DOROTHEA E. HURLEY O’REILLY

WINSLOW––Dorothea Ellen Hurley O’Reilly, 70, of Winslow, passed away on Sunday, June 19, 2016. She was the daughter of Peter F. Hurley, Ret. N.Y.P.D., of Galway, Ireland, and Bronx, New York, and Mary Winters Hurley, Leitrim, Ireland and New York.
She grew up in the Highbridge section of the Bronx, New York, attended school in Manhattan, and worked at the New York Society Library after school.

Dot became a poet, artist, avid reader, gardener, cook and canner, a good listener and secret-keeper to many friends and her family. She was most happy at home in her garden, with a book or having a cup of tea with her family who will miss her very much.

She was the widow of James J. O’Reilly, of Morrisville, Pennsylvania, formerly of New York; mother of Robert F. O’Reilly, James E. O’Reilly with Sherry A. McCullough, and Eva V. Wagner, wife of Peter R. Wagner, all residents of Maine. She was the grandmother of Kathryn Rose O’Reilly, Phoebe Margaret and Heron James Wagner, Oisin Ronan Malakie McCullough and Seamus Faelan O’Reilly. She is also survived by siblings, Peter F. Hurley Jr., of Pennsylvania, Kathleen Ney, of Connecticut, and Joan Gensch, of Florida; and many nieces, nephews and friends near and far who loved her dearly.

Three more sisters, Marian Haugh, Eileen O’Shaughnessy and Patricia Sullivan, predeceased her.

Dorothea was a member and valued employee of China Baptist Church.

A memorial will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, July 18, at the China Baptist Church, 36 Causeway Rd., China. An online guestboook may be signed and condolences expressed at: www.gallantfh.com.

Memorial donations may be sent to MaineGeneral Hospice, 10 Water Street, Suite 307, Waterville ME 04901.

MARILYN LIVINGSTONE KOZIUPA

UNITY––Marilyn Livingstone Koziupa, 86, of Unity, passed away following a brief illness at MaineGeneral Hospital, in Augusta, on Tuesday, June 21, 2016. Marilyn was born in Providence, Rhode Island, on July 27, 1929, to Marjoire E. (Pomeroy) and Edgar A. Mattson. She was the stepdaughter of Howard L. Hutchins.

Marilyn attended CCRI and Boston University, where she earned a M.B.A. degree in education shortly before moving to Maine.
She retired from the Fairfield public school system following a career of teaching special education reading. A published writer, Marilyn also enjoyed singing and playing the piano. She was a devoted Christian.

Marilyn was predeceased by her brother, Kenneth A. Mattson; and her husband, Michael A. Koziupa.
She is survived by her sons, Lloyd Livingstone, of Fort Bragg, California, and Wayne Livingstone, of Woodland Park, Colorado; grandchildren, Lucas Livingstone, of Saigon, Vietnam, Sheana Livingstone, of Pt. Townsend, Washington, and Caroline Livingstone, of Copenhagen, Denmark; three great-grandchildren; half-sisters, Cynthia Jacobson, of Chepachet, Rhode Island, and Janice Presbrey, of Hyannis, Massachusetts; nephew Keith Mattson, of St. Petersburg, Florida; and step-children, Diana Koziupa, of Perkasie, Pennsylvania, and Raymond Koziupa, of Solon.

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

JOHN FEDOROVICH

WINSLOW––John Fedorovich, 94, a life-long resident of Winslow, passed away at home Sunday, June 26, 2016. He was born in Winslow on March 23, 1922, the son of Walter and Christine Fedorovich.

He attended Winslow schools, graduating in 1941. He was active in sports, music and other activities.
John served in the U.A. Army from 1942 to 1946. He saw active duty during World War II in France and Germany, where he achieved the rank of sergeant. He was awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and several decorations.

On July 19, 1947, he married Constance Mathieu. Together they raised three sons. He worked at New England Telephone Company until his retirement in 1985. Following his retirement, he and Connie wintered in Bradenton, Florida, for many years.

John was an avid sportsman, enjoying hunting, fishing and golfing, sharing his enthusiasm and knowledge with family and friends. He also enjoyed gardening and playing bridge.

In 2014, he lost his wife Connie. He was also predeceased by his parents, siblings and a granddaughter, Melissa.
He is survived by his three sons: Michael and his wife Cyndy, of Albuquerque, New Mexico; James W., of Winslow, and John Brian and his wife Trisha, of Winslow; six grandchildren: Stacey, Emily, Eve, Cassie, Jackson and Jonah; and several nieces and nephews.

