OBITUARIES for January 9, 2025

JEFFERY BURBINE

WATERVILLE – Jeffrey Burbine, 62, passed away on Monday December 2, 2024, at Eastern Maine Medical Center. He was born on July 31, 1962, to Ruth E. Brady and the late Richard Burbine, in Abington, Massachusetts.

Jeff attended Abington High School, class of 1981. He joined the U.S. Army after his high school graduation and worked as a combat telecommunications operator. He worked at Northeast Technical Institute where he met his wife, Cindy, and eventually as director of Beal University.

Jeff found fulfillment and joy in being with his family. He enjoyed cooking for loved ones, spending time at the ocean, and most of all, spending time with his beloved children and cherished grandchildren.

He was the father of his daughters Rachel and her significant other, Jeff Boudreau, of Massachusetts, Allie, of Dover-Foxcroft, and his son, Jacob and his wife, Sarah Burbine, of Fairfield. He had grandchildren, Caleb Hession, Benjamin Burbine, and Lila Burbine; brother of Lori Hinman, Andrew Burbine, Jennifer Brady-Sullivan, Lynne Burbine, Tracy Brown, and Kimberly Milne; stepson to Barbara Burbine.

He was predeceased by the love of his life, Cindy Burbine, with whom he shared 28 years of marriage and many wonderful memories.

His children will announce a celebration of life at a later date.

Arrangements and guidance are in the care of Knowlton and Hewins Funeral Home and Cremation Care, One Church St., Augusta.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the Knowlton and Hewins Funeral Home website, http://www.khrfuneral homes. com.

MARLENE M. DUBAY

Norridgewock – Marlene Minta (Knowles) Dubay, 91, passed away in hospice care on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, from dementia and complications from a stroke. She was born on September 5, 1933, to Elbert and Bertie (Anderson) Knowles, the sixth of seven children.

She attended schools in Newport and Skowhegan, until marrying Norris Dubay in 1951. They settled on Summer St., in Skowhegan, where they raised five children. Marlene was a stay-at-home mom working tirelessly to raise not only her own children, but countless others whose families depended on her constant care.

She was predeceased by her parents, Elbert and Bertie; husband, Norris; siblings; and son, Daryl. After her husband’s passing, she relocated to Norridgewock where she was well known for her friendly personality during almost daily walks on Bigelow Hill Rd.

She is survived by her son, Michael, of Newport; daughter, Rosanne, of Madison; son, Glen, of Norridgewock; and son Karl (Mona), of Norridgewock; as well as countless grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. She will be missed by granddaughters Amy and Ashley who visited often, in Portland, after her stroke and later in Farmington where she was in hospice.

There will be a Celebration of Life held for Marlene on February 23, 2025, at the Skowhegan Recreation Center, 39 Poulin Drive, Skowhegan, from 1:30 – 5 p.m.

Arrangements are under the care of Dan and Scott’s Cremation and Funeral Service, 488 Farmington Falls Road, Farmington, Maine, where photos, memories, and condolences may be shared at dsfuneral.com.

PEARL L. LeBLANC

SKOWHEGAN – Pearl I. LeBlanc, 97, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 12, 2024, in Skowhegan. Pearl was born on March 9, 1927, in Marlboro, Massachusetts, daughter to Enoch Leon and Nettie (Leach) White.

She married Leo J. Leblanc on August 24, 1946, and they were inseparable until his passing on Novembere 10, 1999.

She was a beautician by trade and worked as a housekeeper and in shoe shops for many years.

She was predeceased by both her parents; her twin brother, Earl (he was only 18 months old), and other siblings Edwin, Leonard, Theresa, Eleanor, and Enoch “Sonny”; and son-in-law, Michael Whalen who passed recently on November 30, 2024.

