OBITUARIES for Thursday, March 19, 2020

SHARON E. DuBOIS

SIDNEY – Sharon E. DuBois, 80, passed away Tuesday, March 3, 2020, at her home, in Sidney. She was born December 7, 1939, in Winslow, the daughter of Sanford E. and Shirley (Stevens) Reynolds.

She attended schools in Winslow and graduated from Winslow High School. On February 14, 1959, she married Robert DuBois. They were married 50 years before his passing in October of 2009. She was employed for many years at C. F. Hathaway Shirt Factory, in Waterville, until their closing. She made many friends there. She was a past member of the American Legion Auxilliary, in Oakland. She enjoyed picking berries and making jams and jellies, best homemade biscuits, fishing, camping at Spencer Bay, on Moosehead Lake, with her “Bucksport Families,” doing puzzles, watching the golf and tennis channels.

Sharon is survived by her son, Paul E. DuBois and companion Deborah Williams, of Oakland; daughter, Peggy L. DuBois Kinsey, of Belgrade; granddaughter, Holly Kinsey Plourde and husband Charlie, of Vassalboro; great-granddaughter, Amani Plourde, of Vassalboro; five sisters, Esther Cayouette, of Winslow, Marilyn Reynolds, of Rockland, Cynthia Shroeder, of Florida, Pauline Leach, of Winslow, Effie Reynolds, Vassalboro; five brothers, Bruce Reynolds, of Winslow, Jeffrey Reynolds ,of Fairfield, Nelson Reynolds, of Winslow, Timmy Reynolds, of Winslow, Peter Reynolds, of Winslow; many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents Sanford and Shirley Reynolds; husband, Robert E. DuBois; two sisters, Audrey Gammon and Beth Meecham; two brothers, Sanford Reynolds, Jr. and Stephen Reynolds.

There will be no funeral service or visitation hours. Burial will be at the Maine Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, in Augusta, at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, friends wishing may make donations in Sharon’s memory to their local Humane Society.

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

ROBERT H. CUNNINGHAM

CHELSEA – Robert “Bob” Harold Cunningham, 70, formally of Augusta, passed away peacelully on Friday, March 6, 2020, at MaineGeneral Medical Center, following a battle with cancer. He was born in Gardiner on September I 2, 1949, the son of the late Romayne I (Cooper) and Clinton W. Cunningham Jr.

Robert graduated from Cony High School, in Augusta, in 1969. Following graduation he attended Southern Maine Vocational-Technical Institute, in South Portland. On May 6, 1972, Robert married Sylvia ( Farley) Cunningham, in Gardiner. He had been employed for 29 years for the State of Maine before he retired. Shortly after, he wenl back to work for Denny’s Restaurant and Togus VA, both in Augusta.

Throughout his life Robert enjoyed making a lifetime of memories. At a young age he worked on the farm. Classic cars and automobiles were a passion, winning ribbons in shows and parades. Robert enjoyed long rides to find new places with his Uncle Lloyd, camping trips with his family was an adventure. He admired the outside activities, gardening, boating, or just relaxing. He was always happy to share his traditions with his grandchildren and loved spending time with his great-grandson. He loved country music and dancing at dance halls. Robert became a long time member of lhe Goodwill Circle Hall, in Chelsea, Good Sam’s Capital Area Wheels, and lifetime member of the Windsor Fair.

He was predeceased by his parents Romayne l. (Cooper) and Clinton W. Cunningham; In-laws Olga H. and husband Lawrence P Farley Sr.

He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Sylvia (Farley) Cunningham, of Chelsea, son Philip Cunningham and his wife Kathy, of Chelsea; grandson Steven Cunningham Sr. and his fiancée Toni Fleicher; great-grandson Steven Jr., of Richmond; daughter Shannon Cunningham and grandson Brayden Garland, both of Chelsea; brother Clinton “Bill” W. Cunningham lll and his wife Diane, of Windsor; two sisters, Bonnie Bell and her husband Billy, of Augusta, and Beryl Morrissette and her husband Tony, of Augusta; cousin Karen Edwards, of Chelsea; sister-in-law Leona Farley, of Gardiner; brother-in-law Lawence Farley Jr., and hisand his wife Kelly, of Gardiner, several nieces, nephews, cousins.

Per his request, no visiting hours and funeral service. A graveside service will take place at a later date.

Condolences may be expressed at www.funeralaliernatives.net.

JAMES M. SHEA

VASSALBORO – James “Jim” Maynard Shea, 76, passed on Saturday, February 15, 2020, in Zephyrhills, Florida. He was born in Gardiner, on December 29, 1943, son of Maynard and Madeline (Allen) Shea.

Jim was a graduate of Gardiner High School.

He served in the United States Army for two years and was a Vietnam War Veteran. Jim loved his country and supported our military servicemen and servicewomen. Before his retirement, Jim worked for the State of Maine for 25 years as a high-pressure boiler operator.

He married Shirley A. Bowie on May 14, 1988, in Vassalboro. In their early retirement, Jim and Shirley traveled to Arizona to spend winters with family. They later bought a home in Zephyrhills, Florida, and spent winters there and summered at their home on Webber Pond, in Vassalboro. Jim was addicted to the warm weather, but also loved traveling to Northern Maine to camp and fish with Shirley.

Jim enjoyed yard sales, antiquing, traveling, and sightseeing. He loved the Southwest and collecting Native American art. Jim relished time with his family and friends. He always had a big smile on his face and a Schaefer beer in his hand.

Jim is survived by his wife, Shirley, of Vassalboro; son, Clifford Shea, of Augusta; foster children, William Wilson, of St. Louis, Missouri, and Peter Wilson, of Waterville; stepdaughter, Pamela Hayes and husband James, of Tempe, Arizona; stepsons, Darrell Bowie and wife Susan, of Litchfield, and Norris “Butch” Bowie and wife Victoria, of Windsor; grandstepsons, Jason Bowie and wife Betsy, of Richmond, Aaron Hayes and wife Nicole, of Tempe, Arizona; grandstepdaughters, Amber Tate, of Tempe, Arizona, Amanda McDonough and husband John, of Lisbon, Jillian Dearborn and partner Dan Lambert, of Chelsea, Cassie Boucher and husband Pete, and Jordan Bowie, of Washington, D.C. Jim also had many great-grandstepchildren.

Jim was predeceased by his parents; and stepdaughter, Brenda Bowie.

Funeral service will be at the Maine Veteran’s Cemetery, 163 Mt. Vernon Rd., Augusta, on Friday, June 26, at 2 p.m.

JAMES A. BUOTTE

CHELSEA – James “Jim” Anthony Buotte, 57, of Chelsea, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 24, 2020, while vacationing in Gorham, New Hampshire. He was born in Gardiner, January 24, 1963, the son of Lynda Bailey (Rhoades) and raised by David Bailey.

He was very close to his grandparents, Marion Rhoades and Roland Rhoades, of Farmingdale.

He is survived by his children’s mother, Elizabeth Buotte and their children, Heather Seigars, of China, Jason Buotte and wife Sheree, of China, Cheryl Criniti and husband Bernie, of Gorham, New Hampshire; seven grandchildren and his siblings, Frank Bailey, Steve Bailey, Marcy Bailey and Alice Bailey.James loved the outdoors.

He spent several summers at the family camp on Azicohos Lake, in Wilsons Mills, where he loved to boat, hike and fish. James spent a lot of his free time working on projects and improvements on his home. He was very talented and he took a lot of pride in his work, but not as much pride that he had for his grandchildren, Shawn Seigars, Jacob Seigars, Alexis Buotte, Darien Criniti, Bryce Criniti, Caylie Buotte and Cody Buotte. He was always smiling while in there presence and was always very proud of their accomplishments. He was a great, “Pappa”, Father, Brother and Son and will forever be loved and missed.

Per his request, there will be no memorial service held.

MARINA F. HUNT

ALBION – Marina F. Hunt, 85, passed away on Friday, February 28, 2020. She was born on June 17, 1934, in the Philippines to Ambrosio Flores Sr. and Evarista Yagonia.

She attended school and college in the Philippines and was employed as a schoolteacher for 18 years after which she married Arthur W. Hunt and settled in Albion. Arthur died 17 years later. They had no children.

Marina went to a nursing school for the CNA course, in Fairfield, and after graduating, was employed as a nursing assistant in two nursing homes for 18 years. She retired in 2002. Marina enjoyed home life, cooking, listening to the 1950s and 1960s music and doing word puzzles.

Marina was predeceased by her parents; her brothers, Alejandro, Maximino, Jose, Jess and her sister, Felomina.

She will be sadly missed by her many siblings and their families to include, Jess Flores’s wife Lydia, of Orlando, Florida, Ambrosio Flores Jr. and his wife, Florencia, of New Jersey, Gabriel Flores and his wife, Fe, of Australia, Antonio Flores and his wife, Rebecca, of the Philippines, Lourdes Bovell and her husband Paul, of Australia, and Envangeline Russell, of Australia; her nephews, Dr. Noel Flores and his wife, Melissa, of California, Rene Flores and his wife Jessica, of the Philippines, Antonino Flores, of the Philippines; her nieces, Kristina Flores, of Australia, April Macabuhay and her husband Dodie, of California, Emily Deloso and her husband Erico, of Orlando, Florida; and many other nephews, nieces, aunts, uncles and grandchildren.

Special mention to her sister-in-law, Maria L. Flores whose husband, Jose, died in 2003, in California.

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

Arrangements are by Lawry Brothers Funeral and Cremation Care, 107 Main St., Fairfield.

KATHLEEN M. KEEFER

SOUTH CHINA – Kathleen M. Keefer, 57, of South China, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, March 2, 2020, at home. She was born December 8, 1962, in Stoughton, Massachusetts, the daughter of Fredrick and Priscilla Chapman.

Kathy was a graduate of Bridgewater Raynham High School and the University of New England, in Biddeford. She grew up enjoying her summers at her family camp in Maine at Lake Nicatous, fishing every weekend she could. She enjoyed watching the deer and feeding the birds in her yard. Kathy had worked at Kmart, in Augusta, for many years then came to be a staple at The Home Depot, in Waterville, as a customer order specialist.

Kathy loved baking, often sharing recipes. You would find her bringing in goodies every Monday for her co-workers. She had a wonderful sense of humor and was a mentor of knowledge to many.

She was predeceased by her parents.

She is survived by her husband Ed; son Michael; stepsons James, Jon, Tony and Tim Keefer; her brother Stephen Chapman and wife Patty; mother-in-law Mona Pratt; brothers-in-law Steve and David Keefer and sister-in-law Terri Weeks; many cousins and nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, March 22, 2020 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., at the Benton Family Fun Park, 269 Benton Neck Rd, Benton, Maine 04901.

PATRICIA A. NASIE

WINDSOR – Patricia Ann Nasie, 81, passed away at her home on Monday, March 2, 2020, following a brief illness. The daughter of Nancy Winn Nasie and Raymond Cavanaugh Nasie, she was born on July 16, 1938, on Long Island, New York. She graduated from Babylon High School in 1956 and then served honorably in the United States Air Force, where she met Leah J. Moulton.

An outstanding student, Pat graduated summa cum laude from Rutgers University in 1971. Pat and Leah, as employees of Cities Service, transferred to Tulsa, Oklahoma, where Pat pursued graduate studies in history at the University of Tulsa. Pat was an avid bicyclist and loved exploring our national parks with Leah. Ever intrepid, they hiked the Continental Divide.

Pat and Leah returned to New England in 1987, making their home in Epsom, New Hampshire. They were married in Vermont on April 17, 2002. After retiring, Pat and Leah moved to Windsor, where they spent many happy years.

Pat is survived by her spouse, Leah, and three sisters, Gail Tumbarello, of West Babylon, New York, Karen Boyance of Glendale, Arizona, and Christine Wilkins of Crawford, Texas.

There are no public visiting hours and no public services planned.

A Celebration of Life was held on March 7.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Plummer Funeral Home, 983 Ridge Road, Rte. 32, Windsor, ME. Condolences, photos and stories may be shared at www.plummerfh.com.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, P.O. Box 96929, Washington, DC 20090-6929.

WILLIAM J. CULLEN

WATERVILLE – William Joseph Cullen, 97, passed away Monday, March 2 , 2020. Bill was born March 19, 1922, in Lewiston and was raised in Auburn, where he graduated from Edward Little High School, in 1940. Bill attended University of Maine at Orono, studying civil engineering, graduating with the class of ‘44. His studies were interrupted by World War II and he served honorably as an Army officer in the Pacific Theater.

He met his future wife, the former Jane Longfellow, at U-Maine and they married in 1948. Together they raised their three children in their cherished home in Waterville. He quietly demonstrated and imparted the virtues of frugality, kindness, honesty, integrity, loyalty, and politeness to his children. Bill worked for AP Wyman, the Waterville Sewer District, and was the Superintendent of the Kennebec Sanitary Treatment District until he retired in 1988. In his retirement years he and Jane loved to travel and spent many happy days at the cottage at Gardner’s Lake, in East Machias, where he loved spending time with his grandchildren.

Bill took great pleasure in puttering around the house and garden. Bill also really enjoyed woodworking and was a very talented craftsman, with all of his family enjoying his workmanship in their homes. Bill kept fit walking most mornings with a local Waterville walking group.

He was predeceased by his wife of 59 years, Jane Longfellow Cullen.

He is survived by his son John and his wife Natasha, of Topsham; daughters Peg and her husband Ron, of Hollis, and Kate and her husband Brent, of East Falmouth, Massachusetts.

His grandchildren include Allyson, Heather, Andrew and Emily; two great-grandchildren, Layla and Jacob.

Family and Friends may visit from 10 – 11 a.m., on March 20, 2020, at Gallant Funeral Home 10 Elm St., Waterville.

A committal service with military honors will be held at 12 p.m. in the Chapel of the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 163 Mount Vernon Rd., Augusta.

In lieu of flowers, Bill’s family suggests donation to the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Waterville at the Alfond Youth and Community Center, 126 North St., Waterville, ME 04901.

BRIAN A. FRENCH

WEEKS MILLS – Brian A. French, 36, son of Leslie and Darlene French, passed away Thursday, March 5, 2020, following a brief illness. Brian was born in Augusta on February 10, 1984.

Brian was a friend to all he came in contact with. He enjoyed watching sports on television, hanging out with friends, driving truck, working in the woods, operating heavy equipment and spending time with his family during the holidays. He lived in the home he designed and helped build on the hill.

He graduated from Erskine Academy, in South China, and spent his adult life working for Leslie French and Sons.

Brian was predeceased by his maternal grandparents Richard and Iona (Rogers) Dunn, his paternal grandmother Janice (Pelton) Hisler; his Uncle Lawrence French, Sr.; and his cousins Scott Musselman and David Chase.

Brian is survived by his parents Leslie “Dusty” and Darlene (Dunn) French; paternal grandfather Leslie R. French; his brothers Nicholas and wife Amber French, and Christopher French and his partner Amanda Gil; several nieces and a nephew, all from China; many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, March 21, at 2 p.m., at the China Lake Conference Center, off China Neck Rd, China.

Memories, condolences and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the Plummer Funeral Home website at www.plummerfh.com.

BEVERLY M. DANE

WATERVILLE – Beverly Marcue Dane, 96, passed away peacefully, in Waterville, on Friday, March 6, 2020. She was born in Oakland on February 24, 1924, the daughter of Rosa (Moody) and Harry C. Marcue.

Her family moved to Norridgewock, where she attended school, kindergarten through high school, graduating in 1942.

During World War II she worked as an aircraft engine mechanic at the air depot in Rome, New York. In 1948 she married Richard Delmont Dane, of Skowhegan. After his graduation from the University of Maine they lived briefly in New Jersey and then settled in Topsfield, Massachusetts, in 1951.

She was a member and president of the Topsfield Garden Club and she and her husband were 50-year members of the Congregational Church of Topsfield, joining that church in 1953.

Beverly and Richard also shared a keen interest in flying, and they enjoyed a number of years soaring as glider pilots.

She always loved the wildlife and natural beauty of Maine and she and her husband spent all of their free time in the state fishing, sailing and skiing at Sugarloaf.

Beverly is survived by her husband, Richard Dane; daughter, Sarah Andre and her husband Tom, of Indian Orchard, Massachusetts; son, Richard Dane Jr. and his wife Susan, of Mashpee, Massachusetts; granddaughter, Amy Damiano and her husband Gregg, of Norfolk, Massachusetts; and two great-grandsons, Oliver and Sebastian; a sister, Geraldine DeRoche, and a a sister-in-law, Louise Marcue, both of Norridgewock; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Beverly was predeceased by her parents; brother, Harry “Sonny” Marcue Jr., and sister, Rose Marie Beaulieu.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 21, at the First Congregational Church, 36 River Road, Norridgewock.

Graveside services will be held in the spring at the Southside Cemetery, in Skowhegan.

MARTIN H. MURPHY

OAKLAND – Martin H. Murphy passed away on March 7, 2020.

He leaves behind his wife, Beatrice MacLean, of Oakland; a daughter, Katrina Murphy of Port Orchard, Washington; two granddaughters, Kaleigha and McKenzie; a mother, Judy Metzroth, Port Jervis, New York; two sisters, Lisa Holmes, of Waldoboro, and Stacy Jones, of Port Jervis, New York; various aunts and cousins; a daughter-of-the-heart, Jennifer Morrison and her three children, Daniel, Conor and Owen; a son-of-the-heart, Eric MacLean and his three children, Jaime, Amara and Deva.

Martin graduated from Mount Desert Island High School in 1985. He was a member of the Olympic College class of 1995, where he graduated with distinction. Many were lucky to call Martin a friend. He was kind and generous, often spontaneously paying for the purchases of someone behind him in line just because. He was a man of strong emotional attachments and made sure those whom he loved knew how much they meant to him. He was well respected for his contributions at work where he was a valued colleague and mentor.

A loving husband of 22 years, Martin was a source of support, peace and fun and always provided a listening ear. Those who knew him will keep his memory in their hearts as a reminder of how to treat others. His only complaint was our society unfairly ignores or stigmatizes those who struggle with mental health. Like many others, Martin feared his struggles would make him look weak to others or that discussing his challenges might add to another’s own burdens. Martin’s belief and the legacy he leaves behind is that we make it okay to talk about the struggles and sadness we all face and that doing so might be a gift to others and make the world a more kind and gentle place.

Make it okay to talk about sadness. That would be the gift to the world that you could give to people like Martin. Be kind to those who deal with depression. They are the strongest people I know as they go through each day with sadness and still find a way to help others cope with their challenges.

No funeral services per Martin’s request.

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

Arrangements are by Wheeler Funeral Home & Cremation Care, 26 Church St., Oakland.

BURLEIGH C. STEVENS

SOMERVILLE – Burleigh Clason Stevens, 89, passed away on Sunday, March 8, 2020, at his home on Long Pond, in Somerville. He was born in Chelsea on May 17, 1930, a son of George Emery Stevens and Goldie (Plummer) Stevens.

He was brought up on the Wellman Road, in Chelsea. He was raised by his mother and stepfather, Frank Hiltz, who he always considered his father.

As a young lad, he went to a one-room schoolhouse for all eight grades on the Wellman Road, in Chelsea. As he got in the higher grades, he became the janitor. He was one of the first students at the school with water; and in the winter, always made sure the wood stove was started. When students arrived, the school was warm.

When he was in his teens, he drove one of the first school buses in the town of Chelsea to the one-room schoolhouse.

In 1947, he joined the Navy at 17 years old. He was stationed on the USS Roosevelt aircraft carrier for four years, March 22, 1948 – December 3, 1951.

In June of 1951, he married the former Patricia Witham, and had four children together.

After his service in the Navy, he worked at Bath Iron Works and later for Bridge Construction. In 1958, he started working at Togus; first in the laundry room then he transferred to the Guard Force and Fire Department. He then transferred over to boiler maintenance until he retired in 1985 to his home on Long Pond where he was content and happy. He loved the water and his home.

From 2015 to 2019, he spent winters in Florida with his son and daughter-in-law, Mike and Julia, in New Port Richey. This past year, 2019, was hard on him due to ill health. He left us from the comfort of his own home.

Burleigh is survived by his three children, daughter Leslie Bartlett and her husband Drew, of Washington; sons Michael Stevens and his wife Julia, of New Port Richey, Florida, and Robert Stevens, of Windsor; four granddaughters, Stacey Bond and her husband Aaron, of Whitefield, Sheri Stevens, of Augusta, Heidi St. Pierre and her husband Chris, of Manchester, and Amy Jones and her husband Chip, of Manchester; six great-grandchildren, Augustus, Griffen and Keegan Bond, Coty and Mariah St. Pierre and Cameron Jones; a great-great-granddaughter, Rose Elizabeth; a brother, Manly “Pat” Hiltz, of Chelsea; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He lost his second son, Tim, on February 8, 2018. He was also predeceased by his oldest grandson, Shane Weeks; a sister, Beverly Grady and a brother, Bert Brown.

A graveside service will be held in the spring at Rest Haven Cemetery, Rte. 32, Windsor.

Arrangements were under the care of Plummer Funeral Home, 983 Ridge Road, Rte. 32, Windsor, ME.

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

FLORIAN E. VEILLEUX

WATERVILLE – Florian E. Veilleux, 97, passed away on Tuesday, March 10, 2020, following a brief illness. Florian was born in Waterville on July 17, 1922, to Philip and Anna Veilleux.

He was the oldest in a family of 10. In 1946, Florian married Yvette Marie Dubois. They had five children.

Florian enjoyed school and learning, but stopped his education as a 14-year-old teenager to start working at the Lockwood-Duchess Textile Mill, in Waterville, to help his family financially. Later he became a master mechanic at Furbush Chevrolet, in Waterville, working mainly fixing automatic transmissions. He ended his career as a janitor at the Waterville Junior High School.

He was considered a jack-of-all-trades. He was gifted with many talents.

He was a devout Catholic, who had an amazing childlike faith. He was a Christ-like man, who was very giving and always willing to help others. He was a wonderful husband and caregiver for many years to his wife Yvette. As a family, we would go for Sunday rides and picnics. He loved playing cards and as a hobby, enjoyed making model cars. He also had a love for French Canadian fiddle music.

Florian is survived by his daughter, Anna Wilber and her husband Ronald, with their children Robert and wife Terri; sons, Michael and daughter, Kathleen, Daniel and wife Cecile with their children Christopher and wife Amanda, and their son Gregory, Lawrence and wife Mary, with their children Melissa French and husband John, Aimee Jacques and husband Edwin, Sonya Houle and her husband Glen, Allison Hinkley and husband Gary, Isaac and his wife Alyssa, and Sarah Burbine and her husband Jacob; his daughter Rebecca (Becky) Gilbert and husband Richard, with their children Dana and wife Becky and Dean and wife Jaime; sisters Stella Roy and her husband Claude, and Madleine McPhail and husband Richard, and brothers-in-law Joseph “Bob” Libby and Gerald “Jerry” Veilleux; 22 great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Florian was predeceased by his parents; his young son, Mark and his wife of 63 years, Yvette; baby brother and a younger sister Arlene; his brothers Lionel and wife Madeline, Joseph and wife Jeanette, Raymond and wife Jackie; his sisters Gertrude Gagnon and her husband Alex, and Carmen Libby Mullen; three great-grandchildren; and his sweetheart of nine years, Barbara Mae Morse.

A Mass of Christian Burial to celebrate his life will be held on Saturday March 21 at 11 a.m., at Notre Dame Church, 112 Silver St., Waterville.

Burial will take place immediately following the service, with a driving by procession, outside of St. Francis Cemetery, Grove Street, in Waterville.

Family and friends are invited to gather for refreshments in memory of Florian after the service.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Veilleux and Redington Funeral Home.

Condolences, memories and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page www.veilleuxfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made for the Meals on Wheels program, in memory of Florian Veilleux to, Muskie Community Center, 38 Gold St., Waterville, ME 04901.

WILTON A. LARSEN

OAKLAND – Wilton Arnold Larsen, 89, passed away on Monday, March 9, 2020, at Eastern Maine Medical Center, in Bangor, following a brief illness. Wilton was born on August 11, 1930, on his family’s farm, in Larone, to Arnold and Sadie (Hunter) Larsen.

In 1939, Wilton became ill with rheumatic fever and spent the next five years of his young life in and out of the hospital – often for months at a time. When he finally returned home after many operations and close calls, Wilton was unable to walk. Never one to be dissuaded by obstacles, he learned to walk with the assistance of crutches rather than spend his life wheelchair bound.

After attending Easton High School and graduating from Lawrence High School, in Fairfield, in 1953, Wilton attended the Woodrow Wilson Technical School, in Fishersville, Virginia. He graduated in 1958 with a certificate in watchmaking and returned to Maine to work for Barnstone Osgood, in Lewiston.

In 1960, Wilton married Melba Mahoney, in Norridgewock. And in 1962, he opened Larsen’s Jewelry Store, in Oakland (later located in Fairfield and Waterville). Together with their family and friends, Wilton and Melba built their home at the end of Heath Street, where he resided for the rest of his life. Wilton was civically-minded and very active in his community, serving as an Oakland Town Councilor, president of the Oakland Lions Club, and on the board of the Waterville Osteopathic Hospital.

Throughout his life, Wilton enjoyed woodworking, traveling the United States, spending time with his family, and searching out the best deal on a good cord of wood.

Wilton is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Melba Mahoney Larsen; his son, Mark (Lee Anne) Larsen, of Sidney; daughter, Susan (Phuc) Tran, of Portland; his four granddaughters, Elizabeth Larsen, Emily Larsen, Phoebe Tran, and Beatrix Tran; his brother, Gerald (Mabel) Larsen and sisters, Audrey Thibodeau, Barbara Hunter, and Sandra Otis; along with several nieces and nephews.

Wilton requested that there be no funeral. There will be a burial ceremony at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 29, at Friends Cemetery on Middle Road in Fairfield.