To share condolences, memories and tributes with his family, please visit: www.veilleuxfuneralhome.com.
Memorial donations may be made to MaineGeneral Hospice, 10 Water Street, Suite 307i, Waterville ME 04901.

LESLIE THOMAS CLARK

WINSLOW––Leslie Thomas Clark, 77, of Winslow, died on Monday, June 27, 2016, at his home. He was the husband of the late Shirley

Lydia Clark who died on May 25, 2009; they were married for 39 years.

He was born on January 3, 1939, a son of the late Nason and Edith (Thomas) Clark in Merrick, Long Island, New York.
Leslie worked for the Waterville Morning Sentinel newspaper and then went to work for Wal-Mart following his retirement. He enjoyed walking, reading and browsing garage sales.

Leslie is survived by his children Scott Michael Audet, of Clarksville, Tennessee, Christopher David Clark, of Round Rock, Texas, and Ryan Matthew Clark, of Portland, Oregon. He was also the brother of the late Sandra O’Rouke, Cynthia Omasta, Lucille Kitchen and Joseph Clark.
Please visit www.advantageportland,com to sign Leslie‘s guestbook and leave memories and condolences for the family.

RICHARD R. BLAISDELL

FAIRFIELD––Richard Ralph Blaisdell, 83, formerly of Winthrop, passed away Monday, July 4, 2016, at Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice House, in Auburn, following a short battle with pancreatic cancer.

Educated in Augusta schools, Richard was a graduate of Cony High School, class of 1951.

Richard found employment driving a bus between Augusta and Gardiner and later worked for the state of Maine as a mason in the grounds/maintenance department at Augusta Mental Health Institute before transferring to Bangor Mental Health Institute, retiring in 1998.

He is survived by two daughters, Sandra Pierce and her husband, Ron, of Emerado,North Dakota, and Susan Baker and her husband, Rob, of Monmouth.

To view the entire obituary or share memories, condolences and photos with the family, go to the obituary page of our website at www.khrfuneralhomes.com.

JEFFERY L. HALL

SOUTH CHINA––Jeffery L. Hall, 60, passed away unexpectedly at home on Saturday, July 2, 2016. He was born in Waterville on December 3, 1955, the son of the late Lawrence and Glennis (Low) Hall.
Mr. Hall was a graduate of Erskine Academy in China, class of 1975. He had been employed for 20 years at Clean Sweep and later worked at Lakewood Nursing Home, in Waterville.

Jeff was an avid Red Sox and Patriots fan and enjoyed going to High Hopes Clubhouse, in Waterville, every day.
Mr. Hall is survived by two sisters, Marcia A. Hall, of South China, and Cheryl Whitten and her husband David, of Palmyra; four nieces, Belinda, Jennifer, Victoria and Angel; a nephew, Theodore; seven great-nieces and two great-nephews; one great-great-niece and two great-great-nephews; his girlfriend, Angela Rowe, of Waterville.

Arrangements were under the care of Plummer Funeral Home, 983 Ridge Rd., Rte. 32, Windsor. Condolences, photos and stories may be shared at www.plummerfh.com.

ROBERT J. MATHIEU

WINSLOW––Robert J. “Hobby” Mathieu, 62, of Winslow, died peacefully Sunday, July 3, 2016, at the Maine Veterans Hospital, in Augusta, following a long courageous battle with cancer. He was born December 10, 1953, in Watervillle, the son of the late Roland and Blanche (St. Pierre) Mathieu.

Hobby graduated from Winslow High School, class of 1972. After graduation, Hobby served his country from 1974 to 1979 in the US Air Force, after which he was honorably discharged with the rank of AIC. His working career was in retail sales, mostly with Thompson’s VW, in Waterville, and Key Appliance, in Skowhegan.

He was an avid N.E. Patriots fan and loved old cars. He was a long time member of the Bourque-Lanigan American Legion Post #5, as well as a member of the American Disabled Veterans.

Hobby is survived by his daughter, Christa Mathieu Campbell; two grandchildren, Noah and Kenzie Campbell; three brothers, James and wife Jean, Gary and wife Jean, Ronald “Peewee” and significant other Nivette, all of Winslow; sisters, Sandra (Mathieu) Doyon and Brenda (Mathieu) DeBlois and husband Todd, all of Waterville; and many nieces and nephews.