Pearl is survived by her three daughters, Betty Frederic (Paul), Sandra Whalen (Glenn), and Diane Whalen; grandchildren, Cat Stafford, Christy Stafford Baldinger, G. Rick Whalen, Chad Whalen, Michele Whalen Nawfel, Tara Whalen Bickford; many great-grandchildren; and great-great-grandchildren; as well as brother, Richard.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at 11 a.m., located at Centenary United Methodist Church, on Dr. Mann Road, in Skowhegan. A light lunch will follow.

Please visit Pearl’s memorial page at https://svremembrancecenter.com/obituaries/pearl-leblanc where condolences, photos, and special memories may be shared.

ELAINE J. GURNEY

CLINTON – Elaine J. Gurney, 80, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 13, 2024, at Lakewood Continuing Care, in Waterville, following a short illness.

Elaine was born on October 19, 1944, in Waterville. She was the youngest daughter of eleven siblings of the late Fortunat and Julia Poulin.

She attended school in the town of Clinton and graduated in 1962 from Clinton High School.

She started her workforce journey, following in the footsteps of her sister Rita. As her family grew, she became a stay-at-home mom and wife. Once she returned to the work force, she was known to provide consistent care and wellness towards others and quickly gained the nickname Mémère (grandmother). The nickname was so prevalent, she had it on her license plate.

Elaine’s hobbies were playing cards at the kitchen table, especially cribbage, while also playing in many tournaments. She also enjoyed bowling with her teammates in Waterville and playing Bingo with family and friends at Abenaki and Yonder Hill campgrounds.

She enjoyed being a “snowbird” with her very special companion Robert Hinman. Elaine and Richard Poulin were the definition of brother-sister inspiration. Wanitta Witham, best of friends and Bob and Rita Rediker were second parents and especially enjoyed her grandchildren, which brought her immense joy.

She was predeceased by her parents, Fortunat and Julia Poulin; sisters, Evelyn Myshrall, Jeannette Gross, Oliviette Zieninski, Rita Rediker; brothers, Fernand (Pit) Poulin, Rolland (Gus) Poulin, Wallace (Walter) Poulin, Norman Poulin, Richard Poulin and spouses, Norris Braley, Roger McAllister and Richard Gurney

She is survived by her companion, Robert Hinman; son Kevin Braley and wife Dottie, daughter Karen and husband Michael Falla, daughter Lisa (McAllister) and husband Larry McGrew; brother-in-law, Archie “Bob” Rediker; sisters-in-law, Ellen Moody, Barbara Poulin, Betty Poulin; grandchildren, Damien Braley and wife Amanda, Jamie O’Keeffe and wife Jerene, Samuel Falla and husband Cedrick, Cameron Falla and wife Taylor, Graylon McGrew and Colton McGrew; great-grandchild Owen Falla; and nieces, nephews and cousins.

A graveside service will be held in the spring.

Arrangements are in the care of Veilleux-Redington-Lawry Brothers, Waterville, 8 Elm Street, Waterville where memories of Elaine may be shared, and an online register book can be signed by visiting http://www. rlfuneralhome.com.

JANET F. MITCHELL

WATERVILLE – Janet F. Mitchell, 93, of Waterville, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 16, 2024, at her home of 67 years. Born in Portland, Janet, the youngest of seven children, was raised in Westbrook by her parents Paul “Ginger” Fraser and Phyllis (St. Clair) Fraser.

Her father Paul, injured in WWI on the battlefields of France, passed away when Janet was just six years old. Phyllis ultimately moved her large family to Waterville to work at her alma mater Colby College when Janet was in high school. It was at Waterville High School that Janet met the love of her life, Robbie Mitchell.

After graduation from Waterville High School in 1950, Janet attended Colby College as did her mother, father, and many siblings. She and Robbie were married on June 27, 1953. Janet completed her Bachelor of Arts Degree from Colby after years of summer school, graduating in June 1974.

