his wife, Elaine Booth Roy; his daughters, Renee Roy-DePeter (Tom DePeter), Rachel Spenard (John Spenard), Michelle Roy, Nicole Roy, and Danielle Roy (Mark Michaud); and step-children Amanda Ovington and Joshua Mooers; grandchildren, Emilia DePeter, Christopher (Ashley) Spenard, Michelle (Anthony) Boudreau, Phineas Roy-Ollie, Chloe Tobin, Jake Tobin, Dylan Tobin, Jack Roy-Becker, George Roy-Becker, Katherine Roy-Becker, Holden and Dexter Ovington; great-grandchild, Caden Spenard; sisters, Olivette Roy Gariepy and Denise Roy, and his former wife, Lucille Roy, with whom he maintained a lifelong friendship; many nieces and nephews.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Emile Roy and Marie-Blanche Drouin Roy; siblings, Fleurette Roy Chouinard, Monique Roy, Angelo Roy, Marcel Roy Poulin, Michele Roy Dufault, and Remi Roy.

A gathering to honor and celebrate Paul’s life will be held at Veilleux Funeral Home, in Waterville, on Saturday, August 10, 2024, from 10 a.m. – noon. A reception will follow at a location to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation, on Paul’s behalf, to one of his favorite charities: Maine Health Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital at mainehealth.org or Good Shepard Food Bank at giving.gsfb.org.

JANE K. LEIGHTON

WATERVILLE – Jane K. Leighton, 92, a resident of Waterville, died Friday, July 19, 2024, in Scar­bo­rough, following a brief illness. She was born October 1, 1931, in Greenville, the daughter of David L. and Lucy B. Knowlton.

After graduating from Greenville High School, she attended the University of Maine for two years, then transferred to Cornell University – New York Hospital School of Nursing, in New York City, where she earned a B.S. degree in nursing in 1955. Immediately after graduation, she worked at New York Hospital for three years, where she became a head nurse in the obstetrics department.

She then returned to Maine and married Albert K. (“Bart”) Leighton, on August 16, 1958. They settled in Waterville in 1962 to raise their family. She worked as a registered nurse at both Thayer and Seton hospitals, in Waterville, through the latter half of the 1960s, whereupon she shifted her primary focus to raising her children.

Jane loved to bake, a craft she picked up during childhood in her family’s bakery in Greenville. There were always freshly baked bread, cookies, rolls and doughnuts at the Leighton house – to the delight of visitors to her home. A favorite activity was picking blueberries in August, and her family enjoyed blueberry pies and muffins year-round as there were always hand-picked blueberries in the freezer. She learned to cook at her family’s restaurant and relished finding fresh produce to serve with home-cooked meals made from scratch every day to her family. She was also an avid reader and writer, either in her personal journals or letters to her children when away at camps or college. She stressed in her children core values such as compassion, hard work, and education – leading by example with her loving ways.

Jane was a very caring person and formed many strong bonds and special relationships with friends too numerous to name in the Morrill Avenue neighborhood and beyond. Over the years, she was a regular volunteer at the sandwich program hosted by the local churches, as well as at MaineGeneral Medical Center – Thayer Unit, in Waterville.

She was predeceased by her husband, who died in 2005, as well as by her sister, Virginia K. Fowle, and her brother, John D. Knowlton.

She is survived by a daughter, Martha, of New York, New York; sons Michael and wife, Karen Dostaler, and her grandson Aiden, of Saco, Andrew and wife, Julie, of Dudley, Massachusetts, Mark, of Manassas, Virginia, and John of Brooklyn, New York; her sisters-in-law Elizabeth Leighton Davis and her husband Robert, of Holden, Massachusetts, and fellow nursing school classmate, Carol Nash Knowlton, of Meredith, New Hampshire; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Services will be held, on Wednesday, July 24, at Wheeler Funeral Home, 26 Church Street, Oakland. Friends and family are invited to join visiting hours beginning at 9 a.m.; the service will begin at 10 a.m. A private burial service will take place later in the day at the Greenville Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to The Moosehead Historical Society & Museums, 444 Pritham Avenue, P.O. Box 1116, Greenville, ME 04441.

ROBERT G. BOYNTON

CHELSEA – Robert G. Boynton, 77, of Chelsea, passed away at his home on Saturday, July 20, 2024. He was born on August 21, 1946, the son of Perley and Marie Boynton.

Robert grew up in Jefferson and graduated from Lincoln Academy in 1964. He served in the U.S. Army from 1966-1968.

On August 23, 1969, he married Deanna Collins, of Chelsea. They would have been married 55 years in August.

Robert owned and operated Boynton’s Remodeling from 1975-2003.

He enjoyed hunting, camping, bird watching, and spending winters in Florida during his retirement years. Robert had a knack for finding four leaf clovers and sharing them with loved ones.

He was predeceased by parents; his brothers, Francis, Roger, and Dennis; and his sister, Pauline.

He is survived by his wife Deanna, of Chelsea; son, Robert and his wife Amy, of Jefferson; daughter, Tammy Staples, of Boca Raton, Florida; grandchildren, Marisa and Dylan Staples, of Gardiner, and Robin and Madeline Boynton, of Jefferson; brothers Linwood, of Hertford, North Carolina, Lawrence and Earland, of Jefferson; a sister Margaret, of Winslow; and many nieces and nephews.

A gathering of friends and family will be held at their home in Chelse,a on Saturday, July 27, at 11 a.m.

THERESA S. MORIN

WHITEFIELD – Theresa (Shorey) Morin, 57, passed away on Saturday, June 15, 2024, following a long courageous battle with cancer. She was born on September 23, 1966, to Randall and Elaine Shorey.

Theresa is survived by her son, Brian Shorey; her siblings Randy, Marilynn, Pauline, Roger, Michelle, and Louis; husband Peter Morin and his extended family.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, at 3 p.m., at Plummers Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant Street, Augusta, Maine.

DAVID W. AYER

KNIGHTDALE, N.C. / OAKLAND – David Wayne Ayer passed away peacefully on March 23, 2024, while receiving care at the Mayo Clinic, in Jacksonville, Florida, from a rare cancer, which he courageously battled. He was born in Fort Lee, Virginia, to Anna and Stanton Ayer, who are previously deceased.

David was a deeply devoted Christian and had an immense faith in God. He taught others so much about God’s Word. He continues to be a beautiful light in so many peoples’ lives.

David served in the U.S. Army as a medic and later advanced his nursing degree to RN, BSN. He was very devoted and passionate, working for Veterans Affairs, which is where he met the love of his life, Kathy, who also was an RN, on the same unit. David devoted 38 years to serving the veterans and their families, which he truly loved. He had a calm and peaceful presence about him, which people were drawn to. He was a strong leader and was compassionate and kind, which showed throughout his life. His career took him from the East Coast to the West Coast. He finished his career at the Raleigh, North Carolina, CBOC Clinic. All were like family to him and Kathy. He was truly blessed to work with such a loving and caring group of people, especially, his manager Haisley.

He always looked forward to his vacations with Kathy and Daisy, their little westie, as they headed up to Oakland to go to their camp on McGrath Pond to spend fun times with their children and grandchildren. He loved taking Daisy in the kayak. It was relaxing for him. Many wonderful times were shared.

David is survived by his wife, Katherine Quinn Ayer, sharing 24 years together; children, Alice (Nick), of California, and Tyler (Alyssa), of Maine, Travis (Kirstie), of Florida; grandchildren, Isabelle, Sebastian, Astrid, Kinsley and Korey; Daisy; sister, Linda Denny (Wayne); and other family relatives.

Predeceased by parents Anna and Stanton Ayer; and brother, Michael Ayer.

David was given a beautiful church service on April 3, Celebration of Life organized by his Nurse Manager Haisley Hunter, of the Raleigh 1 CBOC, at the Durham, North Carolina, VA Hospital.

Graveside service will be at the Maine Veterans Cemetery, on Friday, August 9, at 1 p.m., in section B, located at 163 Mount Vernon Rd., Augusta, ME 04330. A Celebration of Life will follow the service at Lucky Garden, in Hallowell.

CRAIG A. CHUBBUCK

WHITEFIELD – Craig A. Chubbuck died peacefully at his home in Whitefield. Craig was born May 14, 1946, in Bangor, the eldest of ten children and only son of Howard C. Chubbuck and Leona J. Chubbuck, who previously deceased.

He will be laid to rest at the family plot in Orrington. The family will hold a Celebration of Life at a future date.

LINDA M. CUNNINGHAM

VASSALBORO – Linda M. (Rice) Cunningham, 79, of Vassalboro, died Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at Maine Gen­eral Rehab & LTC at Glen­ridge, in Au­gusta. Born in Columbus, Ohio, on July 16, 1944, the daughter of Lauriston and Mildred (Willis) Rice.

Linda, known as Lin, Ma or Nana, was the glue for all of her family and friends. On any given day, you could find Linda out in her flower and vegetable gardens, at her kitchen table with a cup of coffee or playing a game of cards. She looked forward to hunting season every year, cooking in her kitchen waiting for her family and friends to pop in for some food and warmth. These were times Linda cherished and she welcomed any and all into her home. She loved hosting for the holidays, especially Thanksgiving and Christmas. Linda had a special connection with animals and had several German shepherds over the years along with many cats that she loved fiercely. Her favorite life lesson to share was “you can never have too many cats or too many babies”. There was nothing more that she cherished than to have her house filled with everyone she loved.

Linda was predeceased by her parents, her longtime partner, Carroll Waldron, as well as her nephew Thomas Picher.

Linda will be remembered by her children Julia Browne, of Vassalboro, Timothy (Jennifer) Cunningham, of Winthrop, Darrin (Deborah) Cunningham, of Augusta, and Mathew (Angela) Cunningham, of China; her grandchildren Jessica (Kabary) Gogan, Daniel Browne, Karrisa Browne, Kyle Cunningham (Hayley), Stephanie Cunningham, Tyler Cunningham and Allyson Cunningham, as well as seven great-grandchildren; her brother Perley (Wanda) Rice; and sister Gail (Robert) Picher.

Linda’s graveside service will be held on her birthday, Tuesday, July 16, at 11 a.m., at the North Vassalboro Village Cemetery, Cemetery Street, North Vassalboro, Maine.

Arrangements and guidance are entrusted with Staples Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 53 Brunswick Avenue, Gardiner, Maine.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the Staples Funeral Home website, www.staplesfuneralhome.com.

DAVID R. MAWHINNEY

WATERVILLE – David Randall Mawhinney, “Randy”, 62, passed away on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at MaineGeneral Medical Center, in Augusta. David was born in Rumford, on February 15,1962, the son of David E. Mawhinney and Joyce Peters (Rumley).

He was a man of immense humor and wisdom, cherishing every moment spent with his loved ones and his springer spaniels.
David graduated from Mexico High School. He was self-employed in the beginning of his career on the West coast as a carpenter, then settling down at the local college, here on the East coast. Throughout his career, he was known for his hard work, dedication, and passion for helping others. In addition, he was always eager to share his knowledge and enthusiasm with others.

But more than anything, David Mawhinney was a devoted father. He loved spending time with his children and especially his grandchildren: sharing stories and getting down on the floor to play games. He was always there to offer guidance, support, and encouragement, no matter what challenges he faced. In his free time, David enjoyed woodworking, playing his guitar, racing around in his pontoon boat, and just relaxing out to camp.