Condolences may be expressed at www.hobbymathieu.com.

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

GLORIA A. ROBICHAUD

PALERMO­­––Gloria A. Robichaud, 7i6, died unexpectedly at home on Monday, July 4, 2016. She was born in Augusta on May 28, 1940, the daughter of the late Ernest and Rose Yeaton.

Gloria attended Augusta schools, and had been employed by Hallowell Shoe, Health Tex, and Carlton Woolen Mills.

Gloria enjoyed family and friends, camping, swimming, dancing, snowmobiling and playing cards.

Gloria was predeceased by her husband, Gerard M. Robichaud; a sister, Grace Arbour; and a brother, John Yeaton.

She is survived by five daughters, Geraldine and husband Stacy Hamel, of Palermo, Bonnie Robichaud and Brenda and husband Keith Ross, all of Winthrop, Ann Taylor, of Saco, and Sandra and husband Joe Andres, of South Cardiner; her son, Maurice Robichaud, of Richmond; five brothers, Ernie and wife Beverly Martin, Ernest Rice and partner Kathy Brown, Robert Yeaton, and Arthur and John Closon; five sisters, Ruth and husband Willard Michaud, Sue Bromiley, Roberta Yeaton, Louise Ridley, and Donna Yeaton; 11 grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren.

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

JOHN G. BURNS JR.

VASSALBORO––John G. “Tardy” Burns Jr., 81, passed away on Monday, July 4, 2016.

He graduated from Cony High School in 1953. He was then drafted by the Milwaukee Braves Farm Team in Columbus, Georgia, as a pitcher.

He later was inducted in the Maine Baseball Hall of Fame in 2006.

He worked as a Teamster truck driver and also worked with his son, Bob, of Bob Burns Construction.

He enjoyed his camp and all the animals and spending time with his family.

He was predeceased by his wife, Alyce Burns; parents John and Mary Burns; brother Michael Burns and his son Robert Burns.

He is survived by his wife Pamela Burns; children, Kathy, Linda, Peter and Rick; 12 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He is also survived by brothers Tim Burns, Gary Burns and wife Carolyn.

Memorial donations may be made to: Chrisianne Burns Scholarship Fund, c/o St. Michael’s School, Attn: Jane Carr, 56 Sewall Street, Augusta ME 04330 or Chrisianne Burns Scholarship Fund, c/o Cony High School, Attn: Barbara Haskell, 60 Pierce Drive, Augusta ME 04330 or to the National Brain Tumor Society, c/o Kelly Burns, 207-215-4817.

SHANNON L. KENNEDY

UNITY––Shannon L. Kennedy, 30, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, July 6, 2016, in Knox. Shannon was born on March 18, 1986, at Womack Army Hospital in Fort Bragg, North Carolina, the daughter of Kathy Bane, of St. Albans, and Tony Kennedy, of Glenburn.

She had two sisters, Julie M. Bane and Jessica Russell, both of St. Albans.

She attended Nokomis Regional High School, in Newport. During her school years, she enjoyed camping, fishing, show chorus and Girl Scouts. She met the love of her life, David Belch, on July 22, 2004, and they had two daughters, Alyssa M. Belch and Rosa L. Belch.

Shannon was employed by Harbor Hill Center Genesis HealthCare, in Belfast.

She was predeceased by her grandfather, Andrew Bouley Sr. and grandmother, Marjorie Pierce.

She is survived by her boyfriend of 12 years, David Belch; two daughters, Alyssa and Rosa; two sisters, Julie and Jessica; her grandmother, Kathleen Clark, of Newport; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

To leave a message of kindness for the family, please visit www.shoreynichols.com.

THERESE B. TARDIF

WINSLOW – Marie-Thérèse Fleurette (Bernier) Tardif, 88, died on Monday, July 4, 2016. She was born in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, on October 5, 1927, the daughter of Georges and Eugenie (Giroux) Bernier, and resided there until she married.

She was educated in Montreal schools.

She met her husband, Louis Tardif, in Maine in 1953. They were married on April 11, 1955, in Montreal, Canada, and settled down in Waterville, moving to their current home in Winslow in 1960. Mr. Tardif passed away in 2011.