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

Arrangements are by Wheeler Funeral Home & Cremation Care, 26 Church St., Oakland.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Wilton’s memory to the Oakland Fire and Rescue Department, 11 Fairfield St., Oakland, ME 04963.

OBITUARIES for Thursday, March 12, 2020

GILBERT J. DeROCHE SR.

BENTON – Gilbert J. DeRoche Sr., 89, of Benton, passed away on Saturday, February 22, 2020. Gil was born to Sylvia (LeBreton) and Alphonse DeRoche on February 10, 1931, on the Old Town Indian Reservation.

He was the second oldest of the six surviving children and the last one to pass away. Five other siblings died at or around birth. Gil grew up and was raised with his five siblings in Madison. Dad’s family faced many challenges and was nothing short of a special group of six community children. Their father, Alphonse left his family in 1943 leaving the four girls and two boys with their mother, and not much of anything else besides each other.

Gil and Nancy were privately married on July 13, 2001. They shared many trips, some to Las Vegas, Nevada, and many other gaming locations. He would sing karoake at many of the locations across the states always with a smile. They even made a trip to Hawaii. Nancy and her immediate family shared many events, singing and laughing at Gil’s jokes. Gil purposely shared a joke because he wanted everyone he knew and met to reach the euphoria you have when you relax and laugh.

The Madison community was very helpful to his family including a special coach at school who wanted him to be part of the program if he could learn the capitals of each state in America. After the task was completed, he joined the team as a helper. He carried the affliction for sporting teams and the family camaraderie shown within the team members. His mother would sing during the weekly activities. All of Gil’s sisters were gifted with the ability to sing. Gil sang at fairs when he was young, competitions (which he would win) and was traveled to Portland by a Madison community member to record a “78” single song. Anyone who saw his vehicle for the last 30 years saw his license plate as “My Way 5.”

Gil stopped his education in the ninth grade to help earn money for his mother and family, doing small task in the town, especially around the pool hall. He remembers the tears it would bring to his mother when he gave her a $5 bill he won in a singing contest. She tried to have him utilize his singing talents. As he grew to the teenager years, he would gather with his cousins Ditty and Tinker, and sing all night. He hitchhiked for three years from Madison to Fairfield to court a friend he met on the bus. He was sitting in a crowded bus when Joan Pooler came aboard. Of course, he stood up to give his seat to yes, mom.

Gilbert J. DeRoche Sr. and the former Joan Pooler were married on August 25, 1951. They were together for 47 years before the nasty cancer took Joan’s life at 66 years. Gil entered the Korean conflict, serving in the U.S. Army after their marriage. During his enlistment, he talked his way through the physical and passed even though he always had vision in only his left eye. His service buddy’s noting his physical stature, nicknamed him “peewee.” The one eye obviously had a successful honeymoon. While out of the country serving for his country, Joan gave birth to their first child, Gilbert Jr., in 1952.

Following completion of his commitment in the service, Gil and Joan eventually located themselves in their own home in Fairfield. Gil learned an applicable carpentry trade. He worked for several contractors building homes in Waterville’s First Rangeway area, the Home for Little Wanderers, the Boys and Girls Club, Mayflower Hill area, the Nun’s convent, Keyes Fibre engineer (Huhtamaki) building on the hill and many more. Gil would be left inside the buildings to complete the finish work of the home. He could calculate the necessary components without but a few pieces of leftover wood. He worked helping build or upgrade other friends’ homes and camps. Gil would finish his working life at Keyes Fibre Company, mostly in the maintenance carpenter shop.

During his later years, he teamed with Nate Martin to sing at the nursing homes in Central Maine.

Gil participated within the newly-formed PAL – Police Athletic League. The Fairfield, Albion, Clinton and Benton towns formed sports teams and organized one of the most successful youth programs for girls and boys. Gil was one of the adults who would build bleachers or shacks. One of Gil’s favorite programs was Lawrence High School football. He was seen on the 40-yard line at least two hours prior to the home and away games for the last 35-plus years.

Gil is survived by his wife, Nancy; his children and grandchildren Gil Jr. and Sue DeRoche with Jamie and Allan Mitchell, Jen and Cory Pelletier, also Josh Poulin and companion Danielle Morse; Dana and Lana DeRoche with Chris DeRoche and companion Sarah Diana, Travis and Nicole DeRoche, Melissa Levesque, also Ryan and Shawna Robinson. Michael and Carolee DeRoche with Lindsay and Jared Bragdon, Brittnae DeRoche and companion BB Jesse Lacasse. Deborah DeRoche with Steve and Kelley Knox and Shawn Knox. Peter DeRoche with Jared and Rachell DeRoche and Amber and Jake Dangler; many great-grandchildren; and stepchildren and step-grandchildren Kathleen and Louis Bourgeois, with Nick Cormier, Sean and Jazuymen Cormier, Brad and Kaila Cormier. Gregory and Kimberly Cormier, with Kristin and Eric Eggdoy, Ryan Cormier and Lindsay Cormier. Eric and Lisa Cormier with Seth and Taylor Cormier. Erin Cormier. Gil was predeceased by his first wife Joan, all his DeRoche siblings Retha Jolin, Priscilla Arsenault, Richard (Manny) DeRoche, Gloria Dupont, Delores Corson. God has blessed their souls and are together again.

At Gil’s request, in lieu of flowers, please send a donation to Lawrence High School Booster, P.O. Box 49,7 in Fairfield, Maine 04937, c/o Libby Higgins.

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

Arrangements are by Lawry Brothers Funeral & Cremation Care, 107 Main St., Fairfield.

MARIE J. TOZIER

CLINTON – Marie Jeanne Tozier, 89, passed away on Sunday, February 23, 2020, at Cedar Ridge Center, Skowhegan. She was born in Waterville on October 24, 1930, the daughter of Cornelius J. Begin, Sr. and Bernadette (Drouin) Begin.

She was a graduate of Lawrence High School, in Fairfield, class of 1948.

Marie was employed as a customer service representative for C. F. Hathaway Shirt Company, in Waterville, and, following her retirement, she was a volunteer for MaineGeneral Medical Center.

Marie decorated her home with her cross-stitch portraits, and her children were honored to receive some of them as gifts. She was an avid reader, was a Eucharistic Minister, loved her Silver Sneaker Exercise class and her bowling team.

She was predeceased by her parents; her husband, Theron Tozier; grandson, Nathan Davis; and brother, Cornelius J. Begin, Jr.

Marie is survived by her children, Angela Cote Davis, of Fairfield, Thomas Cote, of Hendersonville, North Carolina, Emily McDonald and husband Charles, of Madison, Elizabeth Ferland and husband Pete, of Elizabeth City, North Carolina: many grandchildren; and great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild; stepchildren, Donna Raycraft and husband Joe, of Concord, New Hampshire, Thomas Tozier and wife Debbie, of Rochester, New Hampshire, Linda Ruksznis and husband Buz ,of Kittery, and Katherine Towle and husband David, of Bowdoin; two sisters, Camilla Hachey of Banbridge, Georgia, and Rachel Matthews, of Fairfield.

A Mass of Christian Burial took place on Thursday, March 5, 2020, at Notre Dame Catholic Church, 116 Silver St., Waterville.

Burial will be held in the spring in Rural Grove Cemetery, Dover-Foxcroft.

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

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to MaineGeneral Hospice, P.O. 828, Waterville, ME 04903.

PETER STEVENS

OAKLAND — Peter was born in Waterville to of Dana and Judy Stevens. He lived in North Belgrade growing up and resided on Main Street, in Oakland, in his later years. He was a kind-hearted man who had overcome many hardships in life, but he always seemed to handle what life gave him with a smile.

A quote from a childhood friend on Facebook truly spoke the truth and simply stated “REST IN PEACE Peter Stevens. You had more than your fair share of struggles in this life and I think you were blessed with a heart larger than most to be able to cope with your added burden. The world is a lesser place today without you in it.”

That being said, he was a rare kind in today’s world: he would have given his shirt off his back and gone without for himself. Peter was a proud graduate of Messalonskee High School, in Oakland, class of 1984, and enjoyed getting together with a group of his friends from school. He always looked forward to spending time with family and friends, whether it be just sitting, having a cup of coffee, going out to eat, going for a ride. He was a proud member of Team Hallowell, a team on The Dempsey Challenge.

He was fortunate he got to travel quite a bit. He would go to visit his cousin Barbie McEachern, in Florida, and traveled to Phoenix, Arizona, and to California a few times at his spiritual mom’s, Donna Weising.

He lived a simple life and was very content, didn’t really ever asked for much. He loved Jesus with all his heart and had a very strong faith, He could quote his Scripture from memory. He loved music and watching his favorite TV shows. Everyone that knew Peter will always remember his infectious smile and laughter, He loved to read by the hour, and loved animals. But truly nothing was more important to Peter than his family, his sister Stacy and husband Willy Morton, and his niece Harley and nephew Dakota Morton.

Peter was predeceased by his brother David Stevens, mother Judy Stevens, his father Dana Stevens, cousin Sue Eller.

Survivors include his sister, Stacy Stevens and her husband Willy Morton, Harley Morton, Dakota Morton, all of Oakland, Uncle Hardy Taylor, Aunt Jeanette Fletcher, Uncle Bobby Furbush, Aunt Juanita Bickford, several cousins.

There will be a celebration of life in the spring and burial at Pine Grove Cemetery, in Waterville, will follow.

In lieu of flowers friends and family may make a donation in his memory to help with cost of funeral expenses, to his sister, Stacy Stevens, 21 North Alpine Street, Oakland Maine 04963.

Arrangements by Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service, Skowhegan.

WALTER F. SHUMAN

OAKLAND – Walter Felix Shuman, 87, passed away on Monday, February 24, 2020, at Maine Medical Center, in Portland. He was born in Rumford, to Felix Peter and Mary Ann (Buchoinis) Shuman.

At the age of four he moved with his mother and father to their farm in New Sharon where he spent his youth. After his farm chores were complete, he could be found fishing, hunting, snowshoeing, and just enjoying what the great outdoors had to offer. You would often hear him mention that he had the best childhood.

He graduated from New Sharon High School where he excelled in both basketball and baseball. He served in the U.S. Army as a military policeman in France during the Korean Conflict. He attended Southern Maine Vocational Technical Institute, in South Portland, and upon graduation worked for Stone & Webster Engineering where he met his wife Jane. He was employed by Chas. T. Main for 15 years as an electrical field engineer and during this time he pursued his education and obtained his degree in electrical engineering. His job with Chas. T. Main took him to many states across the country and also to the Maritime Providences of Canada. He retired from Scott Paper Company, in Winslow, as the maintenance manager of the Somerset Plant.

In his retirement he looked forward to spending winters in Florida. Golfing, fishing, hunting, bowling, working with stain glass were some of his many interests. Additionally, he was a life-long learner who enjoyed non-fiction books about Maine, Alaska and any of his other interests. He was a member of the Waterville Country Club for 35 years and an active member of the Smithfield Baptist Church.

Water is survived by his wife of 59 years Jane (Merrill) Shuman; daughters Wendy Van Der Karr and her husband Peter Fisher, Elizabeth Smith and her husband J.C., Brenda Vachon and her husband David; his grandchildren, Jane, Eric, and Sarah Van Der Karr, Megan and Mackenzie Smith, and Emily Vachon; sister-in-law Patricia McKenzie; nieces Patricia O’Donnell and her husband James, Susan Anghinetti and her husband Joseph; nephews Greg and Brian McKenzie; along with cousins and several great-nieces and nephews.

Walter was predeceased by his mother Mary, his father Felix, his sisters Aldona Larsen and Anella Jensen, and niece Paula Larsen.

A celebration of life will be held at the Smithfield Baptist Church, 25 Lakeview Drive, Smithfield, on March 28, 2020, at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations to the Humane Society of your choice or the Smithfield Baptist Church.

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

JOHN T. BULLEN

VASSALBORO – John T. Bullen, 58, passed away Tuesday, February 25, 2020, at his home, in Vassalboro. He was born February 10, 1962, in Brooklyn, New York, the son of Robert V. and Maryann T. (Wysokowski) Bullen.

After moving to Maine in 1972 with his family, John attended Carl B. Lord Elementary School, in Vassalboro, and Winslow High School, where he was a member of the wrestling team. After graduating, he began a career in the construction business in York, where he worked for more than 20 years as a carpenter.

John will always be remembered for his sense of humor, his generosity, and his willingness to help others. He was a avid fisherman and a huge fan of the Denver Broncos football team.

He is survived by his son, Myles; brothers, Robert and Vincent.

In accordance with Johns wishes, there will be no funeral or visitation hours.

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

LINDA D. CHAMPINE

WATERVILLE – Linda D. (Card) Champine, 70, passed away Friday, February 28, 2020, at Mount Saint Joseph Nursing Home, in Waterville. She was born April 9, 1949, in Framingham, Massachusetts, the daughter of Reginald J. Card and Mildred (Keanney) Sukeforth.

She worked at various jobs including C. F. Hathaway Shirt Company, in Waterville, Pleasant Hill Nursing Home, in Fairfield, and the chicken plant, in Winslow. She enjoyed cooking, coloring, and knitting.

Linda is survived by four daughters, Lynn Giles and partner Louis Carey, of Waterville, Lisa Moulton and husband Travis, of Oakland, Barbara Smith and partner Patty, of Winslow, and Kathy Merrill, of Gardiner; sons, Mike (Pinkyman) Sturtevant, of Fairfield, and Stephen Giles and wife Jeane, of Waterville; seven sisters, Cynthia Vasilatone and husband Mark, of Bethleham, Pennsylvania, Bridget Sanipas and husband Wayne, of Unity, Annette Cafro ,of Alpha, New Jersey, Patricia Cunningham, of Flemington, New Jersey, Regina Kihlstadius and husband Todd, of Clearbrook, Minnesota, Darlene Morgan, of Clinton, Regina Cook; three brothers, Reginald Card, of Whitehouse, New Jersey, Jeffrey Card, of Searsport, Tim Card and wife Lindsey, of Washington state; step-mother, Toni LaRochelle Card Godown, of Troy; 11 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews and cousins.

A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, March 29, 2020 from 1 – 5 p.m., at the VFW, on Main Street, Fairfield.

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

PETER H. GOOLDRUP

CHINA – Peter Howard Gooldrup, 79, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, February 29, 2020. Peter was born, in Waterville, on August 11, 1940, the son of Arthur and Yvonne (Butler) Gooldrup.

He attended China Elementary School and earned his GED in 1970.

He worked for the State of Maine Department of Transportation from 1959 until his retirement in 1995.

He was predeceased by his parents, Arthur and Yvonne; siblings Connie, Christine, Norman, and Barbara; son-in-law Frank, sister-in-Law Violet, and brother-in-Law David.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Joyce M. Gooldrup; children Richard P. (Marjorie), Ann Breton, Theresa Gooldrup, Becky Kosis; grandchildren Amanda King, Derick King (Tiffany), Miranda Kosis, Dale Kosis, Mary Gooldrup; great-grandchildren Kylie and Thomas Boucher, Angel and Brooklyn King, and Colton Shaw; siblings Arthur Gooldrup, Lillian Belcher (Jim), Mary Champine, and James Gooldrup (Irene).

At Peter’s request, there will be no services.

SHIRLEY A. EXNER

WATERVILLE – Shirley Ann Exner, 70, a longtime resident of Waterville, passed away on Tuesday, March 3, 2020, at the age of 70 at Maine Medical Center, in Portland. She was born in Mahwah, New Jersey, on March 18, 1949, the daughter of Stanley T. Dunn and Mary Jean Dunn, of Mahwah, New Jersey.

Shirley was married to her husband, William R. Exner, for 45 years. Shirley raised four children as a homemaker and enjoyed spending time with them and her six grandchildren. Her greatest wish was to have a close family that loves and supports each other. She spent her free time reading and knitting. As an avid knitter, Shirley knitted hundreds of sets of hats and mittens to donate to the local Waterville schools for children in need over the years.

She is survived by her husband, William R. Exner, of Waterville; daughters Christina E. Exner, of Oakland, Amanda C. Exner,of Gardiner, Brenda J Exner, of Oakland, James C. Exner and his wife Shauna, of China; grandchildren LTJG Phillip A. Exner and his girlfriend Abbie Gaudette, Joseph M. Exner, Billy W. Eaton, Brandon Brown-Exner, Trevor Exner, Addison Exner; former sons-in-law Eric R. Holt and Kirby K. Knox; three sisters Gail Dunn McCullough and husband Bill, of Morrill, Wanda Caggiano and husband Robert, of Hamburg, New Jersey, Karen Knichel and husband Jeff, of New Jersey; three brothers, Steven Dunn, of Martinez, California, Russell Dunn, of Branchville, New Jersey, Paul Dunn, of Fletcher, Vermont; cousin Peggy Benson, of New Jersey; and several cousins, nephews and nieces.

Shirley was predeceased by her father, Stanley T. Dunn and mother, Mary Jean Dunn, of Mahwah, New Jersey, and sister-in-law Mary Dunn, of Martinez, California.

Her wish for a close family has always been and always will be fulfilled.

There will be a celebration of life at the American Oakland Legion, 22 Church Street, Oakland, ME, on Sunday, March 15, 2020, from noon – 4 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please donate hats and mittens in her name to George J. Mitchell School at 58 Drummond Ave, Waterville, ME 04901.

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

GEORGE McKENNEY

PALERMO – George Andrew McKenney Jr, 89, passed peacefully on Friday, March 6, 2020, following a brief admittance to Togus Springs, in Augusta. He was husband to Beverly (Wellman), father of five children, brother, grandfather, great grandfather and loyal friend to many. His steady, cheerful presence at family and community events will be sorely missed.

Born on April 25, 1930, to George and Doris (Hannan) McKenney, they moved to the farm on North Palermo Road when he was four, and George has lived on and loved that acreage ever since. He went to the local school just up the road and often told stories of walking home through the fields and woods and along the brook. He graduated from Erskine Academyd, in South China, in 1948, and shortly afterward joined the U.S. Army. He served as a corporal and was stationed in Alaska during the Korean Conflict. George returned to Maine to marry the former Beverly Wellman on June 9, 1953, and returned to duty on June 30.

Following his military service, George worked in the shoe industry until its collapse in the mid-1970s. Thereafter, George “took to the woods,” the second love of his life. George spent every hour possible “down back” cutting wood, hunting, fishing, and absorbing the secrets of the forest. Perhaps our greatest inheritance was his love for the natural world. He shared his appreciation of trees and animals and birds with anyone who cared to listen. He was a true sportsman in that he opened access to his land to others including ATVs and snowmobiles – but a word of caution: take care not to get confused by George’s maze of trails down back. Neighbors and friends were always welcome to hunt as long as they followed his “No Does” rule. George was welcomed at family and friends’ camps throughout the great state of Maine for moose hunts, ice fishing trips, or just a chance to visit.

George was a hometown boy, but after Beverly’s retirement they traveled to places like Hawaii and Ireland. They took cruises and drove cross country to Alaska. Beverly may have been the motivator, but George went along. He could report the exact mileage per gallon and best places for gas and where to eat, although he’d prefer a picnic and a piece of Beverly’s pie. He was curious and interested in everything – except maybe the latest fashions. And if you ever had a question about the weather, you could always ask George.

He made friends easily and many of these were like family as they visited with George and Beverly at the farm over the years. George was a family man and viewed gatherings as a joy rather than an obligation. He exemplified the true meaning of what it is to be a good neighbor and citizen. George was involved in the leadership of Boy Scout Troop #222 and all four of his boys earned their Eagle. He and Beverly were active members of the Palermo Fish and Game Club, the Palermo Historical Society, and the American Legion Malcolm Glidden Post #163, for which George was recently awarded the Quilt of Valor. Palermo honored George and Beverly by naming them grand marshals for the 2012 Palermo Days Parade. A humble soul, George may not have fully realized the importance of his presence, but his family certainly did. His legacy lives on through his children and grandchildren as they continue to serve their communities in various capacities. Evidence that an individual truly can make a difference.

George is survived by his wife, Beverly, of 66 years; his children Dennis and his extended family, Dale and wife Pam, Dwain and wife Diana, Ilene, and Darryl; grandchildren Danielle Reitchel and husband Dicky, Hillary Turner and husband Rob, Megan Childs and husband Steve, Katherine Libby and husband Mike, Jacob and wife Crystal, Nicole and partner Kenny, Tory Winters and husband JJ, Lauren and partner Dan, Ashlie Stubbs and husband Ethan, Chelsie Herrin and husband Jared; and great-grandchildren Riley, Holden, Aiden, Wyatt, Addison, Alex, Olivia, Luke, Rossalyn, Harper, Avery, Mia, Evelyn, Emmett, Oliver, and Clara; his sister, Amy Ingraham; sisters-in-law, Marion Bryant, Maxine Carle and Virginia Wellman, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Those who knew George will remember his interest in people and willingness to sit and tell tales. In that spirit, please join family and friends at the Palermo Christian Church for a celebration of life on Saturday, March 14, at 2 p.m., and please bring a story to share.

Those who desire may make donations in George’s memory to the Palermo Christian Church, P.O. Box 154, Palermo, Maine 04354.

OBITUARIES for Thursday, March 5, 2020

NORIKO DILLENBECK

WINSLOW – Noriko (Nori) Dillenbeck passed away on Friday, January 10, 2020, at Durgin Pines Care Center, in Kittery. She was born in Tokyo, Japan, in 1932.

She survived a cerebral hemorrage in 2009.

In Japan, she became a translator and interpreter for missionaries and ministers from America. She met Henry Dillenbeck, in Tokyo, in 1953 when he was on a brief leave from combat in the ongoing Korean War. Noriko came to America in 1992 when she and Henry married.

She became a member of the South China Community Church and was known for her kind engaging smile and warm heart. She is sorely missed.

A graveside commital will take place in Waterville in June.

DR. H. ALAN HUME

SIDNEY – H. Alan Hume, M.D., 93, passed away on Thursday, February 20, 2020, at MaineGeneral Medical Center, in Augusta. He was born on September 25, 1926, in Lynchburg, Virginia, the son of Dr. Harry and Elizabeth Hume.

He attended school in suburban Pennsylvania and graduated from The Episcopal Academy, Merion, Pennsylvania,, in 1944. After graduation he served in the U.S. Navy from 1944-1946. Upon discharge he enrolled at Haverford College, graduating in 1949, and was admitted to the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, earning his medical degree in 1953. After completing an internship and surgical residency at Presbyterian-University of Pennsylvania Medical Center and a surgical fellowship at The Lahey Clinic, he joined the surgical practice of two of his mentors to form a three-man surgical group in Philadelphia.

During the ‘60s, in addition to his private surgical practice, he held various positions such as Chief of Surgical Services, Presbyterian-University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, and Chief of Staff at two hospitals in Delaware County, Pennsylvania.

In 1969, Alan married his wife, Dorothy, and they raised his three children. Over the years he proclaimed many times that their wedding day was “the proudest moment of his life.”

In the mid-’70s, Alan and Dorothy moved to Maine where he took a position as Director, Emergency Medical Services, State of Maine from 1975-1979. He resumed his surgical practice in Maine from 1980-1990, where he served a tenure as Chief of Staff at Mid-Maine Medical Center, in Waterville. It was during this time that he became associated with Colby College pre-med students who spent the summers with him and Dorothy, dividing the students’ time between his surgical practice and working on what would later become the Colby-Hume Center at his home, in Sidney. Alan became an Overseer at Colby, and then following his retirement from the practice of surgery, he worked as Director and Attending Physician in the Colby Student Health Center for ten years.

During his time at Colby, as a result of his love of teaching young people, he created a Furniture Making Course and a Blacksmithing Course on his property, for under-graduates to use each year in the month of January, the concept being to create an off-campus site accessible to Colby students year-round. Alan was then approached by a student who requested permission to store a crew shell on his property – thus was born the Colbv varsity sport. A boathouse was soon constructed for the teams to store their shells at the Colby-Hume Center, and practice rowing on beautiful Lake Messalonskee, in Oakland.

He is survived by his wife, Dorothy, of 50 years, his brother John and Natalie of Pennsylvania; son, Alan of California; daughter, Alison DiCarlo and husband, Robert, of Maine; daughter, Barbara, of New Jersey; grandchildren Nicholas Bolduc and wife, and Jeffrey Baird and wife, of Maine, and Heather Small, of New Jersey, along with several nieces and nephews.

Alan was predeceased by his parents and his sister.

At Alan’s request there will be no service.

In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made in Dr Hume’s memory to Colby Friends of Crew by going to colby.edu/give or by mailing a check to Colby College, 173 Main Street, Waterville, Maine 04901.

Arrangements are in the care of Dan & Scott Cremation Funeral Service, 445 Waterville Road, Skowhegan, Me., 04976

SANDY Y. MATHIESON

PALERMO – Sandy Yates Mathieson, died on Friday, February 21, 2020, at Portsmouth Regional Hospital, in New Hampshire. Sandy came into the world on July 13, 1947, the child of Jules David Yates and Natalie Weisberg Yates.

An Army brat, she lived in California, Germany, and Massachusetts while growing up. She and her husband Peter have made their home in Palermo for more than three decades. The great themes of Sandy’s life have been loving, learning, and persevering. Her son Christopher, his wife Megan, and her grandchildren Nala and Damian were the lights of her life. She was a sister to her siblings Jennifer Levy-Peck and Jonathan Yates, and his wife Anne Yates. Sandy had heartfelt connections with a wide circle of friends from Hawaii to Maine, a loving connection with her in-laws and extended family, and she considered her friend Gale Marie and her children to be part of her family.

A lifelong learner, Sandy returned to college to complete her bachelor’s degree in Vocational Rehabilitation from the University of Maine at Farmington in her 40s. She worked at a variety of jobs, including tutoring homebound students and working with people with disabilities. She was ordained as a Spiritualist minister, gave readings that were comforting to many people, and even officiated at her sister’s wedding. An accomplished Reiki Master, she also had a creative side and made beautiful beaded jewelry. She and her husband participated in historical Rendezvous reenactments for many years. She continued her own studies to increase her knowledge of various forms of healing, the properties of gems, and a variety of other topics. Sandy was always willing to offer a prayer for others and shared a daily meditation with her Facebook friends.