Janet and Robbie raised seven children, affectionately dubbed the “Magnificent Seven,” in Waterville. While Robbie traveled extensively for his job with the FDIC, Janet not only took care of the children but worked fulltime at an Elementary School. Janet had many passions revolving primarily around her love of literature, art, and gardening. She served as a Docent at the Colby College Art Museum for many years and was an active member of the Waterville Women’s Club, the Waterville Area Art Association, the Waterville Historical Society, and the Central Maine Garden Club. She served on the Board of Directors of the Senator George J. Mitchell Scholarship Research Institute and the Waterville Women’s Association. Active in civil affairs, Janet also served as the Warden for Waterville’s Ward 3 for many years.

One of her favorite pastimes was her book club, Readers Epicurious, a group of dear friends who loved reading, scintillating conversation, and good food and wine. Janet was a voracious reader who usually had three or foour books going at any one time. Her love of literature and philosophy were gateways for her very active intellect and curiosity about the world around her. She was an accomplished tennis player whose ferocious forehand defeated many a foe on the courts. Janet also loved traveling with family and friends throughout the U.S., Europe and Mexico.

Although Janet’s life was marked by personal tragedy, including the early passing of both of her parents, her husband, and two siblings, she never lost her unwavering sense of optimism and her belief that family ties and memories transcended loss and death.

Janet is survived by her children Robert Mitchell and his wife Judy, Ann Mitchell, Carol Mitchell and her husband Deen Haleem, Mary Mitchell Friedman, Peter Mitchell and his wife Louella, James Mitchell, and Joseph Mitchell; sister-in-law Barbara Atkins; brother-in-law Senator George Mitchell and his wife Heather; sister-in-law Joan Fraser; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.

Janet was predeceased by her husband Robert, her parents Paul and Phyllis Fraser, her father and mother-in-law George and Mintaha Mitchell, her siblings Robert Fraser, Gordon Fraser, Mary Woods and her husband Chester Woods, Ada Fitzpatrick, Constance White, and Haddon Fraser and her in-laws Paul and Yvette Mitchell, John and Prinella Mitchell, Edward Atkins, and her son-in-law Harold Friedman.

A Celebration of Janet’s life will be held in the spring, her favorite time of year when the flowers are in bloom and the birds are singing.

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

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Janet’s name to the Alfond Youth & Community Center, 126 North St.,Waterville, Maine 04901, (www.clubaycc.org), or the Mitchell Institute, 75 Washington Ave., Suite 2E, Portland, ME.

BETTY LOU STONE

OAKLAND – Betty Lou Stone, 90, passed away on the evening of Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at Lake­wood Manor, in Waterville. Betty was born in Houlton on June 9, 1934, daughter of Lester and Eva (Seeley) Adams.

She worked at a papermill in Fairfield for more than 30 years.

Betty was a wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother. She married the love of her life, husband of 70 years, David Stone. Betty loved the Lord, family, country music, and luncheons with her friends.

She was predeceased by both her parents; husband David Stone; grandchild Damon Alexander; sisters Dorris Wilson, Mildred Tidd, and Madeline Clark; and brother Preston Adams.

Betty is survived by sons Peter Stone and his wife Patty, Mark Stone and his wife Gayle, and Matt Stone and his wife Mary; daughters Carol Thomas and her husband Paul, Pam Stone, Diana Stevens and her husband Randy, and Joyce Towers and her husband William; 14 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family will be having a graveside service on May 31, 2025, at Lewis Cemetery, in Oakland, at 10 a.m. A celebration of life to follow at the American Legion (upstairs) on Church Street, in Oakland.

Please visit Betty’s memorial page at https://svremembrancecenter.com/obituaries/betty-stone-2024 where condolences, photos, and special memories may be shared.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Jude’s in Betty Stone’s name by calling 1-800-213-6584.

PENNY P. SAMPSON

UNITY – Penny Picard Sampson, 57, died Thursday, December 19, 2024. after more than a decade of battling illnesses. She was born to Linda Louise (Constable) and Charles Clovis Picard, on November 15, 1966.