David is survived by his mother, Joyce Peters (Rumley); his son David Mawhinney and daughter Megan Mawhinney; and his grandchildren, Hunter Mawhinney, Parker Veilleux, and Oliver Mawhinney; sister Kim Mawhinney-Sandahl and husband Bill, Jill Lehr and husband Tony; his great-nephew Jarek Stolting and great-niece Amelia Stolting.

He was predeceased by his father David E.Mawhinney, brother Michael Mawhinney, niece Jessica Lynn Brian, and his step-father Gregory Peters.

Celebration of Life will be held Saturday August 10, 2024, at 1 p.m., At the Manson Central Lodge # 45, 50 Main Street, South China, Maine 04358. All friends and family are welcome.

CHAPPELL F. NELSON

CLINTON – Chappell F. Nelson, 64, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, June 19, 2024, in Levant. He was born Jan­uary 5, 1960, in Waterville, the son of Fred and Carleen Nelson.

Chap graduated from Lawrence High School, in Fairfield. He graduated from Colby College, in Waterville, in 1982, and received a master’s degree from Ohio State University. After graduating he worked at Colby as the equipment manager starting in 1985, until going to Bowdoin College, in Brunswick, in 2016.

Chap was exceptional in his role as the equipment manager at Bowdoin which often consisted of early morning, and late evening hours in support of the young athletes and coaches.

Chap was a high school baseball umpire for over 40 years. He served on the Executive Committee of the Umpires Association for most of those years. Chap was known across the state for his skills and reputation as an umpire. He loved baseball and would do anything he could to help fellow umpires in the game of baseball.

Chap coached baseball at Colby from 1989-2017. He coached at Professional Baseball Experience for 18 years. He also coached legion baseball since he was 18 years old. Lastly, he umpired for 30 years.

Surviving is his mother S. Carleen Nelson; sister Carolyn (Nelson) Corey, (Tim); nephew Gabe Corey (Nicole); niece Cheryl Smith and Beth Leary (Sean); Great-nieces and nephews Nathan, Carmen, Maddie, Jameson, Gwen, Andrew, Abel and Scarlett.

He was predeceased by his father Fred Nelson and brother John Arlo.

A celebration of life was held July 6 at the Colby College gymnasium.

Those who wish to remember Chap in a special way may donate to a senior athlete at Lawrence High School, 9 School St., Fairfield, ME 04937. Donations need to be marked in memory of Chap Nelson, or donate to Kennebec Somerset Umpire Association, Richard McGovern, 27 Forest Ave., Augusta, ME 04330.

KAREN H. CASEY

SOUTH CHINA – Karen H. Casey, 64, died Sunday, June 23, 2024, at Northern Light Inland Hospital, in Waterville, following a brief illness. She was born in Norwich, Connecticut, on March 25, 1960, the daughter of the late Raymond G. and Elaine (Bickford) Beaulieu.

Karen was a graduate of Erskine Academy, in South China, class of 1978. She had been employed by the State of Maine, Department of Health and Human Services for many years.

She enjoyed music, shopping, and lunch at the Olive Garden, in Augusta. Her greatest joy was spending time with family. She will be remembered for her witty personality.

Karen was predeceased by her husband, Kevin Casey.

She is survived by her daughter, Amy L. Naegely and her husband Jacob, of Vassalboro; her son, Michael R. Hoague and his wife Kathleen, of China; her brother, Gilman Beaulieu and partner Jesus Magana, of California; four grandchildren, Luke and Lydia Naegely and Harper and Hadley Hoague; and several cousins.

A Celebration of Life was held on Saturday, July 6, at the China Legion Hall, China. A private family burial will be held at a later time.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Plummer Funeral Home, Windsor Chapel, 983 Ridge Rd., Rt. 32, Windsor, ME.

Condolences, stories and photos may be shared at http://www.plummerfh.com.

LEANNE J. FOURNIER

WINDSOR – Leanne Joy Fournier, 63, passed away Tuesday, June 25, 2024, following a long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. She was born November 10, 1960, and grew up in Augusta with parents Donald and Lorelei (Huff) Pushard.

Leanne graduated from Cony High School, in Augusta, in the class of 1979. On March 14, 1981, she married Richard Fournier and the two settled in Windsor and raised a family. As a young woman, she earned her CNA license and worked as a CNA throughout her life at various facilities in the greater Augusta area as well as providing in-home care.

Leanne was a member of the Le Club Calumet, Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks, Augusta Lodge #964, the Cushnoc Seniors Club, and the DAV Auxillary. In addition, she was very active in her children’s activities which included being a Den Mother in Cub Scouts, and supporting the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. A devoted mother, she thoroughly enjoyed making memories on family vacations when everyone was together.

Leanne will be remembered as a devoted wife, mother, memere, and aunt with a smile for all.

She was predeceased by her son, Richard P. Fournier Jr.; and her parents.

Leanne is lovingly survived by her husband of 43 years, Richard P. Fournier Sr.; her children, Matthew Fournier and his wife Jodi, Daniel Fournier, and Angel Lyshon and her husband Justin; her grandchildren, Braxten, Lily, and Eli Fournier, Addi and Annabella Morris, and Carson, Colby, and Jenessa Lyshon; her sisters, Wendy Annis and her husband William, and Dawn Tobey and her spouse Tracey; and many nieces, nephews, as well as other family members and friends.

A funeral service was held on Tuesday, July 2, at the funeral home with burial following at Maine Veterans Cemetery (Committal Shelter), 143 Blue Star Ave., Augusta.

Condolences, stories and photos may be shared by visiting http://www.plummerfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Leanne’s name may be made to University of Maine Foundation, Two Alumni Place, Orono, ME 04469. Memo: Richard P. Fournier Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund.

JOHN DATSIS

WINSLOW – John Datsis, 90, passed away in peaceful sleep at Lakewood nursing home, in Waterville, on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, where he had resided for the past 1-1/2 years. John was born in Waterville on April 17, 1934, one of five children of Steve and Helena (Gunning) Datsis.

John attended local schools and was active in sports. He was on the Waterville varsity basketball and golf teams and a proud member of the golf state championship team his senior year. John graduated from Waterville High school in 1952.

He enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard September 1952. He was stationed at Cocoas Island off the coast of Guam as a radio operator during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged from the service in September 1956. John was employed in the family business, Datsis Hot Dog Place, until its closure in 1968. He then was employed as a mail carrier for the Waterville Post Office until his retirement in 1996.

John married the love of his life, Gloria Datsis, on June 28, 1958. It was fortuitous that Gloria decided to go to Datsis Hot Dog Place one day for lunch, and the next day their courtship began. The rest is history. John and Gloria were very blessed to enjoy 65 years of marriage.

John had many interests and hobbies. John enjoyed fishing off the coast of York, Maine, for striped bass with his son Kurt and fishing on Moosehead Lake with his son Todd. He was an avid gardener. John would stay out in his gardens all day unless Gloria persuaded him to come back into the house to eat a meal.

John was the most enthusiastic fan at his granddaughter Devon’s field hockey games and at his granddaughter Vanessa’s softball games. John appreciated spending time with his grandson, Ethan, and was grateful that Ethan experienced such joy in the great outdoors. After his grandson, Sam, went into the military (Air Force), John began to reminisce about their shared military experience. Sam followed in his grandfather’s footsteps and was also stationed in Guam. The two of them shared many stories about their common experiences in Guam.

We learned that he and his ffather were stationed on a small remote island, Cocoas Island, and was using top secret tracking technology to identify enemy war planes during the Korean war.

John gave Sam many words of advice about all of the places he wanted him to visit in Guam that he had previously been to.

John was also an avid deer hunter; an activity he shared with his son Kurt and son-in-law Fred. John was the happiest when he was just spending quiet time with his wife or traveling with her to their favorite destination, Todd’s camp on Moosehead Lake.

John was predeceased by his parents; brother James Datsis, sister Ethel (Datsis) Veilleux, brother Pavlo Datsis, and sister Sunny (Datsis) Pomerleau.

John is survived by his wife Gloria; daughter Lisa Datsis and her husband Frederick Currie, of Winslow; sons Todd Datsis, of St. Augustine, Florida, and Kurt Datsis and his wife Ellen, of York; and grandchildren, Samuel Currie, Devon Datsis, Vanessa Currie, and Ethan Datsis.

Visiting hours took place July 2, 2024, at Veilleux Funeral Home, Elm Street, Waterville with the funeral service taking place with burial tfollowing at Howard Cemetery, in Winslow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in John’s memory to Profound Autism Alliance at profoundautism.org.

NORMAN R. GIROUX

OAKLAND – Norman Robert Giroux, 87, passed away on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at Bedside Memory Care, in Oakland, where he had been a resident for five years. He was born on November 10, 1936, to Albert Giroux and Naomi Letourneau Giroux. He was their only child.

He attended Waterville schools and graduated from Waterville High in 1954. He married Doris Arlene Cormier in April, 1956. They were married for 65 years before she passed in July, 2021.

He joined the Maine Army National Guard after high school. He served until his retirement in October 1996, retiring as a Colonel. He served at various armories around the state in several positions through the years and was affiliated with the Regiment Engineering Corps. He was an S4, a supply officer, a Battalion Commander, Group Executive Officer, DOM officer, and Director of Intelligence. He was part of the Bangor, Waterville, and Augusta armories to name a few. He attended the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth in Leavenworth, Kansas to advance in the ranks as well.

His regular job was as a member of the United States Postal Service where he served as a sub, a carrier, and moved onto a nighttime mangement position.

He and his wife are survived by his son, Tim (Paul Anctil) Giroux, and his daughter, Karen (Gerry) Rancourt. They had four grandchildren, Ryan (Megan) Rancourt, John Rancourt, Todd (Jenn) Rancourt, and Jill (Jeff) Merckens. They also have great-grandchilden, Rylee Nicole, Bridgette Anne, Alex Michael, Todd Richard Jr, and Colton Lee. They also have two step-great-grandchildren, Devin and Myles Littlefield; many nieces and nephews, great-nieces and -nephews, and great-great-nieces and -nephews.

A Mass took place on July 6, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 26 Monument St., Winslow, ME.

Arrangements are in the care of Veilleux and Redington Funeral Home 8 Elm St, Waterville, where condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the website at https://vrlfuneralhome.com.

Anyone wishing to make a donation may donate to Bedside Memory Care Facility, 210 Country Club Rd., Oakland, ME 04963.

WALTER S. TILLSON SR.

SIDNEY – Walter S. “Gus” Tillson Sr., 83, passed away at his home, in Sidney, on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, following a short battle with liver cancer. He was born in Augusta on November 2, 1940, to the late Arthur and Leona (Perry) Tillson.

Walter married Effie (Trask) Tillson on Aug. 30, 1958. They shared 56 wonderful years together before her passing in September of 2014.

Gus was a hard worker and he had various jobs throughout his life. He worked for Augusta Sewer District and Maine Wide, but was mostly self employed pouring concrete slabs and building garages. He was often referred to as the “concrete man”. Gus also helped raise numerous foster children becoming a father figure for them.

In 1968 Gus bought what he called “the farm” in Sidney. He raised his family here and this has become the home of four generations of Tillson’s.