Mrs. Tardif was employed as a secretary in Montreal prior to relocating to the United States in 1955. She was a housewife and mother her entire married life and assisted her husband during his tenure as treasurer for H & W Relief for 24 years. She was a communicant of St. John the Baptist Church, in Winslow, and enjoyed traveling and other leisurely activities, including annual trips to Montreal, visiting her mother-in-law at her camp on Webber Pond, in Vassalboro, and day trips to the coast, with her husband and their four children. Mrs. Tardif was an excellent cook and seamstress, knitting, ceramics, plastic canvas crafts, and word puzzles.

Mrs. Tardif was predeceased by her parents; five sisters, Fleurette Granger, Georgette Bernier, Charlotte Paradis, Berthe Pelletier, Marguerite Langevin; and one brother, Georges-Edouard Bernier, and their spouses; her mother-in-law, Amanda (Giroux) Tardif Bouchard and sister-in-law, Violet (Tardif) Dutill and her husband.

She is survived by her daughter, Lucie, of Portland; three sons, Michael and his husband, Harvey Cohen, of Kensington, Maryland; Marc and his wife Karen (Trappen) and their daughters, Allison and Amanda, of Franklin, Massachusetts; and André, of Waterville; a brother, Rev. Robert Bernier. P.M.E., of Laval, Quebec, Canada; two closest nieces, Danielle Pelletier, of Montreal, and Lise (Granger) Bourgeois, of Joliette, Quebec, Canada; brother-in-law, Leo Bouchard, of Montreal; three other nieces and a nephew, of Canada, two nephews, of Maine; as well as great-nieces and great-nephews in the United States and Canada.

To share condolences, memories and tributes with her family, please visit: www.veilleuxfuneralhome.com .

MARTHA A. BRANN

SOUTH CHINA – Martha A. Brann, 86, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, July 8, 2016, at the Alfond Center for Health, in Augusta. She was born in Fairfield on May 13, 1930, the daughter of Joseph and Susan Speck.

She graduated from Cony High School, in Augusta, in 1948, and married Delbert F. Brann, Jr. in 1951. Together they had two children, Delbert F. Brann III, and Dawn (Brann) Spoden.

She worked for the State of Maine, Bureau of Taxation for 26 years. She was known for her love of family and friends, and her contagious smile with a positive outlook on life.

She enjoyed knitting, baking, playing bingo, and spending time with family and friends.
Mrs. Brann was a member and past president of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit #179, Eastern Star Lily of the Valley Chapter #187, and Antique Treasures of Maine (ATOM), an antique car club.

She was predeceased by her parents, her husband, her son, a sister, Roberta Eugley, two brothers, Robert and Joseph Speck, and her son-in-law, Vernon Spoden.

Surviving is her daughter, Dawn Spoden and her friend Harold Grant, of South China; sister, Edna Allen, of Augusta; two granddaughters, Angela Hinds and her husband Dustin, of Windsor, and Andrea Swasey and her husband Eric, of Andover; great-grandchildren Hayley, Braydon, Camden, Adalyn, and Avery.

A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 PM Friday July 15, 2016 at Plummer Funeral Home, 983 Ridge Road, Windsor, ME. Burial will follow in Chadwick Hill Cemetery, South China.

Memorial contributions may be made to: American Legion Unit 179 Auxiliary, P O Box 413, South China, ME 04358. Condolences, photos and stories may be shared at www.plummerfh.com.

OTHERS DEPARTED

PEGGY ANN JASON, 75, of Waterville, passed away on Wednesday, June 29, 2016, following long-standing health issues. Locally, she is survived by three sons, Jeffrey Jason and partner Gale Lizzotte, William Jason and wife Kathy, and Bradley E. Jason II, all of Winslow.

LOCAL TIES

REV. PAUL A. PLANTE, 73, of Falmouth, passed away on Thursday, June 30, 2016, at the rectory of the Parish of the Holy Eucharist, in Falmouth. He was pastor of St. John Parish, in Winslow, from 1993-2004.

by Debbie Walker

I swear the strangest conversations take place in this house! I wrote what I thought was going to be a column but …I wanted to make sure what I was writing was correct information. Well, I have some friends I refer to as my experts and I sent this one off to my “expert.” I know this will only peak your curiosity and I apologize for that but I’ll tell you he handed me my butt! I do hope that you have someone in your life that cares enough to do this for you.