Her indomitable spirit shone through in the past few years as serious health challenges resulted in multiple hospitalizations and increasing disability. Sandy was a fierce advocate for herself as well as others, and wove together a support network that allowed her to stay at home. The family is grateful to the many friends, neighbors, and service providers who helped her in her times of need.

A Celebration of Life in Sandy’s honor will be held at the Temple Heights Spiritualist Camp in Northport, Maine this summer.

For details, see www.forevermissed.com/sandy-yates-mathieson/about. You can also share photos, condolences, and memories on this website.

Contributions in Sandy’s memory may be made to the Palermo Food Pantry or the Palermo Volunteer Fire Department. Donate to the food pantry via LCF, P.O. Box 151, Palermo, ME 04354 (mark “Food Pantry – in memory of Sandy Mathieson” on memo line of check). The address for the Palermo Volunteer Fire Department is P.O. Box 7, Palermo, ME 04354. Please indicate that this is a memorial contribution.

PETER R. THERIAULT

WATERVILLE – Peter R. Theriault, 91, died Friday, February 28, 2020, at a local nursing home, in Waterville.

Arrangements by Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service, Skowhegan.

BARBARA C. MONK

BENTON – Barbara “Jean” (Clukey) Monk, 85, passed away Sunday, February 23, 2020, at Mount Saint Joseph Residence and Rehabilitation, in Waterville. She was born December 24, 1934, in Clinton, the daughter of Guy and Amalia (Steves) Clukey.

She attended schools in Clinton. On June 23, 1956, she married Lauris Monk, in Clinton. She was employed for many years as a clerk at Grant’s, K-Mart, both in Waterville, and local establishments as a customer service and food service representative. Jean spent many weekends and vacations with Lauris and her grandchildren at local race tracks and race tracks from Maine to Florida; they both were avid race fans. She also enjoyed going to grandchildren’s basketball games, watching the Celtics games and college basketball. She enjoyed going to local stores to chat with the customers and employees.

Jean is survived by son, Brian Monk and wife Melanie, of Skowhegan; daughter, Laurie McLellan and husband David, of Benton; two grandsons, Brian Monk II, of Benton, David Monk, of China; two granddaughters, Ashely Bouwkamp and husband David, of Virginia, Christina Monk, of Topsham; two great-granddaughters, Alana Monk, of Waterville, Bellamie Monk, of Clinton; two great-grandsons, Aiden and Kamden Bouwkamp, of Virginia.

She was predeceased by her husband, Lauris Monk.

A graveside service will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, friends wishing may make donations in Jean’s memory to Alzheimer’s Association Maine, 383 U.S. Route 1, Suite 2C, Scarborough, ME 04074.

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

ROGER J. MARTIN

ANACOCO, La. – Roger J. Martin, 64, passed away peacefully on Monday, Februry 24, 2020, in Anacoco, Louisiana. He was born September 17, 1955, in Fort Kent, to O’Neil Martin and Jeanne (Clavette) Martin,

Roger was an Air Force veteran and proudly served the Waterville Police Department for over 20 years. He was also an excellent carpenter and enjoyed making furniture and small projects. He enjoyed camping in the Maine woods and was a member of the NRA and American Legion.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents, O’Neil and Jeanne Martin.

He is survived by his wife, Cindy Edwards, of Anacoco, Louisiana; son Sean R. Kilpatrick, of Anacoco; brother Joseph Martin ,of Schertz, Texas; sisters Lorraine Lessard, of China, and Gisele Carey, of Fairfield Center.

Funeral services will be held April 10, 2020, at 1 p.m., at the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 163 Mt Vernon Rd, Augusta.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.jeanesfs.com.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 15829, Arlington, Virginia 22215, www.diabetes.org/donate or, or American Heart Association, P.O. Box 417005, Boston, Massachusetts, 02241-7005, www2.hearrt.org.

ROBERTA C. TOBEY

CHINA – Roberta Caroline (Glidden) Tobey, 92, passed away Monday, February 24, 2020, at her home in China, where she had lived for the past 52 years. She was born July 11, 1927, in Palermo, daughter of Beatrice Worthing Glidden and Howard Ansel Glidden.

Roberta was the valedictorian of the Erskine Academy, class of 1945, in South China.

Roberta married James Kempton Tobey on June 8, 1947, and they spent the next 65 years together until his passing in 2012. For many years, in addition to being a farm wife, Roberta was the secretary for Kempton Tobey & Son. After getting her license at 32, she made many trips for parts for the business as well as driving softball and basketball teams to games long before buses were provided.

Stationary and postage stamps were among her most cherished gifts because she greatly enjoyed writing letters and cards. She had an outstanding memory for birthdays and anniversaries and always acknowledged them with a handwritten note. Her favorite singers were Patsy Cline and Eddy Arnold and she loved to sing along with them, and, oh, yes, she could yodel! She loved to cook and always served her visitors a sweet treat. Grandchildren fondly remember the favorite pies she baked for them. Grandchildren and great-grandchildren spent many hours listening to the ‘teachable moments’ from Berenstein Bear books.

Roberta is survived by her children, Noreen Golden and husband Peter, Letricia Sears and husband, Jack, Robin Tobey and former wife Barbara, Jill Tobey and husband Bill McFarland; 11 grandchildren, Tobey Farrington (Karen) and Andrew Golden (Debra), Brett Sears (Katie), Ethan Tobey, Nolan Tobey (Beth), and Deidre Tobey (Chris Jordan), Benjamin Willoughby (Robin) and Brandy Sarian (John), Chad McFarland (Heather), Scott McFarland (Rene), and Michael McFarland (Elizabeth); 14 great-grandchildren, Andrew, Ashley, Jillian, Priscilla, Lydia, Kempton, Levon, Sophia, Grace, Ethan, Mason, Finn, Harper and Bailey; brother, Sherwood Glidden and wife Betty, sisters-in-law, Polly Tobey and Pauline Glidden; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Roberta was predeceased by husband, Kempton; granddaughter, Janna Sears; and brothers, Elberton Glidden and Atwood Glidden.

At Roberta’s request, there will be no public visiting hours or funeral services. A springtime graveside service is planned at the Branch Mills Cemetery, in China.

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

Arrangements are by Lawry Brothers Funeral & Cremation Care, 107 Main St., Fairfield.

Memorial donations may be made to the Humane Society Waterville Area, 100 Webb Rd., Waterville, ME 04901.

PETER STEVENS

Peter was born in Waterville to of Dana and Judy Stevens. He lived in North Belgrade growing up and resided on Main Street, in Oakland, in his later years. He was a kind-hearted man who had overcome many hardships in life, but he always seemed to handle what life gave him with a smile.

A quote from a childhood friend on Facebook truly spoke the truth and simply stated “REST IN PEACE Peter Stevens. You had more than your fair share of struggles in this life and I think you were blessed with a heart larger than most to be able to cope with your added burden. The world is a lesser place today without you in it.”

That being said, he was a rare kind in today’s world: he would have given his shirt off his back and gone without for himself. Peter was a proud graduate of Messalonskee High School, in Oakland, class of 1984, and enjoyed getting together with a group of his friends from school. He always looked forward to spending time with family and friends, whether it be just sitting, having a cup of coffee, going out to eat, going for a ride. He was a proud member of Team Hallowell, a team on The Dempsey Challenge.

He was fortunate he got to travel quite a bit. He would go to visit his cousin Barbie McEachern, in Florida, and traveled to Phoenix, Arizona, and to California a few times at his spiritual mom’s, Donna Weising.

He lived a simple life and was very content, didn’t really ever asked for much. He loved Jesus with all his heart and had a very strong faith, He could quote his Scripture from memory. He loved music and watching his favorite TV shows. Everyone that knew Peter will always remember his infectious smile and laughter, He loved to read by the hour, and loved animals. But truly nothing was more important to Peter than his family, his sister Stacy and husband Willy Morton, and his niece Harley and nephew Dakota Morton.

Peter was predeceased by his brother David Stevens, mother Judy Stevens, his father Dana Stevens, cousin Sue Eller.

Survivors include his sister, Stacy Stevens and her husband Willy Morton, Harley Morton, Dakota Morton, all of Oakland, Uncle Hardy Taylor, Aunt Jeanette Fletcher, Uncle Bobby Furbush, Aunt Juanita Bickford, several cousins.

There will be a celebration of life in the spring and burial at Pine Grove Cemetery, in Waterville, will follow.

In lieu of flowers friends and family may make a donation in his memory to help with cost of funeral expenses, to his sister, Stacy Stevens, 21 North Alpine Street, Oakland Maine 04963.

Arrangements by Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service, Skowhegan.

OBITUARIES for Thursday, Februrary 27, 2020

PETER J. DYER

FAIRFIELD – Peter Joseph Dyer, 63, of Fairfield, passed away unexpectedly at his home, on Tuesday, February 4, 2020. Peter was born on August 19, 1956, in Fairfield, son of Frederick and Madeline (Tobey) Dyer.

Peter never married and never had any children, except for all the nephews and nieces and grandnephews and grandnieces who loved and looked up to him as “Uncle Pete,” who always doted on all of them as his own.

He worked at Huhtamaki, in Fairfield, for over 20 years. Prior to Pete working at the mill he was a construction worker for 20 years at Bill Mushero Foundation Company, in Fairfield. No matter where Pete worked, he always had the reputation of being the hardest, most dedicated worker on his crew. Anyone who knew him loved him for his work ethic, quiet and pleasant demeanor, and his unwavering devotion to his family. For decades Peter looked after his grandmother, mother and father, assisting them in any way that was needed. He was truly a dedicated grandson, son, brother, uncle, friend and caretaker to all.

Peter was a Lawrence High School graduate, class of 1975, in Fairfield, and a devoted “Bulldogs” fan, especially when watching his brothers, nieces and nephews play for all Lawrence sports, especially football. As one of his nephews stated, “He loved watching the “DOGS” on a Friday night, he could give you a play by play of a football game 30 years ago and remembered them all. He loved outdoor activities and was proficient at kayaking and cross-country skiing, which he enjoyed doing with various family members. He also spent many hours snowshoeing and mountain biking. Peter was very well rounded in many different areas, a music and movie lover as well as an avid reader on many different subjects. To family members Peter possessed many of the admirable qualities of his late grandfather, Robert Tobey, quiet yet forthright, hardworking, intelligent, lover of the outdoors, and family commitment, he will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Peter was predeceased by his mother, Madeline Dyer.

He is survived by his father, Fred Dyer; sisters Jane Moffitt and husband Edward, of Stockton Spring, and Nancy Simpson and husband Robert, of Fairfield; brothers Robert Dyer and wife Susanne, of Benton, and Ronald Dyer, of Fairfield; nieces, Sarah Moffit, of Stockton Springs, and Aimee Moffitt-Mercer, of Belfast, Jennifer Simpson, of Fairfield, Tori Dyer, of Bangor; nephews, Caleb Moffitt and partner Roberto Forleo, of Portland; Kevin Dyer and wife Tammy, of Clinton, Kelly Dyer and wife Tanya, of Fairfield, Kasey Dyer and wife Jenny, of Sidney, Tobey R. Simpson and wife Bodhi, of Benton; grandnephews, Cody Grenier, Ryan Pelletier, Dustin Simpson-Bragg, Davin Bolduc, Tobey J. Simpson, Kayden Dyer, Gage Ward; grandnieces, Kayla Duprey, Alli Tully, Giselle, and Gracelyn Dyer, Haylee and Lillyanne Dyer; grandnephews, Kaden Dyer, Gracelyn Dyer, Willow Simpson.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made payable to, Lawrence High School, 9 School Street, Fairfield, ME. 04937 to create a Peter J. Dyer Memorial Athletic Scholarship Fund.

A celebration of Peter’s life will be held on February 29, 2020, from 1 – 3 p.m., at Governor’s, 376 Main St, Waterville, ME. A light lunch will be provided.

Arrangements under the care and direction of Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service, Skowhegan.

PETER ANDERSON

FAIRFIELD – Peter Anderson, 79, passed away Tuesday, February 11, 2020, at Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center, in Bangor. He was born April 5, 1940, in Waterville, the son of Lars and Agnes W. (Senkeiwez) Anderson.

He graduated from Lawrence High School, in Fairfield, in 1958. On September 2, 1966, he married Anna Stewart at the Fairfield Methodist Church. He was employed at John Julia Farm for 30 years and at Local #327 Union for over 20 years. He was a very private man. He enjoyed farming and going to cattle auctions, riding and going out for breakfast with his wife, Anna. He loved dealing cattle and raising pigs.

Peter is survived by his wife of 53 years, Anna (Stewart) Anderson, of Fairfield; son Peter Anderson II and wife Faith, of Fairfield; two grandsons, Devin Bowman, of Winslow, and Colby Anderson, of Fairfield; one brother, Charles Anderson and wife Linda, of Benton; two sisters, Mary Murray and husband Jim, of Auburn, and Annie Delaware, of Gardiner; nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by a sister, Betty Mitchel.

A Celebration of Life was held on Saturday, February 22, 2020, at the Fairfield Community Center in Fairfield.

In lieu of flowers, friends wishing may make donations in Peter’s memory to Humane Society Waterville Area, 100 Webb Road, Waterville, Maine 04901

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

WILLIAM R. THIBODEAU

SKOWHEGAN – William R. Thibodeau 86, of Skowhegan, passed away Tuesday, February 13, 2020. He was born in Skowhegan on November 24, 1933, to the late Herbert and Ina Burlock Thibodeau Sr.

He wore many hats as a husband, father and grandfather. He was an avid outdoorsman. He loved fishing, hunting, riding his ATV and being with his family. He worked for years in local shoe shops, Norwock Shoe Co., and Dexter Shoe Co. He drove for Shibley Fuel Co., before retiring from Skowhegan School district.

He was predeceased by his parents, a son James B. Thibodeau, brother Herbert A. Thibodeau Jr., and sister Mabel LaPierre.

Survived by his wife of 61 years, Dorothy Gaudreau Thibodeau; daughter Susan Henry husband Bruce; grandchildren Christopher Henry and wife Brandy, Jennifer Henry pand artner Brian Aubry; and great-grandchildren Kalie McGlashing, Hunter Smith, Connor Henry and Haidyn Smith.

At Williams request there will be funeral or visitation hours. Interment at the convenience of family.

JOYCE L. RICKER

WATERVILLE – Joyce L. (Gentry) Ricker, 79, passed away Monday, February 17, 2020, at Cedar Ridge Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, in Skowhegan, where she had been a resident for the past two weeks. She was born May 20, 1940, in Pensacola, Florida, the daughter of Hubert and Lucille (Meeks) Gentry.

She attended schools in Pensacola and was employed for many years as a mail courier.

Joyce is survived by daughter Donna King and husband Edward, of Nantucket, Massachusetts; brothers, Hubert Gentry, of Pensacola, Florida, Raymond Gentry and wife Ursula, of Navarre, Florida, Albert Gentry and wife Marsha, of Pensacola, Florida; step-daughter Karen Woodard, of Dexter; granddaughters Mandy Perkins and husband Ryan, of Madison, Carrie Campbell and partner Laurie Brophy, of Waterville, Samantha Metcalf and husband Kyle, Jessica Jacobs and husband Marshall, of Sangerville; two grandsons, Nathan Ricker, of Portland, Oregon, Dustin Trottier and wife Raven, of Brewer; other grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her companion of 40 years, Joseph Bishop; son Michael A. Ricker; brothers, John and David Gentry.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, friends wishing may make donations in Joyce’s memory to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516.

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

WILLIAM J. MASSE

SKOWHEGAN – William J. Masse, 57, passed away Tuesday, December 25, 2019, at Androscoggin Hospice House, in Auburn. He was born December 17, 1962, in Marblehead, Massachusetts, the son of Elliot and Ruth (Strong) Cresoe.

He was employed for many years as a carpenter in construction.

William is survived by his parents, Elliott and Ruth (Strong) Cresoe, of Skowhegan; son, Chad Masse of Salem, Massachusetts; two brothers, Robert Masse, of Marblehead, Massachusetts, Brian Cresoe, of Skowhegan; and sister, Sheila Strong, of Skowhegan.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the convenience of the family.

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

JAN F. BISHOP

AUGUSTA – Jan F. “Ralph” Bishop, of Waterville, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 8, 2020, at the Maine Veterans Hospital, in Augusta.

“Ralph,” as everyone knew him by, was born in Waterville on October 8, 1945, to Frank and Hortense (Giroux) Bishop, who have predeceased him.

He attended Waterville schools, graduated from Waterville High School, class of 1965. He also attended Thomas College, in Waterville, for three years where he earned his business degree.

Ralph served his country by enlisting in the Army during the Vietnam War and served for four years. After his discharge, Ralph worked for Ware Butler Lumber Co., in Waterville, for a number of years, and also worked for Elite Cab Company, in Waterville.

Ralph loved people and was quick to make friends. He would remember the date you met and on your birthday there would always be a card from him. He also enjoyed reminiscing about the good ‘ole days. He could tell a story like nobody else. He was an avid fan of the Fiddler Convention and attended it every year since its beginning, and had the T-shirts to prove it.

Ralph had a passion for animals and the outdoors. There was always a full bowl of cat food on his back porch to feed any strays that might be passing by. But Ralph’s biggest passion was camping and fishing. His best times were those of setting around the campfire at Pierce Pond with his best buddies, Barney, Tim, Charlie the dog, Brian, Allen, Greg H. and Frank. When this summer rolls around, there will be a huge void without Ralph’s uncanny humor and ever helping hands. He will be missed by so many, especially his special friend, Sheila.

Ralph will have a military honor service at the Veterans Cemetery, 163 Mt. Vernon Rd. in Augusta on March 2, at noon.

A celebration of life will be held this summer at Piere Pond Fishing Camps, in Bingham.

It was his wish that instead of flowers, please make a donation in his name to the Humane Society Waterville Area, 100 Webb Rd., Waterville, or plant a tree in his memory.

GUY M. CHAPLIN

CHELSEA – Guy M. Chaplin Jr., 89, of McLaughlin Circle, died Monday, February 10, 2020, at MaineGeneral Medical Center, Thayer Campus, in Waterville. He was born in Lexington, Massachusetts, on October 22, 1930, the son of Guy M. Chaplin, Sr. and Dorothy (Trembley) Chaplin.

Mr. Chaplin served honorably in the U.S. Navy.

Prior to his retirement, he was a firefighter for the city of Augusta for 25 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers and three sisters.

He is survived by his wife, Evelyn T. (Soucy) Chaplin, of Chelsea; one daughter, Julie A. Dana, of Monmouth, one son, Jeffrey Chaplin, of Hallowell; six grandchildren, Jacob Dana, Kaitlyn Paulette, Nicole Chaplin, Renee Chaplin, Tara Dana and Julie Ann Dana; eight great-grandchildren, Anthony Paulette, Abigail Dana, Owen Flanagan, Alexandra Flanagan, Bailee Roes, Nicholaus Roes, Eli Chaplin and Nora Chaplin; several nieces and nephews.

At his request, there will be no public visiting hours.

A graveside committal service will be held at a later date in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Manchester.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta, ME.

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

CARLTON R. HAYDEN

MADISON – Carlton R. Hayden, 89, passed away on Tuesday, February 11, 2020, at his home, in Madison. He was born in Cornville, the son of Richard and Marion (Demo) Hayden.

He attended Madison schools where he graduated from Madison High School in 1949. From there, he went to work for Norwock Shoe, in Skowhegan, for 43 years until the factory closed. He worked very briefly for Solon Manufacturing and New Balance Shoe as a machinist technician.

Carlton was a farmer and man of many talents. He raised Hereford cattle for many years and liked to “fix” things. He was also instrumental in establishing the Childrens’ Barnyard, at the Skowhegan Fair Grounds, which he ran for 20 years. He and his wife,Thresa, had a real passion for hunting and fishing together. They did this as often as they could throughout their lifetime.

He is survived by his wife, Thresa, of Madison and his six children, Winnie, of Canaan, Becky and husband Steve, of Kensington, New Hampshire, Zane, of Madison, Cherry, of Cornville, Valerie and husband Butch, of Madison and Carla, of Salem, New Hampshire; 12 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren, as well as two sisters, Pauline Coro and Arlene Johnson.

A memorial service and celebration of life was held on February 22, at the Carrabassett Masonic Hall, in Canaan.

In lieu of flowers, friends wishing may make a donation in Carlton’s memory to a charity of their choice.

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

NICHOLAS A. BLASCHKE

VASSALBORO – Nicholas Alan Blaschke, 26, of Vassalboro, passed away at home in a tragic house fire on Thursday, February 13, 2020. Nicholas was born on May 19, 1993, in Waterville. He was the last baby born at Seton Hospital, in Waterville.

Nicholas is the son of Kathleen Cote, of Vassalboro, and Mark and Mary Blaschke, of Sidney. He graduated from Winslow High School, class of 2012, and attended a local day program for adults with special needs. He adored the staff there. He was a child on the inside and loved his movies and books, stuffed animals and toys. His favorites were Thomas the Tank Engine, My Little Pony, The Loud House, and of course, as he was getting older, he started liking Family Guy and American Dad.

Nicholas was also an uncle to 10 children. He loved playing with them, as he was more their age on the inside than his physical age. He was a “forever boy.” A sweet, innocent soul, Nicholas was attached to his mom at the hip. Their favorite times together included their Friday or Saturday dates – going to dinner and then to Barnes and Noble or Bullmoose for books or movies or both. They enjoyed watching Disney movies and cooking shows on Food Network. His favorites were the Kid’s Baking shows and Diners, Drive-ins and Dives. He even wore his sunglasses like Guy Fieri.

His mom will miss his huge bear hugs from behind, his sweet kisses on her cheek, and the playful way he would ‘swipe’ her arm when she annoyed him. You knew you were in a special place with Nicholas if he made any physical contact with you. If you got a back rub or a jab on the arm, you were IN!

His dad will cherish all the fun and joyous memories whether it was watching him kiss the fish we caught before we threw them back, making him laugh by doing impressions of his favorite Disney characters, making up silly stories at bedtime or just hanging out to watch a movie or take a ride. Just being with him was always a blessing.

Nicholas is survived by his parents; his brother and sister-in-law, Mark and Brianne Blaschke, of Winslow, and niece Cara who he always let play with his toys; his grandparents, Ronald and Anna Rancourt, of Zephyrhills, Florida; his great-aunt Mary Lou Gaulin, of Waterville; his step-brother and sister-in-law, Adam and Kendra Osborne, of Glenburn, and nephews and nieces Chase, Dahlia, Elijah, and Sylvia; his stepsister and brother-in-law, Ariel and Tim Lavarnway, of Oakland, and nephews Noah, William, and Jude; his step-sister and husband Lauryn and Warren Joslyn, of Grovetown, Georgia, and nephew Elijah; step-sister and fiancé, Emily Cote and Ben Misner, of Augusta, and nephew Elliott; his stepfather Jeffrey Cote of Sidney; and special grandstepparents, Donald and Lorraine Cote of Sidney, and grandstepmother, Patricia Jordan, of Sidney; aunts and uncles and cousins, Pete Rancourt, of Winslow, and cousin Will Withee, Rick and Jen Rancourt, all of Vassalboro and cousins Oliva Clark and Mariah Clark, Tim Rancourt, all of Winslow, Tom and Danielle Rancourt, of Middletown, Connecticut; and cousins, Jessica Rancourt and TJ Rancourt, Rick and Ruth Blaschke, all of Clinton, and cousins Amanda Blaschke and Sage Blaschke, Lyn and Joe Rowden, all of Fairfield, and cousins Aaron Rowden, Emily and Josh Fournier, and Christian Rowden, all of Fairfield, Gary and Teri Blaschke, of Standish, and cousin Annalise, Mary and Gary Freeman of Palm City, Florida, and cousin Cathy Freeman

Nicholas was predeceased by his grandparents, Fred and Evelyn Blaschke, his nephew Nathan Alan Blaschke, and his cousin Dakota Blaschke

A celebration of life for Nicholas was held at Faith Evangelical Free Church, on Saturday, February 22, 2020.

NORMAN L. RICHARDSON JR.

CLINTON – Norman L. Richardson Jr. passed away on Tuesday, February 18, 2020, at the Maine Medical Center, in Portland, from complications of a stem cell transplant for T-C prolymphocytic leukemia. He was born in Waterville on February 25, 1943, the son of Norman L. and Elizabeth (Ames) Richardson Sr.

He graduated from Good Will-Hinckley School, in Hinckley, in 1960.

He served in the U.S. Army, stationed in Germany, from 1964 to 1966. He was honorably discharged at the rank of Specialist 5 within the intelligence field (E-5). Norman received good conduct and expert rifleman medals while serving.

Norman married Corrine Hayden on July 20, 1968, at the Methodist Church, in Skowhegan.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, and camping. Norman completed many long-distance trips across the country and into Canada with his wife and family in everything from a pop-up camper to finally a Class A motorhome. He especially loved the western U.S., specifically Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana.

Norman worked at the Norridgewock Shoe Shop from 1960 to 1964. After coming back from the service, he worked for a few years at Kennebec Rental and also as a salesperson for MetLife Insurance Company. Never truly feeling comfortable with a tie or a desk job, in 1973 Norman went to work for the State of Maine Department of Transportation. He was hired as a seasonal employee, and plowed snow until he was hired full time. Norman continued to be promoted due to his strong work ethic and understanding of his job. He became a crew leader, then foreman, and then district supervisor of his division. When he retired, he was the division superintendent…a position that now requires a college civil engineering degree. After 33 years of working with his “second family,” Norman retired in 2006.

Norman was a scout leader with the Clinton Boy Scouts for many years, taking the troop on field trips and camping trips while his sons were active in the scouts. He was also a member of the Waterville Beagle Club, the United Bikers of Maine, the American Legion Post #186, and the Maine Wheels Motorhome Association for many years.