In his free time, Gus loved spending time with family and friends. He was his happiest while sitting around a campfire with anyone that wanted to join him. The campfire was a daily occurrence and he looked forward to it every evening. If Gus was sitting at the campfire as his fellow disc golf players finished their game they would always stop and have a conversation with him. They often referred to him as “Pop, the man, the myth, the legend”.Gus also enjoyed fishing, hunting, working on the woodlot, gardening, making maple syrup, telling stories about the “old” days and dancing.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was predeceased by his daughter, Roxanne, son, Arthur; and two grandchildren, Amanda and Eric, his brothers Charlie Sr., Arthur, and Sheldon, brother-in-law, Clyde Trask, sister-in-law, Naomi Buzzel; and his daughter-in-law, Coline Tillson.

He is survived by his children, Walter Jr., of Windsor, Tom and wife, Tammy, of Sidney, Jack, of Sidney, and Tim and wife Beth, of Connecticut; his grandchildren Derek Tillson and wife Sierra, of Sidney, Dylan Tillson and fiancée Kaitlyn Longley, of Oakland, and Caleb Truman, of Sidney; his great-granddaughters, Lillian and Abigail Tillson; his sister, Shirley Cooper, of Tennessee; his brother-in-law, George Trask and wife Gail, of Gardiner; a large extended family including nieces, nephews.

Gus has requested that instead of a funeral he would like everyone to have “one hell of a party”. This was held at 214 Philbrick Rd., in Sidney, on Saturday, July 6.

Arrangements are in the care of the Knowlton and Hewins Funeral Home, 1 Church St., Augusta where condolences and memories may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the funeral home website by visiting http://www.khrfuneralhomes.com

In lieu of flowers, those wishing may make memorial contributions to the Pine Tree Camp, 114 Pine Tree Camp Rd., Rome, ME 04963.

BETSY E. BREMER

JEFFERSON – Betsy Ellen (Hayford) Bremer, 65, passed away peacefully, in Jefferson, on Saturday, June 29, 2024. Betsy was born in Orlando, Florida, on September 17, 1958, the daughter of Elbert Daniel Hayford Jr and Dorothy (Meigs) Hayford.

Betsy attended Erskine Academy, in South China, for one year and then transferred to Hall Dale High School, in Farmingdale, and graduated in the Class of 1976. One of her courses at the vocational center led her on the path of baby and child care, learning skills that would serve her well in her various jobs.

Betsy met Henry “Harry” Bremer, in Watervill,e and traveled to various states with him as he worked as an electrician. They lived in Illinois, California, New York and Maine. Betsy and Harry were married in August 1986.

Betsy was a caring, nurturing person, whether it was babies, adults, family or pets. She held various jobs in child care and was also a nanny. She transitioned to pet sitting and pet care, opening her business “Tender Care Pet Sitting Services.” She took exceptional care of her clients’ pets and left such detailed notes about the services she performed for them. She took care of dogs, cats, rabbits, even chickens. In later years, she qualified herself to become a Personal Care Assistant.

Betsy had her own pets and took great care of them. She had parrots, cats and rabbits. She loved shopping and making crafts and had a dedicated craft room in her home.

Betsy attended Alanon for a number of years and learned a great deal from the program. She also did volunteer work for Alanon, taking meeting minutes, performing bookkeeping and treasurer work for them.

Betsy had deep love for her family and friends. She cared for her father in his old age. She kept in touch with family and was always available to listen and offer loving advice.

Betsy was always aware of her spiritual need and studied the Bible in every state she lived in. She started studying the Bible regularly in 2017 in Maine. She overcame many challenges and developed a strong faith that carried her through difficult times. She dedicated her life to Jehovah God and was baptized on September 18, 2022.

Betsy was predeceased by her parents, her husband and her brother Elbert D. Hayford III.

Betsy is survived by her sisters Bonnie Glazier, Barbara Bonenfant and her husband Dan Bonenfant, and Connie Libby and her husband Jim Libby; nieces; nephews.

A Memorial service will be held at the Augusta Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, located at 8 Cross Hill Rd., on Saturdday, July 13, at 2 p.m. Burial will be next to her husband at the Central Maine Veterans Cemetery, on Mt Vernon Rd., in Augusta.

Cremation arrangements are by Mid Maine Cremation Services, at 453-6006.

JOYCE C. SCULLY

WATERVILLE – Joyce Claire Scully, 85, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at the Alfond Center for Health, in Augusta.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home. Please visit http://www.gallantfh.com to view Joyce’s full obituary.

JEANNETTE LEIGHTON

SIDNEY – Jeannette Leighton, 85, passed away Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at her home, in Sidney. She was born November 30, 1938, to Carlton Mitchell Sr. and Grace Mitchell.

Jeannette graduated class of 1956 from Williams High School, in Oakland. From there she continued her education at Bangor Nursing School where she obtained a bachelor of science degree and became a registered nurse. She then married David Leighton Sr. in September 1960, and then spent the next 64 years by his side, enjoying each other to the fullest.

Jeannette loved watching her boys playing sports from Pop Warner Football throughout high school. She was a dedicated Pittsburgh Steelers fan. Jeannette and David Sr. loved to spend time at their camp, at Moosehead Lake, where they had many fond memories. The majority of their pastime, after retirement, included traveling, visiting all 50 states, visiting countries all over the world and many cruises, making memories and friends along the way. They wintered in Acadia, Florida, where they had so many friends come to the porch for happy hour.

She was predeceased by her parents, Carlton Mitchell Sr. and Grace Mitchell; her siblings Carlton Jr., George, Cindy and Grandson David Leighton III, of Greenville and Florence Julia of Fairfield.

Jeanette is survived by her husband David Leighton Sr.; her children David Jr, Dwight and his wife Theresa; and grandchildren Katie Bridges and husband Jake of Morris, Conn.; Dalton Leighton and wife Ceara of Oakland; great-grandchildren, Hazel Bridges, Quinn and Vivian Leighton and Linda Poellot and family of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania; her sister Rose Dubois and husband Jon.

There will be a graveside service at 11 a.m., Friday, July 12, 2024, at 43 Lupine Lane, Sidney. Immediately followed by a social hour at their home of the same address.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to your local hospice care facility in honor of Jeannette.

GILMAN L. MADORE

WINSLOW – Gilman “Gil” Leo Madore, Jr., 60, passed away on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, following a years-long battle with cancer. Born in Melrose Park, Illinois, on June 2, 1964, the sixth of seven children, Gil was a member of the Waterville High School Class of 1982.

He received his degree in metallurgy from Eastern Maine Vocational Technical Institute in the late 1980s.

Gil worked at the Somerset SAPPI plant, in Hinckley, for 29 years and was a member of the United Steelworkers USW Local #9. He was a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons for 25 years and member of Siloam Lodge #92, in Fairfield, serving for a time as Master of the Lodge.

Gil was a Big Brother with the Big Brother/Big Sister program. He was a spokesman for this organization and coined the phrase “Get off the Couch” to encourage other men to become Big Brothers and mentors to young boys. In his younger years, Gil was a camper and a camp counselor at Camp Kennebec during the 1970s and early 1980s. His trips to the Allagash were his favorite outings and instilled in him a love of the land which he shared with so many others.

Gil’s favorite place on earth was his “Man Camp”, on Caribou Lake, in the unorganized territory T3R12. He was a mentor to his many nephews, teaching them boating, fishing, fire-building, hunting and proper gun safety skills. Gil’s love of the land lives on in these young men. Additionally, he fostered many friendships while at his camp, forming bonds that supported and sustained him to the last days of his life. This was evident in the dedication many of his friends showed, offering their time and talents to fulfill Gil’s dream of expanding the camp and providing a place for future generations.

Gil was a talented craftsman in the arts of metallurgy, lumbering and carpentry. He was a gifted welder, and he loved felling trees – the bigger the better. And if you’re one of the lucky ones, you have a set of Adirondack chairs specially made for you sitting on your deck.

Gil was preceded in death by his father, Gilman Leo Madore, Sr. and a nephew.

Gil is survived by his wife of 24 years, Mary Roy Madore; her parents Arthur and Dolores Roy; stepdaughters, Kate-Lynne MacKenzie Poulin (Brian), of Winslow, and Heather MacKenzie Thorne (Nick), of Winslow; his five grandchildren, Bradley, Sydney and Emma Poulin; and Brayden and MacKenzie Thorne; by his mother Nancy Gallagher and stepfather Mike Gallagher, of Oakland; siblings Kevin Madore (Olivia Atherton), Mike Madore, Sharon Madore, Lynn Brochu (Gary), Theresa Butler and Gigi Madore, Md., (Marsha Nelson); as well as many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Memorial services will be held on Friday, July 12, at the Poulin-Turner Union Hall, 653 Waterville Road, Skowhegan, beginning at 3 p.m.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm Street, Waterville. An online guestbook may be signed, and condolences and memories shared at http://www.gallantfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. This link will take you directly to Gil’s memorial page: St. Jude Memorial Fund: Gilman Madore – St. Jude Memorial Funds (stjude.org).

GEORGE A. SAWTELLE

NEW HARBOR/WATERVILLE – George Allison Sawtelle, 90, of New Harbor, passed away on Wednesday, July 3, 2024. Born in Waterville, Maine on January 19, 1934, he was the only child of George and Alice (Kitchin) Sawtelle.

He graduated from Waterville High School in 1952, and attended Coburn Classical Institute, in Waterville. His first job was as a delivery truck driver for Harris Baking Company, in Waterville. He then worked for several years as a salesman for the Fuller Brush Company. His charming and unassuming manner made him a favorite with many of his customers.

He held many sales positions over the course of his career, working for auto dealerships and insurance agencies. Eventually he established his own independent insurance agency, specializing in life and health insurance. He worked for L.L. Bean in his early retirement years.

In 1984 George married Judith Hatch Cheney and they made their home in New Harbor. He liked living by the ocean and boating. He was a member of the Lions Club, and proudly served the town as a Parks Commissioner.

For many years he enjoyed camping with friends and family. Snowmobiling, sailing, and bicycling were some of his favorite activities. He liked tinkering with electronics. He loved to hear about each of his grandchildren and great grandchildren, and he was proud of all.

Besides his parents, George was predeceased by a son-in-law, Stephen Nelson.

He is survived by his wife, Judy; stepson, Richard Cheney and wife Karen, of New Harbor; a step-grandson; his five children, Georgette Sobey and husband Myron, of Pittsfield, Kathie Nelson, of Palermo, Timothy Sawtelle and wife Lynnda, of Albion, Tammie Willis, of Louden, New Hampshire, and Sarah McKeen and husband Darrell, of China; 15 grandchildren; and 35 great-grandchildren.

A time of visitation will be held from 1 – 3 p.m., on Monday, July 15, with a sharing of stories at 2 p.m., at the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, in Damariscotta.

Donations in George’s memory may be made to Lakeside Advent Christian Campground located, in Belgrade, where George loved the time he spent as a youth, and the memories he made lasted a lifetime. Checks should be sent to Cherry Frewin, Lakeside Treasurer, 894 Brady Way, Jonesborough, TN 37659.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main Street, Damariscotta, ME 04543. Condolences, and messages for his family, may be expressed by visiting: www.StrongHancock.com.

BRUCE D. LEEMAN

PALERMO – Bruce D. Leeman, 96, of Palermo, passed away peacefully at his home. He was born May 16, 1928, at the home of his parents, Guy and Lillian Scates Leeman. He was the youngest of the brothers, Archie, Guy and Lloyd.

We’ve been told he walked to the school on the Banton Road. Then he went to high school at Walker High School, in Liberty. He said he rode his bike there with some friends. One day, a girl asked for a ride home on his handlebars. He ended up marrying her, Elizabeth Mathieson, on October 31, 1947. Together they had four children, Linda, Mark, Eric and Parker; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

Most of his life he was a self-employed as a mason. He also built houses for his daughter and granddaughter. He built several camps and his own two houses.