At my kitchen table the topics lately have included colon cancer. Ken’s son had a colonoscopy, not because of illness but because it is the responsible thing to do. Cancer was found, however it is quite contained and will be removed. The best part is the PET scan didn’t show any more red flags. Yehaw, it is going to be handled. Please take this colonoscopy business seriously.

Okay then we move over to the attack of the little boy by the gator in Disney. I have a friend who has grown up on Florida waters and I have been out on the river with him on numerous occasions. Each trip we made was always an educational experience. I know several things that I would like to share with you:

I lived in Florida for 30 years and loved it. I have been swimming in the Gulf of Mexico, Homosassa River, Crystal River, Chassahowitzka River, Rainbow River and Atlantic Ocean (I love the water). I never actually went swimming in the Withlacoochee River because I like clear water for my Florida swimming. My buddy says the only thing that does for me is I’d be able to see the gator coming to me!

Time of day is also an issue. Those folks from Nebraska were walking along the water at about 9 p.m. My buddy has a saying, “the later it gets the lower you go on the food chain.”  I am not taking this lightly, believe me, just truthful.

If you are in another area of the country and aren’t familiar with the critters and environment around you, get to the business of learning. For this one conversation I will leave you with the comment made to me: “sharks and gators and I believe Horseshoe Crabs have been around since prehistoric times, they have gotten really good at what they do.”

On to the next subject at the table today: Guns. Another friend (God, I love my friends!) brought up the misconception about guns. All types of guns seem to get grouped together as the same item. There is a big difference between the guy carrying his rifle while hunting in the woods and the guy carrying a AK47 into a bar or school. I know there are so many opinions on the subject of guns. I can’t hit them all today.

When I got my Maine Concealed Weapons permit a friend of mine told me a little story. She is not a card carrier but she is a rifle carrier! I heard the story about her taking off out of the house in the middle of the night headed for the chicken coop, butt naked, rifle in hand determined to stop that fox who wanted chicken dinner! Concealed weapon permit wouldn’t have done her any good; she had no way to conceal anything!

I have run out of space so I have to “table” the table topics for the day. Thanks for reading. Please feel free to comment anytime at dwdaffy@yahoo.com  subject line: Table.

by Katie Ouilette

WALLS, we’ve shared a lot this week, haven’t we?  O.K.  I won’t tell the sad stories, but will talk about the goodness that has come our way.  Oh, my, yes…..we’ve had the first day of summer announced by the Strawberry Moon (heard about it, but clouds kept it out of sight) but made sure to stop and buy yummy red strawberries in Benton!

Y’know, WALLS, this is a good time to lead into the Skowhegan Area Chamber of Commerce story of a new leader, by telling our faithful readers about how lucky we are to have the ‘interim’ leadership of Jason Gayne now.  You see, Jason is executive director of Somerset County Hospice and,  hospice has received much appreciation from many of our friends for the loving care that has been given to their loved ones.  Recently a Vassalboro resident wrote of the ultimate care that was  provided to her  “loved one” by the many facets of Hospice Care and she spoke of the experience of having caregivers that adjusted quickly to the personality of the patient and the concerned family.

Well, WALLS, for sure, the Skowhegan Area Chamber of Commerce is especially fortunate to have Jason and his personality and his  thoughts at the helm of a Chamber of Commerce that, too, has known the good, bad and ugly of need over the years.  Yes, faithful readers, the SACC was founded in 1940.  Frankly, a few month ago, some of the SACC’s history was found in the walls of Skowhegan’s Free Public Library.  Wow!  if those walls could talk, eh?  Well, history having been written during the early ‘40s by Frances Croteau, the writer of The Town Crier, surely the WALLS have talked.  There were 12 committees and each met at their chairman’s office at a time set by members of each.  I won’t name those folks of the past, but the purpose of each was highlighted with duties and instructions.  What’s more, if you are old enough, you may recognized those names that have made us what we are.

Well, I met with Jason shortly after Dan Plante (SACC president for the past seven years) announced that  Jason would serve in that much-needed capacity.  Jason certainly impressed me with his thoughts about SACC.  I mentioned the many conferences and meetings that brought lots of people to Skowhegan and, hopefully, with Jason’s ideas, history will repeat itself.

Oh, faithful readers, do you know who the founder of the Skowhegan Chamber of Commerce (the first name) was?  Herbert Swett! Swett was the person who started the Lakewood Theatre.  Yes, the State Theatre of Maine.  Time to enjoy history repeating itself!