Norman was a very friendly person, and always wanted to smile and laugh. If he teased a person, it meant he truly cared and would do anything for them. All of his family and friends knew that they could count on him day or night, regardless of the time of day or the size of the request. Family was the most important thing to him. He cut and split his own firewood, and also a large portion of his sister’s and sisters-in law. Their husbands had passed, yet he continued to look after them. His grandchildren meant the world to him, and spoiled them without restriction.

He was predeceased by his father, Norman L. Richardson Sr., his mother, Elizabeth Richardson Greene; stepfather, James E. Greene; and his brother, Richard W. Richardson.

Norman is survived by his wife of 51 years, Corrine; his sons, Norman L. Richardson III and Brian A. Richardson; sister, Harriet Perkins and sister-in-law, Judy Richardson who he viewed as his own sister; and grandchildren, Kaitlyn and Liam.

A celebration of life for Norman will be held on March 1, 2020, noon to 4 p.m., at the Skowhegan Sportsman’s Club, 850 River Road, in Skowhegan.

A graveside burial will be conducted in the spring at Fairview Cemetery, in Canaan.

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

Arrangements are by Lawry Brothers Funeral and Cremation Care, 107 Main St., Fairfield.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Dama Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Dr., 8th floor, Boston, Massachusetts, 02215, or New England Cancer Specialist, 100 Campus Dr., Suite 108, Scarborough Maine 04074.

WALTER S. HACIK

WATERVILLE – Walter S. Hacik, 89, passed away on Monday, February 17, 2020, at Woodlands Senior Living Center, Waterville. Walter was born on Sep­tember 22, 1930, the son of John and Anna Hacik.

He graduated from North Plainfield High School, New Jersey, in 1949.

Walter was drafted into the Army in 1951; he was discharged in 1953; after two years of serving his country. During Walter’s time in the service, he was stationed in Germany.

He was self-employed for most of his early career. He was an architect and builder before he decided to move to Maine from New Jersey to own and operate a chicken farm in Freedom. He later moved to Troy, where he got his broker’s license and sold real estate.

Walter lived with his wife, Lois, for 53 years until she passed in 2018. Walter had a twin brother that passed away several years prior to his wife’s passing.

Walter is survived by his brother, Robert and his sister, Anna.

A memorial service will be held on March 28, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, 36 Cool St., Waterville, ME, 04901.

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

Arrangements are by Lawry Brothers Funeral and Cremation Care, 107 Main St., Fairfield, Maine.

BARBARA L. COOK

WATERVILLE – Barbara L. Cook, 86, of Waterville, passed away at home on Sunday, February 16, 2020. She was born in Parsonsfield on January 14, 1934, the daughter of James Edwin Moore and Lillian Mae (Thurston) Moore.

She attended schools in Kezar Falls.

After Barbara married, she moved to the Waterville area and worked at C. F. Hathaway Shirt Company, in Waterville, for a while, and then for years she would help her friend, Eva Harb at The Majestic Restaurant, in Waterville. This is where she met a lot of her lifelong friends in the area. Before her health started failing, she and Howard were members of Shawmut Chapel and would enjoy going to bible studies weekly.

Barbara’s first love and her whole life was about her dog, Mia. Mia brought her absolute joy and happiness. Barbara enjoyed camping, boating and fishing for many years with her long-time companion and love of her life, Howard. She was very experienced at sewing, crocheting and knitting and made some beautiful gowns, pant suits, sweaters, hats and blankets over the years.

She also enjoyed gardening and canning when she was younger. She also enjoyed doing ceramics and made many gifts over the years for family and friends that will be cherished even more now. Barbara loved to shop for anything and everything; she and her friend Gale went out together almost every day for one thing or another. Anyone who knew Barbara knew she loved to talk, she especially loved talking to her niece Pat twice a week on the phone and they would talk for hours. Barbara was not able to have children of her own, but she always loved her nieces and nephews like they were her own. Family was very important to Barbara; she always boasted about how well all her nieces and nephews were doing.

Barbara was predeceased by her parents, James Edwin Moore and Lillian Mae (Thurston) Moore; her three brothers, Wilson, Maurice and Elmont “Eddie” Moore; her husband, Earl Cook; and her long-time companion, Howard Hann.

She is survived by her stepchildren, Danny Hann, of Fairfield, Wanda Shibles and her husband, Adam, of Benton ,and Judy Maheu and her husband, Lynn, of Waterville; her nieces, Marla Poulin and her companion Craig Hathaway, of Oakland, and Pat Aspinall, of Florida, and her family; her nephew, Richard Moore and his wife, Sandy, of Rangeley, and family; many, many grandstepchildren; and lots of great-nieces and great-nephews.

A funeral service was held on Friday, February 21, with Pastor Steve Donahue officiating.

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

Arrangements are by Lawry Brothers Funeral & Cremation Care, 107 Main St., Fairfield.

MAYO A. COOKSON SR.

ALBION – Mayo Cookson, Sr., 81, of Albion, passed away on Wednesday, February 19, 2020, at the MaineGeneral Alfond Center for Health, in Augusta. He was the youngest of the nine children of Silas Lynlie Cookson and Lizzie Mae (Dow) Cookson. Mayo lived all his life in Albion, a dairy farmer for most of his years.

He was a 1957 graduate of Besse High School, in Albion. Like most farmers, he could fix anything himself with those big hands, from tractors and farm equipment to the construction of the homes in which he and his four children reside. He also worked for Scott Paper Company, in Winslow.

After retiring from farming with the National Farmers’ Organization, he continued as a field man with farming organizations such as NFO and Dairy Farmers of America for several years.

He was a lifelong member of the Odd Fellows, Albion’s IOOF #149.

He was predeceased by his wife, Edith (Overlock), in 2007.

Mayo is survived by his children, all of Albion: Mayo Jr. and his wife, April; Jeffrey Sr. and his wife, Becky; Mellissa Murray and her husband Jay; and Forrest and his wife, Joan; as well as several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; his sister, Faye (Cookson) Pottle.

A celebration of life will be held at the Albion Christian Church, on Saturday, March 14, 2020, at 1 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the East Benton Christian Church, 500 East Benton Rd., East Benton, Maine 04901; or to the Albion IOOF, Lodge #149, 22 Main St., Albion, ME 04910.

OBITUARIES for Thursday, February 20, 2020

FAY I. BICKFORD

CLINTON – Fay Ida (McPherson) Bickford, 84, of Clinton, died peacefully on Monday, February 3, 2020, at MaineGeneral Medical Center, Augusta. Fay was born on Septembeer 6, 1935, in Lewiston, the daughter of the late Lawrence McPherson and Eva Virgin.

She graduated in 1953 from Williams High School, in Oakland. On April 27, 1954, Fay married Bernard (Bun) Bickford and remained married until his passing on July 6, 1980. Earlier years Fay worked at Medwed Footwear, in Skowhegan, and for many years at Waterville Osteopathic Hospital, as dietary supervisor.

Following retirement she enjoyed a trip to Hawaii and numerous bus tours with her sister-in-law, Marion Kelly.

Fay has resided at Lakewood Nursing Facility, in Waterville, since 2015. Fay enjoyed the nursing staff, residents and activities at Lakewood. Fay loved her weekend outings with Ronald to various eateries to enjoy a lobster dinner. Fay looked forward to celebrating the holidays at Lenard and Donna’s.

Fay is predeceased by her parents; husband, sister Mary Walker, brother Robert McPherson and wife Lucille, brother John McPherson and brother-in-law Arnold Bickford and wife Alice.

Fay is survived by her sons, Lenard (Donna) Bickford, of Norridgewock, Ronald Bickford, of Clinton, and Daniel (Jane) Bickford, of Fairfield, and daughter Debra Bickford and friend Pam Nutt, of China; her grandchildren, Brandy (Cameron) Huggins, of Winslow, Lear (Kyle) Chretien, of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and Alexandra (Cory) Moser, of Sidney; great-grandchildren, Layla Stanford and Logan Huggins, of Winslow, and Liam and Emma Chretien, of Tuscaloosa, Alabama; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held at Green Lawn Rest, in Clinton, in the spring on date to be announced.

In lieu of flowers,donations may be made to: Pine Tree Society,149 Front St., Bath, ME 04530.

JACK C. DIONNE

SKOWHEGAN – Jack Crockett Dionne, 66, of Skowhegan, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 5, 2020, at Maine Medical Center, in Portland. He was born in Skowhegan on December 13, 1953, the son of Rudy and Bunny Dionne.

He was the sixth of the 11 Dionne children growing up on the family farm. He graduated from Skowhegan High School. A life long resident of Skowhegan, Jack was always proud of his close family. In addition he had a huge circle of friends. Everyone knew Jack and Jack knew everyone. He was always willing to give a helping hand.

He was predeceased by his parents; and two brothers, Greg and Barry.

He is survived by his siblings, Judy Scoville (Paul), of Chelmsford, Massachusetts, Jane Jewell (Dennis), of Cornville, Carole Dionne-Fabrizio (Mary Lou), of Wells, Dan Dionne, of Anson, Pamela Eames (Sam), of Norridgewock, Susan Porter (Randy), of Buxton, Barbara Vereault (Don), of Bangor, and Jeff Dionne (Claire), of Benton; and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will take place at the Elks Lodge, Skowhegan on Saturday, March 14, 2020, from 1- 4 p.m.

Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Smart & Edwards Funeral Home, 183 Madison Ave., Skowhegan, Maine.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Skowhegan/Madison Elks Club Lodge, 2531 Scholarship Fund, 21 Silver St., Skowhegan, ME 04976.

MARTHA I. MORRISSETTE

WINSLOW – Martha Irene Morrissette, 77, passed away Thursday, February 6, 2020, at home , following many years fighting the effects of C.O.P.D. She was born to Lloyd and Ruth Sinclair of Vassalboro on March 21, 1942.

Martha enjoyed her flower garden and her peonies, crocheting, knitting, reading, fishing with Lionel and the coast. Martha loved animals and most of her cats she had came in as strays. She loved her trips to the beach with her best friend of many years Nancy Shaw of Waterville.

Martha was predeceased by her husband of 54 years Lionel Morrissette; and a son Richard Labreck; a grandson Seth Labreck; two brothers, Lloyd Sinclair, of Massachusetts, and Robert Tozier, of Waterville.

Martha is survived by her son Arthur Morrissette and daughter-in-law Erin Morrissette, and granddaughter Kyler Morrissette, of Oakland; her son William Labreck, currently of New York; a granddaughter Jessica Labreck; and many great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews; a sister Evelyn Willette, and a brother George Sinclair.

Martha will be laid to rest with her husband Lionel at the Maine Veterans Cemetary, in Augusta, at a future date this spring. There will no service, only a graveside gathering.

RONALD C. CROWE

SKOWHEGAN – Ronald C. Crowe, 62, Skowhegan, passed away on Friday, February 7, 2020.

He was predeceased by his mother, Beverly M. (Crowe) Calden and his brother Randall E. Calden.

He is survived by his brother Richard A. Calden; daughter Heather S. (Crowe) Staab, son Corey J. Smith-Crowe; and three grandsons.

A celebration of life will be arranged at a later date. Donations to help with cremation costs are greatly appreciated and donations may be sent to: Richard Calden, 35 Pearl St., Apt. 2, Augusta ME 04330.

LINDA E. FOSTER

FAIRFIELD – Linda E. Foster, 71, of Fairfield passed away on Sunday, February 9, 2020, at Maine Medical Center, in Portland. She was born in Las Vegas, Nevada, on July 7, 1948, the daughter of the late William and Freda (Charity) Griffin.

Linda worked with her parents at the Dairy Princess, in Fairfield, during the late ‘60s. She worked at the chicken factory, in Winslow, in the early ‘70s, and retired as a domestic housekeeper. Linda enjoyed fishing, knitting, crocheting, and bird watching, but her greatest joy was spending time with her family.

Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her son, Richard Foster in 1989; and her sister, Lorna Rod­erick.

Linda is survived by her daughter, Patricia Foster, of Fairfield, her son, Allen Foster, of Fairfield, and several nieces and nephews.

Graveside services will be held in the spring at Maplewood Cemetery, Fairfield.

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

Arrangements are by Lawry Brothers Funeral & Cremation Care, 107 Main St., Fairfield.

EMILY R. BAKER

CLINTON – Emily Ray Baker, 14, passed away with her younger sister, in an automobile accident on Sunday, February 9, 2020, on the Hinckley Road, in Clinton. She was born on August 19, 2005, in Boston, Massachusetts, the daughter of Kevin and Samantha Baker.

She was currently a student at Lawrence High School, in Fairfield. Emily was a beautiful young lady with a heart of gold. She truly lived life to the fullest, and was everyone’s friend. Emily had an uncanny ability to reach people in a deep, and positive way.

Although her father, Kevin Baker, passed away in 2019, she is survived by her mother, Samantha Baker, her stepdad, Lynn; her brother, Zach Baker; her uncle and aunt, Butch and Mary, her uncle and aunt, Gabriel and Holly; and her cousins.

A service was held on Tuesday, February 18, 2020, at Lawrence High School’s Williamson Center.

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

Arrangements are by Lawry Brothers Funeral & Cremation Care, 107 Main St., Fairfield.

ASHLIN E. BAKER

CLINTON – Ashlin Eleanor Baker, 12, passed away with her older sister, in an automobile accident on Sunday, February 9, 2020, on the Hinckley Road, in Clinton. She was born on June 5, 2007, in Boston, Massachusetts, the daughter of Kevin and Samantha Baker.

She was currently a student at Lawrence Junior High School, in Fairfield. Ashlin loved many things in life. She loved spending time with her friends, spending time with her siblings, and pranking her older sister. She was very headstrong; she was passionate about animals and could always convince her parents that their household was a good fit for a pet in need.

Although her father, Kevin Baker, passed away in 2019, she is survived by her mother, Samantha Baker, her stepdad, Lynn; her brother, Zach Baker; her uncle and aunt, Butch and Mary, her uncle and aunt, Gabriel and Holly; and her cousins.
A service was held on Tuesday, February 18, 2020, at Lawrence High School’s Williamson Center.

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

Arrangements are by Lawry Brothers Funeral & Cremation Care, 107 Main St., Fairfield.

THOMAS J. PORFIRIO

BENTON – Thomas “Tommy” J. Porfirio, 15, of Benton, passed away tragically in an automobile accident, on Sunday, February 9, 2020. He was born in Waterville on September 6, 2004, the son of Antonio “Tony” Porfirio and Sheila (Marquis) Porfirio.

He attended schools in Waterville and Benton, and was currently a student at Lawrence High School, in Fairfield. Tommy loved to listen to Rap music, play video games, baseball, and hanging out with his friends.

He was predeceased by his maternal grandfather, Thomas J. Marquis, and his paternal grandfather, Antonio F. Porfirio.

Tommy is survived by his parents Sheila and Tony Porfirio; his sister Jenna (Porfirio) McClure and her husband Thomas McClure; his brothers Joshua and Jacob; his niece Jocelyn, his nephew Vinnie; his maternal grandmother Ann Marie Marquis, his paternal grandmother Maria Do Carmo Sousa; many aunts, uncles, and cousins; and his girlfriend Destyni Chase.

A celebration of Tommy’s life was held on Saturday, February 15, at the Williamson Arts Center, in Fairfield.

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

Arrangements are by Lawry Brothers Funeral & Cremation Care, 107 Main St., Fairfield.

In lieu of flowers,donations in Tommy’s memory may be made to: Lupus Foundation of America 2121 K St., NW, Suite 200 Washington, DC 20037-1830

PETER P. MAROON

NORTH FORT MYERS, Fla. – Peter P. Maroon Sr., 88, of North Fort Myers, Florida, and formerly of Waterville, passed away peacefully Tuesday, February 11, 2020, following a brief illness.

Peter was born in Waterville, the son of the late Nimera and Sam Maroon. He was predeceased by his wife Marion Morrison Maroon; his brothers Ernest, Charles, Louis and sisters Freda and Lucille.

After attending Waterville schools Peter served as a staff sergent in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. After his discharge he returned to Maine and graduated from the University of Maine with a B.A. He was an executive with United Outdoor Advertising; Captain of Waterville Fire Department Engine 2; A State Legislative Liaison for Maine Independent Oil Dealers; The associate executive director of the Waterville Chamber of Commerce. Peter was active in the community including the Waterville Elks Lodge, he served on the board of directors for several organizations including Waterville Housing Authority. He was a member of St. Joseph’s Maronite Church, and a 4th Degree Knights of Columbus.

He is survived by his sons Peter P. Jr and wife Chris, of Pompano Beach, Florida, Scott and partner John Schoemann, of Miami Shores, Florida; daughters Kendra and wife Dawna Lieber, of North Fort Myers, Florida, and Katrina and husband Daniel Plourde, of Jacksonville, Florida; his grandchildren, Charles Plourde, Tabatha Plourde, Melissa Hinkley, Nicole Crowell, and A.J. Poulin; his great-grandchildren, Amani Plourde, Brittany Dubord, Magen Witham, Zachary Poulin, Brandon Poulin, and Dylan Poulin will miss their “King Jidu”; two great-great-grandchildren, Jaiden and Hayley Dubord; his twin brother Paul, of North Fort Myers, Florida, brother John, of Scarborough; many nieces and nephews; also a companion Edith Duus, of North Fort Myers, Florida.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held June 26, at 10 a.m., at St. Joseph’s Maronite Catholic Church, 3 Appleton St., Waterville. A private burial will be held at 1 p.m. at The Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Augusta.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: St. Joseph’s Maronite Church.

TRACEY KRUSE

SKOWHEGAN – Tracey Kruse, of Skowhegan, passed away on Thursday evening, February 6, 2020.

Tracey valiantly and without complaint fought a serious heart condition since birth. After years of both joy and struggle, she has gone to her place of peace.Tracey was a loving wife and mother to husband Chris and son Kyle, as well as to her stepson CJ, (Christopher Jack).

Tracey was always very supportive to both Kyle and CJ in both sports and academics. As difficult as it was for her, she attended as many games as possible and was also involved in the booster club as well as many other activities. Tracey was happiest when she was with her family or planning family events that would bring those family members who were living out of state together. There were many such gatherings that Tracey organized and cherished, whether it was in New Orleans, Louisiana, or Cleveland, Ohio, when her brothers lived there, in Houston, Texas, where an aunt and cousins lived, or in Florida where so many family members lived. Tracey also loved traveling with her immediate and extended family and would always be the first to post her photos from the various cruises and other trips they took. But, it was especially important to Tracey to be able to travel to watch Kyle play baseball and basketball with his school and travel teams as it brought her so much joy to watch him and these trips also provided her additional opportunities to visit with family or friends.

Tracey is survived by husband Chris; sons Kyle and C.J.; her brothers Steven, Alan, and Howie Tabb; as well as numerous, cousins, nieces, nephews and extended Kruse family in the Skowhegan/Norridgewock area.

She was preceded in death by her mother and father, Phyllis and Isadore Tabb, of Brooklyn, New York.

Services were performed by Pastor Craig Riportella of CenterPoint Community Church, in Waterville, on Sunday, February 16, at The Somerset Abbey, 98 Main St., Madison.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to: The Cleveland Foundation, P.O. Box 931517, Cleveland, Ohio 44193-1655.

OBITUARIES for Thursday, February 13, 2020

WILLIAM P. FISHER

OAKLAND – William P. Fisher, Sr., 93, died on Saturday, on January 4, 2020, in Waterville. He was born March 17, 1926, in Waterville. He was the son of the late Norman and Alice M. (Otis) Fisher.

William grew up in Oakland, Maine. He attended Oakland public schools and was employed for many years at the Cascade Woolen Mill, in Oakland. He was a member of Saint Theresa’s Catholic Church, in Oakland. Bill loved gardening, dancing and playing the harmonica. He enjoyed hunting and fishing. After retirement, he enjoyed wood working, making children furniture, rocking chairs and other custom items to order.

William is survived by seven of his children. William Fisher, Jr., of Winter Port, Bonnie Mindek and her husband Robert, of Boca Raton, Florida, Jeffrey Fisher, of Waterville, John Fisher and his wife Patricia, of Waterville, Dolores Krampitz and her husband Edwar of Plainville, Connecticut, Jolene Zerbe and her husband Kevi of Southington, Connecticut and Raymond Fisher and his wife Lind of Wallingford, Connecticut; three stepchildren, Scott Fisher, William Kelley and Amanda Kelley, all of Waterville; brother, Paul Fisher and his wife Norma, of Oakland; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and a great- great-grandchild.

William was predeceased by his wife of 30 years Elizabeth “Betty” (Folsom) Fisher; his son Kenneth Fisher and his first wife, Ernestine (McCorisson) Fisher; brother, Carl Fisher and his sister Helen Zimba.

A celebration of life will take place at a later date at the convenience of the family.

Family and friends wishing to honor Bill may make a donation in William’s name to the Humane Society Waterville Area, 100 Webb Road, Waterville, ME 04901.

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

PETER A. VILES

OCALA, FLORIDA – Peter A. Viles, 79, of Ocala, Florida, formerly of Fairfield, died Wednesday, January 15, 2020. He was born March 5, 1940, in Lewiston, son of Dr. Wallace and Ruth (Dorr) Viles.

He grew up in Turner, graduating from Leavitt Institute in 1959. He graduated from the University of Maine in 1965. Peter began his teaching career in Patten, and then spent the rest of his career in School Administrative District #49, teaching at Clinton Elementary and Lawrence Junior High schools. He also coached basketball and baseball. He was a member of the Clinton Lions Club and worked with the Leo Club. He loved coaching and working with students!

Peter is survived by his wife of 47 years, Marie Terese (Martin); a son, Bruce Wallace and his partner, Kelly; a grandson, Shaden Peter; and many cousins.

Those wishing to make donations in his memory may do so to Hospice of Marion County, 3231 SW 34th Ave., Ocala, Florida 34474.

JOSEPH E. NOEL

WATERVILLE – Joseph Ernest Noel, 78, died Friday, January 17, 2020, at Togus VA Hospice, in Augusta, due to cancer. Joe was born on July 1, 1941, in Waterville, the son of Paul and Nellie (Haskell) Noel.

He grew up in Winslow, and then went into the U.S. Army for three years. For 28 years he worked at Kimberly-Clarke, in Winslow. Joe graduated from Winslow High School and was a graduate of barber school. He was a short order cook and truck driver.

Joe loved southern Gospel music. He was always singing, visiting the coast line, going out to eat, and going on long rides.

He is survived by his wife, Suzette, of over 23 years; a daughter, Amy and husband Bill Schouten, of Stockton Springs, son, Joe and wife Ginger Noel ,of Fayetteville, Georgia, son, Nate Noel, of El Paso, Texas; three stepchildren, Annette Campbell and Steve Haskell, of China, Dwayne and Amy Campbell, of Winslow, Tasha Vintinner, of Auburn; 13 grandchildren; one sister, Kathleen and husband Leo Binette, of Oakland, one brother, David Noel, of Oakland; several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, Paul and Nellie Noel; grandparents, Joseph and Rose Noel, grandparents, Ernest and Abbie Haskell; brother Ed Noel, sister-in-law, Avis Noel, sister-in-law, Donna Noel.

A spring celebration of life will be held at Centerpoint Community Church in Waterville. A private burial will be held at the old VA cemetery in Augusta, later.

MARY D. DAMREN

WATERVILLE – Mary “Violet” Doiron Gayne Damren, 87, passed peacefully at Woodlands, of Waterville, on Tuesday January 28, 2020. Violet was the daughter of Joseph “Alphonse” Doiron and Mary “Josephine” Doiron.

Violet was educated in the school system at Madison, and worked periodically in the shoe manufacturing industry but was primarily a homemaker.

Violet was married to Harold D. Gayne Jr until his death later marrying Francis E. Damren. Violet had eight children and enjoyed spending Sunday’s visiting with them.

Violet was predeceased by her parents Alphonse and Josephine Doiron, her husbands Harold D. Gayne Jr, and Francis E. Damren and two daughters Annette Marie Gayne and Candace Ann Gayne, brother Aquila J. Doiron and sisters Edith Doiron Mclaughlin and Yvonne Doiron Tozier.

Surviving Violet are six of her children Deborah Douglas and husband Roland, Susan Brochu and husband Al, David Gayne and wife Roberta, Deanna Perrault and husband David, Stephen Gayne and wife Sue and Holly Damren and fiancé Joe Kresge; grandchildren Michelle, Heather, Jason, Harold, Michael, Seth, Patrick, Katie, Anthony, Casiana, Josie and Thomas as well as great grandchildren Dj, Jonathan, Eli, Axton and Trent.

Burial to be in Forest Hill Cemetery in the spring 2020. At Mary’s request there will be no funeral or visitation hours.

Arrangements under the care and direction of Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service, Skowhegan.

PAMELA K. POWNING

VASSALBORO – Pamela Kick Powning, 65, passed away on Friday, January 31, 2020. Pamela was born January 28, 1955, to William P. Kick and Patricia O’Neill, of Waterville.

She attended local schools, making and keeping many true friends here through the years whose love and support she was blessed with to the end. She broke loose to head west out of high school and worked variously as the housekeeper for the bassist for The Doors in Woodstock, New York, as a produce manager in a co-op in California and attended The College of the Redwoods and Humbolt University before returning home to Waterville in 1977. Pamela then busied herself with self employment bookkeeping with skills she learned on her dad’s knee at The Kennebec Valley Industrial Bank, at age 11, taking her business degree at The University of Maine Augusta, founding ABC Accounting, leasing to run Squaw Mountain Ski Resort, in Greenville, working in hospital administration as the vice president of Finance and at the New England Rehabilitation Hospital, reimbursement manager at MaineGeneral Medical Center, and finally as the founder and CEO of Pinnacle It, a software development company, in Waterville, in 1996. She was awarded Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce Maine Business Person of the year in 2012 with the success of her creation and her considerable civic contributions to the Waterville Development Corp., Homeless Shelter, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Opera House Renovation and Colby College International Host Family Program, all in Waterville.