He worked eleven years for Kenway Boats. He and Guy planted trees all over the state. They cut Christmas trees and many went out of state. He also learned how to fly an airplane.

Bruce and Betty traveled across the United States, visiting friends and relatives. They also traveled to Germany and found some family there. They stayed with a friend stationed on a base there. The friends took them around Germany.

Bruce was preceded in death by his wife.

The grandchildren are going to have a gathering on Saturday, July 13, at 4:30 p.m., at the Sheepscot Fish and Game Club on Rte. 3.

TRACY P. CHARTRAND

WATERVILLE – Tracy Pressey Chartrand, 72, passed away on Wednesday, May 15, 2024. Tracy was born in Waterville on July 7, 1951, to Lynn and Pauline Pressey, of Oakland.

Tracy grew up in Oakland and was a 1970 graduate of Messalonskee High School.

Tracy’s parents owned the Coffee Pot restaurant, in Oakland, and that’s where her love for cooking began. She cooked for most her adult life in different restaurants even owning her own, Tracy’s Family Restaurant, in Oakland, which was a life long dream. Tracy got into mental health field later on in her life which she thrived at.

She was a woman with many talents, cooking, sewing, flower arrangements, but her most precious gift was they way she left an impact on every one she met. She surely showed forth the love of Christ, and made so many life long friends.

Tracy was predeceased by her mom and dad, Lynn and Pauline Pressey; paternal father Arnold Abbott; brother Ronald Pressey; grandson Troy Bowen; and great-granddaughter Eevee Mae.

She is survived by her daughters Lisa Pressey and husband Craig Lizzotte, of Waterville, Amber Bigelow and husband Steve, of Winslow, and Rebecca Adams, of Winslow; son Jeremy Chartrand, of Massachusetts; grandchildren KoraMae McDonald and husband Mitch, Jalynn Drown, Jeremy Chartrand, Lucas Pressey, Jacob Bigelow, Philip Bigelow, llana Lizzotte, Samuel Adams and Cadence Adams; brothers Lynn Pressey and wife Phoebe, of Wells, Jody Pressey and wife Charlene, of Chelsea, and Shawn Pressey, of Waterville; sister Karen Cayford and husband Vance, of Benton.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Arrangements done by Dan and Scott’s, Skowhegan.

LOIS L. SHORES

ALBION – Lois Louise Shores, 85, passed away on Wednesday, June 12, 2024. Lois was born on August 14, 1938, in Clinton, the daughter of Clayton and Marion Hunt.

Lois married Frederick Shores on January 28, 1957. In August 1964 Lois and Fred purchased the Woodbury Farm, on the Belfast Road. It is there they built a beautiful farm and family. They worked tirelessly to raise nine children and expand their farm. Lois loved babies and cared for many children after her own children were grown.

Lois was known for her biscuits and loved to cook for her large family. She always said it was a lot of work to raise nine children on a farm, but she loved it and would do it all over again if she could. Lois was a very appreciative person and always made a point to thank those who helped her.

Lois was predeceased by her husband Frederick; son Dennis, daughter-in-law Kimberlee; sisters, Eileen, Thelma, Dorothy, Christine, Beverly and brother David, sister-in-law Louise; and many other in laws.

She is survived by her children, Cindy, Karen, Kevin (Alice), Terry, Jeff (Theresa), Laurie (Chris), Billy (Dianne), Amy (Floyd); grandchildren, Shaun, Spencer, Justin, Corey, Brandon, Jessica, Kristian, Hadassah, Makayla, Rebekah, Grace, Jack, Kera, Cameron, Chase; 10 great-grandchildren; her sister Marion; sister-in-law Gloria; brothers-in-law Amasa, Allen, Erlon Jr. and Danny.

A graveside service was held on Sunday, June 23, 2024, at the No. 4 Cemetery, in Albion. Following the service, the family held a Celebration of Life at the Besse Building, on Main Street, in Albion.

Arrangements are under the direction of Lawry Brothers Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Lois may be made to the Albion Loins Club, Attn: Elaine Staples, 118 East Benton Rd., Albion ME 04910.

ROY J. FEIHEL

SOUTH CHINA – Roy James Feihel, 64, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, June 15, 2024 at his residence, in South China, following years of long-term health conditions. Roy was born in Queens, New York, on September 23, 1959, to parents Clemence and Robert Feihel.   Roy grew up on Long Island, New York, and spent his summers in Maine at his parent’s second house, on China Lake.  He had very fond memories of playing in the lake with his many siblings, and cousins.

As a young man, after graduating from Hofstra University, in New York, with a degree in communications. Roy worked a variety of jobs, a delivery driver, building crates to ship art across the country, and working as a jewelry maker. In between long days spent at the beach, surfing and driving his 1968, Oldsmobile 442 convertible, with his wild curly hair blowing in the wind.

Roy married his wife Rosie, on Long Island, in 1996. Then moved to South China, with his wife and stepson, David. Later following was the birth of his daughter Angela in 1998.

Roy worked as an Ed-Tech for kids with autism and special needs for over 20 years, at Spurwink and Cony High School, in Augusta, where he made a big impact, changed a lot of lives, and was well known for his patience, wood-fired pizza, bread, and “amazing” mac n’ cheese.

In his down time, Roy enjoyed painting and drawing waves, drinking his coffee by the woodstove, trying out new recipes, swimming in his pool, going out to the depot with his friends, watching Sherlock Holmes with his family, feeding the cat, and researching a variety of health and nutrition topics, which he loved to share with people in hopes of helping as many people as possible to feel healthier.

Roy had a vibrant, charming personality, he loved to kid around and have fun. He was endlessly creative, innovative, with too many ideas to count. He also always loved supporting everyone’s dreams and ambitions.    Roy was predeceased by his father Robert Feihel, his mother Clemence Feihel, his brother Tye Feihel, brother-in-law John Udle, and mother-in-law Angelina Rivera.

He is survived by his wife, Rosie Feihel; his daughter, Angela Feihel; his step-son, David Lopez; his brother, Bob Feihel and sister-in-law Jayne; his sisters, Janice Manzolillo, Paula Udle, Lauren Redemann and brother-in-law Peter, Jackie Robilliard and brother-in-law Rod, Laurie Anderson and brother-in-law Eric; and many many nephews, and nieces.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Plummer Funeral Home, 983 Ridge Rd., Windsor, ME 04363. Condolences, stories, and photos may be shared by visiting www.plummerfh.com.

RICHARD A. MICHAUD

WATERVILLE – Richard A. Michaud, 78, passed away on Saturday, June 15, 2024, losing his long battle with COPD, and its insidious side effects. Dickey, nicknamed by friends and family, was born in Waterville, on April 22, 1946, to Aurele J. Michaud, of Saint Agatha, and Yvette M. LaPierre, of Waterville.

He had three siblings, older brother Robert, younger sister Jean Ann and younger brother Dana.

Richard attended local schools in Waterville and graduated from Waterville High School in 1964. While in high school he belonged to the EMAC club. He later joined the National Guard for four years as a cook. While in high school he also met his wife to be, Eva Couture. They were married on April 22, 1967, recently celebrating 57 years of marriage during which they raised their three sons, Paul, Danny and Shawn.

He worked at a few odd jobs before starting his lifelong career at Maine Central Railroad, where he worked as a carmen/welder until retiring in 2009. There he made many lifelong friends and acquired the nickname “shotgun.”

Dickey was also an avid fisherman and hunter, spending many days, with his father, oldest brother, grandfathers and a host of uncles and cousins, many friends and his sons. His deer antler collection hanging in his garage reveals one of nature’s wonderful oddities, a legal doe with spike horns, on a buck only tag.

Richard was an amazing gardener, who turned his clay-based backyard into a bountiful vegetable garden that supplied many a table with tomatoes, cukes, string beans, zucchini, and giant rhubarb, to name a few. He also did a lot of canning and freezing. When COPD began to wage its battle, Dickey could no longer expend the energy needed to garden and maintain his quality of life, and regrettably had to give it up.

He was also a dedicated “bird feeder” caretaker, keeping two feeders full of seed, two hummingbird feeders going, two suet feeders full and the occasional half oranges for the orioles. Dickey also fed an army of skunks, raccoons, red and gray foxes, chipmunks and red squirrels. Many times, he would toss out old hot dog rolls, stale bread, table scraps and the second McDonald’s sausage McMuffin to the waiting crowd. Dickey also fed (unwillingly) many deer from his garden, so he put white chairs in it, to keep the deer out, claiming the deer were repelled by them (?).

Dickey over the years became a devoted Boston Red Sox fan, often leaving where he was to get home to sit on the living room floor, and root for his team.

Richard was also an avid card player, mastering Cribbage, Bid Whist, and a few other “penny games” with both family and friends. Many a night he, Eva, mom and Dana would slug it out playing team bid whist, in a quest of a killer hand, to defeat the opponents. Other days, nights, birthdays and holidays, the cards came out, and it was time to play 10 pennies involving children and grandchildren. His “29” cribbage hand, dealt to him during a Cribbage tournament sits framed and fading away on the living room wall, as a testament to that rare vent. Richard was happiest sitting on the floor in front of his television playing solitaire, listening to the news, weather report, a baseball game, or helping his grandchildren and great-grandchildren open and put presents together on holidays.

Richard was predeceased by his parents, his older brother, his grandparents and his many aunts and uncles.

Richard is survived by his wife Eva, their three sons and their families, Paul and his wife Mary, Danny and his wife Leah and their children Emma and Carter. Shawn his partner Erica and his daughters Leah, Stephanie, and Sasha; four great-grandchildren, Jaxson, Raelyn, Melanie and Josie.

Visiting hours will be held at Veilleux’s Funeral Home, in Waterville, on Wednesday, July 10, from 2 – 4 and 6 -8 p.m.

A small service for close family and friends will be held on Thursday, July 11, at 3 p.m., also at Veilleux Funeral Home, followed by a Celebration of Life that all are invited to attend, from 4 – 7 p.m., at Silver Street Tavern, in Waterville.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ronald McDonald Charities, 250 Brackett Street, Portland, Maine 04102, in his name.

LEONARD J. HOWELL

PALERMO – Leonard John Howell, 96, passed away peacefully at his winter home, in Ft. Myers, Florida, on Thursday, June 20, 2024. (He was to turn 97 on July 10).

Len was a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend to those blessed to know him.

In retirement, he wintered in Florida but spent every summer in his beloved Maine. His parents had owned a farm, on Banton Road, Palermo, and much of that property is still in family ownership. Len was an outstanding father, businessman and avid boater.

He loved being involved in organizations/ boards, etc., and enjoyed leadership roles in many of them. He was one of the founding members of the Sheepscot Lake Association and was passionate about preserving both the lake and surrounding lands for future generations.

Len is survived by his wife of 42 years, Susan; his four children, David (Lydia), William (Nona), JoAnn (Adam), and Bradford (Anne); seven grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.

JUSTIN L. FINLEY

WINDSOR – Justin L. Finley, 42, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, June 20, 2024, at his home. He was born in Waterville on March 17, 1982, the son of Lawrence (Larry) Finley and Ronda Bell.

Justin worked as a farmer his entire life. He enjoyed four-wheeling, snowmobiling, riding his motorcycle and especially being around and doing things with his children.

Justin was predeceased by his father Larry, son Liam Finley and a brother Travis Finley.

