YVETTE G. POULIN
WINSLOW – Yvette Gloria Poulin, 88, passed away on Friday, October 20, 2023, at Androscoggin Hospice House, in Auburn. Yvette was born in Waterville on August 2, 1935, daughter of Harold and Cecile Roy.
In October 1954 Yvette married Reginald H. Poulin. They had five children, Steven, Roger, Joyce, Bruce, and Christine, all raised in Winslow.
She was predeceased by her husband Reggie, in 1989, and her grandson Joshua, in 1996.
Yvette is survived by her sons Steve with wife Deborah, of Manchester, Roger with wife Michelle, of Orlando, Florida, and Bruce, of Winslow; daughters Joyce with husband Paul Paquette, of Winter Springs, Florida, and Christine with husband Ken Tucker; grandsons Nolan with wife McKayla Dunfey, of Flagstaff, Arizona, Dominic, of St. Paul, Minnenota, Jason with wife Brenna Noel Paquette, of Jacksonville, Florida, Aaron with wife Laura, and Benjamin, of South Portland; granddaughter Taylor; great-grandson Brian; great-granddaughter Julia, of Winter Park, Florida.
At Yvette’s request, there will be no services.
MICHAEL L. POIRIER
WATERVILLE – Michael L. Poirier, 73, passed away on Sunday, October 22, 2023, following a short illness. He was born in Waterville, on September 19, 1950, son of Lionel J. Poirier and Ruth (Carey) Poirier.
He graduated from Waterville High School in 1986. He attended the University of Maine in Orono, the Universitie’ de Pau in Nouvelle Aquitaine, France, as well as the Universite’ of Sorbonne, in Paris.
Michael, known as “Mickey” to his close friends and family members, earned the prestigious Eagle Scout award before he was even old enough to receive it. He went on to earn the “Three Palms” awards of Boy Scouts of America.
His last employment, before retiring, was at the Waterville Public Library, where he could be surrounded by books on the inside and apply his landscaping skills beautifying the outside.
Mickey was fluent in French and embraced his Franco-American heritage. He was a devout Catholic who not only attended Mass, but also services at the Blessed Sacrament, in Waterville.
Mickey will be remembered for his musical and dramatic talents, his love of horticulture, and his dry sense of humor.
Michael was predeceased by his parents, his younger sister Mary and his second mother “Aunty” Anna (Carey) Vigue.
He is survived by sisters Pam (Ed) Luwish, Janis (Gary) Ackendorf; niece Gretchen (Steven) Henderson; and great-nephews, Wesley, Preston, and Desmond Henderson.
A private service is planned for the coming spring.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm Street, Waterville. An online guestbook may be signed, condolences and memories shared at http://www.gallantfh.com.
ROBIN L. DOUCETTE
WATERVILLE/SIDNEY – Robin Lee (Reynolds) Doucette, 66, of Waterville, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, at the Alfond Center for Health, in Augusta. She was born October 6, 1957, daughter to Robert and Louise (Chamberlain) Reynolds.
Robin grew up in Waterville and graduated from Waterville High School, class of 1977. She married the love of her life, Hugh Doucette Jr., on July 16, 1977, and the two raised three children in the Waterville/Sidney area.
Robin worked at the chicken plant, in Winslow, before going to be a C.N.A and Med Tech at Lakewood Nursing home from 1981 to 2012. She also sold Avon in her spare time. Her most important job was being a daughter, sister, mom, meme and a great-meme, and the matriarch of her family.
Robin loved to go Christmas shopping for her family. It was her favorite time of the year. She collected angels and enjoyed playing BINGO, going to family get-togethers with her loved ones, winter trips to Florida, and going to Disneyland with her grandchildren. She loved camping, going to Rangeley for the 4th of July every year, and many day trips. Robin adored seeing her grandchildren play their favorite sports and opening their Christmas gifts.