She grew up in a busy household with her parents and siblings and attended Unity Elementary School, graduated from Mount View High School, and then earned her B.A. in English from Unity College.

Carolyn Zachary’s tribute to Penny Picard Sampson: A Lover of Animals, Stock Cars, Cemeteries, and Her Hometown, which can be accessed through the midcoastvillager.com, poignantly captures Penny, and the reader is referred to that or to the legacy website.

Penny learned to love animals on the family farm, especially her pinto Frosty and a line of German Shepherds. She later served as an animal control officer. She learned to garden in her mother’s prodigious garden, knowledge would come in handy when she worked for Johnny’s Selected Seeds and at her beautiful home on The Albion Road. During college, she worked part time at The Homestead Restaurant.

Racing was her recreational preference, and she served as a spectator, scorer, flagger, announcer, and participant at Unity or Wiscasset Raceways and on her uncle Ed’s dirt track. Racing was so much a part of her that she opened up a restaurant, Penny’s Pit Stop, across from Unity Raceway.

After college, she worked for several years as an editor of the Unity-based Thorndike Press. She followed that work with 16 years as a collections specialist for MBNA/ Bank of America. Finally, she entered public service to the Town of Unity as a selectperson. Penny was well versed in town history, policies, and needs of the town. She secured several grants and helped facilitate the designation of the Alton McCormick Memorial Bridge, negotiated the expansion of the Pond Cemetery, and improved the operation of the boat launch. She went above and beyond her job’s expectations, providing direct services such as delivering sand buckets to disabled citizens and cleaning up refuse at the beach.

Through her love of racing, she met another racing enthusiast, Daniel Sampson. They married on the track of Unity Raceway on August 1, 2008, and celebrated their union in a victory lap. Their steadfast love and devotion never waivered.

She volunteered countless hours honoring those town citizens who came before, cleaning hundreds of headstones and markers and recruiting student groups to join her while sharing research about those who were placed at rest in Unity cemeteries. This led to her final town role as town sexton. She enjoyed helping at the Open Door lunches and distributing food from the local food pantry. She served several terms on the Waldo County budget committee and was humbled to be the recipient of a county service award. Her volunteerism included serving as the Unity correspondent for the Republican Journal and more recently for The Villager.

Penny was predeceased by her mother Linda Constable; her brother John, and sisters Patience and Dorrie Ann.

She is survived by her husband, Daniel Sampson; her father Charles Picard; brothers Matthew and wife Lucia, of Unity, Dennis and wife Sharon, of Bangor; sister Patti Picard and husband Amir Chaudhry, of Dearborn, Michigan; aunts Rosemary, Catherine, Linda, Sharon, and Elena; uncles Andrew and Michael; nephews Joshua and Daniel; nieces Caitlin, Meredith, Asiya, Amelia, Phoebe, and Nadia; grand-nephew Hunter; great-uncle Harold Tucker; many cousins.

A celebration of Penny’s life was held on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at the Star in the West Masonic Lodge, at 327 Main Street, in Unity.

Donations in memory of Penny may be made to The Open Door of Unity, c/o The Unity Food Pantry, P.O. Box 156, Unity, ME 04988, or to the Humane Society Waterville, Area, 100 Webb Rd., Waterville, ME 04901.

FRANCIS T. BAKER

WATERVILLE – Francis “Frank” T. Baker, 85, of Waterville, passed away the evening of Thursday, December 19, 2024, at Maine General­Medical Center, Augusta. Frank was born in Brooks, June 25, 1939, the youngest of three children to Chesterfield and Barbara (Stevens) Baker.

Frank was a resident at the Woodlands Senior Living facility, in Waterville, navigating life as best he could with Alzheimer’s and dementia. He grew up in Brooks under the care of his grandmother Nina (Mason) Stevens until graduating in 1957 from Crosby High School, in Belfast.