He is survived by his children, Lukas, Lily and Leah, wife Jessica, mother Ronda Bell and stepfather Kevin Bell.

A graveside service will take place on Friday, June 28, 2024, at noon, at the Finley family cemetery, on the Choate Road, in Windsor.

Gathering of friends and family will follow at the Finley farm on Windsor neck road, Windsor.

Arrangements are under the care of Kincer Funeral Home 130 Pleasant St., Richmond, Maine 04357.

KENT A. BREAU

UNITY – Kent A. Breau, 64, passed away on March 11, 2024, at Maine­General Glenridge, in Augusta, after bravely battling Alz­heimer’s for a decade, accompanied by dementia during his final years. Born in Farmington on September 29, 1959, Kent’s life was a tapestry woven with threads of hunting excursions and backwoods escapades beneath the open sky.

Kent will be fondly remembered for his passion for the great outdoors. Whether it was guiding hunting expeditions for bear, deer, moose, turkey, or another fishing adventure, Kent’s love for nature shone through in everything he did. He was often seen in his signature flannel shirt or quirky printed T-shirts paired with blue jeans and boots that had seen their fair share of dirt, always sporting a mischievous smile that captured his fun-loving personality.

He was a graduate of Mt. View High School, in Thorndike, class of 1978.

Kent’s proudest achievement was becoming a Registered Maine Guide, and bagging Maine’s biggest atypical buck in 1995, a feat that solidified his reputation as a skilled hunter. He took immense pride in watching his daughter M., evolve into an amazing young woman.

Kent is survived by his father Patrick Breau, of Unity; daughter M. Breau, of Oregon; brothers Kevin (Jessica), of St. Albans, and Kyle, of Unity; sisters Karen (Jim Fotter), of Gray, and Kerri (Ed Oliver), of Sidney; many nieces and nephews; numerous cousins.

Kent was preceded in death by his mother Shirley Breau and former wife Cathy Cook.

A Graveside Service will be held on Saturday, August 3, 2024, at 11 a.m., at Unity Pond Cemetery, across from Depot Street, at noon,. at Unity Barn Raisers, 32 School St. Please join to recount tales of camaraderie, humorous anecdotes, and fond memories made with Kent and family. Condolences, stories and photos may be shared by visiting http://www.plummerfh.com.

Others Departed

PETER BERNIER

FLORIDA – Peter Bernier of Florida and Maine, passed away on Monday, June 10, 2024, of a rare form of cancer. He was the son of Louis P. Bernier and Pearl M. (Pelletier) Bernier.

He attended the Brothers School, in Waterville, Waterville High School, and spent four years in the U.S. Navy. He also received business degree from Thomas College, in Waterville. Peter worked most of his adult life for the U.S. Government. Peter worked as a supervisor at the Augusta Post Offiice.

He ended his career as Post Master at the Thorndike, Maine, Post Office. Peter loved his home in Sidney. He spent many hours moving rocks with his backhoe and felling trees. That was Peter’s joy. In later years he became a “Snow Bird” and wintered on Port Saint Lucie, Florida.

Peter is survived by three sisters, Diane (Roland) Dechaine, Patricia (Robert) Perry, and Janice (Kevin) Dyer; several nieces and nephews.

Peter was predeceased by his two brothers, Richard and Stephen Bernier.

Arrangements will be made by the Veterans Administration, and will be posted at a later date.

Services

HERBERT F. OLIVER

WATERVILLE – Herbert Frank Oliver, of Waterville, passed away, in Portland, on March 10.

A Celebration of Life will be held at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 60 Eustis Parkway, Waterville, on Saturday, June 29, at 2 p.m. Please join as they review a life well-lived. To read Herbert’s full obituary, please visit http://www.dsfuneral.com/obituaries or Facebook.

JOSHUA T. NELSON

SIDNEY – Joshua Thomas Nelson, “Big Country”, 35, of Sidney, passed away on June 5, 2024, as a result of an automobile accident.

Josh was a hard­working, fun loving family guy. He spent most of his time working on building his business. He was the one you could count on! He had strong beliefs and enjoyed discussions whether you agreed with him or was on the opposing side. His love of ribbing and joking had no bounds. Josh had a tough exterior, but he was a selfless teddy bear.

Josh was a graduate of St. Augustine Catholic School, in Augusta, and graduated in 2008 from Messalonskee High School, in Oakland. Josh was a communicant of St. Augustine Church.

Joshua obtained his CDL license then began work for Pat Jackson and Dube Environmental before venturing out to establish his own successful business, JT Nelson Sewer & Drain LLC.

Josh “Big Country” enjoyed camping, hunting, fishing, and riding his Harley. He took pride in his country, talking history and politics. He loved spending time in Jackman. Josh had a big heart, was always willing to help others and was fiercely loyal. His love of family was evident at Sunday dinners at his parents’ home in Sidney and he never missed a family event.

The world was a better place having had Josh in it, he will be missed greatly by all who knew him.

Joshua is survived by his parents, John and Donna Nelson; his sister, Renee Nelson; and niece, Arianna Dube; several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Josh was predeceased by his maternal grandparents, Jude and Dora Brunelle; great-grandmother, Ida Toussaint; as well as his paternal grandparents, great-grammy Doris Knight, and grandmother, Beatrice Sproul.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, June 15, 2024, at 1 p.m., at the Augusta Civic Center, North room.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta, ME 04330. Condolences, stories and photos may be shared by visiting http://www.plummerfh.com.

ALISON MIZNER

WATERVILLE – Alison “Mickey” Mizner, 88, died peacefully at her home, in Waterville on January 14, 2024. The cause was cancer. Born on Staten Island, New York, in 1935, Mickey was the daughter of Henry Bamford Parkes, a historian, and Mollie Brown, a psychologist.

Mickey moved to Waterville with her husband, John Mizner, in 1963 after he got a job teaching English at Colby College, in Waterville, and they lived on West Court with their children Sarah and David. She had an older sister, Nancy, who she would stay close to throughout her life. When Mickey was three, the family moved to Yorktown on the Upper East Side of Manhattan.

Her parents pulled her out of public school and enrolled her in Walden, a private school on the Upper West Side. Most of the students there came from wealthy families, and Mickey felt out of step with her classmates.

Mickey lived at home while attending New York University and graduated as an English major. For her first salaried job, she worked as a case manager with the Bureau of Child Welfare. The experience was formative for Mickey, who would later write that the people she visited never had a real chance in life due to “racism, poverty, and bureaucratic intransigence.”

On a blind date, she met John, who was working toward a PhD in English at the University of Pennsylvania. They were an ideal match. John, having endured a traumatic childhood as a Holocaust refugee, needed a caretaker, a role that came naturally to Mickey. John, meanwhile, was the dependable, stabilizing force that Mickey needed.

John took a job at Colby, which was in a state neither he nor Mickey had visited. In 1967, shortly before Sarah was born, they moved to West Court. David was born two years later.

Mickey and John took enormous pleasure in food, travel, day trips to Great Pond and the coast, movies at Railroad Square Cinema, and the many friends they made through Colby.

In the late ‘70s, Mickey earned a degree in speech therapy at the University of Maine Orono and started working in the elementary schools, helping students overcome stutters and other impediments.

Mickey enjoyed watching her children play sports and might have even felt a bit of “Panther Pride” when David’s basketball team won the state championship in 1985. She and John loved to travel. They took many trips to Europe, first with the children then without. Perhaps their favorite destination was the French Riviera, where John’s father lived. The family often went to New York City, because both grandmothers lived there, and in later years John and Mickey continued to visit, eventually buying an apartment in the city with the idea they would spend time there after John retired.

But it was not to be. In 1998, shortly before his retirement, John was diagnosed with kidney cancer. Mickey immersed herself in the task of caring for him. The cancer progressed rapidly in the fall, and he died at home in December at the age of 66.

It was after John’s death that Mickey, trying to process her enormous grief, began to write, first about his sickness, then about her childhood and her family. Having read thousands of books in her life, Mickey discovered that she herself was a writer.

She read for hours every day, doted on her cats, did yoga, researched and supported animal welfare efforts, kept up on both local and national politics, volunteered in a senior companion program, and met friends for movies and meals.

Friends cared for Mickey throughout her seven-year sickness. They took her to medical appointments, brought her dinner, slept over, shopped for her, sat with her, and ultimately enabled her to die as she wanted, at home.

Mickey lived mindfully, taking little for granted. Even during chemo cycles, she took joy in her many pleasures, whether it was her daily phone call with Nancy, an episode of All Creatures Great and Small, or one of the mini-Butterfingers she kept in the fridge.

Mickey is survived by her children, Sarah, her husband Josh, David, his wife Miri; her grandchildren Anna, Sophie, Nate, Milo, Gideon and Izzy; her sister Nancy; and several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, June 22, at 10 a.m., at Lorimer Chapel, at Colby, with a luncheon reception to follow at 2 West Court, in Waterville.

Services

BARBARA W. PINKHAM

OAKLAND – A Celebration of LIfe will be held for Barbara Wilson Pinkham, at the Oakland-Sidney United Methodist Church, School Street, Oakland, on Saturday June 15, 2024, at 11 a.m. Lunch will follow in the Social Hall.

Those who wish are invited to visit The Lexington Center Cemetery, in Lexington, and join a tour of the Lexington/Highland History House, a museum project initiated by Barbara Pinkham.

DAVID S, CAMPBELL

 

 

AUGUSTA – David S. Campbell passed away September 1, 2023.

A grave­­side service will be held on Sunday, June 23, 2024, at 11 a.m., at the Resthaven Cemetery, Route 32, Windsor. with military honors for his 20 years of service in the United States Air Force. He was also a member of the American Legion Post #2, the Elks Lodge #964, both in Augusta, a Mason and had nine years of voluntary service to the Maine State Credit Union.

There will be no gathering after the services. Please bring memories and stories to share.

RICHARD STAPLES

Please join the family as they come together to honor and celebrate the life of Richard Staples on Saturday, June 22, 2024, at 3 p.m., at the home of Forrest Staples, 930 Colby Road, Palermo, Maine.

NANCY ST. PIERRE

WATERVILLE – Nancy M. St. Pierre, 91, passed away on Monday, May 6, 2024, at Northern Light Inland Hospital. Born on June 22, 1932, in Waterville, Nancy was daughter to Arthur and Blanche (Huard) St. Pierre.

She worked as a production worker at Lipman Poultry, and later at the Waterville Morning Sentinel, from where she retired.

Nancy was a fan of sports. Her love for her hometown extended to her favorite local establishment, the Red Barn Restaurant, where she enjoyed many a meal. Nancy was a woman of simple pleasures, and her joy in these shared passions brought happiness to those around her.

She was preceded in death by both her parents, her sisters Jeanette Nadeau and Blanche Mathieu, and her brother Robert Pierre.

Nancy is survived by several nieces and nephews.

A committal ceremony was held on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, 78 Grove St., Waterville, Maine, 04901.

Please visit Nancy’s memorial page at https://dsfuneral.com/obituaries/nancy-st-pierre were condolences. Photos, and special memories may be shared.

NORMAN J. TRAHAN

NORTH VASSALBORO – Norman Joseph Trahan, 93, passed away at Woodlands Senior Living of Waterville on Friday, May 10, 2024. Norman was born in Waterville on August 1, 1930, originally named Joseph Norman A. Trahan, son of Alfred and Emerencienne (Dupuis) Trahan.