She was predeceased by both sets of grandparents; her parents; siblings, Henry, Irene, and Nelson Reynolds, son Chris Doucette, son-in-law Jonathan Elkins, great-grandchild Jellybean Elkins; as well as father-in-law Hugh Doucette Sr.
Robin is survived by her husband of 46 years, Hugh Doucette Jr.; daughter Elizabeth with her husband Jim Farmer; son Joey Doucette with spouse Trevor Kervin; grandchildren, Tyler with wife Ashley, Caitlin with husband Zack, Juli-Ann, DJ Farmer, Krystal Rolbiecki with partner Ezekiel, Buddy Rolbiecki with partner Erica; great-grandchildren, Kory, Kyler, Karsyn, Karter Rolbiecki, Ava Pound, Bentley, and baby Lawler; aunt Cindy Welch and family; siblings, Ray, John, Robert Reynolds, Lois Hayes, and their families; mother-in-law Jackie Doucette; brothers-in-law, Wayne, Mark, David, and their families; sisters-in-law; Cathy, Kim, Tammy, Lori, Nancy, and their families; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins.
A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, November 12, 2023, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at 255 Trafton Road, in Waterville.
Arrangements are in the care of Dan and Scott’s Cremation and Funeral Services in Skowhegan where condolences, photos, and special memories may be shared at https://dsfuneral.com/obituaries/robin-doucette.
VIRGINIA C. HUDSON
WINSLOW – Virginia C. Hudson, 89, of Winslow, passed away peacefully Wednesday, October 25, 2023, at Lakewood Continuing Care Center. Virginia was born in East Vassalboro, on May 25, 1934, the daughter of James and Clara (Willett) Shirley.
She attended School in Winslow and married her high school sweetheart, Kenneth W. Hudson, on August 12, 1951. They were married 56 years until Kenneth passed away in 2007. Together, they raised three daughters.
”Gina” as she was fondly called made a career in healthcare. She obtained her CNA at Waterville High School and her PT assistant credentials at CMVTI. She held multiple healthcare positions and finished her career at Oak Grove Nursing Center, in Waterville, after 39 years of service. Gina also loved to cook and make crafts. She provided family and friends with gifts made at her home and from her heart continuously. She could often be heard running the sewing machine in the middle of the night making her hand made gifts and there was always something fabulous she was cooking in her kitchen.
Virginia was predeceased by her parents; five brothers, one sister, and her husband. S She is survived by her only remaining sibling, Barbara Trahan; her three daughters and families, Barbara and Stephen Owen, Betty Ouellette and partner Robin Brown, and Brenda Pryor; four grandchildren and families, George and Elizabeth Ouellette, Fred and Amy Ouellette, Daniel and Beth Ouellette, and Bridget and Tim Mitchell.
At the request of Virginia, there was a graveside service held, at Lakeview Cemetery, in Oakland, November 4, 2023 at 11 a.m.
Arrangements are in the care of Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, 107 Main St., Fairfield where memories may be shared, and an online register book signed by visiting http://www.lawrybrothers.com.
Memorial donations may be made to the Humane Society Waterville Area, 100 Webb Rd., Waterville, ME 04901.
RITA M. GLIDDEN
VASSALBORO – Rita M. (Pare) Arbour Glidden, 95, formerly of Cross Hill Road, in Vassalboro, passed away peacefully of natural causes at the Augusta Center for Health and Rehabilitation in the early morning, on Sunday, October 29, 2023. Rita was born to Ernest and Georgianna (Blouin) Pare on Jan. 6, 1928, on the Pare family farm in Vassalboro, the ninth of eleven children.
Those who knew her agreed she was the most outspoken member of the family, carrying that attitude throughout her life, to include her residency at the nursing home. She respected others’ opinions but wasn’t afraid to speak out when necessary.