Shortly after graduation, Frank moved to Boston, where he worked at Boston Deaconess Hospital and entered an on-the-job training program to become a Respiratory Therapist. To Frank’s great fortune, Deaconess Hospital was also where he met his wife and “better half” Roberta (Gibson) Baker (affectionately known as Bobbie), who unfortunately predeceased him on October 1, 2021, following a long and courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease.

Frank enjoyed a long and rewarding career as a Respiratory Therapist and department manager at Thayer Hospital (Maine General Medical Center), in Waterville, and in the mid-1980s transitioned to private home health care with Glassrock Healthcare where he relished traveling the Maine countryside and caring for and befriending many of his patients. Frank was a long-standing and actively involved member of the American Association for Respiratory Care. One of his greatest joys was contributing to the development of the respiratory therapy degree program at Kennebec Valley Community College, as well as sitting on its board.

Frank was a member of Kiwanis International and he remembered fondly many cold, snowy evenings selling Christmas trees for charity. For several years he was a lector at Corpus Christi Parish, a 4th Degree Member of Assembly No. 341 of the Knights of Columbus, and a member of the Cursillo Movement, in Waterville/Winslow.

In his leisure time, Frank took pleasure in watching all manner of sports, trying his patience on the golf course, reading, photography, or bending the ear of whomever might listen to one of his many tales. Moreover, Frank appreciated traveling with Bobbie to the coast of Maine every fall to enjoy their timeshare in Southwest Harbor.

Frank is survived by two sons, Greg Ronitz-Baker and wife Wendy; Tom and wife Meg (Nivison), their two children, Colby Baker and partner Matthew McGinnis, Hillary (Baker) Van Clief and husband Daniel and their son Theodore (Theo). He is also survived by a nephew and niece, Eddie Baker and Barbi (Baker) Swafford and husband David, their daughter Stephanie Hamoodi and husband Aqeel, and several other nieces and nephews.

Frank was predeceased by his wife Bobbie of almost 60 years, parents, brother Edward “Teddy” Baker, Sr. and sister-in-law Sandra (Moody) Baker and sister Nancy (Baker) Wormlight.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Notre Dame Catholic Church, 116 Silver Street, Waterville, on Thursday, January 16, at 10 a.m. A private family burial will follow at the Winslow Cemetery, in Marshfield, Massachusetts.

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.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Frank’s name to a dementia organization of your choice.

MARY A. BOWMAN

CORNVILLE – Mary A. Bowman, 93, passed away following a long illness on Friday, December 20, 2024. Mary was born on November 11, 1931, in Harmony, daughter of Maude Graves and Howard Annis.

She was the youngest of 11 siblings and had a happy childhood with all her brothers and sisters.

Mary was married on January 16, 1948, to the love of her life, Donald J. Bowman Jr., of Cornville. They lived in Harmony and had three children, Diane, Trudy and Nyla. Mary and Donald worked hard to support the family and were very loving and supportive parents.

Mary was employed by the shoe industry in her early years. In 1966 Mary and Don decided to move to Skowhegan, which is when her career with Redington-Fairview General Hospital began. She started as a switchboard operator and was rapidly promoted. She retired from the hospital as Business Office Manager after many years of serving in this position.

Mary loved camping with family and friends and enjoyed playing cards as well. Upon retirement, Mary and Don wintered in Zephyrhills, Florida. They loved vacationing in the Sunshine State. She also enjoyed crafts, playing Bingo, exercise classes, and many other group activities. Mary was known as the “Dancing Queen” at Pleasant Meadows. She had a passion for music.

She was predeceased by sisters Beatrice Page, Priscilla Morrill, Marguerite Olson, Meredith Nisenbaum, and Ruth Annis, brothers Howard Annis, Morrill Annis, Philip Annis, Reginald Annis, and Arnold Annis; and daughter, Diane R. Titus who passed away on April 11, 1978.