He graduated from Waterville High School before entering the U.S. Army on September 22, 1946. PFC Trahan concluded his first tour of duty on September 21, 1949. He later re-enlisted in the Army and served from October 8, 1953, before departing as a Corporal on October 7, 1956.

Norman worked as a sales manager of automobiles and belonged to Waterville Country Club. He was an avid golfer, pool player, and loved to garden. He was a Dix Pool Champion.

He was predeceased by his wife, Betty (Cox); grandson, John; his parents; and brothers Arnold, Bobby, and Reggie.

Norman is survived by stepson, Steven Mansfield; stepdaughter, Marcia Mansfield; four grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren; sisters Rita St. Hilaire, of Florida, and Shirley Landry, of Winslow; brother, Don, of New Hampshire; along with many nieces and nephews.

Norman will be laid to rest at the Village Cemetery, Cemetery Street, North Vassalboro, at a later date.

Please visit Norman’s memorial page at https://dsfuneral.com/obituaries/joseph-trahan-may-2024 where condolences, photos, and special memories may be shared.

JUDITH E. COUTURE

WATERVILLE – Judith E. Couture, 85, passed away at Central Maine Medical Center, in Lewiston ,on Friday, May 10, 2024. Judith was born in Augusta on December 12, 1938, to her parents Earl and Laura (LaCroix) Traynor.

She attended and graduated from Waterville Senior High School with the class of 1956.

Judith worked for W. B. Arnold Co. as a cashier, switchboard operator, and an office assistant. She then worked under Dr. Louis G. Rancourt, D. M. J., doing office work and as his assistant, both in Waterville. She was a devout Catholic and was a member of the Parish of the Holy Spirit.

She married her husband, Eugene Couture, in 1966, and later had a daughter, Michelle Couture. Judith loved music and playing piano, as well as cooking, shopping, and visiting the coast.

She was predeceased by her parents; her loving husband; and her brother, Paul B. Traynor.

She is survived by her daughter, Michelle Couture; her brother, Ronald Earl Traynor and wife Rosemarie, of Tolland, Connecticut; several brothers- and sisters-in-law; her cousins Linda Bean, Carol Bernier, Vickie Oliver and husband Tom, Lynn Rodrigue and husband Norman, Sandra Matthews, Alden Wheeler and wife Carol, and Keith Wheeler; and her nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated on Wednesday, May 29, at Notre Dame Catholic Church, 116 Silver St., Waterville, followed by a burial at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, 78 Grove St., Waterville.

An online guestbook may be signed, condolences and memories shared at http://www.gallantfh.com.

RONALD COOK

WINSLOW – Ronald Cook, 97, passed away peacefully at his home, in Winslow, on Saturday, May 11, 2024. He was born March 20, 1927, the son of Lawrence and Flossie (Dyer) Cook

Ronald was in the U.S. Army and was a World War II veteran. He met his wife Beverly and shared 73 years together. He worked as a Yard Master for Maine Central Railroad.

Ronald loved to dance with his wife, traveling the world dancing together, line dancing, and ballroom dancing. Later in life, He and his wife became snowbirds, wintering in Florida and returning each spring to their home and family in Winslow.

He was predeceased by his parents; his daughter, Cindy Cook, and his son, Ricky Cook.

He is survived by his grandchildren Brad Cook, Ryan Cook, and Terry.

There will be a graveside service June 3, 2024, at 11 a.m., at Greenlawn Rest.

Arrangements are in the care of Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, where memories may be shared, and an online register book signed by visiting http://www.lawrybrothers.com.

RETHA J. LIBBY

NORTH BELGRADE – Retha Joan (Stevens) Libby, 88, passed away on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at her home on Route 8. Retha was born in Oakland on May 27, 1935, to Ormand and Florence Stevens. Retha was the youngest of 10 children and lived on the family farm in North Belgrade.

She attended Belgrade schools graduating from Belgrade High School in 1953. Retha met the love of her life, Gerald Libby, in the spring of 1953, and they were married on November 14 of that year. Gerald served with the U.S. Army after they were married, and they relocated to San Fransisco, where Gerald was stationed for two years. Returning to Maine, Retha and Gerald purchased a home on Route 8, in North Belgrade, where they lived and raised their family.

Retha was a homemaker until her children reached school age. She returned to school in 1970 and became a Certified Nurse’s Aide. She was soon hired at Thayer Hospital, in Waterville, where she happily worked until her retirement in June 1997.

Retha loved to spend time with her family. She especially loved the family gatherings at Gramp’s Beach, on Salmon Lake, in Oakland, on Sunday afternoons, potluck suppers at her father’s house and the North Belgrade Community Center, and the many family reunions throughout the years.

Retha and Gerald shared a love for dancing and often times made a trip to The Blue Goose Dancehall, in Belfast, or the Fox Den, in Fairfield. They also traveled around the United States whenever possible to visit their son Stuart and his family while he was serving in the U.S. Air Force.

Retha was a well-known fan of the Winslow Black Raiders, where three of her granddaughters attended school. She could be spotted cheering them on at basketball games, the soccer field, and hockey games at Sukee Arena.

Retha was loved by everyone that knew her. She made special treats that no one could refuse and would make them for no reason other than love. She was a doer of no wrong, and she was loving and kind toward everyone. She could have lived on ice cream. She will always be our sunshine.

Retha was predeceased by her husband Gerald, her son David, her mother and father, Ormand and Florence, her sisters Margaret, Annie, Katherine, Francis and Rosa and her brothers Ormand Jr., Kenneth, Leonard, and Edward.

She is survived by her daughter Brenda and son Wyatt, of North Belgrade; sons Steve and wife Mae, of North Belgrade, and their children, Nichole, Stephanie, Dawn (Michael), and Duane (Kris), Stuart and wife Nathlie, of Pelham, New Hampshire, and their children Miana (Clinton) and Nthaniel, and son Gary and wife Sally, of Winslow, and their daughters Hillary and Jenna; sister-in-law Alberta Stevens; ten great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours will be held from 6 – 8 p.m. on Monday, June 3, 2024, at Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm Street, Waterville. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, June 4, 2024, at Notre Dame Catholic Church, 116 Silver Street, Waterville, followed by a burial at Pine Grove Cemetery, Cemetery Road, Belgrade.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Retha’s name to Maine General Homecare and Hospice, P.O. Box 828, Waterville, Maine 04903, or to your favorite charity or organization.

An online guestbook may be signed, condolences and memories shared at http://www.gallantfh.com.

PAUL J. MUSHERO

FAIRFIELD – Paul Jerald Mushero, 88, of Fairfield, passed away Sunday, on May 12, 2024, from heart failure. Paul was born to Alene and Alfred Mushero on March 18, 1936, in Oakland.

Paul met his wife, Dianne Mae Mushero in 1970. They were married on June 3, 1972, and have been married for 52 years. In addition to being a dedicated and loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Paul also loved running his company Mushero’s Jacking and Moving, previously known as Paul Mushero and Sons, that he grew from the ground up and ran for over 60 years with great pride and hard work. Prior to that he built over 30 houses per year with under the business name Quality Built Homes and Foundations, worked at Mathieu’s Auto Body Shop, in Waterville, in the collision department, painting and restoring vehicles, and he worked at Harris Bakery, in Waterville, decorating cakes with fine detail during his late teen years.

He enjoyed time with his dog Dakota taking her on walks, rides and even to estimates, staying actively involved in his children’s and grandchildren’s lives, gardening, dancing, snowmobiling including running snowmobile races for Fairfield Country Riders, vacationing in Mrytle Beach, attending Corpus Christi Parish weekly, attending many of Fairfield Grange Hall events enjoying great food there and volunteered many hours to keep the building in good repair. He was a much loved and admired individual by many in the community who was well known for his hard work ethic, a man that was always up for a challenge to fix whatever was needed and always found a way to fix it the right way the first time.

Throughout his entire life, he held an unwavering faith in God, which he shared with those who surrounded him. Paul joins his parents, Alene and Alfred Mushero; and his siblings Maxine and Malcom, and his beloved dog, Dakota, in Heaven.

He is survived by his wife, Dianne; his children Kathy, Kelly, Kim, Shannon, Melissa, Paul, Mark, Todd and Felicia; grandchildren, Jordan, Phoebe, Austin Pelletier, Brianne and Jacob Hayes, Scot and Ashley Furbush, Taylor Fick, Kelsey, Brycen, Gavin Mushero, Britney Rowe, Trevor, Cameron and Conner Mushero, Kailey and Hunter Poulin; great-grandchildren, Ivy Wing, Ellie Pelletier, Reaghan, Emberly and Jonah Furbush, Gavin and Madelyn Getchell, Lana Patnaude, Lilah, Wilder and Lyla Bock, Penelope and Annabella Fick, Greta Hayes; his brother, William Mushero his wife Charlene and their children, Adam Mushero and Steve Mushero; plus numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Mass of intention will be said on Friday, June 7, at 10 a.m., at Notre Dame Church, 116 Silver St., Waterville. Celebration of life will be on Friday, June 7, at 11:30 a.m., at Waterville Elks Lodge #905, on 76 Industrial St., Waterville.

Arrangements are in the care of Veilleux and Redington Funeral Home, 8 Elm St., Waterville, where condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the website at http://www.veilleuxfuneralhome.com

SALLY TARINI

UNITY – Sally Tarini, 76, passed away on Wednesday, May 15, 2024. She was born September 12, 1947, daughter of Joseph and Rella Hutchison.

Sally was a devoted wife and mother. Sally took pride in her son’s success and accomplishments.

She was predeceased by her husband Harold Tarini; son Harold (Turk) Jr.; parents Joseph and Rella Hutchison; brothers Richard, Joseph (Jr), Allen Hutchison and sister Norma Gagliardi.

She is survived by five sisters, Betty Anderson, of Virginia, Jean and husband Frank Melchiore, of Connecticut, Rachel Pradilla, of Virginia, Janet Hutchison and husband Bob Dziekan, of South Carolina, Cindy and husband Pete Poulin, of Maine; three brothers, David and wife Kathy Hutchison, of Maine, Brian and wife Bridget Hutchison, of Maine, Peter and husband Roger Hutchison, of Florida; many nieces and nephews; and Godchild Steven Poulin Jr.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Saturday, May 25, 2024, at Notre Dame Catholic Church, 116 Silver Street, Waterville. Burial followed in the Pond Cemetery, Unity.

An online guestbook may be signed, condolences and memories shared at http://www.gallantfh.com

JUDY L. COTE

WATERVILLE – Judy Lillian (Thibodeau) Cote 79, passed away peacefully on Wed­nesday, May 15, 2024, at Maine­Gen­eral Medical Center, in Augusta. Judy was born in Waterville, on October 13, 1944, the daughter of Arthur and Irene (Vashon) Thibodeau.

She attended Waterville Public Schools. Judy married Kenneth P. Cote on July 4, 1966, and in 1968 they welcomed the arrival of their only child, Linda. Judy loved being a stay-at-home mom. Then later on she worked at the Oak Grove Nursing Home, in Waterville, as a housekeeper for over 20 years.

Some of Judy’s favorite places were Popham Beach, the White Mountains and long drives to Jackman. She loved doing activities with Linda and her friends. Judy threw big parties and was known as “mom” or “meme” to everyone she knew. She would spend hours doing arts and crafts with her three granddaughters and was a great storyteller. She adored her four great-grandchildren and lived to see them. Judy was giving, caring and had a great sense of humor.

Judy was predeceased by her husband Kenneth and her brothers David and Arthur Thibodeau.