Rita married Alphonse Arbour on July 25, 1946. As communicants of St. Augustine Church, in St. Michael’s Parish, they lived in the Sandhill area of Augusta and started their family with sons, Roland and Bob. Rita and Alphonse owned and operated Alphonse’s Taxi in the 1950s, having as many as four cabs in service at a time. The business eventually closed and both Rita and Al began a long career at the former Edward’s Textile Mill, in Augusta.
The family eventually moved to a single-family home in Augusta. Rita was proud of the home she kept, where she took great pleasure in entertaining family and friends. Rita was musically inclined and enjoyed being in the spotlight. She often spoke fondly of the many gatherings punctuated by piano, harmonica, singing, dancing, and always laughter. Many times, throughout her life, she mentioned that, under different circumstances, she would have liked to have been an interior decorator. Rita would almost always have some remodeling project going. Alphonse passed away in October 1971.
Rita was reunited with her childhood sweetheart, Clifton L. Glidden, in 1972 and they married that September. They relocated to the very area in Vassalboro, where they both spent their childhood years and established their home together. They traveled to all 50 states, her favorite of which was Hawaii. They were avid members of Good Sam camping club for many years, as well as spending time snowmobiling, boating, taking day trips with friends, and dining out. Working outdoors was a real passion of Rita’s. She adored cultivating her flower beds and coaxing her vegetables along, with her soulmate Clif by her side. Together, they enjoyed holiday gatherings and summer BBQs with family members. Clif passed away in December of 2016.
With the help of family, specifically granddaughter Tammy Ellis and husband Bob, and great-grandson Thaddeus Clark (Tammy’s son), Rita was able to stay in her Vassalboro home until June 2018, when her health deteriorated, making round-the-clock nursing care necessary. Both Tammy and Thadd had a close bond with their grand/great-grandmother until the very end. Rita relocated to the Augusta Center at that time.
Rita was predeceased by both Al then Clif, all of her and both late husbands’ siblings and their spouses, and her daughters-in-law Sheryl Arbour (Bob’s wife), and Janice Glidden, (Dale’s wife).
Rita is survived by sons Bob Arbour, of Readfield, Roland Arbour and his wife Jean, of Sidney; stepsons Dale Glidden, of Brunswick, David Glidden and his wife Pam, of Readfield; grandchildren Tammy Ellis and her husband Bob, of Vassalboro, Nathan Arbour and his wife Angela, of Holden, Massachusetts, Duke (Jeffrey) Arbour and his wife Angela, of Sidney, Keith Glidden and his wife Monica, of Alexandria, Virginia, Eric Arbour and his wife Crystal, of Sidney, Elaine Arbour and her husband Kurt Gergler, of Sunapee, New Hampshire, Kevin Glidden and his wife Tammy, of Bristol, New Hampshire, Ryan Glidden, of Wells, Shaina Peterson and her husband Dave, of Milton, Massachusetts, and Starr Lemelin, of Augusta; 15 great-grandchildren; and soon to be four great-great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces and nephews.
A period of visitation will be held on Friday, November 17, from 1 to 2 p.m., at Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Agusuta, ME 04330, where a memorial service will begin at 2 p.m. Burial will take place at a later date at the Maine Veterans Cemetery.
Arrangements are being handled by Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta, ME 04330. Condolences, stories, and photos may be shared by visiting http://www.plummerfh.com.
DANIEL T. McCORMACK
SOUTH CHINA – Daniel McCormack, 78, of South China, passed away on Monday, October 30, 2023. Daniel was born on July 6, 1945, in Nashua, New Hampshire, to Donald Thomas McCormack and Dorothy (Rebidue) McCormack.
Daniel grew up and graduated high school in Milford, New Hampshire, before joining the Navy in 1962 where he was able to serve his country and explore foreign lands.
After being honorably discharged in 1967, he had many different careers. He owned McCormack and McCormack Plumbing with his brother Al, owned Toll House Variety, in New Boston, New Hampshire, and worked for the Milford School District before retiring to Maine.