Pamela met her husband David in 2014 on Match.com, retired her business in 2015, and married David in 2016. So kind and generous she is much beloved of the Powning tribe from New Brunswick, Canada to Maine, Florida, Nevada and California.

Pamela was a gifted water colorist, played guitar and piano and was an avid contra and ballroom dancer. Fearless in business, the world was no more a challenge: zip lining in Costa Rica, paragliding in Utah, skiing the Alps, mycological forays in Mexico, cruising the Carribean, ballroom dancing in Hong Kong, touring Europe and her favorite, Greece. This extraordinary woman, who so generously touched the lives of so many, will be much missed.

Pamela is survived by her mother, Patricia Kick, of Waterville, sisters, Cathy Langlais, of Winslow, Shelley Kick, of Waterville, and Kimberly Kick, of Augusta; niece, Amanda Garay and family, of Winslow, and nephews, Aidan and Christian Connelly and John William, all from far away.

She was predeceased by her father, William P. Kick and nephews, Christopher Langlais and Matthew Allen.

Visiting hours will be held at Veilleux and Redington Funeral Home, in Waterville, on Friday February 28, 2020, from 6 – 8 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, February 29, 2020, at Notre Dame Church, 116 Silver St., in Waterville, at 11 a.m Following the service, a reception will be held at the church hall.

You are invited to offer your condolences and share fond memories with the family by visiting Pamela’s guestbook at: www.veilleuxfuneralhome.com.

A Service of Veilleux and Redington Funeral Home, 8 Elm St., Waterville, Maine 04901. 872-7676

In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Waterville Homeless Shelter.

FRANCIS MOSER

WATERVILLE – Francis “Buddy” Moser, 65, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, February 1, 2020, at his home, in Waterville, Maine. Buddy was born in Easton, Pennsylvania, on January 9, 1955, the son of Arthur and Marie (Belles) Moser.

In 1979, he moved to Waterville to be with his first love and eventually start his family. He worked numerous jobs including Waterville Windows Company, Fort Halifax Poultry and Packing Co., both in Winslow, Cianbro Corps., in Pittfield, , the town of Fairfield, and his own odd job business.

Buddy was very craft-ful in making things out of wood and popsicle sticks. He enjoyed collecting baseball cards and antique glass bottles, cycling, camping, and fishing. He was a very avid handyman. He loved working odd jobs for friends and family and would never ask for anything in return.

Buddy was so proud of his “boys” and would brag about how accomplished they became to everyone he talked to. Known as “Pappy” to his grandbabies, they were his pride and joy. He enjoyed attending Hunter’s Karate tournaments, fishing with Lucas, coloring with Alyssa, and snuggling with Brady.

He was predeceased by both of his Parents, Arthur and Marie (Belles) Moser.

Buddy is survived by his two sons, Chris Moser and his partner, Sara Perry, and Cory and his wife, Alex Moser, all of Sidney; his four, grandchildren, Hunter, Lucas, Alyssa, and Brady; brother, Arthur “Artie” Moser; sister, Betty; half-sisters, Marty Labar and Linda Detwiler Rowley; and many extended family members in Pennsylvania.

Per Buddy’s wishes, there will be no services. A celebration of life will be planned at a later time.

In lieu of flowers, monetary donations in “Buddy Moser’s” memory can be made to the Sacred Heart Soup Kitchen, 70 Pleasant St., Waterville, ME 04901.

BARBARA J. DOW

WATERVILLE – Barbara “Barbie” Jean Dow, 53, passed away Sunday, February 2, 2020, at Mount Saint Joseph Nursing Home, in Waterville. She was born March 13, 1966, in Pittsfield, the daughter of George Irving Dow and Beulah Ann (Norwood) Dow Woodbury.

She was educated in the schools of Waterville and graduated from Waterville Senior High School in 1997. She enjoyed drawing, arts and crafts, and studying the history of the Holocaust.

Barbara is survived by her son, Tony Joseph Dow; four sisters, Lisa Lindquist and husband David, of Oakland, Clarice Annie Woodbury and husband Joey, of Hartland, Robin Libby and husband Junior, of Bar Harbor, Marie Pinkham and husband Gordon, of St. Augustine, Florida; brother, Kenny Woodbury, of Massachusetts; many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, February 8, 2020, from 10 a.m. to noon, at the Mount Saint Joseph’s Chapel, 7 Highwood Avenue, Waterville.

In lieu of flowers, friends wishing may make donations in Barbie’s memory to the children’s section of your local library or school library or the Kidney Foundation of Maine, PO Box 1134, Portland, ME 04104.

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

LARRY A. BAILEY

CLINTON – Larry A. Bailey, 54, passed away at home on Monday, February 3, 2020, following a battle with cancer. The son of Donald C. Bailey and Shirley J. Bailey, he was born on October 23, 1965, in Boothbay Harbor.

Larry graduated from Lawrence High School, in Fairfield, in 1984. Larry spent most of his adult life as a mill worker. Larry was employed at Huhtamaki, in Waterville, as a packer. He was a member of Waterville Elks and USW Union. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, golfing, disc golfing, going to the casino, playing cornhole, camping and spending time with family, friends and his grandchildren.

He was a lifelong Miami Dolphins and Boston Bruins fan.

Larry was predeceased by his father Donald Bailey Sr., and four brothers-in-law.

He is survived by his wife, Tammie Frappier Bailey, their two sons Dylan Bailey, of Clinton, Steven Rodrigue Jr., and daughter-in-law Javae Wood, of Clinton; two grandchildren Ryder Rodrigue and Raelyn Rodrigue; mother Shirley J. Bailey, of Clinton; mother-in-law Hazel Tardiff and husband Kevin Tardiff, of Fairfield; father-in-law Maurice Frappier Sr. and wife Glennis Frappier, of Waterville; and nine siblings; sisters, Brenda Libby and fiancé Ron Chipman, of Poland, Terry Ledford and husband Wayne Ledford, of Peoria, Arizona; brothers Donald Bailey Jr. and wife Arlene Bailey, of Rustburg, Virginia, Rodney Bailey and wife Debbie Bailey, of Sidney; brothers-in-law Moe Frappier Jr., of Canaan, Buddy Frappier, of Colorado Springs, Colorado; sister-in-law Heather Brickett and husband Shawn Brickett, of Fairfield; brothers-in-law, Scott Ward, of Livermore Falls, and Jamie Ward and wife Angela Ward, of Clinton; many uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephew and cousins.

Services will be held on Saturday, February 15, 2020, at 1 p.m., at the East Benton Christian Church, 500 East Benton Rd., Benton, with Celebration of Life to follow. Facilitated by John Richards and Donald Bailey Jr.

A graveside service will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to American Cancer Society, New England Division, One Bowdoin Mill Island, Suite 300, Topsham, ME 04086-1240.

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

GARY BOYDEN

WATERVILLE – Gary Boyden, 67, passed away on Wednesday, February 5, 2020. He was born July 16, 1952, to Louise and Irving Boyden .

Gary loved the woods and sold firewood. He loved flowers and sold them on Main Street, in Fairfield. He worked shutdowns at Sappi Paper, in Hinckley, and was a member of the union.

He was a member of the Nazarene Church, in Fairfield. Also, Gary was a member of the Lions Club, in Oakland, and was a member of the Grange, in Fairfield Center. Gary had a wonderful heart and you only had to meet hin to know his caring spirit. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed fishing and hunting. He really enjoyed going to concerts and attended many.

He is surviived by his brother David and wife Rebecca; also a niece and nephew, Benjamin, wife Shelby, and Kristen Boyden, husband Adam Woodbury; a great-niece and nephews, Garrett and Finnley Woodbury and Bridget and Jameson Boyden. Also he leaves behind many cousins, aunts.

He is predeceased by his parents.

A graveside service is planned for the spring.

HELEN B. BRIDGES

OAKLAND – Helen Bucknam Bridges, 79, passed away Wednesday, February 5, 2020, following a brief illness. Born and raised in Oakland, she was the daughter of John and Gladys Bucknam.

She married her high school sweetheart, Robert H Bridges, on May 12, 1962. They had celebrated their 50th year of marriage when Bob passed away in 2013.

A graduate of Williams High School, in Oakland, Helen worked at the C. F. Hathaway Shirt Factory, in Waterville, until the birth of her children, when she became a stay at home mom. Upon her youngest entering kindergarten, she became a dishwasher, a cook and finally the director of school nutrition for the Messalonskee School District. She spent 30-plus years in the Messalonskee kitchen and had a hand in the design of the kitchen and cafeteria as it stands today. It was one of her biggest joys to feed her community’s children and school staff. Along with her husband Bob, she spent many afternoons passing out her home-made whoopie pies and milk to the Eagles football teams as they came up the field from their practices.

Helen and Bob spent their retirement years as snowbirds, winters in Summerfield, Florida, and summers in Oakland. Upon Bob’s passing, Helen remained in Maine to spend as much time as she could with family. Her happiest moments were when her children, grandchildren or great-grandchildren came for a visit. As visits would end, her family would say “Love You” and she would respond “Love You More.”

She cherished the years she lived with her son, Ronald, and her two grandchildren, Grace and Emmet. When she moved in with her daughter, Lauryl, she missed seeing them every day, but had also been excited about her new home. Every visitor had to see her master bedroom suite with the rather large walk-in shower that her daughter had installed for her.

Helen is survived by her daughter, Lauryl Bridges, of Oakland; her sons, Jeffrey Bridges and his wife, Tammy, and Ronald Bridges, all of Kingsbury Plantation; her grandchildren, Lauren Bridges Beveridge and her husband, Josh, Michael Bridges and his fiancé, Arian, Jessica Bridges and Meaghan, Hannah Thibault and her fiancé, Chris, Grace Bridges and Emmet Bridges; her great-grandchildren, Kody, Noah and Carter Bridges, Josephine Beveridge and Henry Robert Bridges; her brothers, Robert Bucknam and his wife, Sandra, Ronald Bucknam and his wife, Bonnie, and David Bucknam and his wife, Estelle; her brother-in-law, Wayne Weeks; her sister-In-law, Joan Bucknam; her nieces, Wanda Weeks Heim, Tina Pelletier, Jessica Bucknam-Graten and Sarah Weeks-Weston; her brother-in-law, Keith Bridges and his wife, Sharon; and a large extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews, nieces.

Helen was predeceased by husband, Robert H Bridges; her son, Timothy; her grandson, Ethan; her mother and father, John and Gladys Bucknam; her brother, John Bucknam, Jr; her sister, Joyce Pelletier and her husband, Leonard; her brother, Steven “Bucky” Bucknam; her twin sister, Ellen Weeks; her niece, Barbara Pelletier; and her nephew, Gary Bucknam.

A Celebration of Life is being planned for the spring.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Wheeler Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 26 Church St., Oakland.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the funeral home website at www.familyfirstfuneralhomes.com.

ERLINE I. HENDSBEE

CHELSEA – Erline I. Hendsbee, 87, of Chelsea, died Friday, February 7, 2020, at her home. She was born in East Benton on July 14, 1932, the daughter of Ralph and Catherine (Thompson) Haskell.

She grew up in East Benton and attended school.

Erline enjoyed spending time with friends and family weather it was visiting at her house or going out to eat. She was a homemaker and she took pride in caring for her family and including taking in boarders into her home. Erline was a great lover of the Lord. She attended the Kennebec Valley Assembly of God Church.

She was predeceased by her parents; husband John Hendsbee; daughter Diane Hendsbee; and sister Madline Burns.

Erline is survived by two children, David Hendsbee, Pam Field and husband Robert, all of Chelsea; five grandchildren, Rick, Tim and Chris Hendsbee, of Levant and Bangor, Steve and Ryan Field, of Chelsea and Farmingdale; 11 great-grandchildren; a special daughter-in-law Rhonda Hendsbee; sister Darlene Hulett, of Widnsor.

A graveside service will be held in the Spring at the Maine Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery in Augusta.

Arrangements are in the care of Staples Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 53 Brunswick Ave., Gardiner, Maine.

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

LEROY E. STEWART

UNITY/Bangor – Leroy E. Stewart, 80, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 7, 2020, at his home, in Bangor. Roy was born July 2, 1939, in Brewer, the son of Roy H. and Hilda (Saunders) Stewart.

Roy was a 1958 graduate of Brewer High School, where he was an outstanding athlete on both the football and basketball teams. During his senior year, Roy was a proud member and co-captain of the 1957 Brewer High School State Champion football team, selected to the All-State football team, and also a delegate to Dirigo Boys State.

After graduation, Roy enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1959 and during the same year married his beloved wife, the former Gail L. Strang, a Brewer High School classmate. During those years in the Air Force, Roy worked as a pharmacy technician which fueled his passion for the profession. Upon his discharge in 1962, Roy and Gail settled in Arlington, Massachusetts, where Roy attended Massachusetts College of Pharmacy (MCP) earning a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy. Roy graduated in 1968 from MCP and moved back to his home state of Maine. Thereafter, Roy purchased Unity Pharmacy, formerly known as Reed’s Drug Store, in Unity. He spent 33 years as a well-respected local pharmacist known for his strong work ethic, caring demeanor, and outstanding moral character.

Roy was an avid golfer, spending countless hours trying to perfect his swing. He also enjoyed fishing expeditions with his many friends. His most memorable fishing trips were the fly-ins into Henderson Pond with his children, grandchildren, and long-time friend, Reynold “Frenchie” Plourde. Roy was a G-scale model train enthusiast. He transformed the entire second floor of their home into a dream model railroad consisting of over 150 feet of track, concentrating on replicating the old Eastern Pulp and Paper Mill, in South Brewer.

Roy was an active and dedicated Mason. He became a Master Mason at Star In The West Lodge #85, in Unity, on December 28, 1970. During his masonic journey, he served as the junior and senior warden, junior and senior deacon, chaplain, a member of the finance committee, as mentor to new and current members, widows orogram coordinator, secretary, and master. Roy held many of those positions several times over the past 42 years. He was also a member of Siloam Lodge #92, in Fairfield, and the 12th Masonic District Masters and Wardens Association.

Roy was predeceased by his parents; and one nephew, Richard A. Green.

Roy is survived by his wife of 61 years, Gail; four children, Roy Eric Stewart (Janet), Chicago, Illinois, Jennifer L. Fowler (Gary), Thorndike, Timothy B. Stewart (Michelle), Apex, North Carolina, Stephanie G. Biberstein (William), Hermon, and three daughters-in-law, Tammy, Michelle, and Jamie; nine grandchildren, Ian, Connor, and Christopher Stewart; Jordan and Alexandra Fowler; Caitlin and Morgan Stewart; Nicholas and Jacob Biberstein; two great-grandsons, Lincoln and Landon Stewart; one sister, Sandra J. Green (Jeffrey), Orrington, one brother, Richard J. Stewart (Jeanne), Hutchinson, Minnesota; and several nieces and nephews.

A graveside service is planned for this spring at the family lot in Unity.

Messages of condolences and memories may be expressed at BrookingsSmith.com.

Those who wish to remember Roy in a special way may make gifts in his memory to the Star In The West Lodge #85, P.O. Box 577, Unity, ME 04988-0577.

OBITUARIES for Thursday, February 6, 2020

ROBERT A. ARCHER

CLINTON – Robert A. “Flat” Archer, 58, of Clinton, passed away on Tuesday, January 14, 2020, following a six-week long hard, courageous battle resulting from a tragic car wreck, in which he was a passenger. Robert was born March 3, 1961, in Brewer.

He spent his childhood and dug his roots in Clinton. As a young teenager, Robert moved to Florida with his mother and began to build his life there. He met Mina Curry, and they had a daughter, Rachael. While living in Florida, Robert began his career as a mason by trade, and was very skilled in what he did. Upon his return to Maine in the early 1990s, Robert continued to work as a mason and built a life doing the things he loved; fishing, hunting, listening to music and spending time by the ocean. He eventually met his girlfriend of 15 years, Becky Littlefield, while attending the East Benton’s Fiddler’s Convention.

Robert was always in a good mood and always genuinely happy to see you. He made friends wherever he went, and had a large network of friends who will miss him terribly. He thought of his friends as his family, and his close friends like his brothers. Robert valued what it meant to be a friend and would do just about anything for his friends, and because of this you knew when you were considered one of “Flat’s friends”.

Robert is survived by daughter Rachael Baker and her mother Mina Curry, of Florida; father Roger Archer, of Brewer; longtime partner Becky Littlefield, of East Benton; and lifelong friend and brother, Andrew Fitzpatrick, his wife Melody and their daughters, Amanda and Alisa, all of Clinton; several stepchildren whom he never considered “step,” Laura Weiz, Lisa and husband James Selson, and Brian Baker, all of Florida.

Robert is predeceased by his mother, Eleanor (Drew) King and her husband Bill, of Clinton; and a stepson, Dale Baker, of Florida.

A burial and celebration of life will be planned for this spring and announced at a later date.

JACQUELINE G. CARTER

WATERVILLE – Jacqueline (Giguere) Carter, 87, passed away on Saturday, January 25, 2020. Jackie was born in Waterville on March 22, 1932, one of seven children born to Joachim and Olivine (Tardif) Giguere.

Jackie was a caretaker for many years, first with her own nine children and then her husband who was diabetic and required a lot of care. Once he passed, Jackie was rarely found home. Before the days of cell phones, she’d jump in her car and go dancing for hours, even requiring a hospital visit after one particularly hot July 3 street dance.

Jackie was predeceased by her parents, husband Donald Carter, and two brothers and three sisters.

She is survived by her sister, Priscilla (Giguere) Roy and her husband Edmond; her children, daughter Deborah Crain, of Arizona, son Dominic Carter and wife Michelle, of Winslow, son Robert Carter and significant other Kimberly Juskevice, of Thorndike, son Henry Carter and wife Sharon, of Albion, son Joel Carter and wife Doris, of Winslow, daughter Ann Stevens and husband Bruce, of Calais, daughter Rose Pelletier and husband David Lawrence, of Manchester, daughter Pauline Trask and husband Randy, of Oakland, and son Anthony Carter and wife Janice, of Norridgewock.

As Jackie was famous for saying, “I didn’t start the world, but I’m ending it!” She lives on in her many, many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

A graveside service for Jackie will take place at St. Francis Cemetery, Grove St., Waterville, this spring.

LILLIAN M. CROMMETT

AUGUSTA – Lillian M. Crommett, 99, died Saturday, January 25, 2020, at the MaineGeneral Rehabilitation and Nursing Care Center at Gray Birch. She was born in Worcester, Massachusetts, on April 20, 1920, a daughter of the late Harry H. and Hazel (Clark) Brooks.

Mrs. Crommett was a graduate of Erskine Academy, in South China, class of 1940, and was a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, in Farmingdale.

She was a homemaker for most of her life and had been employed at Hussey’s General Store, in Windsor, for many years.

Mrs. Crommett was a life member of the Order of the Eastern Star.

She was pre-deceased by her husband, John H. Crommett, Sr.; a son, Stanley G. Crommett; her three brothers: Harry, George and Stanley Brooks and two sisters: Bertha Pelton and Viola Brooks.

Mrs. Crommett is survived by her son, John H. Crommett, Jr. and his wife, Carolyn Neighoff, of Augusta; a sister, Eleanor Hines, of California; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

At her request, there will be no public visiting hours.

Following cremation, a memorial service will be held on Sunday, February 9, at 2 p.m., at the Seventh-day Adventist Church, 584 Main St., Farmingdale. Burial will be in the spring in Chadwick Hill Cemetery, China.

Those who desire may make donations in Lillian’s memory to: Seventh-day Adventist Church, 584 Main St., Farmingdale, ME, 04344.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta, ME.

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

MARK S. LOUBIER

WINSLOW – Mark Steven Loubier, 60, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 25, 2020, at Massachusetts General Hospital. He was born in Waterville on August 17, 1959, the son of Eugene “Babe” and Verna Loubier.

Mark graduated from Winslow High School in 1977. In 1986, after years in the drywall industry, he began a 33-year career at the S.D. Warren Paper Mill (now Sappi Fine Paper), in Skowhegan, that culminated with his retirement in 2019.

Mark loved to hold court in his backyard for friends and family with a seemingly endless repertoire of terrible (incredible) jokes and a cigar in hand. He also enjoyed muscle cars, working on engines, and even had a brief stint competing in the local truck pull circuit. He was an avid Bruins, Red Sox, and Dallas Cowboys fan and loved to talk about decorated athletes of years past, his favorite being the great Bobby Orr. More than anything though, Mark loved to spend time with his grandchildren and would proudly discuss what exceptional little people they are becoming.

He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Lucie (Michaud); sons Adam (Mindy) Loubier, Benjamin (Heather) Loubier, and Nathan Loubier; his grandchildren Mikayla, Patrick, Lauren, and Lacey; his sister Donna Birt (and partner Michael Christiano), and his sister Ruth (Daryl) Schoellkopf; his mother and father-in-law Ann and Roland Michaud; his sister-in-law Tess (Don) Carter, and brother-in-law Michael (Karen) Michaud; and many adoring nieces and nephews.

A funeral service was held at St. John Catholic Church, 26 Monument St., Winslow on February 3.

DORA MAE MICHAUD

OAKLAND – Dora Mae Michaud, 76, of Oakland passed away on Saturday, January 25, 2020. Dora was born July 26, 1943, in Evansville, Indiana, the daughter of William Hassel and Marjorie Dockery.

In July 1966, Dora married Charles H. Michaud Jr. They spent a lifetime of happiness raising their son, Brian, working for veterans and enjoying each other’s company prior to his passing in 2006.

Dora was a busy woman in her lifetime, serving the town of Millinocket on the town council. She was also heavily involved with the Maine Democratic Party.

She was a very active member of the American Legion Auxiliary for nearly 50 years, working her way from the Unit level in Millinocket, through the county and district up to state president. In 1984-85 she and her husband Charles served as State President of the Auxiliary and State Commander of The American Legion, the only husband and wife team to have done so in Maine in 100 years. Dora also served as State President of the La Femmes in 1985-86. Dora retired as the state secretary of the Maine American Legion Auxiliary in 2014, after serving five years in that position. In 2000-2001 Dora served as state president of the VFW Auxiliary.

Dora was sweet, funny, and very giving. She will always be remembered for her dedication to veterans. She enjoyed living life to its fullest, partying with friends and family, camping and spending time with friends. She had a passion for board games, but specifically Yahtzee.

Dora was predeceased by her husband, Charles H. Michaud Jr.; and son, Brian Michaud.

Dora is survived by her grandson, Joshua Michaud; daughter of the heart, Michelle McRae; and Brian’s girlfriend, Beckey Washburn, all of Oakland; several nieces and nephews. She considered Beth Michaud-Tillson her “Baby Girl;” special nephews Mikey, Luigi and Jason Michaud.

Family burial will be at a later date.

Arrangements are by Wheeler Funeral Home & Cremation Care, 26 Church St., Oakland, Maine.

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

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in her memory to the Maine General Hospice, P.O. Box 828, Waterville, Maine 04903.

ETHEL M. HECKMAN

VASSALBORO – Ethel Mae Heckman, 76, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 26, 2020, at MaineGeneral Medical Center, following a brief illness. She was born in Orono in July 1943, the daughter of Raymond and Ethel (Lyons) Ramsay.

Ethel graduated from Orono High School in June 1961 and married James Heckman in July 1961. She worked in child care and as a nurses aid in her early years and was co-owner, with her late husband James Heckman Sr., of Heckman’s Auction Hall, in Benton, and later Heckman’s Party Palace, in Waterville. She has worked for Acadia Auto Group for the last 30 years.

Ethel was an avid reader and a lover of music and the theater and loved to dance. She loved animals, lunch with friends, holidays with family and Sunday dinners. She also loved to travel but hated to fly, she became queen of the “road trip” and traveled as often as possible.

Ethel is survived by her sister, Lucretia Smith, of Waterville; her son James Heckman, Jr. and daughter-in-law Leora Mitchell, of Hamden, her son Scott Heckman and daughter-in-law Kia Heckman, of Fairfield, and daughter Traci Bernatchez and son-in-law Kevin Bernatchez, of Vassalboro; her grandchildren Trevor Heckman, Kalib Bernatchez and Jacob Bernatchez, all of Vassalboro.

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

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 www.gallantfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to your local animal shelter

KATHERINE G. MORISSETTE

WATERVILLE – Katherine Giroux Achey Morissette, 87, of Jackman, passed away on Jan. 26, 2020, at Woodlands Assisted Living, in Waterville. Katherine “Kate” was born on November 19, 1932, to Theodore and Minnie C. Giroux, of Moose River. After attending school in Jackman, Katherine married Victor Achey on August 28, 1948, at St. Anthony’s Church, in Jackman. They had three children: Francis, Viola, and Clayton.

Victor and Kate shared many years together before separating. Kate later married Ernest J. Morissette in May 1976, and resided part-time in Sarasota, Florida, for the winter months, returning to Jackman to live and work over the summers. In her lifetime, Kate waitressed at Henderson’s, Briarwood, and Hillcrest, in Jackman, and Windjammer and Shriners, in Florida, and retired after 50 years of waitressing.

Kate was an avid crocheter and created beautiful doilies, dolls, and afghans for loved ones. She loved to play cards, Bingo, horseshoes, pool, cribbage, and enjoyed painting, but loved to dance. Kate was a member of the Ladies Red Hat Society, Garden Club, and Moose River Senior Center.

Katherine was predeceased by her parents; her husband, Ernest Morissette; her former spouse, Victor Achey; and her son, Francis Achey, all of Jackman.

Kate is survived by her son, Clayton Achey and wife, Deborah, of Jackman, and daughter, Viola Nadeau and friend, Guy Brochu, of Skowhegan; 13 grandchildren, Donavan, Robert, Scott, Sylvia, Jennifer, Daniel, Melissa, Jason, Amanda, Michele, Philip, Matthew, and Stephen; 21 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren; brother, Ernest Giroux, of Jackman, and sister, Mary Lee Audet and husband Lawrence, of Waterville; along with numerous nieces and nephews; A funeral was held on Saturday, February 1, 2020, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, 366 Main Street, Jackman.