She is survived by her daughter Linda Poirier and son-in-law Mark, of Waterville; granddaughters Tiffany and Jasmine Buzzell, of Waterville, and Melissa (Buzzell) King and husband Ryland and her four great-grandchildren Adalyn “Lillian”, Brynlee, Stella and Rafe King, all of Island Falls.

At Judy’s request there will be no visiting hours or funeral. She will be buried at the Saint Francis Cemetary next to her husband. A memorial/celebration of life will be at a later date this summer.

In lieu of flowers please send donations in Judy’s name to the Humane Society Waterville Area, 100 Webb Rd., Waterville, ME 04901.

CHARLES E. FEYLER III

CHINA—Charles Elden Feyler III, 50, passed away at home on Thursday, May 16, 2024, following a long illness. He was born on February 6, 1974, a son of Jennie May (Tibbetts) and Charles E. Feyler Jr.

Charles, a/k/a “Chuck”, grew up in Whitefield and graduated from Erskine Academy, in South China, with the class of 1993. While at Erskine, Chuck was enrolled in the culinary program where his talents were recognized as he won the state culinary competition and went on to compete at the national level in Kentucky. Upon graduation, he furthered his skills by attending Johnson and Wales University, in Rhode Island, for a year in culinary arts on full scholarship.

Then he got a job as a cook at Thatcher’s restaurant, in Damariscotta, and later at Peaslee’s Quick Stop, in Jefferson, and Rideout’s Market and Grill, in Windsor.

Following his work as a cook, Chuck went back to school at Kennebec Valley Community College, in Fairfield, and earned an associate degree in computer applications technology. His hard work in school led him to become President of Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society and was elected as student of the year in 2014. He was also a participant in the Trio Program and earned special recognition for the All Academic Team of Maine from Senator Katz. On the day of graduation, Chuck made his family proud with his many accomplishments and awards including the Fred Whitney Award.

On March 13, 2002, Chuck married Melanie Beaudoin and the two enjoyed 22 years together. They loved to travel and spend time with friends and family. Some of Chuck’s favorite pastimes include racing pro-stock cars and mini stock cars at the racetracks including Wiscasset Speedway and Unity Raceway, where his competition name was “Mr. Excitement”. Chuck was also skilled with electronics and installed many CB radios for truck drivers.

Chuck enjoyed playing video games (especially with his nephew and great-nephew), watching the birds, playing and cooking at the Kennebec Valley Horseshoe Club tournaments, and was proud to have recently obtained his dream car a buggy, a 1974 VW Super Beetle. Appropriately, it was the last car he and Peanut took a ride together in! Chuck was always making his friends and family laugh and will be remembered with his beloved dog “Peanut” by his side.

Chuck was predeceased by his father, Charles E. Feyler Jr.; brother-in-law, James Lewis, special uncle, Clint Feyler; cousin, Allen Glidden; and most recently his best friend, Jerry Rideout II.

He is survived by his wife, Melanie Feyler; his mother, Jennie Feyler; his siblings, Dwayne Feyler and his wife Lorraine, Jeffery Feyler Sr. and his wife, Tammy, and his sister, Donna Lewis; nephew Jeffery Feyler Jr., and his fiancée Ann Clarke; great-nephew Jeffery Feyler III; and great-nieces, Bridget Feyler, and Chloe Feyler; and many cousins.

A celebration of life will be held at a date and time to be announced.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Plummer Funeral Home, 983 Ridge Rd., Windsor.

GAIL L. HORAK

PALERMO – Gail Lynn Horak, 66, of Palermo, passed away on Thursday, May 16, 2024. She was born April 26, 1958, the daugh­ter of the late Elmer and Rachel (Wood) Sheaff.

Gail was a 1976 graduate of Erskine Academy, in South China. She was employed by the Palermo Consolidated School as the Head Cook for 22 years. Students and staff considered her family over the years and she always referred to the school as her home away from home.

Gail married her late husband, George Horak, of 36 years, in 1981. Together they built a life and home where everyone always felt welcomed.

Gail was the heart of her home and family and raised four children in a happy and loving home. Becoming a Nana was one of her proudest and joyful moments. You could often find Gail at her grandchildren’s sporting events, in her kitchen baking with them, playing many board games with them, visiting on camping trips, planting flowers, trips to the casino and making trips to John’s Ice Cream.

Gail was predeceased by her husband, George; parents Elmer and Rachel; brother, Gary; In-laws, Anton and Pauline.

She is survived by her children; Daryl Horak and wife Kristen, Lisa Robinson and boyfriend Justin Watson, Mary Golden and husband Justin, and Linda Favreau and husband Andrew; brother Dean Sheaff and wife Tamara; aunt, Jeanette Scates; cherished grandchildren, Nathan, Abbie, Brooke, Kaylee, Jacob, Annabelle, George and Olivia; along with several nieces, nephews and cousins.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 1 to 3 p.m., on Saturday, June 29, 2024 at the Palermo Consolidated School.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at RipostaFH.com

PHILIP A. TRASK

SOUTH CHINA—Philip Alison Trask, 76, passed away at home on Thursday, May 16, 2024. The youngest of five children, Phil was born on October 30, 1947, during the Bar Harbor Fire of 1947, to parents C. Orville and Esther (Moore) Trask.

He grew up in the village of Bernard on Mount Desert Island and graduated from Pemetic High School in1966. Phil went on to earn an associate degree from EMVTI (now known as Eastern Maine Community College).

Following graduation, Phil began his career as a draftsman for the Department of Transportation in the State of Maine where he eventually retired in 2005 as a senior right of way draftsman.

On August 19, 1972, Phil married his soulmate Donna Gurney and the two settled in South China.

Phil remained active throughout his life and enjoyed going to the gym, cross country skiing, riding his bicycle, gardening, and woodworking. An eye for detail, all admired his scaled models of sailing vessels, especially his father’s lobster boat, the Esther II.

He will be remembered for his quiet and gentle disposition and his exceptional hugs.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Donna Trask; his siblings, Muriel Davisson, George “Bud” Trask, C. Brian Trask, and Emmy Trask-Eaton and her spouse, Jim Eaton; eight nieces and nephews; and many great nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held for family at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Philip’s name may be made to American Diabetes Association at diabetes.org.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Plummer Funeral Home, 983 Ridge Rd., Windsor, ME 04363. Condolences, stories and photos may be shared by visiting www.plummerfh.com.

WAYNE A. IRELAND

SIDNEY – Wayne A. Ireland, 70, passed away on Thursday, May 16, 2024, following a brief and courageous battle with cancer. Wayne was born in Brunswick on September 4, 1953, to Ken Ireland and Vera (Christerson) Brown, the last of four children.

Wayne grew up in both Maine and Illinois. He graduated from Tiskalwa, Illinois, in 1971. Wayne reconnected with his classmates at his 50th class reunion in 2021.

While living in Florida, Wayne obtained his private pilot’s license in 1971. Flying was his passion and he earned numerous endorsements and logged flying time in a multitude of aircrafts. Wayne’s hobby culminated in his career as Pilot Supervisor of the Maine State Police Airwing. He also graduated from UMA in 2006 with a degree in Associate of Science Criminal Justice.

Wayne’s career in the MSP began on December 3, 1989, at the Police Academy 42nd Training Troop. He was known as “Papa Smurf” being the oldest trooper to go through the academy at that time. Wayne’s career began in Troop C as road trooper, he was an EVOC trainer, and became pilot for the airwing in 1996 and promoted to Pilot Supervisor in 1999. Wayne finished his career as Pilot Supervisor October 31, 2014.

Wayne previously worked at the Waterville Fire Department as Engine #2 Driver and volunteer firefighter. He also ran the mobile lunch wagon from 1982 to 1989.

Wayne joined the Masons in 1992 and received his 30-year pin. Wayne was currently the Master of Rural Lodge #53, Sidney. He was also a member of the Messalonskee Lodge #113. He was involved in the Mason’s various activities Books for Bikes, Strawberry Festival and the annual Pig Roast which he organized.

Wayne enjoyed his retirement years attending car shows with his baby, the bright red Cobra, winning many trophies. Sue and Wayne also drove to many “Drive-Ins” throughout the state in his Cobra. Lomer Pelletier, his best friend, traveled with Wayne looking for Ford Mustangs, attending car shows and auctions in Florida, Pennsylvania and Maine. Wayne was also a active member of Winterport Raceway along with Jeff, his son, Ben, his grandson and Lomer. Wayne and Sue traveled during their 49-year marriage throughout the U.S. and to Alaska, Africa, Bermuda, cruises in the Carribbean and Indonesia working on completing their “bucket list.” Wayne and Sue also enjoyed square dancing around the state and square dancing camping weekends with many new friends.

He is survived by his wife, Susan; son, Tony Ireland with granddaughter, Joslyn; son, Jeff Ireland with grandson Benjamin and fiancée Ashley Clark with step-grandchildren, Caleb, Cole and Avery; sisters Linda Brown (Dennis), Ann Silvius (Bob), sister-in-law, Gina Ireland (Kenny); stepmother, Judy Ireland; stepsister, Wendy McCaslin (John), sister-in-law, Jean Moulton (Ernie); nephews and nieces Bobby Silvius (Karla), Mike Silvius (Cher), Karen Waddell (Daniel), Daniel Ireland (Jason), Nic Ireland (Brandy), Kenny III (Setera), LeAnn Skarupa (Will), Jarret Brown (Susie), Samantha Evans (Jason), Matt Simon, Kelly Bilodeau (Marc), Shannon Campbell (Bruce) and Kimberly Dorval (Roland).

Wayne was predeceased by his father, Ken Ireland and mother, Vera Brown, stepfather, Woody Brown; brother, Kenny Ireland Jr., brother-in-law, Robert Silvius; in-laws Fleurent (Babe) and Stella Quirion; sister-in-law, Irene Steward, brother-in-law, David Steward, brother-in-law, Ernest Moulton.

Please join the family for a Celebration of Life on Sunday, June 2, at the Messalonskee Lodge #113, 21 Oak St., Oakland, at 1 p.m.

STEVEN K. HOUSTON

VASSALBORO – Steven K. Houston, 72, of Vassalboro, passed away on Sunday, May 19, 2024. Born to John and Marjorie (Tournier) Houston on February 17, 1952, in Portland, Steven was a lifelong resident of Vassalboro.

He attended the University of Maine at Farmington where he obtained his bachelor’s degree and started his career as a teacher in Virginia before returning to Maine and teaching in Pittsfield, followed by IT work.

Steve’s passion was his family’s blueberry farm, Sunnyside Farms. He spent his free time on the property and working to better the land. He was a jack of all trades and was always teaching those around him. He enjoyed outdoors activities such as fishing and hunting. He was a member of Ducks Unlimited, Trout Unlimited, Sierra Club, Ruffed Grouse Society, and Pheasants Forever.

He was a member of the Planetary Society since 1982. He was also a member of the Wooden Canoe Heritage Association. His greatest joy was raising his children and spending time with them at his favorite place: camp.

Steven was predeceased by his parents John and Marjorie; as well as his brother, John.

Steve is survived by his wife, Julie; and his two children, Kelsey and Matthew; brothers Samuel, wife Gloria and their children Elysia and Samantha; and David, wife Bonny and their children Christopher, Vanessa and her family.

Per Steven’s wishes, no celebration of life will take place. A burial will be held later this summer in Bucksport at the family plot in the Moulton Cemetery.

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.