Dan loved to stay busy in retirement. He would play golf, fish, garden, work on his Gravely, and even took a part time job at Hussey’s General Store, in Windsor, for a while.
Dan was predeceased by his life partner Janet Davis, his parents Donald and Dorothy McCormack, his sister Doris McDonanld, his brother Donald (Al) McCormack, his nephew Curt Jensen, and niece Sarah Jensen
He is survived by his daughter Amanda Weisel with husband Charles, of Waterville; grandchildren Joseph Levi and Duncan Alexander Wigley; his stepdaughter Dallas Davis; his sisters Donna Leavitt, Janet VanValkenburg, Sharon Stein, Judy Pearcy, and Susan Babine; 29 nieces and nephews; and close extended family in Nova Scotia and Worcester, Massachusetts.
A graveside service will be held on Sunday, November 19, at 11 a.m., at Johnson Corner Cemetery, Purgatory Rd, Lyndeborough, New Hampshire, with a Celebration of Life following at 1p.m., at the Milford VFW Post #4368, 1 VFW Way, Milford, New Hampshire.
ROLAND A. SEELEY
BENTON – Roland A. Seeley, 96, of Benton, passed away on Tuesday, October 31, 2023, following a recent decline in health. He was born on February 1, 1927, in Fort Fairfield, son of Ralph L. Seeley and Eva A. Hockenhull Seeley.
He grew up in Fort Fairfield then moved to East Corinth with his parents in the early ‘40s. He went to school at East Corinth Academy, joined the Navy his senior year of high school in 1945. He served his time on the aircraft carrier FDR with the rank of SSMB third class petty officer. At the time of discharge from active service he enlisted in the Naval Reserves for an additional five years. Upon discharge, he returned home to live with his parents in the town of Benton.
He met his wife Hilda, of Winslow, and spend 72-1/2 years together. Together they raised their four children, daughter Susanne Dyer, of Benton; three sons Calvin (wife Beckie), of Winslow, Keith (wife Terri), of Camden, Delaware, Ralph (wife Jane), of Benton; eight grandchildren, Kevin, Kelly, Kasey Dyer, Craig Seeley, Nathan Seeley, Kayla Holleger, Nicole Violette, Katie Seeley; 14 great-grandchildren, Alli, Kaden, Haylee, Lillyanne, Jake, Maddy, Tucker, Kurtis, Gracelyn, MaKenna, Alivia, Ava, Cody and Kayla; four great-great-grandchildren, Reese, Gavin, Aubrie and Paisley; many nieces and nephews.
He worked for Harris Baking Company, in Waterville, for 18 years as a wholesale route driver before leaving to work for the Keyes Fibre Company, in Waterville (now Huhtamaki), in 1967, he worked there for 22-plus years before retiring in 1989 due to health reasons.
He enjoyed many hobbies which included hunting, fishing, bowling, playing golf, flying model airplanes and gardening. He loved following his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren in whatever they were involved in. He even had a Tee Ball team named after him as the “Seeley’s Sluggers”! In the late ‘40s he held a private pilot’s license flying a Piper Cub and Aeronca Champ. He loved his Black Labs Lady, Susie and Missy as they were all great companions to him.
They enjoyed their retirement years taking several trips to Pennsylvania, New York, Delaware, Florida and Prince Edward Island with their dear friends Stan and Spike Brackett, who predeceased them in 2009.
Roland was predeceased by his wife Hilda Seeley; parents Ralph and Eva Seeley; sisters Catherine Seeley, Hilda and husband George Clifford, Mary and husband Malcom Page; son-in-law Robert Dyer and a former daughter-in-law Pamela Seeley.
After Hilda passed away and Roland‘s health declined, a granddaughter Nikki continued with a lot of household duties when she came to visit daily. Her Gramp as well as his children are deeply grateful that she took on this responsibility and want her to know just how much it meant to all of them.