A spring burial will be held in May 2020 at St. Anthony’s Cemetery, in Jackman.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Giberson Funeral Home and Cremation Services, in Madison and Bingham. To leave a condolence for the family, share a memory, view the online obituary and to share service and obituary information on social media please visit our website at www.gibersonfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Kate’s memory to the Jackman Community Health Center376 Main StreetJackman, ME 04945.

UNA WITHEE

WINSLOW – Una Withee, 91, passed away at her home, in Winslow, on Sunday, January 26, 2020, following a long fulfilling life. She was born to the parents, Barbara (Brockway) and Earle Simpson, on June 28, 1928, and raised on a dairy farm on Odlin Road, in Bangor.

Una graduated from Bangor High School in 1946. Shortly after her marriage, she purchased her home of nearly 60 years, where her son, Alan, was raised.

Una was a strong, independent, and loving women. She worked for LaVerdiere’s warehouse, on Benton Ave, in Winslow, from 1967 to 1993. LaVerdiere’s was not only a place of work but a friendly neighbor. She was proud of her hard work and dedication to her career. She made many friends that would last decades after LaVerdiere’s closed.

In her free time, and into her retirement, Una loved going to auctions and lawn sales. She was known for her own magnificent lawn sales. Una was always redesigning her home and loved showing off her new flooring, wallpaper, furniture, or holiday decorations. She had a green thumb and was proud of her beautifully manicured landscape.

Una shared many of her passions with friends, family, and her grandchildren. Una spent many of her later years enjoying time with her friends and family. Whether it was going to an auction, the Purple Cow, or an arcade, someone always knew and cherished Una.

Her granddaughter, Lacy, and great-grandchildren Ben and Matthew especially enjoyed their time and lunch dates at Wendy’s.

Una was predeceased by her parents, Barbara and Earle Simpson; and sisters, Virginia and Helen.

She is survived by her son, Alan Withee and wife Robin, of Turner; and sister, Ottilie Gray, of Carmel; her five grandchildren, Travis Withee, of Lewiston, Lacy Menchen and husband Chris, of Benton, Jason Withee and wife Audrey, of Bedford, New Hampshire, Dakota Withee and wife Karlye, of Minot, and Noah Withee, of Baldwin; and her seven great-grandchildren, Sara Menchen, Ben Menchen, Owen Withee, Matthew Menchen, Edison Withee, Emmitt Withee, and Alanna Withee.

The family will be having a private celebration of life.

DARLYNE D. LANE

SOUTH CHINA – Darlyne D. Lane, 62, of South Road, died unexpectedly on Monday, January 27, 2020, at Alfond Center for Health, in Augusta. She was born in Augusta on October 14, 1957, the daughter of Duane D. Cowing and Joyce (Glendenning) Cowing.

Darlyne recently retired from the state of Maine after 32 years of service. She was an avid Willie Nelson follower and prolific knitter, providing socks to all her family.

She was predeceased by her parents Duane and Joyce Cowing and brother Douglas Cowing.

Surviving is her husband of 45 years, James M. Lane, of South China; daughter Emily Lane and son Kevin; son Grady Lane and partner Kailyn and children Izzabeya, Mateo and Elias; foster children Sherry and Terry; foster siblings Florence, Robert and Dennis; aunt Jean and uncle Ted Bigos and cousins Patrick and Michael; uncle Mike and aunt Judy Madden and cousin Jonathan; and aunt Evelyn Cowing; nieces and nephews Deanna, Donna, Daniel.

No services are planned.

Burial will be at the Maine Veterans Cemetery, Augusta, Maine, at a later date.

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

JAMES R. BROWN SR.

WINDSOR – James Robert Brown Sr., “Jimmy,” 80, passed peacefully on Tuesday, January 28, 2020, following a brave battle with Sepsis, at MaineGeneral Medical Center, in Augusta. He was born in Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts, to parents, William B. and Clara (Silva) Brown of Edgartown, Massachusetts on the Island of Martha’s Vineyard.

After graduation from Edgartown High School he joined his father in the electrical contracting business of Bill Brown’s Electric.

He always had a smile on his face and was willing to help where help was needed, and a serious work ethic which he passed on to his grandsons, especially to Scott.

Jimmy was a Master Mason of 53 years at Oriental-Martha’s Vineyard Masonic Lodge A.F. & A.M. in Oak Bluffs, Massa­chusetts.

He was a master electrician in both Massachusetts and Maine and an electrical contractor, operating the business after his father’s death until 1999.

Jimmy was a volunteer firefighter in Edgartown, Massachusetts, as well as Windsor, and Whitefield, retiring after a combined total of 50 years’ service, joining Edgartown Fire at the age of 16 years.

He was predeceased by his parents, a sister, Jeanann and her husband Curtis Collison III.

He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Linda Brown, of Windsor; a daughter, Polly and her husband, Robert Maciel Jr., of Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts; a son, J. Robert Brown, Jr. and his wife Teri ,of Edgartown, Massachusetts; a sister, Sandra and husband Dennis Arnold, of Edgartown, Massachusetts; grandchildren: Robyn, Jesse, and Scott Maciel, Michael and Stephen Brown; 10 great-grandchildren, a cousin, Carol Brown, of Ohio; also several nieces and nephews.

A spring 2020 committal with a Masonic burial service at Rest Haven Cemetery, Windsor.

Arrangements under the care of Plummer Funeral Home, 983 Ridge Road, Windsor, ME.

The family suggests memorial donations to Coopers Mills Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 341, Coopers Mills, ME 04341, or a charity of your choice.

LAURIANNE T. FECTEAU

WINSLOW – Laurianne “Lil” T. (Labbe) Fecteau, 90, of Winslow, passed away on Thursday, January 30, 2020, at Northern Light Lakewood Manor, Waterville. She was born in Waterville on March 16, 1929, the daughter of Joseph and Yvonne (Pouliot) Labbe.

Laurianne worked as a stitcher at the C.F. Hathaway Shirt Com­pany, in Water­ville, for over 32 years, retiring in 1976. She was a life member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary, of MacCrillis-Rousseau, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #8835, in Winslow.

Laurianne loved to read, sew and was a very dedicated wife taking care of her husband, Adelbert William Fecteau, during his long illness until his death in 2006.

She was a devoted mother and grandmother.

She was predeceased by her parents; husband, Max; two brothers, Gerard and Fernand (Babe) Labbe; her baby sister, Lillian; one stepgrandson, Paul Veilleux.

Laurieanne is survived by her son, Lee W. Fecteau and wife Ghislaine, of China; daughter, Caroline Bernier and her grandson, Lyle Bernier; stepgrandchildren, Louise Clarke and Lise Theriault; and several nieces and nephews.

A committal service will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 7, 2020, in the Chapel of the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 163 Mount Vernon Rd., Augusta.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm St., Waterville.

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

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to: Servants of Blessed Sacraments, 101 Silver St. Waterville, ME 04901.

CHRISTINE M. WHEELER

WINSLOW – Christine M. Wheeler, 92, of Winslow, passed away peacefully on Thurs­day, January 30, 2020, at Oak Grove Center, in Waterville. Christine was born in Winslow on July 5,1927, the daughter of the late Roy and Ida (Bennett) Martin.

Christine grew up helping her family on their family farm, on the Albion Road, in Winslow.

Christine attended and graduated from Winslow High School. She then worked for the Sisters Hospital, before moving to Harris Baking Company, both in Waterville, where she met the love of her life. She married Herbert H. Wheeler on July 14, 1956, and together they raised their family.

Christine and Herbert were self-employed over the years. In their younger years they owned and operated Wheeler Poultry and later, The Red Barn, on the Garland Road, in Winslow, where they sold antiques, collectibles, used furniture and housewares for over 30 years. She could often be seen at yard sales or auctions with her husband, searching for that next “treasure” they could share with their customers. Christine enjoyed talking with and helping The Red Barn customers.

Christine loved her family. She enjoyed watching the accomplishments of her sons and later her grandsons. She felt so blessed to be a part of her great grandson’s life, too. She especially enjoyed watching school events and attended as many of their sporting events as possible. She loved attending family functions, but she treasured the times when her family just called or stopped by to share what was going on in their lives.

Christine was the humblest and most giving person anyone could know. She was a devoted wife and mother and would do anything she could for her grandchildren. She was a hard worker and never complained about anything and never talked badly about anyone.

Besides her parents, Ida and Roy Martin, she was predeceased by her infant daughter, Jayne Ann; her husband, Herbert H. Wheeler; and her sister, Shirley McPhail.

Christine will be sadly missed by her children, Brian Wheeler and his wife Susan, of Clinton, and Omar Wheeler and his wife Valerie, of Winslow; her grandsons, Chad Wheeler and his wife, Rebekkah, and their son, Arron Wheeler, of Augusta, Corey Wheeler and his wife Laura, of Bucksport, Benjamin Wheeler, of Winslow, and Jacob Wheeler and his wife Alicia, of Unity; her sister, Laura Higgins, of Winslow; as well as several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Christine’s life will be held from 3-5 p.m. on Saturday, February 8, at Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, 107 Main St., Fairfield. Please join the family as they invite guests to share their special memories.

Graveside services will be held in the spring, at Village Cemetery, in North Vassalboro.

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

Arrangements are by Lawry Brothers Funeral & Cremation Care, 107 Main St., Fairfield.

In lieu of flowers, donations made be made in Christine’s memory to Benton Falls Congregational Church, c/o David Gagnon, 299 Eames Road, Winslow, ME 04901.

Obituaries for Thursday, January 30, 2020

CARL W. SEVIGNY

WINDSOR – Carl W. Sevigny, 70, of Windsor, passed away Sunday, January 5, 2020, at Maine Medical Center, in Portland. He was born February 3, 1949, in Augusta, to Howard and Victoria Sevigny.

He served in the U.S. Army. Carl had been a woodsman most of his life. He enjoyed going to the ocean and driving around siteseeing. Carl enjoyed going to the truck pulls and the horse races. He was a great friend to many and would do anything to help someone. He was a very loving and giving man and will be deeply missed.

Carl was predeceased by both parents; his brother, Dale Sevigny and grandson Aaron White-Sevigny.

Survivors include his significant other of 20 years, Cindy Trask; son, Roy and wife Jennifer Sevigny and daughter Ginger Sevigny, all of Windsor; sister Gail Hall; brothers Phillip Sevigny and Bruce Sevigny; grandchildren, Santasia Sevigny, Ryan Sevigny, Ashley Dumas and Josh Duggan; great-grandchildren, Lucas, Jared and Alyson; several nieces and nephews. He was also like a father to Steve and Melissa Plourde and Karen Sheehan.

A celebration of life was held Jan. 26

Memories and condolences may be shared at directcremationofmaine.com.

WILLIAM A. AMES

JEFFERSON – William “Bill” Alton Ames Sr., 77, of Jefferson, passed away on the evening of Monday, January 6, 2020, from injuries sustained in an automobile accident. He was born in Damariscotta on September 23, 1942, the son of Samuel H. and Dorothy (Smith) Ames.

Bill attended Jefferson Village School and graduated from Lincoln Academy in 1960. He went to Gates Business School and graduated with a degree in business. He worked for Augusta Federal Savings Bank, in Augusta, for 37 years, retiring in 2000.

He married his high school sweetheart, Nancy West, in 1963. They resided in Jefferson, where they raised three children, Carole, William Jr., and Joseph.

Bill was a Mason at Riverside Lodge #135 AF&AM, joining in April 1966. He served as master from 1970-71 and 1988-89. Throughout the years, he served in every chair at one time or another. Bill also belonged to the Willow Grange, in Jefferson, for many years.

Bill was loved by all who knew him. If anyone needed help, old friend or new, Bill was there to lend a hand or a tool. He loved spending summers at his camp on Damariscotta Lake, which has been enjoyed by more than four generations. He enjoyed taking friends and family for boat rides on the lake. He enjoyed woodworking and made a tool bench, table and chair sets and cradles for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He enjoyed many life-long friends and always welcomed new ones. Bill and Nancy enjoyed many years of traveling in their motor home to warm places in the winter, such as Florida and Texas.

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his son, William Jr.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy, of 56 years; his daughter, Carole Colby, of Augusta, his son, Joseph Ames and wife Holly, of Lindenwold, New Jersey; his grandchildren, Jeffrey Feyler Jr. and wife Stacey, Erinn DeRoy and husband Blaine, William E. Ames, Jonathan Ames, Amanda Ratcliff and husband Larry, Kasey Ames, Jessica Ames, Marissa Linton, and Miranda Linton; his great-grandchildren, Jeffrey III, Bridget, Emma, Landon, Hannah, Ella, Jaxson, Coleton, Kenneth, Selina, JazmineLee, and Jaceon; his brothers, Kenneth Ames and Robert Ames; and by many cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

A graveside masonic service will be held at Hillside Cemetery in Damariscotta in the spring.

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.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to either the Maine Cancer Foundation, 170 U.S. Rte. 1, Suite 250, Falmouth, ME 04105, or the American Heart Association, 51 U.S. Rte. 1, Suite M, Scarborough, ME 04074.

ROBERT BULLEN

VASSALBORO – Robert “Bob” Bullen, 79, passed away on Wednesday, January 15, 2020, following a long battle with illness. Bob was born in Brooklyn, New York, on April 30, 1940.

He served in the U.S. Navy for three years and then began a career as a telephone repairman. He moved to Maine with his family in 1972 where he continued his career with the phone company. After retiring, he was a part time faculty member at Kennebec Valley Techincal College, in Fairfield.

He is survived by his three sons; Robert, John, and Vincent: daughters-in-law Jean and Mildred; grandsons, Dane, Jordan, and Myles; and his great-grandson Jace.

According to Bob’s wishes, there will be no viewing or funeral services. A private celebration of life will be held at the convenience of the family.

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

LOUISE A. LEVESQUE

WATERVILLE – Louise A. (Douglass) Levesque, 77, passed away on Wednesday, January 15, 2020, at her home, in Waterville. She was born July 2, 1942, in Farmington, the daughter of Harry Stevens and Margaret Corinne (Currie) Douglass.

She grew up in Eustis, then attended Good Will-Hinckley School, in Hinckley, and progressed to Lawrence High School, in Fairfield, where she met the love of her life, Paul Levesque. On June 12, 1965, she married Paul at the Sacred Heart Church, in Waterville, and spent 47 years together on this earth. As a teenager Louise was employed at Hillman’s Bakery, in Fairfield; in the 1960s, Shoe Corporation of America, in Norridgewock, as a shoe sewing technician; then at the Waterville Osteopathic Hospital as a member of the kitchen staff; and in the late 1970s turned her attention to becoming a full time homemaker.

Louise loved babysitting and helping to raise her nephews, nieces and grandchildren. In her spare time she enjoyed knitting mittens and dish cloths, working on jigsaw puzzles, completing word search books, and playing Yahtzee, UNO and cribbage with her family. She was a wonderful cook with many special recipes and had a green thumb for houseplants and gardens. Her endless optimism, smile and spunky attitude will be missed by all who have known and loved her.

She is survived by son, Christopher Levesque, of Waterville; three sisters, Marcia Dulac, Corrine Douglass, and Joanne Shaw; aunt, Mary Currie Stevens; three brothers-in-law, Peter Levesque, John Levesque (Jean Dolley), and James Levesque; four sisters-in-law, Kathy Sandy (Raymond Sandy), Joann Hopkins, Lillian Levesque, and Jane Levesque; son-in-law, Luke Moen; grandchildren, Veronica Levesque, Jonathon Levesque, Mark Moen, Jacob Moen, and Joshua Moen and many nephews and nieces.

She was predeceased by husband Paul Levesque; daughter, Tammi Moen; brother, Steven; two sisters, Linda and Barbara; parents, Harry and Margaret Douglass.

A Celebration of Life will be held in the spring of 2020 at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, friends wishing may make donations in Louise’s memory to Good Will-Hinckley, 16 Prescott Dr., Hinckley, ME 04944.

Arrangements under the direction and care of Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service, 455 Waterville Road, Skowhegan, ME 04976.

BRANDON J. BLANCHETTE

FAIRFIELD – Brandon Jack Blanchette, 26, passed away on Wednesday, January 15, 2020. He was born in Ellsworth, June 21, 1993.

Brandon was a hard worker and had vision. He always found work, working with others and also did side jobs. He had in recent months started his own business B&B Construction. He always took life’s challenges head on. He was a good artist, good at mechanical work, loved hunting, fishing, and the outdoors. He was very sociable and loved to dream big and talk of his dreams. He was good with children and his daughter was the pride and joy of his life. All in all a good soul, nothing he wouldn’t do for his family and friends if he could.

He was predeceased by his father, Paul Blanchette in September of 2010.

He is survived by his daughter, Aubrey Jane Blanchette and her mother Dakota, of Wales; his mother, Rose Blanchette Desrosiers, of Fairfield; sister, Alana Blanchette, of Waterville, and his brother, Travis Blanchette ,of Fairfield; many aunts, uncles and cousins.

A Mass of Christian Burial took place on January 27, 2020, at Notre Dame Catholic Church, in Waterville.

MARIE F. ST. PIERRE

PALERMO – Marie Fernande St. Pierre, 92, of Palermo, passed away peacefully, following a brief illness, on Friday, January 17, 2020. She was born on Arpil 25, 1927, in Seigas, New Brunswick, Canada.

As the matriarch of her family, she leaves behind a long legacy of love, laughter and life. Her door was always open, as was her kitchen to family and friends. Her kindness and caring resonated through and to any and all whom had the pleasure of having her touch their lives.

She leaves behind four generations of a beautiful family that she created, sustained and kept close together and to her heart, as the phenomenal woman she was. She was the best mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend who blessed us all with her kindness and generosity. Her prevailing optimism left many filled with gratitude for having been touched by such an angelic soul. She will be missed deeply, truly, madly, forever and a day.

Her remaining legacy includes her son, Giles Gerard St. Pierre, of Palermo; daughter, Murielle S. DiBiase and her husband Dana DiBiase Sr., of Palermo; grandson, Dana DiBiase Jr. and Leah Maxwell, of Bingham; granddaughters, Marla DiBiase, of Winthrop, and , Jennifer St. Pierre and Ray Shults, of Vassalboro; great-grandchildren include Dylan Fortin and Nikolette Alexander, of China, Brianne DiBiase, of Brighton, Massachusetts, Colton DiBiase, of St. Joseph, Missouri, Kinli DiBiase and Donivyn Harms, of Westbrook, Nea DiBiase, of Winthrop, Ayden Michaud, Colby Shults, and Ravyn Shults, all of Vassalboro; sisters and brothers include Ernest Ruest, of New Brunswick, Canada, Georgine Ruest, of Matante, Québec Canada, Lisette Butler, of Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada, Yvette Fournier, of New Brunswick, Canada, and Claudette Ruest ,of Degelis, Québec, Canada.

Several generations of nieces, nephews and cousins were also blessed by her presence in their lives.

She was predeceased by her father, Romeo Odellon Ruest, her mother, Marie Anais Cyrl; her husband, Joseph Hector St. Pierre; and her brothers, Jean Guy Ruest and Joseph Jean-Louis Ruet.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, February, 1, 2020, at 4 p.m., at China Baptist Church, 36 Causeway Road, China, Maine. A reception will follow the service in the church vestry. Flower arrangements can be made with Augusta Florist (207) 626-2808.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Plummer Funeral Home, 983 Ridge Road, Windsor, Maine. Condolences, stories and photos may be shared at www.plummerfh.com.

KEITH W. LAWLER JR.

CANAAN – Keith W. Lawler, Jr., 52, passed away Saturday, January 18, 2020, at the Maine Veteran’s Hospital, in Augusta. He was born February 19, 1967, in Waterville, the son of Keith W. Sr. and Rose (Hart) Lawler.

He attended Hartland Christian School and Nokomis Regional High School, in Newport, graduating in 1985. On October 6, 2012, he married the former Ann Kimball, of Skowhegan. He was employed by Mid-State Machine, in Winslow, and NRF Distributors, in Augusta. He spent several years in military service with the Army National Guard. Keith enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing horse shoes, golf, family BBQs, poker, cribbage and spending time with his grandkids.

Keith is survived by his wife of eight years, Ann (Kimball) Lawler, of Canaan; two sons, Trevor Leathers and wife Leslie, of Canaan, Timothy Kimball and wife Brianna, of Skowhegan; four daughters, Heather Lawler and significant other, of Bowling Green, Virginia, Ashley Oakes and husband Julian, of Canaan, Jerrica Benton, of Hudson Falls, New York, Chelsea Wyman, of Washington; father, Keith Lawler Sr. ,of Norridgewock; two brothers, Marshall Lawler and wife Pamela, of Pittsfield, and Eric Witham and significant other, of Skowhegan; four sisters, Mardene Shibles and husband Willis, and Lisa Tozier and husband Shawn, all of St. Albans, Karen Sinclair and husband Roger, of Norway, Beckie Genthner and husband Dana, of Skowhegan; grandchildren Blake, Leighton, Lincoln, Grayson, Jaxson, Courtney, Timothy Jr., Connor, Jace, Amelia Mae; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by Parents Ruby Lawler, Rose Lawler and Miles Mooers, and grandchild Reagan.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, February 1, 2020, at 1 p.m., at the Pace Local #9 Banquet Hall, Waterville Road, Skowhegan.

In lieu of flowers, friends wishing may make donations in Keith’s memory to VA Hospice Care at Togus, 1 VA Center, Augusta, ME 04333.

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

PATRICIA A. TOTO

UNITY – Patricia A. (Walsh) Toto, 85, passed away at Maine Medical Center after a long illness surrounded by family on Saturday, January 18, 2020. She was born the daughter of James A. and Dorothea D. (Cadden) Walsh, in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, on October 24, 1934.

She lived in and attended school in Charlestown, Rhode Island, and graduated from high school in Providence, Rhode Island, at the age of 16. Following graduation, she attended Salve Regina College, in Newport, Rhode Island, where she graduated with a BS in nursing.

Upon graduation, she worked as a charge nurse at South County Hospital. In 1956 she met the love of her life, and in August of 1957 she married Daniel A. Toto, of Warwick, Rhode Island. In 1960 they moved to Unity where she went to work at Sebasticook Valley Hospital, in Pittsfield. In 1967 she became a nursing instructor at the Maine School of Practical Nursing, in Waterville, eventually becoming the principal of the school.

In 1981, she became the director of the Associate Degree Nursing Program at Kennebec Valley Technical College, in Fairfield, a program that she developed and implemented. In 1996 she stepped down as director to oversee the Student Placement Program at KVTC, also proofreading nursing textbooks for a major publishing house until she retired in 1998.

Following her retirement, she enjoyed knitting, crocheting, reading, cooking, traveling with her husband and playing cribbage. She was an avid Red Sox fan, loved her daily crossword puzzles, spending time with her large family and remaining the matriarch of the clan. She was fiercely proud of her Irish heritage and every year she looked forward to St. Paddy’s Day, the bagpipes, and Irish music.

Patricia was preceded in death by her husband, Daniel A. Toto; and her great-grandson, Gunner Toto.

She is survived by her brother, James A. Walsh Jr. and wife Carolyn, of Palm City, Florida; her children, Daniel A. Toto Jr., of Vassalboro, Christopher J. Toto and wife Diane, of Windham, Dr. Timothy P. Toto, of Unity, and significant other Betsy Shields, of Old Town, Caroline W. Toto-Lawrence and husband Peter, of Fairfield, and Suzanne P. Giles and husband Jonathan, of Brunswick; her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Jennifer Prickett and her children Ann, Ava and Abigail, of Vassalboro, Anna Mowatt, husband Joshua and their children Silas and Piper, all of Vassalboro, Sarah Toto and husband Tristan Mills, of Bangor, Nicholas Toto, of Windham, and his children Brodie Toto, of Newfield, Vito Toto, of Windham ,and Hunter Toto, of Yarmouth, Kaitlin Toto, of Portland, Brendan Toto, of Bangor, Michaela Lawrence, of Fairfield, and Ryan Giles, of Brunswick; her sisters-in-law, Mary G. Haley, of Warwick, Rhode Island, and Angela L. Schiraldi, of Orlando, Florida; and her many nieces and nephews.

Patricia’s wishes were for a private family funeral. There will be a burial in the spring at the Maine Veterans Cemetery, in Augusta.

Arrangements are by Lawry Brothers Funeral & Cremation Care, 107 Main St., Fairfield.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to the Maine Public Safety Pipe and Drum Corp., P.O. Box 8821, Portland, Maine 04104.

ANNETTE L. SPROUL

WINSLOW – Annette L. Sproul, 77, passed away Tuesday, January 21, 2020, following a long struggle with illness.

Annette was born on March 2, 1942, in Brewer, to Bruce and Jessie Fogg.

She attended Hampden Academy, in Hampden, and graduated salutatorian June 1961. She married James E. Sproul Sr. on July 8 of that year.

Annette had several occupations, ranging from a daycare provider, payroll clerk for the Hathaway Shirt Com­pany, in Water­ville, driving school bus in Winslow, as well as several retail positions over the years.

Some of her favorite hobbies were crafting, cooking, reading, gardening, puzzles and collecting stuffed animals. She was a talented cake decorator and cross-stitcher but her true passion was her family. Whether it was volunteering as the Cub Scout leader, driving the band bus, attending sporting events, dance recitals, packing up and going to camp or planning a special birthday party, she always made her family feel more than special. She loved her friends and extended family and found true joy in “The Cousins” dinner group.

Annette was predeceased by her parents; and her most beloved brother, David Bruce Fogg. KIA, Quang Nam, Vietnam, February 6, 1970, P.F.C., US Marine Corps.