CATHERINE C. WESTERVELT

WINSLOW – Catherine Cosgrove Westervelt, 63, of Winslow, died unexpectedly at home on Sunday, May 19, 2024. Born in Boston, Massachusetts, on February 4, 1961, the daughter of Dr. Peter and Nancy Fortuine Westervelt, Katie was a kind and loving soul, with a gentle and humble demeanor.

Blessed with a creative and adventurous spirit, she loved folk music and was a talented artist. Katie had a deep love of the sea from the time she was a child, and she collected seashells throughout her life. She also loved to hunt for and collect sea glass, something she shared with her brother, Owen. She was an active member of the Philadelphia Shell Club during her years living in that city.

After graduation from Waterville Senior High School in 1978, she spent a year living abroad in Canterbury, England. She subsequently matriculated at the University of Maine at Orono, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science in 1986.

A life-long love of books that began before she could read took her to Waterville Public Library, where she worked in high school, to the Belfast Free Library where she was Children’s Librarian, to the School of Library and Information Sciences of the University of Pittsburgh, where she earned a Master of Library Science degree, focusing on children’s literature, in 1992, and to the Philadelphia Free Library, where she served on a variety of capacities, including Children’s Librarian and neighborhood Branch Manager.

She was a communicant at the parishes of Corpus Christi, in Waterville/Winslow, and lived her last years in Winslow with her cherished cats.

Katie was predeceased by her brother, Nathan Westervelt .

She is survived by brothers Peter Westervelt and his wife Donna Rossignol Westervelt, of Harpswell, Benjamin Westervelt and his wife Carol Schrader, of Portland, Oregon, Owen Westervelt and his wife PJ Westervelt, of Seattle, Washington; sisters Sarah Westervelt Bizier and her husband Paul Bizier, of Vassalboro, and Hilda Westervelt and her partner Phil Copeland, of Waterville; as well as three nieces, two nephews; a grandniece, and grandnephew.

A funeral service is planned for 10 a.m., on Tuesday, July 2, at Notre Dame Church of the Parish of Corpus Christi, Waterville.

ROXANNE A. DURANT

WATERVILLE – Roxanne Angelika (Fischer) Durant, 62, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, May 20, 2024, followingr a hard eight-month battle with cancer. She was born in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada, November 7, 1961, to Otto Fischer and Karin (von Minden) Fischer.

Roxanne loved to love people. She was also the heart of her home and family. Known for her laugh, her strong spirit and her passion for nutrition, she brought joy everywhere she went. Happiest in her gardens or in the kitchen baking for family and friends.

She is survived by her husband of 43 years, Paul Durant; and three children, Danielle Durant, Chadwick Durant (Andrea), Matthew Durant (Claire); three grandchildren, Tyson Jibb (Emily), Colby Jibb, Allison Jibb; her siblings Ula Sutton, Tony Fischer (Kathy), Richard Fischer (Kandis); step-siblings; nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her father, Otto, mother, Karin and stepfather, William Schlatter.

There will be a celebration of life for Roxanne at a later date in Canada to honor and remember the beautiful life she lived and the love she had for her family.

Cremation has already taken place via Dan and Scott’s Cremation and Funeral Services in Skowhegan.

Always wanting to help others, a donation can be made in her honor to the Red Cross.

Canada https://www.redcross.ca/donate/donate-online/donate-to-the-canadian-red-cross-fund-2; U.S. https://www.redcross.org/donate/donation.

MICHAEL D. BRAGG

VASSALBORO – Michael “Mike” D. Bragg, 66, passed away Friday, April 19, 2024, at his home, in Vassalboro. Mike was born July 14, 1957, in Waterville, the second son to John and Albertine (York) Bragg.

Mike attended the Winslow Public School system and was a graduate with the class of 1975.

Mike worked in tire sales and service most of his life. He worked at Sullivan Tire, formally known as Central Tire, in Shawmut, up until a year before his passing. He was also a volunteer at Vassalboro Fire Department in the 1980s. He was a member of the Winslow Fort Halifax Snowdrifters snowmobile club in the 1990s. In the early 1990s, Mike was an instructor for the Maine Hunter’s Safety Course.

Mike was one for hunting and fishing. He also enjoyed camping. His two favorite places to camp were Beaver Brook, in Monmouth, and at Pattee Pond, in Winslow. He also enjoyed stock car racing. He raced in the Strictly Street division at Unity Raceway from the early 1970s up to the 1990s. A few years after racing he became a member of the crew on the infield in which he enjoyed at Unity Raceway.

Mike was a kind, loving, caring, giving man. He would help anyone that was in need, never expecting anything in return. His door was always open to friends and family, whom he cherished. He married his first love in 1978, Jacqueline (Esancy) Bragg, who gave him his two children. Mike then later found his second and longtime love, Susan (Garnett) Bragg, whom he married in 1987. They enjoyed doing many things together and were happy until the end.

Mike was predeceased by his grandparents Frank and Vivian Bragg, Preston and Hortense York; his parents John and Albertine Bragg; his stepmother, Carleen Miller; mother-in-law, Myra Hardy.

Mike is survived by his wife of 36 years, Susan (Garnett) Bragg; son, Shawn Bragg and his wife Joyce; daughter, Samantha Bragg; grandchildren, Judi Bragg, Shailer Blaisdell, and Dallas Blaisdell, step-grandchildren, David Amelotte, Heather Amelotte, and Elizabeth Amelotte; great-grandchildren, Raymond Tracy; step-great-grandchildren, Jensen, Holden and Evelyn Amelotte; siblings John “Scott” Bragg and wife Patricia “Patty”, Kathi Hawkins, Terri McPherson and husband Conrad, Cheryl Csengery and husband Joseph “Joe”. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

There will be a celebration of Mike’s life at the home where he grew up at 416 Maple Ridge Rd., Winslow, on Saturday, June 1, at 2 p.m. A graveside burial will be at a later date.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Aable Cremation Service, Waterville. An online guestbook may be signed, condolences and memories shared at http://www.aablecremation.com.

LORRAINE SOMERS

OAKLAND – Lorraine Somers, 65, passed away on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at her home on the “Hill” following a short but courageous, horrific battle with cancer. Lorraine was the second daughter to Oneal and Edwina Gendreau, born on May 29, 1958, in Waterville.

She grew up on Libby Hill with her four sisters and foster brother. Lorraine would follow her father as he tended to the animals or garden. She was a self-proclaimed “tomboy”.

Lorraine was educated in Oakland, graduating class of 1976. She attended Catholic church as a child and has been active in her adult life at the Methodist Church, in Oakland. Lorraine always enjoyed talking about her high school days and friends over the years.

Lorraine and her husband enjoyed “Camparamas”, bike parties Blues Fests, close friends and gatherings. Old campers and motorhomes are fond memories of a full life.

Home on the “Hill” was where her heart was. The garden, pigs, chickens, and work on the “Hill” were all the center of her life. Her husband on one side of the yard and she being on the other side, seemed like the best recipe to succeed.

Lorraine was employed by Diamond Match, of Oakland, for a short time, then moved to California to work for Safe Way Stores as a cashier and stock person from1978 to 1982. She returned home and worked for C. F. Hathaway Shirt Company, in Waterville, until 1995, when she went to Sappi Fine Papers, in Hinckley, to fill in as a temporary worker and retired in 2005 as a recovery operator.

She enjoyed snowmobiling, motorcycling, fiddlehead gathering, gardening, and photography. Garage celebrations, bean hole beans dinners and lobster cookouts.

Lorraine was a woman of faith who lived a simple life of giving. She was a compassionate “quiet giant” who would help anyone she thought was in need; whether it be at the community lunch at the church or making prayer shawls she quietly excelled. She had many talents whether it be from taking photos with her camera to finding fiddleheads, growing a garden or turning a pile of yarn that she turned into a beautiful shawl.

She was a driver of the Sunshine Club for the visually impaired for over 14 years. Lorraine was a proud Union member who always set an example to others. Lorraine was fortunate to spend all but a few years here on her beloved ‘Hill” and to pass away only 50 feet from where she was married. A life well lived. This lady will not be forgotten by those she has touched.

She was predeceased by her sisters Marilyn Wing, of Oakland, Sharon Gendreau, of Oakland.

She is survived by her husband and soulmate of 40 years, Kent; sisters Gloria Ripley, of Oakland, and Deb Poirier, of Embden; foster brother, Mike McCadoo, of Rome; several nieces and nephews; great-nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, June 8, at the Methodist Church, School Street, Oakland. Refreshments will follow the service at church. Family will gather after on the “Hill”.

Arrangements are in the care of Wheeler Funeral Home, 26 Church St., Oakland, where condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the website at http://www.lawrybrothers.com

In lieu of flowers, please send donations, in Lorraine’s name, to the Humane Society Waterville Area, 100 Webb Rd., Waterville, ME 04901.

MICHAEL CROTTO

WATERVILLE – Michael “Mike” Crotto, 73, of 1 Furn Drive, passed away peacefully, Friday, April 26, 2024, at his home, following a long period of declining health. He was born in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, on May 16, 1950, the son of Owen Crotto and Pauline Lawrence.

Michael attended schools in the Portsmouth area and was a member of the class of 1968. Michael’s grandfather, “Papa” Lawrence, was influential in his life teaching him the automotive trade. Michael was a master mechanic working over many decades in several locations in the Seacoast area. He opened D&M Auto in 1981 and then D&M Mobil in 1983, which he and his wife owned until 2009.

Michael realized his lifelong dream of owning and racing a lobster boat when he and his wife moved to Jonesport. He restored and raced the Liza Jane, winning several trophies in his class at the Annual Jonesport Lobster Boat Races, in Jonesport. He opened and operated another automotive repair shop, MDC Auto, where he serviced and repaired whatever came into the shop: vehicles of any kind, tractors, motorcycles, lawnmowers, and lobster boats. Lobster feeds in Jonesport brought him joy as he served family and friends with great pleasure.

He was predeceased by his mother, Pauline Lawrence; his brother, Randy Crotto; and stepson, Chris Daley.

He is survived by his wife and best friend of 41 years, Elizabeth “Bett” Daley, of Waterville; his daughters Faye Grogan and husband, Scott,of Missouri City, Texas, Rebecca Crotto, of Dover, New Hampshire; a son, Mike Daley-Crotto and his wife Lauren Sullivan, of Bow, New Hampshire; stepdaughter, Heather Madore and husband, George, of Newmarket, New Hampshire; four sisters, Kathaleen Dufton, of Newington, New Hampshire, Jaylee Cohen of Loudon, New Hampshire, Christie Hussey, of Somersworth, New Hampshire, Michelle Perrault-Bennett, of Milford, New Hampshire; nine grandchildren, John, Maggie, Ronan, Finnegan, Gabrielle, Genevieve, Amelia, Liam, and Isla; many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Friends and family are invited to Knowlton and Hewins Funeral Home, 1 Church St., Augusta, Saturday, June 8, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. A Celebration of Life will be held at 1 p.m. immediately following.

Arrangements are in the care of Knowlton and Hewins Funeral Home and Cremation Care, One Church St., Augusta, where memories, condolences and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of our website at http://www.khrfuneralhomes.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Good Shepherd Food Bank, 3121 Hotel Rd., Auburn, ME 04210.

SERVICES

EDWARD E. COUTURE

A graveside service for Edward E. Couture will be held on Friday, June 7, at 1 p.m., where his ashes will be laid to rest at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, 78 Grove St., Waterville.