Visiting hours were held at Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, on Saturday, November 4, 2023, with a funeral service and a burial followed at Falls Cemetery, in Benton.
An online guestbook may be signed, and memories shared at http://www.lawrybrothers.com Arrangements are by Lawry Brothers Funeral & Cremation Care, 107 Main St., Fairfield.
Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be sent to Maine General Home Care & Hospice, 10 Water Street, Suite 307, Waterville, ME 04901 or Humane Society Waterville Area, 100 Webb Rd., Waterville, ME 04901.
DEBRA SAWTELLE
WATERVILLE – Debra “Debbie” Sawtelle, 63, of Waterville, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, November 1, 2023. Debbie was born July 27, 1960, in Waterville, daughter to Mary J. Peace.
Debbie was a nurse for 35 years. Employed at a number of nursing homes in the area, it was her passion to take care of people.
Debbie had many loves in her life; boat rides on the lake, Patriots football, a good cribbage game, horror movies, and long drives on Sundays with her friend, Arthur, but nothing brought her more joy than spending time with her grandchildren and seeing them happy.
Debbie was predeceased by her mother; as well as several uncles and aunts.
She is survived by her three children, Anthony Sawtelle and wife Midori, of Tokyo Japan, Jodi Cochran and husband Dusty, of Chelsea, and Amanda Sawtelle and her husband, Dylan Coutts, of Windsor; four grandchildren that called her “Nanny”, Alivia, Madi, Myla and Owen; her siblings Billy Sawtelle and his partner Esther, Ronald Sawtelle and his wife Sherry, and Lisa Sawtelle, all of Waterville; as well as many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, November 10, at 10 a.m., at Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm St., Waterville, for people to visit and remember Debbie together. At 11 a.m., there will be a time for her loved ones to share memories.
An online guestbook can be signed, condolences and memories shared, at http://www.gallantfh.com.
DONALD S. TOZIER
AUGUSTA – Donald Savage Tozier, 85, passed away Wednesday, November 1, 2023, at Gray Birch Nursing home in Augusta. Donald was born June 12, 1938, the son of Raymond and Margaret (Savage) Tozier.
He graduated from Skowhegan Area High School in 1956. Donald joined the Maine Army National Guard in March 1956 and after a 39-year career he retired in 1995. During this time, he also worked for O’Connor Motors, in Augusta. After retiring, he and Donna wintered in Florida for 15 years.
Donald was predeceased by both his parents, five brothers, sister, father-in-law, mother-in-law, four brothers-in-law, five sisters-in-law, several nieces, and nephews, as well as a great-grandchild.
Donald is survived by his wife Donna, of Augusta; son Daryl, of Winthrop; daughter Diane with husband John, of Litchfield; grandchildren, Tracy with husband James, Kyle with wife Emily, Molly with husband Ryan, and Keith with wife Megan, 10 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law Gail and Madeline; many nieces, and nephews.
Graveside service will be heldSunday, November 12, 2023, at 11 a.m., at The Pooler Cemetery, 419 Oak Pond Road, Skowhegan, Maine.
Celebration of Life to be held at T & B’s Celebration Center, 414 Madison Ave., Skowhegan, from noon to 4 p.m. Please come and share memories with the Family.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to The American Heart Association, PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692, or The Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Dan & Scott’s Cremation, Skowhegan, where condolences, photos, and special memories may be shared at https://dsfuneral.com/obituaries/donald-tozier
BARBARA I. WATTS
GAINESVILLE, Georgia – Barbara Irene Watts, 93, formerly of Oakland, died Monday, October 9, 2023, at Manor Lake Assisted Living, in Gainesville, Georgia. She was born in Oakland on July 30, 1930.
Barbara attended Oakland area schools. At Williams High School, Barbara met future lifelong partner, Gordon, and both shared a love for playing varsity basketball. In her senior year, Barbara co-captained the girl’s team.