Annette is survived by her husband, James E. Sproul Sr.; son, James E. Sproul Jr. and his wife Doreen; daughter, Laurie Poisson and her husband Christopher; son, Joseph and his wife Darlene; many grandchildren, Lyndsay J. Clark, Amanda Dugal, Kymberlee Leighton, David Sproul, Carli Poisson and Rachel Poisson.

Funeral services were held on January 25, at Faith Evangelical Free Church, in Waterville, with Pastor Brent Small officiating. Arrangements were under the care of Veilleux and Redington Funeral Home, www.veilleuxfuneralhome.com.

HENRY POULIOT

FAIRFIELD – Henry Pouliot, 89, died Wednesday, January 22, 2020, at his home.

Born on December 9, 1930, in Benton, and raised in Fairfield Center, the son of Wilfred and Yvonne Ouellette Pouliot, he was a lifelong resident of Fairfield Center.

Henry enjoyed his career at Keyes Fibre (Huhtamaki), in Waterville, for 26 years as a maintenance technician.

Henry and Wilma were lucky to spend 30 years in retirement making countless friends. While in Maine, they were active members of the Kennebec River Rovers RV club. He also loved traveling to Canada to visit friends and explore the countryside.

For 23 long Maine winters, they traveled south to the Red Oaks Resort, in Bushnell, Florida. Here he spent time playing golf, shooting pool, expanding his creative world through carving, painting, making floats, props for plays, and more. Henry was always the first to lend a hand to neighbors, often resulting in lifelong friendships.

For many years Henry helped host large family Thanksgivings at the Victor Grange Hall, in Fairfield Center.

He leaves his best friend and wife of 65 years, Wilma (Mackay) Pouliot; his son, Philip Pouliot and his wife Debra; his two grandchildren, Jason Pouliot and wife Vicky, Travis Pouliot and partner Francis Nicdao; and his great-grandchildren, Wyatt Pouliot, Kegan, Kassadi, and Karsten.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on January 29, at Notre Dame Catholic Church, in Waterville.

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

Arrangements are by Lawry Brothers Funeral & Cremation Care, 107 Main St., Fairfield.

In lieu of flowers, his family asks you to donate to the Victor Grange Hall. Checks can be made out to Victor Grange and sent to Roger Shorty, 118 Oakland Road, Fairfield, ME 04937.

GERALD MICHAUD SR.

WINSLOW – Gerald “Gerry” Michaud Sr., 91, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 21, 2020, at the Oak Grove Rehab Center, in Waterville, from cardiac complications following a recent surgery. Gerry was born on June 23, 1928, to J. Alcide and Jennie Mae (Labbe) Michaud, in Waterville.

He attended high school at and graduated from Coburn Classical Institute and was a 1951 graduate of Colby College, both in Waterville. He also attended Franklin Technical Institute, in Boston, for advanced physics and math courses.

He married the former Dollena “Dolly” Bilodeau on April 9, 1950, and they were married just weeks short of 65 years when she died in March of 2015.

Gerry worked at his father’s car dealership briefly and then sold insurance for Allstate from 1953-1963. He then worked as assistant of operations planning and manager of customer services at Keyes Fibre Co. (now Huhtamaki), in Waterville, and then for two years in the Hammond, Indiana, office. He retired in 1990. He was quickly bored with retirement and worked for his son, Gerry Jr., owner of Big G’s Deli, in Winslow, to deliver sandwiches at lunchtime. He worked for Big G’s for 21 years, retiring finally at 83 years old.

Gerry was a Boy Scout master for five years, helped to organize Troop #443, sponsored by St. John Parish, in Winslow, and was promoted to scout commissioner, establishing other new troops. In the late 1960s Gerry taught CCD (Confraternity of Christian Doctrine) to high school students at St. John parish. He was a member and chairman of the board of directors for three years at Keyes Fibre Federal Credit Union, in Waterville. Gerry was also a member of the National Guard Reserves prior to his marriage.

In his free time, Gerry built a woodworking shop in his basement and created many lovely pieces of furniture for his friends and family. He was an avid reader and lifelong learner. Gerry was fluent in French and belonged to a few local French discussion groups and also spoke Spanish. He played bridge for over 70 years with dear friends the Cyrs, Veilleux’, and Vigues. Gerry was a runner for 25 years and loved fishing and hunting with his sons and family.

He is survived by his daughter Sarah Michaud and husband Dennis Perkins, with whom he lived for the last six years, and three sons, Gerry Michaud Jr. and wife Ginger Lord, Peter and Catherine Michaud and Christopher Michaud and wife Kristal; his grandchildren, Seth Dearborn and wife Kari Christian, Joshua Michaud, Jenny Michaud, Heather Lewis and husband Chip, Madeline Michaud, John Peter Michaud, and Nathan Michaud and partner Magen; his great-grandchildren, Avery, Aidan, Ashton and Cash Lewis, Molly Michaud, Gwen and Anna Martin and Lenny Sousa; his grandstepchildren, Elly Perkins, Julia Martin and Will Perkins, and Jamey Lord; his brother, Roland Michaud and wife Ann, of Winslow; several nieces, nephews; and special niece Terry Collier, her husband Russ and their family.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on January 28, 2020, at Notre Dame Catholic Church, in Waterville. Burial will be in the Spring at the Village Cemetery, Vassalboro.

An online guestbook signed, condolences and memories shared at www.gallantfh.com.

BRENDA M. LEVESQUE

WINSLOW – Brenda Marie Levesque, 56, died at home on Friday, January 24, 2020, following a long battle with ovarian cancer. Brenda was born on Nov­ember 21, 1963, in Fort Kent, to Lionel and Geraldine “St. Onge” Levesque.

She attended Van Buren Secondary School and graduated in 1982. Brenda worked for Marden’s, in Waterville, from August of 1988 – June 2016 as a furniture salesperson for most of her career. Brenda, known to many of her customers as “Frenchie,” was well liked by many customers. She enjoyed coloring, reading, and most of all her grandkids – the pride and joy of her life.

Brenda was predeceased by her dad, Lionel Levesque, and brother, Michael Levesque.

She is survived by her live in partner of 34 years Mike Cyr; two daughters, Keisha Cyr and Fiancé Richie Yvon, of Windsor, and Sarah Lynds and husband Ben, of Houlton; her mother, Geraldine Levesque, of Grand Isle; two brothers Daniel Levesque of Southington, Connecticut, and Kenneth Levesque, of St. David; two sisters, Jackie Ayotte, of Sabetha, Kansas, and Lynn Dumond and husband Ricky, of Van Buren; her three grandchildren, Drake Lynds, of Houlton, Jamison Yvon and Zoey Yvon, both of Windsor; as well as several nieces, great-nieces and great-nephews.

The funeral will be Friday January 31, 2020, at 11 a.m., at Notre Dame Church, 116 Silver St., in Waterville. The family invites you to visit at the church prior to the service at 10 a.m. Burial will be at a later date at the St. Gerard Cemetery, in Grand Isle.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital, 22 Bramhall St., Portland, ME 04102, Attn. Development Department.

VERNA D. FERLAND

SIDNEY – Verna (Deschene) Ferland, 72, passed away peacefully at her home, in Sidney, on Sunday, January 26, 2020. Verna was born in Grand Falls, New Bruns­wick, Canada, on November 3, 1947, one of seven children born to Claude Deschene and Winnifred Levesque Deschene.

At the age of 5 her family traveled from Grand Falls to East Millinocket, where she lived and graduated high school in 1967. The day she started school, she, along with the rest of her family, spoke and read only French, which was the case for many back at that time immigrating from Canada. They joked later in life that they learned to speak English from watching TV.

On October 19, 1968, she married James A. Ferland and they built a life together that lasted over 51 years.Verna gave birth to two children, Michelle, who was born at Loring Air Force Base in 1969 where Jim was stationed, and a son George who was born in Presque Isle in 1973. The family lived in Presque Isle for 26 years.

She worked many a potato harvest for extra money at Christmas to make that morning special for her family. That love of Christmas was with Verna her whole life and was passed on to her entire family. She always thought of others first and did as much for her family and friends as she could.

She was employed for many years in Presque Isle as a crossing guard at local schools and at the outdoor public pool for many summers. Verna was also an amazing seamstress and made many family members clothes as gifts. Including prom dresses for her daughter Michelle and a tuxedo for husband Jim. She would stay up nights to finish projects so her friends and family would have their items for their special day. Her sewing machine could be heard cranking away many a Christmas Eve finishing gifts.

Verna had a great love for animals and her favorite pastime, gardening. The family had many pets over the years, but her favorite was Quincy, a bulldog. She spent many hours in her flower gardens in which she took great pride. She and her twin sister Velma had a sibling rivalry when it came to gardening and would often share bulbs and cuttings from their plants. Verna and Velma shared a special bond. They came into this world right next to each other and Velma was there by her side when she passed.

Verna was predeceased by her parents Claude and Winnifred Deschene.

She is survived by her husband James Ferland, of Sidney; daughter Michelle Warguleski and husband Chris, of Syracuse, New York, and her children Miranda Lombardo Hyzy and husband Christopher, of Kenmore, New York, and Chelsea Lombardo, of Rochester, New York; son George H. Ferland and wife Kris, of Madawaska Lake, and their children Kristopher Alfaro of Kingsville, Texas, Nicolas Alfaro ,of Ankara, Turkey, and George J. Ferland, of Madawaska Lake; siblings Camille Deschene and wife Nancy, of East Millinocket, Claudette Green and husband Dennis, of Brownville, Velma Appleby and husband Bill, of Millinocket, Donald Deschene, of Medway, Bert Deschene, of Lee, and Linda Ambrose and husband Rick, of Glenburn; many special nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Verna’s life will be scheduled in the spring, a time she looked forward to so she could get back in her garden.

Arrangements are under the care of Funeral Alternatives, 82 Western Ave., Augusta, ME 04330.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Verna to the Maine Children’s Cancer Program, Maine Medical Center, Development Office, 22 Bramhall St., Portland, ME 04102.

OBITUARIES for Thursday, January 23, 2020

LARRY C. JACKSON

WINSLOW – Larry Charles Jackson, 66, passed away at Maine Medical Center, in Portland, on Friday, January 3, 2020. He was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on September 21, 1953, the son of the late Charles and Katherine Jackson.

Larry attended school in both Waterville and China, and graduated from Waterville High School with the class of 1971. He went to work at Kimberly Clark Paper Co., in Winslow, where he stayed until the mill shut down. He began a second career as a custodian in the Augusta school district before ending his last years at his beloved Vassalboro Community School.

Larry was an avid photographer and welder. He could build or repair anything and frequently took on projects for friends and family. Later in life he took great pride in taking care of his Aunt Marjorie Jackson every chance he had. Larry had an amazing, dry sense of humor that was beloved by all who knew him.

He is survived by his wife Lynne Moses Jackson; his sons Matthew Jackson and partner Melissa Hunnefield, of Augusta, Joshua Jackson and wife Shannon, of Fairfield, and their mother Rose Jackson, of Thomasville, North Carolina, as well as Lynne’s son Matthew Howard.

A Celebration of Life gathering will be held at the Winslow VFW, 175 Veterans Dr, Winslow, on Saturday, February 1, 2020, beginning at 2 p.m.

Arrangements are with Chad E. Poitras Cremation and Funeral Service, Buxton, www.mainefuneral.com.

Online condolence messages can be submitted at www.mainefuneral.com

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to Vassalboro Community School Backpack Program and Charitable Donations to: Vassalboro Community School, c/o Principal Megan Allen 1116 Webber Pond Rd., Vassalboro, ME 04989 or: Animal Humane Society Waterville Area, 100 Webb Rd. Waterville, ME 04901 or online at Hswa.org.

SANDRA M. WALTERS

JUPITER, Fla. – Sandra (Massey) Walters , 65, passed away in Jupiter on Tuesday, December 31, 2019, following a courageous battle with cancer. She was born on March 31, 1954, in Hartford, Connecticut, the daughter of Bernadette and John (Steve) Massey.

As a child her family returned to Waterville, where Sandy was raised, and she graduated from Waterville High School in 1972. After high school she attended the Carnegie Institute of Medical Technology, in Boston, Massachusetts, and worked as a medical lab technician, first at Inland Hospital, in Waterville then in Palm Beach, Florida. Sandy worked the majority of her professional life in the Palm Beach area, working for Dr. Mark Stein, and Allergy Associates of the Palm Beaches for a total of 32 years. She was earnest in her work, and took pleasure in being part of a team which strives to improve people’s lives.

Sandy was a loving and devoted single mother, raising her son, Matthew, alone since infancy, first living in Palm Beach Gardens, then Jupiter, Florida. She will forever be remembered for her broad, bright smile, and her dry sense of humor. She was devoted to spending time with her family, and visited Maine every summer to spend time with her parents and extended family.

Sandy was predeceased by her father, John (Steve) Massey, and her brother, Stephen Massey.

She is survived by her son, Matthew, of Jupiter, Florida; her mother, Bernadette Massey of Winslow; her brother, Scott Massey and sister-in-law Brigitte, of Waterville; nieces, Amy and Christina Massey, Lauren Massey, Katy (Massey) DeBlois, and nephew, John Massey; her aunt, Anita Mathieu and aunt, Pat Massey; sister-in-law, Claudette Massey, and many cousins.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated later this spring in Waterville, with date and details to be announced.

CHRISTA E. LORD

JEFFERSON – Christa E. Lord, 89, died Friday, January 10, 2020, at the Country Manor Nursing Home, in Coopers Mills, following a long illness. She was born in Germany on November 2, 1930.

Mrs. Lord attended school in Germany and met her husband, Ormand, while he was overseas there in the US Army during World War II.

She was the classic example of blue collar pride, spending a number of her working years as a grocery store manager for Cottle’s Supermarket, in Waterville, as well as Barden’s while living in the Gardiner area. She was also employed at Carlton Woolen Mills for many years.

Christa was very talented in the art of knitting, and had her way with a many skeins of wool in her day, producing beautiful sweaters, afghans, hats and socks to keep her entire family warm and safe. She also took great pride, along with her husband Ormand, as very successful dog breeders, producing multiple litters of pups from a number of various breeds for families far and wide to enjoy in the form of beloved family pets. She also had a incredible “green thumb” and loved gardening as well as the processing of the fruits of her labor through canning and jelly making.

She and Ormand loved the outdoors and were very involved with camping, boating, fishing and snowmobiling. She loved the Chamberlain lake region.

Mrs. Lord was predeceased by her mother Erna Schild, father Franz Schild, stepfather Walter Ziegler; husband Ormand S. Lord; daughter Dianne Sawyer; and granddaughter Jessie Sawyer.

She is survived by her son Vincent and partner Sarah, of Windsor; her granddaughter Kaela, her husband Craig and their daughter Audrey; her brother Harry Schild and his wife Sheila ,of British Columbia, Canada; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

At her request, there will be no public visiting hours or funeral service. A private burial will be held in Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta, ME. Condolences, stories and photos may be shared at www.plummerfh.com.

Those who desire may make donations in Christa’s memory to: aspca.org or ASPCA, PO Box 96929, Washington, DC 20090-6929.

EDWINA M. GENDREAU

OAKLAND – Edwina Marie Gendreau, 88, of Oakland, passed away on Saturday, January 11, 2020. She was born on July 21, 1931, in Grand Isle, to Arthur and Mabel (Beaulieu) Grivois.

She married O’Neil Gendreau and together they raised their five daughters in Oakland.

She spent many years working at Diamond Match, in Oakland, and C.F. Hathaway Shirt Factory, in Waterville. After retirement she babysat many local children.

She was mémère to everyone and enjoyed telling her grandchildren stories of her childhood, learning how to cook, raising “the girls” and the meaning of all the “French phrases” that they heard growing up.

She had a special bond with each of her grandchildren and she enjoyed cooking big dinners for the family. Some family favorites were her toutière pies, chicken and dumpling stew, ploys and tomato rice soup.

She found joy in her flower gardens, loved long rides, going out to eat and grabbing an ice cream.

She was predeceased by her parents; her husband, O’Neil; daughters, Marilyn and Sharon; her siblings, Armand, Mary and Harold; her fur baby, “Little Lady”; and her partner in crime, Yvonne Grivois.

She is survived by her daughters, Lorraine (Kent) Somers, and Gloria Ripley, both of Oakland, and Debbie Poirier, of Embden; grandchildren, Erin, Sarah, and Kaila Ripley, Neil and Jenna Wing, and Leah Poirier; her two great-grandchildren, Alexis Furbush and Marshall Veilleux; her sister, Gloria (Chuck) Reeves, of Utah, her brothers, Leo James and Gerald Grivois, and Mike McAdoo, all of Oakland; brother-in-law, Gene (Betsy) Duguay, of California; sons-in-law, Jeff Wing and Rick Thyng; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

As she requested, there will be a graveside service and a celebration of life at a later date in the spring.

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

Arrangements are by Wheeler Funeral Home & Cremation Care, 26 Church St., Oakland.

CAROLYN E. DRAHEIM

WINSLOW – Carolyn (Elliott) Draheim, 69, died in Augusta, at the Comfort Care Unit of Glenridge Nursing Home on Sunday, January 12, 2020, just a month shy of what would have been her 70th birthday on Valentine’s Day.

In recent years, Carolyn had been dealing with early onset dementia, and, with help from family, friends, fellow parishioners at the Pleasant Street United Methodist Church, in Waterville, and her neighbors at Fontaine Oakes Condominiums, in Winslow, she was able to live safely at home. But on Christmas Eve 2019 she was diagnosed with advanced pancreatic cancer which claimed her life quickly.

Carolyn was born in Waterville to Clyde and Alma Elliott and raised on their dairy farm on Eight Rod Road, enjoying the company of many relatives and cousins from her parents’ large families. There she learned the value of hard work and acquired a love of animals, but not of Maine winters.

After graduating from Waterville Senior High School in 1968, and Beal Junior College, in Bangor, in 1970, she moved to Connecticut where she worked in banking. There she also met and fell in love with Richard Draheim, a Navy warrant officer stationed at Groton, Connecticut. Following their marriage in Waterville in 1972, Rick’s career took them to postings in Scotland, various naval bases on the east coast of the U.S. and to the San Diego area where they settled in the town of Santee to raise their family, daughter Melanie and son Elliott.

While living in Santee, Carolyn discovered a love of working with young children. She studied, took courses, attained the required qualifications and for many years taught preschool at church and community centers in the Santee area. Carolyn was an ardent fabric artist, creating many quilts and craft items for family and friends, church fairs and shelters.

She will be remembered for her quiet, soft-spoken manner, warm smile and concern for others over self.

Carolyn is survived by her daughter Melanie Draheim, of Houston, Texas, her son Elliott Draheim and his children Elliott Jr. and Jewel, of Owensville, Missouri; and her brother David Elliott and his partner Kit Pfeiffer, of Whitefield.

There was a memorial service held on January 17, at the Pleasant Street United Methodist Church, 61 Pleasant St. in Waterville.

In lieu of flowers,the family asks that you consider a donation to an organization of your choice in Carolyn’s memory.

RUSSELL BOURGOIN

JAMAICA PLAIN, Massachusetts – Russell Bourgoin, 70, died in Jamaica Plain, Massa­chu­setts, on Friday, Jan­uary 10, 2020.

Rusty was born on January 30, 1949, to Ingeborg and Joseph Bourgoin in Stuttgart, Germany, but he spent the majority of his childhood in Waterville.

He moved to Boston, Massachusetts, where he graduated from Tufts University with a BA in psychology. Rusty worked for the Social Security Administration, and then became a Computer Systems Analyst who worked for a number of communications companies. He and his family moved to Winchendon, Massachusetts, in 1985, where he resided until his death.

He is predeceased by his wife, Kathy Sullivan.

Rusty was a long-time member of the Gardner Lodge of Elks and the Gardner Fish & Gun Club. Some of Rusty’s favorite things were sharing a beer and a laugh with his friends, playing music, New England sports teams (especially the Red Sox), bird watching, and spending time with family.

He is survived by Bourgoin siblings Alfred (Laura Campbell), Terry (Cheryl Adams), Karen (Mike Labbe), Mark (Pam), and Tina (Scott Willette); honorary brother Wayne Kantor; many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of his life will be held from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 4, 2020, at the Gardner Lodge of Elks.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: National Marfan Foundation or: Winchendon Council on Aging.

WAYNE L. CRUMMETT

SHAWMUT – Wayne L. Crummett, 84, passed away on Sunday, January 12, 2020. Wayne was born in Fairfield on November 2, 1935, the son of Frank and Hazel (Young) Crummett.

He attended Fairfield schools, graduating in 1954 from Lawrence High. Wayne served in the US Air Force for four years after graduating.

Wayne worked for Keyes Fibre Co., in Waterville, most of his adult life. In 1964, he married the former Barbara Goforth Perkins; they spent 35 years together until her death in 1999.

Wayne enjoyed woodworking and built several pieces of furniture and knickknacks. He and Barbara also enjoyed gardening and planted several large gardens; sharing their bounty with family.

He was predeceased by his parents; his wife; his stepson, Alan Perkins; and his brothers, Lawrence, Donald and Blynn.

He is survived by his stepchildren, Dana and wife Dena Perkins, of Brewer, Cathy and Charles Buker and Richard Perkins, of Hartland; 14 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; 11 great-great-grandchildren; a brother-in-law, George Goforth, of Scarborough; and several nieces and nephews; granddaughter, London Bernard.

There will be no services.

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

Arrangements are by Lawry Brothers Funeral & Cremation Care, 107 Main St., Fairfield.

Friends and family who wish may donate in Wayne’s memory to their local Humane Society.

FLORENCE E. PLISGA

WATERVILLE – Florence Elizabeth Plisga, 97, of Waterville, passed away on Monday, January 13, 2020, at Redington-Fairview General Hospital, in Skowhegan, following a brief illness. Born on May 29, 1922, she was the daughter of Albert and Grace Lachance.

She attended schools in Waterville, and then married Stanley Plisga Sr. They spent 58 years together before he died in 2001.

She was a wife, mother and homemaker while working many years as a crossing guard for the elementary school near her home in Waterville. She enjoyed having children around, especially children in the neighborhood. She was affectionately known as “Ma” to all that knew her, young and old alike.

She had many hobbies, loved to travel, and spent her retirement years living in Venice, Florida, in the fall and winter and on Salmon Lake, in Belgrade, the remainder of the year. She loved having the children and grandchildren come to visit in Florida. She and Stanley made many trips to Disney and to the beach hunting for shark teeth when family was there.

She is survived by her three children, son, Stanley Plisga Jr. and wife, Barbara, of Eddington, daughter, Sheila Maxwell and husband, Ron, of Winslow, and daughter, Donna Plisga and husband, Anthony Lee, of Alaska; grandchildren, Kirk Lewis and Stephanie Stewart and husband Bryan, of Alaska, Nathan Lewis, of Oregon, Trisha Souviney and husband Nick, of Winslow, Jason Maxwell and wife,Karrianne, of South Portland; and great-grandchildren, Aubree Stewart, of Alaska, Cooper Blakley, Bethanny Blakley, Nixon Souviney and Jaclyn Souviney, all of Winslow; several nieces and nephews.

She was also predeceased by her parents, her brother, Albert Jr., and her sister, Marion.

Funeral and burial will take place in the spring with date, time and location announced closer to the date.

A service of Veilleux and Redington Funeral Home, 8 Elm St., Waterville, Maine 04901 www.veilleuxfuneralhome.com.

TRACY McGREW

CHELSEA – Tracy McGrew, 57, of Chelsea, died at her home on Monday January 13, 2020. She was born in Lawrence, Massachusetts, on March 19, 1962, the daughter of Arthur and Bertha (Auger) Tisbert.

Tracy adored her animals, her favorite place to be was in the barn with her beloved horses, Gus and Dolly and partner PJ, and she loved spending time with family and her grandkids.

She was a state worker for many years until she retired to a quieter life in the country where her animals consumed most of her time and that’s just how she liked it. She was a kind and compassionate soul that would do anything for anyone.

Tracy is survived by her partner Phillip Dill, of Chelsea; daughter Melissa Graves, of Massachusetts; two step-daughters Mellanie Large and husband Tyler, of Richmond, Pearyleigh Marrow and Partner Fred Moody, of Waterville, as well as her siblings Arthur Tisbert and wife Vicki, of Windsor, Elaine Landry and Jim, of Mt. Vernon, Joann Dunn and partner John Jones, of Mt. Vernon, Kristine Kitson and partner Steve Sohm, of Vienna, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

A celebration of Tracy’s life will be held at a later date.

Arrangements are in the care of 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: familyfirstfuneralhomes.com.

FREDERICK R. BOOKER

WINDSOR – Frederick Royden Booker, 77, passed away on Tuesday, January 14, 2020. Fred was born on October 17, 1942, to Sanford and Lillian (Slocum) Booker.

He was raised in Gardiner where he attended Gardiner area schools.

For most of his adult life, Fred was employed by Lipman Poultry as a poultry grower. During his time taking care of farms he earned several awards and commendations as a top grower.

Fred is predeceased by his parents; his wife of 25 years Gloria; one sister, Ellen (Booker) Walker; three brothers-in-law, William Buker, Robert Walker and Herbert Worrey and a stepson, Rick Talbot.

Fred is survived by his three children, son, Scott and his wife Marsha, daughter Lori (Jackson) and her husband Dana; and son Steven, all of Waldoboro; seven grandchildren: Derek Booker, Ryan and his wife Christine Booker, Adam Rickett, Heather Batchelder, Katie Pickett and her fiance’ Andrew Delano, and Cullin and Kaylee Booker; three step-grandchildren; Heidi (Murray) and her husband Matthew Jennings and Crystal and Ben Foss; four great-grandchildren: David, Jason and Logan Pickett and Emmalyn Booker; and five step great-grandchildren: Isaac, Asher, Gracie, Sophie and Bella Jennings; three sisters: Laura Buker, Clara Hodgdon, and Sandra and her husband Raymond Allen; and one brother, Dan and his wife Kay Booker; several cousins, nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at Kennebec Valley Assembly of God, 44 Hallowell Road, Chelsea, Maine on Saturday, January 25, 2020, at 1 p.m.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Plummer Funeral Home, Windsor, Chapel, 983 Ridge Road, Windsor, Maine.