Mary is survived by daughters, Trudy with her husband Greg Soucy and Nyla with her husband Ricky York, both of Cornville; grandchildren, Tiffany Willis, Aaron Titus, Shay Sawicki, Derek Soucy, Clint Libby, and Brock Libby; as well as several great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held at the East Ridge Cemetery, in Cornville, on May 31, 2025, at 1 p.m.

Please visit Mary’s memorial page at https://svremembrancecenter.com/obituaries/mary-bowman-2024 where condolences photos, and special memories may be shared.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington DC. 20090-6011.

Donations can also be made online through the Alzheimer’s Association webpage.

JOSEPHINE SMITH

OAKLAND – Josephine (Bacon) Smith, 96, passed away on Friday, December 20, 2024. Joseph­ine was born on October 12, 1928, in Mercer, on the Bacon Home­stead with a midwife, to parents Joseph D. Bacon and Thelma Angeline (Lebaron) Bacon.

She attended local schools in Mercer and graduated from New Sharon High School in 1946 as the valedictorian. She then went on to further her education at the Skowhegan Business School, graduating in 1948. She lived in Mercer where she met her husband, Myron A. Smith, and they were married on October 25, 1952. They made their home in Mercer until 1968, when they moved to Oakland.

Josephine’s first job was as a teacher in Mercer, with her mother, where Josephine taught grades 1 – 4 and her mother taught grades 5 – 8, for two years. She then worked at Norwock Shoe Company for 14 years as the secretary to Harold Alfond. She then worked for several local insurance companies until she retired to provide childcare in her home for several years. After a stint of traveling with her husband, she started working at RSU #18 as a substitute and then in the lunch program. She worked part-time at the Heritage gift shop, in Oakland, for several years and at the Augusta Civic Center in the catering and concession departments for several years until she was 91.

Josephine was a member of the Oakland Sidney United Methodist Church for over 50 years, the Sandy River Grange, in Mercer #89, the Eastern Star, in Norridgewock, Mercer Old Home Days Committee, and the United Methodist Women’s Group.

Josephine loved doing all kinds of crafts, cooking, and camping. She and Myron lived in Deland, Florida, in the winters for several years and then sold their home and started traveling in their motor home. They traveled across the country, a favorite trip was to Alaska.

They were seasonal campers at Yonder Hill Jellystone Campground, in Madison, for 15 years with both Gwen and Brian; Robert, Cindy, Caitlin, and family; and Megan and Nick, and family having sites there too! Many a weekend of family time was spent with each other doing activities as well as around the campfires telling stories.

Josephine was predeceased by both her parents; her husband of 70 years, Myron; and her brother, James W. Bacon.

She is survived by daughter, Gwendolyn (Brian) Thebarge; son, Robert (Cindy) Smith; siblings Janiece B. Oblak, Georgia W. Pooler; sisters-in-law Rosalie R. Bacon and Beverly Bulmer; brothers-in-law Lee (Charlene) Smith and James (Dawn) Smith; grandchildren, Megan (Nick) Shorey, Caitlin (Shawn Dube) Smith, Carleton (Mikala) Smith; seven great-grandchildren Ava, Brady, Calhan (CJ) Shorey, Dawson and Addison Dube, Kayden and Liam (arriving March) Smith; and also many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A funeral service was held on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at Oakland-Sidney United Methodist Church, 14 W School St., in Oakland. The burial will be in the spring at Lewis Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements are under the care of Somerset Valley Remembrance Center, 19 Washburn Lane, Skowhegan.

Please visit Josephine’s memorial page at https://svremembrancecenter.com/obituaries/josephine-smith-2024 where condolences, photos, and special memories may be shared.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mercer Meeting House Association, 148 Rome Rd., Mercer, ME 04957.

Others Departed

ELIZABETH A. WHITE

SACO – Elizabeth Ann White, 73, passed away on Friday, December 20, 2024, at her home.

She was born in Waterville, on December 14, 1951, the daughter of Donald Adams and Ellen Durkee. As a girl, she attended school, in Portland.