In 1950, Barbara and Gordon married and moved to Willimantic, Connecticut, where their son Gordon, Jr. was born. After returning to Maine in 1952, Barbara and Gordon built their first home in Waterville on Shores Road. Their fondness of the outdoors, namely fishing, hunting, boating and snowmobiling, led them to purchase several acres and they built a camp on McGrath Pond, Kelleher Trail, Oakland, in the ‘60s. By the early 1980s, they expanded the camp to a four season home.
In her early years, Barbara was employed by area fabric mills, including Bates Manufacturing cotton mill, in Augusta. She was later employed by First National Supermarket, in Waterville.
Barbara was a member and president of Waterville Exchange Club. She and Gordon enjoyed winters with the Fairfield area Snowmobile Club. They joined Central Maine Square Dancers and loved dancing regionally and with Canadian clubs. In later years, volunteering at the elementary school reading to kindergartners brought Barbara great joy.
Barbara remained active and engaged in many hobbies throughout her life. She was a lifelong expert knitter, creating and giving away to family and friends cherished sweaters, hats, scarves, mittens and throws. She took up quilting in her golden years and loved tending to her gardens. Barbara especially enjoyed bird watching from her home’s shore-facing back deck. She walked four to five miles most days well into her 80s. In summers, she kayaked and would solo paddle around the lakeshore from her dock, around Pleasant Point, to the opposite shore each July birthday.
Barbara enjoyed local family, looking forward to holiday reunions, bringing her famous peanut butter fudge to family, neighbors and friends. She savored annual summer visits from her three grandsons. In later years, she visited them regularly, enjoying warmer temperatures in the Georgia outdoors. In 1998, Barbara was widowed and continued to enjoy her lakefront home for over 20 years. She worked diligently at maintaining her property and camp road. In 2019, Barbara moved to north Georgia to be closer to her son and family.
Barbara was predeceased by her husband Gordon Sr.; parents, Clifford and Mary (Whitman) Taylor; and brother Gilbert (Sonny) Taylor and wife Mary Taylor.
Surviving family includes son, Gordon, Jr. and wife Natalie of Gainesville, Georgia; grandsons Wesley Watts, of Nevada City, California, Alec Watts, of Oakland, California, and Drew Watts, of Brooklyn, New York; her sister Leatrice and husband Louis Collar, of Southington, Connecticut; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A memorial gathering will be held in 2024.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or the charity of one’s choice.
RALPH FARNHAM
OAKLAND – Ralph Farnham, or as most of his family called him “Jr.”, 86, passed away quietly at Oak Grove Center, in Waterville, where he had been a resident for two-and-a-half years. Ralph was born on December 13, 1936, to Ralph E. Farnham, Sr. and Mattie Mae Furbush, of Oakland.
He was always sharing that his sister, Jane, was born on his birthday 22 years apart.
Ralph graduated from Williams High School, in Oakland, where he played football with his brother, Donald (Popeye). After graduating high school in 1956, he had a few jobs and then took a position with National Cash Register (NCR) which he retired from at age 57.
Serving his country, he served for three years in the Maine National Guard, until his honorable discharge in January 1963. Ralph married Donna Bickford, the love of his life, on January 13, 1962.
Ralph enjoyed serving on the Oakland Town Council for a total of 36 years. He continued until his wife, Donna, who had been diagnosed with PSP, could no longer be left home alone. He also helped set up the town museum, researching and putting together informational signs of the items on display. Ralph also spent time volunteering for the museum to be open in the summer a few hours a week. He was a social butterfly and enjoyed meeting everyone who visited the museum.
Horse racing was one of his loves and during the summer fair season you could find him betting a few dollars and often winning. Ralph enjoyed dancing at the Fox Den or the Melody Ranch on Sunday nights with Donna. He did this for years. His favorite country artist was Lorrie Morgan, and her songs were always playing whenever he drove. He and Donna liked to travel to Branson to see the shows, to Dollywood, and to visit Donna’s cousin in the Boston area. At Oak Grove, he often talked to staff about his dancing days. He enjoyed watching the Grand Ole Opry, sports, the news, and the weather channel on TV. Ralph loved animals with his last pet being, Princess, the cat plus the many birds, chipmunks, and squirrels he fed.