Condolences, photos and stories may be shared at www.plummerfh.com. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the charity of your choice.

ALICE M. CHAPMAN

WATERVILLE – Alice M. Chapman, 93, formerly of North Vassalboro, Winslow, and Benton, passed away on Monday, January 13, 2020, at MaineGeneral Medical Center, in Augusta, following a short illness. She was born in Waldoboro on May 23, 1926, the daughter of the late Ernest Merry and Edna (Post) Merry.

The last few years she has been a resident at Oak Grove Center, in Waterville.

She worked at several local woolen mills as a spinner in Skowhegan, Fairfield, North Vassalboro, Waterville, and retiring from Cascade Woolen Mill, in Oakland,

Her hobbies included knitting, sewing, gardening, traveling, and most importantly playing bingo. She with her family enjoyed time spent at camp on Brassua Lake.

Alice was predeceased by her husband of 56 years, Calvin Chapman Sr.; her brothers, Robert Merry, and Edward Merry, her sister, Frances Merry; and her son-in-law, Joseph “Bob” LaBrie Sr.

She is survived by her sons, Herbert Gallagher and his wife Gail, Calvin Chapman Jr. and his wife Louise, Fred Chapman and his wife Mary, and Michael Chapman and his wife Tammy; her daughters, Nancy LaBrie, and Christine Pullen and her husband Rick; her brother, Ernest Merry; and several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

Burial will be at Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, in Augusta, at a later date.

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

Arrangements are by Lawry Brothers Funeral & Cremation Care, 107 Main St., Fairfield.

ALAN S. JOHNSTON

CLINTON – Alan Scott Johnston, 59, passed away on Tuesday, January 14, 2020, following extended health problems. He was the son of Beverly and Kenneth Johnston of Shawmut, both predeceased.

Alan was a true “Mainer,” born in Waterville, grew up in Shawmut, and had a home on the Kennebec River. Alan worked at Keyes Fibre, in Shawmut, and the Gorbell Power Plant, in Athens.

Alan’s passions were all about what Maine has to offer, good friends, and hunting and fishing. Though it must have been difficult, Alan was an Oakland Raiders football fan, but defaulted to our beloved Red Sox for baseball.

Alan leaves behind a brother, and sister-in-law, Lynn, and Debbie; a niece, Kimberly; and nephews, Zachary, and Matthew; as well as numerous cousins.

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

Arrangements are by Lawry Brothers Funeral & Cremation Care, 107 Main St., Fairfield.

TODD N. TOLHURST

Todd N. Tolhurst, 60, of South China, passed away Thursday, January 16, 2020, at home, following a brief illness. Todd was born in Rochester, New York, the son of Albert and Marianne Tolhurst.

Todd spent his early years in Rochester and moved to Boynton Beach, Florida, during high school. Todd was an early IT adopter, a geek before it was cool, and started his career at Radio Shack. He has been the Director of Development at INFORME in Augusta, for the past 20 years. Todd was passionate about his work and was well respected by all. He had many interests such as ham radio WA1M, woodworking, welding, photography, flying drones, science experiments, videography, trivia, cooking, building computers and collecting slide rules. He was known to family and friends as a great debater and oracle of knowledge. Todd was a member of MENSA, the high IQ society.

Todd was a leader in the Gun Owners of Maine organization. He believed very strongly in the Second Amendment and worked to preserve gun rights and foster gun safety.

Todd is survived by his wife Elizabeth Curtis, his brothers Lyle and Mark Tolhurst, Scott Caskey, Donald and Robert Tolhurst; his sister Jeanne Tolhurst Holt.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to MaineGeneral Hospice, PO Box 828, Waterville, ME 04903-0828 or South China Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 325, South China, ME 04358.

A celebration of Todd’s life will be planned for mid- to late-February. His family has asked if you have stories and thoughts of Todd to share that you please consider e-mailing them to ttolhurst@gmail.com to be read and shared at his celebration and also to help his family heal from this loss.

CLAUDE THOMAS

UNITY – Claude Thomas “The Traveling Man,” 83, passed away Thursday, January 16, 2020. He was born on April 18, 1936, the son of William and Esther Thomas.

Claude graduated from Freedom Academy. Claude married the former Marion Spaulding on September 16, 1961. They happily raised their five children in Knox.

Claude served in the U.S. Army. After his release from the Army he went back to work on his family farm. He continued farming until 1975 when he joined Local #320 Carpenter Millwright Union, in Waterville. Upon retiring Claude had a great idea to start growing and peddling potatoes which he did for over 30 years. He became known as “The Traveling Man.”

He was predeceased by his wife Marion of 56 years; his parents; brothers Richard, Arthur, Grant, William, Robert, Gary, Dale, Bernard, Neil, Carl, Lowell (Moe) and sisters Elnora, Arlene, Millie, and Shirley.

Claude is survived by his five children and families: Darrell and Heather, Shirley and Gregg (Ingraham), Janet, Robert and Debbie, and Kirk and Julie; grandchildren Vanessa, Shane, Isaac, Macy, Alex, Trevor and Emma Lou; great-grandchildren Carolina, Daxton and Dawson; special great nephews Lucas and Austin; his sister Frances Paradis and husband Irvin; sisters-in-law, Bea Thomas, Nancy Spaulding and brother-in-law Phillip (Bo) Spaulding and wife Brenda; and many special nieces and nephews.

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

Arrangements are by Lawry Brothers Funeral Home & Cremation Care, 107 Main St., Fairfield.

KENNETH J. OUELLETTE

WINSLOW – Kenneth J Ouellette, 77, of Winslow, passed away on Friday, January 17, 2020, at Northern Light Inland Hospital , in Waterville, following a brief illness. He was born in Eagle Lake on October 24, 1942, the son of the late Roderick and Margaret (Dube) Ouellette.

He served his country in the U.S. Air Force and the Army National Guard. He worked at the New England Telephone Company for over 20 years. In his spare time he enjoyed reading, hunting and fishing with Dwayne Rioux and Marcel Sirios, playing horseshoes, going to the movies, and spending time with his family. He also loved playing cribbage with his daughter Robin and son Steve and looked forward to summer outings.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years Donna Ouellette, of Winslow; his sons Steven Ouellette and wife Rebecca, of Oakland, Marc Ouellette, of Winslow, daughters Robin Bard and husband Jim, of Oakland, Heather York and companion, Jeff Wheeler, of Bangor; five grandchildren Cody Ouellette, Austin Bard, Aaron Bard, Myriah Palow, Devin Palow; his brothers George Ouellette, of Winslow, Edward Ouellette and wife Pearl, of Waterville; his sisters Beatrice Dubois and husband Carlton, of Florida, Norma Robinson and husband Dana, of Eagle Lake, Rachel Parent and husband Richard, of Connecticut, Marguerite Rutherford, of Indiana, Gloria Ouellette, of Fort Kent; many cousins Lena Sirois, Lori Day, Anita Dunn, Rella Poulin, Daniel Toussaint, Donald Toussaint, Norman Toussaint, and the late Ronald Toussaint and Bertha Toussaint.

HELLEN B. DANCER

WHITEFIELD – Hellen Brawn Dancer, 92, died at her home on Wednesday, January 18, 2020. Hellen was born in Gardineron May 26, 1927, the daughter of Erving and Lois (White) Brawn.

She was raised in Randolph, graduating from Gardiner High School in 1945.

She worked for Thompson Lumber Co., before meeting John L. Dancer at her uncle’s store, in Randolph. They married on June 2, 1947. John had started a small dairy farm in Whitefield. Mama said that they were able to find someone to care for the farm so, they could go to a borrowed cottage for a one-night honeymoon! They ran the farm, with all of the joys and burdens associated with it, raising a son and two daughters; she said that while waiting for each baby to arrive, she would feel very sick, but she was needed to drive the hay wagon, so she would nap on the truck seat while John and his helpers loaded the wagon! Along with the duties of farmer’s wife, she was also the town clerk for Whitefield during their years on the farm. After selling the farm in 1968, she worked for the Maine Lung Association, in Augusta, until her retirement in the mid 1980s.

Hellen loved to sew, making many clothes and birthday and Christmas gifts for her children when they were little. During her retirement years she began creating colorful “potholders,” giving many to family and friends. One of her last sewing projects was making over 50 of these to give to each lady (young and old) at her church. She also enjoyed baking desserts, which the family always thought were the best we had ever tasted! Baked beans were her specialty and were always expected at the “potluck” lunches at church. Birdwatching was one of her favorite activities, always hoping to see the cardinals, because, she always agreed with the saying, “Cardinals appear when angels are near.” She also loved flowers and tended many perennials in her backyard each summer.

Hellen was predeceased by her parents; husband, John; daughter, Janey Dancer; son, Pastor John C. Dancer; brothers, George Brawn and Harrison Brawn; sister, Marjorie Page and many other relatives.

She is survived by her daughter, Lois Bourque and husband Stephen, of Whitefield; daughter-in-law, Donna Dancer, of Jefferson; sister-in-law, Louise Dancer, of Whitefield; six grandchildren: Susan Batty and husband Bill, Jonathan Dancer, Joshua Dancer, Elizabeth Heath and husband Joe, George Bourque, and Hellen Bourque; nine Great-grandchildren: Julia, Matthew and Nathanial Batty, Grace, Hannah and Benjamin Dancer, Reanna and Blake Heath, and Estelle Ford; several cousins, nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 24, from 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m., with the funeral service immediately following, at Staples Funeral Home, 53 Brunswick Ave., Gardiner.

A celebration of Hellen’s life will be held following the service at the American Legion, 46 Griffin St., Gardiner.

Burial will take place at the Kings Mills Cemetery in Whitefield, in the Spring.

Arrangements are in the care of 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: familyfirstfuneralhomes.com.

Memorial donations may be made to the Disabled American Veterans or the Maine Farm Bureau.

Obituaries for Thursday, January 16, 2020

LORRAINE ANDERSON

CHELSEA – On Dec. 2, 2019 at the age of 78, Lorraine Anderson passed away on Monday, December 2, 2019. Lorraine was born July 11, 1941, in New Castle, New Brunswick, Canada, the seventh of nine children born to Evelyn F. Legere and Marcel Legere.

The date of her death was very special to Lorraine and her husband Ken for it also marked their 58th wedding anniversary.

She is survived by her husband, Kendrick Anderson; and two children, son Kendrick L. Anderson and his wife Lisa; daughter Karen Howard and her husband Joseph; as well as her two grandchildren, Myles Roche and Elizabeth Hart and her husband Nolan.; brothers, Alfred Legere and his wife Nancy, of Maine, Marcel (Charlie) Legere and his wife Debbie, and Eugene Legere, all of Massachusetts; sisters, Lila Castonguay, of Massachusetts, Rose Gemme, of Iowa, and Janet Binns and husband Dennis, of Maine; brother-in-law, Levi Anderson, of Florida, and sister-in-law, Edith Felio, of Massachusetts; as well as many nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by brothers, Paul Legere and Henry Legere.

A memorial service was held to celebrate Lorraine’s life at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses on December 14, 2019, in Augusta.

SARA A. BARD

WINSLOW – Sara A. Bard, 71, passed away on Wednesday, December 25, 2019, at the Alfond Center for Health, in Augusta, following a brief illness. She was born in Winslow, April 26, 1948, the daughter of Maurice Berard and Nellie E. (Anketell) Berard.

She attended Winslow public schools. After graduating from high school, Sara married the love of her life, Lucien “Bob” Bard. They spent 52 years together, enjoying their camp on Pattees Pond, in Winslow, and then camping at Green Valley Campground, in Vassalboro, where they made many new friends.

Sara was employed for many years in the kitchen at Mount St. Joseph Nursing Home, in Waterville. Sara and Bob made several trips to Georgia to visit her brother Peter and his family. Sara liked to go to yard sales and could always spot a bargain. Sara also enjoyed spending the holidays at her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Emile and Caroline’s house with their family. She especially enjoyed watching the children open gifts on Christmas Eve.

Sara was a loving wife and aunt to several nieces and nephews. She will be sadly missed by her family, friends and dog, Happy.

She is survived by her husband Lucien “Bob;” her sister-in-law Julie Berard; and several nieces and nephews.

Sara was predeceased by her parents; and her brother Peter Berard.

In accordance with her wishes she will be cremated and a private burial will be held at a later date.

DAVID M. WENTWORTH JR.

VASSALBORO – David M. Wentworth Jr., 58, passed away Monday, December 30, 2019, at his home, in Vassalboro. He was born March 5, 1961, in Skowhegan, the son of David M. Sr. and Stella (Millett) Wentworth.

He graduated from Skowhegan Area High School in 1980. David grew up in Kittery and York as a young boy and moved to Skowhegan in the ‘70s. Currently he worked for C&J Bus Service, in Rollingsford, New Hampshire. He worked on Indian and Harley motorcycles. He joined the National Guard in 1978, and served until 1984. He worked from 1985 to 1991 as a mechanic and was exceptional in his craft. He also worked construction for Sesco, in Massachusetts and New York. David ended up going to work for Terry Bennett, restoring antique cars; he could do anything. He was a “jack of all trades and a master of all.” David enjoyed motorcycles, cars building projects, all activities with his one and only grandson that meant the world to him, traveling, movies, boating and catching up at breakfast with friends at Black Bean Café, in Rollingsford, New Hampshire.

David is survived by daughter, Natasha Clements, of Smithfield; grandson, Ayden Poirier, of Smithfield; father David Wentworth Sr., of Skowhegan; two sisters, Kathi Wentworth, of Gardiner, Kellie Aguilar, of Iowa; two nephews, Dalton Eldridge, of El Paso, Texas, Khristopher White, of Arizona; two great-nephews, Kamryn B. Forte, of Georgia, Kristopher David White, Jr., of Georgia; cousins, Lori and Mark Gagnon and Ben and Joey, all of Augusta.

A Celebration of Life was held on January 10, 2020, at the Elks Club, in Skowhegan with Rev. Mark Tanner officiating.

In lieu of flowers, friends wishing may make donations in David’s memory to the Elks Club, 21 Silver Street, Skowhegan ME 04976 or Maine Veterans’ Homes, 310 Cony Street, Augusta, ME 04330.

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

DR. PATRICK BRANCACCIO

WATERVILLE – Dr. Patrick Brancaccio, 85, died on Tuesday, December 31, 2019, at home.

For 40 years, Brancaccio was a beloved professor of English at Colby College, in Waterville. After his official retirement in 2003, Brancaccio continued to teach students of all ages. Trained in American literature with an expertise in the works of Nathaniel Hawthorne and Herman Melville, he was a longtime chairman of the Colby English Department. He helped to found Colby’s Black Studies program, one of the first in the Northeast, which he directed from 1971-1983. Brancaccio also directed the college’s program in London for several years.

Brancaccio had near-photographic recall of the knowledge in his imposing library. His scholarly writing ranged from the history of colonialism, to Strindberg in performance, to Edgar Allan Poe’s role in the origins of detective fiction.

Pat had a lifelong openness to new ideas and an appreciation for the power of diversity. In 1974, his passion for African literature led to a Fulbright fellowship to teach at the University of Madagascar. Accompanied by his wife, the late Ruth Brancaccio, and his three children Lisa, Peter, and David, Pat and family experienced a fascinating year punctuated by a coup d’etat and martial law.

Patrick Brancaccio was born in the Gravesend neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York, in 1934, the first of four children. His father, who emigrated from Italy, delivered laundry in Brooklyn. From the age of 11, Pat helped on the route and kept the accounts. He attended Brooklyn College while living at home and studying in his basement. Pat was the first in his family to earn a college degree. He later received an MA from Ohio State and a PhD from Rutgers. For a time, he taught in New York City public schools and was a sales rep at a New York publishing house. With Ruth, a teacher and theater director, he traveled the world ranging from Tanzania to Scotland and points in between. For nearly two decades they owned a small house in Saint-Thibery, France, where they welcomed many visitors from Maine and beyond.

After losing Ruth, his wife of 46 years, to cancer in 2004, Pat married writer Kate Cone in 2010 and the travels continued. They explored Venice, Bologna, Florence and Rome and loved their forays into the Valpolicella hills to sample wine.

Food played a big role in Pat and Kate’s life, with Kate learning to master Italian dishes for Pat’s discriminating palate. Each Christmas Eve, they planned and sourced a traditional Feast of the Seven Fishes crowned with Pat’s amazing tiramisu for dessert.

Pat drew great energy from teaching Colby students during the January program in Verona, Italy, which he directed for 13 years. He joked that he felt like Julius Caesar with a “praetorian guard” as he walked Italian streets flanked by students who were sometimes Colby football players. In recent years, his Friends of the Goldfarb Center seminars at Colby attracted a loyal following of older learners through lectures on eclectic topics such as detective fiction, or food in film. He was also an avid photographer who occasionally exhibited around Waterville.

He is survived by his wife Kate; brother Anthony and wife Ann Brancaccio; daughter Lisa Brancaccio and husband Torben Brooks; son Peter Brancaccio and wife Laura Singer; son David and wife Mary Brancaccio; grandchildren Linus, Stella, Sam, Anna, Madeleine, and Nicholas. Kate’s three children consider Pat their step-father, mentor and friend. Samantha Ellyn and husband Nick, Megan Cornwall and husband Hamilton, Burke Hazard and wife Jamie, all will miss Pat tremendously. And Finn, Katie and baby Maxine will miss their “Buppah” sorely.

For those who wish, memorial donations may be sent to the Good Shepherd Food Bank of Maine or the Southern Poverty Law Center.

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

DAVID W. SMITH

WINDSOR – David W. Smith, Jr., 52, of Windsor, died Saturday January 4, 2020, in Augusta, in an automobile accident. He was born in Augusta October 6, 1967, the son of David Sr. and Mabel (Taylor) Smith. David’s partner, Lisa Pelletier, also died in the accident.

He is survived by his children, Timothy Smith, of Windsor, Michael Smith, of Windsor, and Crystal Smith and her partner, Alex Currie, of South Portland; his parents, Mabel Smith and her partner, Richard Weeks, of Augusta, David Sr. and his wife, Karen, of Florida; the mother of his children, Marnie Smith; his siblings, Charlie Erving, Sr. and his wife, Rose, of Augusta, William Erving, Sr., of Augusta, Jack Erving, of South China, Maryann Foye, of Augusta, William Smith and his wife, Deidre, of Florida, Russell Smith and his wife, Tonya, of Arkansas, and Matthew Smith and his wife, Alicia, of Florida; as well as many extended family members and friends; and the lights of his life, his grandchildren, Owen and Maci Smith.

A celebration of life was held on January 11, 2020, at the Windsor Grange.

Arrangements are in the care of Knowlton and Hewins Funeral Home, One Church Street, Augusta.

Memories, condolences and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary funeral home obituary page at www.familyfirstfuneralhomes.com.

DANA L. FIELDS

SIDNEY – Dana Loren Fields, 82, formerly of Palmyra, died Saturday, January 4, 2020, at a Waterville health care facility. He was born February 22, 1937, in Fort Fairfield, a son of Elbert and Kathleen (Doughty) Fields.

He moved with his family to Palmyra in the spring of 1940 where his father operated a garage. Dana helped keep the garage clean and enjoyed the company of the clients. Dana graduated from Maine Central Institute, in Pittsfield, class of 1955. He was encouraged to seek higher education by his 4-H leader Helen Johonnett. He matriculated at the University of Maine in Orono and graduated in 1959 with a degree in sociology.

He taught a variety of subjects in his first year of teaching at Harmony High School and coached the girls basketball team. The next year he taught English, his favorite subject, as well as being the lay pastor of the Clinton Methodist Church.

In the fall of 1962, the headmaster of Maine Central Institute, in Pittsfield, Edward Stanley, hired him to teach English and be a dormitory master. He remained at MCI for four years, resigning his position to study at Boston University, graduating in 1966 with a master’s degree in secondary school administration. Dana was hired as the last principal of Besse High School, in Albion, in August 1966, where he also taught English. He lived with his family in Albion for 27 years. Albion joined SAD #49 in the fall of 1967 and Dana and his students transferred to Lawrence High School, in Fairfield. He continued to teach two more years before he was asked to fill a positon in the guidance department. He gladly accepted and remained a counselor there until his retirement in 2004. He enjoyed working with teenagers and was thoroughly committed to them, working always for their best interests. He was a loyal member of the faculty and was respected by the administration.

Dana enjoyed life and appreciated people of all ages. Music was an integral part of his life and he believed that it made the world a better, happier place. A committed Christian, Dana was a member of the local church throughout his life. He honored God both in word and deed. He also took delight in his role as father and grandfather.

He is survived by his wife Glennis (Brown) Fields, of Sidney; his son Loren, wife Anjelika and their children Dakota and Darius Fields, all of Augusta; son Mark and wife Samantha, of Avon, Massachusetts.

He was predeceased by his sister and brother-in-law Lois “Min” and Don Savard, sister Reta Fields, sister Shirley Libby and brother-in-law Lloyd, and sister Rachel Spaulding Brenckman.

Services will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, January 25, 2020, at the Canaan Calvary Church with the Rev. Kevin Brooks officiating. Spring burial will be in the Palmyra Village Cemetery. Those who wish may leave written condolences at www.CrosbyNeal.com

Donations may be made to the Lawrence High School Scholarship Fund for a deserving student.

SANDRA L. REYNOLDS

WINSLOW – Sandra Lee Reynolds of Winslow, 72, died peacefully in her sleep on Monday, January 6, 2020. She was born in Waterville on July 2, 1947, to Dolores and Prosper Grenier.

The seventh in birth order of 18 children, Sandra lived a life surrounded by her large family. A Mom to many, Sandra raised four children of her own and played a strong role in the lives of countless siblings, nieces, nephews, grandchildren and friends. Sandy married her best friend, Paul, on September 14, 1974, and after many years as a seamstress for Hathaway Shirt Co., in Waterville, she left work to raise her children, milk cows on the family farm, and operate a vegetable stand. A master homemaker, Sandra was a skilled seamstress, gardener, and antique collector. Anyone who entered her home was welcomed, entertained, and likely fed. She loved music, sunsets, cowboy movies, and being surrounded by family and friends.

Sandra was predeceased by her parents; her sisters Carmen and Debbie, and brothers Bernard (Skip) and Robert.

Sandra is survived by her husband Paul; her children Brian, Eric, Kris and his wife Stephanie, Casey and her husband Michael; her grandchildren Damon, Noah, Kurtis, Jackson, Lexi, Bailey, Jason, Matthew, Boden and Cyrus; her siblings Shirley, Roland, Reginald, Gerald, Joanne, Ronald, Daniel, Donald, Kenneth, Dale, Ricky, Brenda, Michael; and brothers-in-law Gary and Timothy; as well as her nieces and nephews.

You are invited to offer your condolences and share fond memories with the family by visiting Sandra’s guestbook at www.veilleuxfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests a donation to the: Maine Children’s Home for Little Wanderers, 93 Silver Street, Waterville, ME 04901.

ROBERT J. BOLDUC

OAKLAND – Robert John Bolduc, 86, of Oakland, passed away peacefully on Sunday January 5, 2020, at Lakewood Continuing Care, in Waterville, following a period of declining health. Robert (Bob) was born May 28, 1933, in Waterville, the youngest of nine children, to Alphonse and Josephine Bolduc.

He graduated from Waterville High School, class of 1951. He served in the U.S. Coast Guard from January 1953 to January 1957. Bob married the love of his life, Marlene V. Begin, on August 18, 1956, at Notre Dame Church, in Waterville. This past August they celebrated 63 years of marriage.

Bob attended Bryant College in Providence, Rhode Island, graduating in 1959. He became a CPA and worked for a CPA firm in Portland for three years. In July 1962, he went to work for Sanders Associates, in Nashua, New Hampshire, which was later bought by Lockheed. Bob and Marlene raised their two children, Karen and John, in Nashua. Bob retired in 1990 as corporate director of finance.

Bob wanted deeply to be a grandfather and his wish came true when they welcomed their granddaughter, Megan, and again later welcomed their grandson, Ryan. He cherished his family. Bob was a very kind, loving and caring person.

Bob enjoyed 29 years of retirement with Marlene, traveling between Maine and Florida. Beautiful family memories were made on Messalonskee Lake, in Oakland, in the summer months. Karen, Dan and their children also loved traveling to Florida in the winter months to see Nana, Grampy and Uncle John. They especially enjoyed family gatherings on Marco Island, Fla.

Bob was predeceased by his parents, Alphonse and Josephine Bolduc; his two sisters and six brothers.

He is survived by his wife, Marlene; a daughter, Karen (Bolduc) Labrie and her husband Daniel of Epping, New Hampshire; a son, John Bolduc of Naples, Florida; a granddaughter, Megan Labrie, of Manchester, New Hampshire; a grandson, Ryan Labrie and his wife Andrea, of Concord, New Hampshire; sister- in-law, Connie Bolduc; and many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Lakewood Continuing Care for the excellent care and compassion Bob was given.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held later this Spring at Notre Dame Church, followed by burial at St. Francis Cemetery, in Watereville.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Veilleux and Redington Funeral Home, 8 Elm St., Waterville. www.veilleuxfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, a donation in Robert’s memory can be made to: The Maine Children’s Home for Little Wanderers, 93 Silver St., Waterville, ME 04901. www.mainechildrenshome.org.

PETER H. WARMAN

WINDSOR – Peter Henry Warman, 55, of Windsor, passed away unexpectedly at his shop, in Whitefield, on Tuesday, January 7, 2020.

He left this world with a lot more rubber on the roads than when he came in. He will be deeply missed by all those he touched.

A celebration of Pete’s life will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2020, at 2 p.m., at the Thompson Community Center, in Union. A full obituary can be found at www.plummerfh.com, where condolences, photos, and stories may be shared.