He was devoted to his wife and took care of her at home for several years until she took up residence at Lakewood Continuing Care. He was there daily spending most of the day with her until she passed on January 15, 2015.
Ralph is survived by his daughter, Lynn Farnham; his brother, Vaughn; his sisters, Jane Butler and her husband Craig, and Jean Rasar and her partner Warren; his in-laws, Raymond and Lorraine Robinson; many nephews and nieces but was particularly close to Brittany, Lydia and Jeb.
He was predeceased by his parents; his wife, Donna, and his brother, Donald.
Visiting hours took place at Wheeler Funeral Home, on Friday,. November 3, 2023, at 3 p.m., with a Memorial Service following. Burial will be at Lewis Cemetery on Friday, November 10, 2023 at 10 a.m.
Arrangements are in the care of Wheeler Funeral Home 26 Church Street Oakland Maine where memories may be shared, and an online register book signed by visiting http://www.lawrybrothers.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Oakland Firefighters Association or, Humane Society Waterville Area, 100 Webb Rd., Waterville, ME 04901.
MICHAEL L. FORTIN
WATERVILLE – Michael Leo Fortin, 42, passed away on Friday, August 25, 2023. He was born on February 1, 1981, to Michael Fortin and Michelle Sweet.
Michael brought joy and laughter to those who knew him. He was the king of practical jokes – a skill he learned from his mother, Michelle. As a child, he was cute and humorous and offered endless smiles to family and friends. Christmases with Mémère and Mr. Wheeler were a highlight in Michael’s younger years.
Michael’s path was not without obstacles. His father passed while Michael was an infant and the path ahead was difficult to navigate; he faced challenges that often tested his resilience. As a man of faith, one thing is for sure – he held onto a glimmer of hope that one day he could overcome his circumstances and fulfill his potential. Most recently, Michael sought opportunities for growth and rehabilitation within the confines of his situation. He believed in the possibility of change, both for himself and for others and was committed to someday counseling those in similar situations.
Tragically, Michael’s journey came to an untimely end on August 25, 2023. While we grieve the loss of the potential that will never be fully realized, we also remember the moments of love, connection, and laughter that he brought into the lives of those around him.
Michael was predeceased by both his father and mother; paternal grandparents Donald and Priscilla Fortin and maternal grandparents Joanne Sinclair and Phil Sweet.
He leaves behind several aunts, uncles, and cousins.
In his memory, let us reflect on the importance of compassion, understanding, and second chances. Michael’s story serves as a reminder that every individual carries a unique set of struggles, and together we can work towards creating an environment that fosters love, hope, and support for those who need it most.
A private ceremony with family will take place at a future date.
When asked about why she does what she does for work, Danielle says, “I love what I do. I deeply enjoy connecting people to their breath and bodies as I find most people in our world don’t truly breathe. We go throughout our days living in the sympathetic (fight, flight, freeze, faint, etc.) part of our nervous system”. Often, this manifests as taking unconscious, shallow breaths which fill only our chest, or lead to having a tight jaw and stomach. Taking the time to breathe deeply allows us to drop into the parasympathetic, or the ‘rest and digest ‘side of our nervous system. Lying on the table in Danielle’s massage studio, you will be encouraged to invite the breath all the way to the belly and lungs and to check in with the jaw. This action automatically stimulates the body to activate the parasympathetic nervous system.
Alfond Youth & Community Center and Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce combine efforts to present Festival of Trees this holiday season, continuing a proud tradition reinvigorated last season, with a change of venue to the Waterville Elks Lodge.
The unofficial returns from the November 7, 2023, municipal election for the town of China are as follows:
