OBITUARIES for Thursday, April 18, 2024

JOHN G. CYR

WATERVILLE – John G. Cyr, 74, died early Monday morning, March 25, 2024. John was born in Water­ville on Sep­tember 30, 1949, the son of Roland and Regina Cyr.

He graduated from Waterville High School class of 1969 and was employed by Seltzer and Rydholm for over 20 years.

For many years John ran the Notre Dame Soup Kitchen, in Waterville. He was a devout Catholic, attending church at Corpus Christi Parish for many years, and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. His adventurous spirit led him to conquer climbing Mount Katahdin 30-plus times, highlighting his love for the great outdoors.

He was predeceased by his parents; and brother, Bob Cyr.

John is survived by his wife of 49 years Pam Cyr; sons, Jason Cyr and wife Jen, of Sidney, Dan Cyr and wife Debbie, of Oakland; grandchildren Ashley, Bailey, Tyler, Austin, Alexis, Brianna, Gavin, Allie, Ben, Justin, and Jake; and brother, Don Cyr.

There will be no visiting hours or funeral service. A private celebration of life will take place at a later date.

Cremation arrangements by Dan and Scott’s Cremation and Funeral Services in Skowhegan.

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

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in John’s name to the Knights of Columbus (Council #13486) or the Waterville Area Soup Kitchen.

GARY L. CAMPBELL

SIDNEY – Gary Lee Campbell, 69, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 28, 2024, following a very short battle with cancer. Gary was born on October 16, 1954, and grew up in Oakland.

As a child, Gary faced a lot of difficult challenges, but lived his life to the fullest. He never let his disabilities limit him and he spent a lot of time doing things, most people would never think to be possible.

Gary enjoyed caning chairs and making guns out of PVC pipes and wood. He also enjoyed bowling, fishing, but most importantly he loved shooting nerf guns, of which he had a large collection. He loved creating things with building blocks and listening to TV shows about ancient aliens on the History Channel.

Gary was a huge jokester, always knowing how to make you laugh. He loved and appreciated people and always went out of his way to make sure everyone knew that. He loved his family more than anything. (Although, the hand in life he was dealt was unfair, Gary was happy to be living it!) He was gentle, kind and probably the best person anyone could be blessed to encounter.

Gary is survived by his sister and guardian, Debbie Dufour, of Albion; his brother, Reggie Reed,of Madison; his niece, Maranda Dufour, of Turner; his nephews John Dufour, of Oakland, and TJ Dufour, of Albion; he was a great-uncle to Camryn Murphy, of Turner, and Blaine Dufour, of Albion; many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Gary was predeceased by his mother, Grace Reed and father, Reginald Reed; and grandparents Ella and Morris Campbell.

Graveside service will be held on Thursday, May 16, 2024, at 1 p.m., at Lewis Cemetery, in Oakland.

Arrangements are in the care of Wheeler Funeral Home, 26 Church St., Oakland, where memories may be shared, and an online register book signed by visiting http://www.lawrybrothers.com.

DORIS M. HIX

WINDSOR – Doris Marie Hix, 85, of Windsor, passed away onFriday, March 29, 2024. She was born April 16,1938.

Doris was very crafty and gave from her heart to others.

She is survived by her three children, Darus Vear, Shereen Hix, Kevin Hix and wife; her brother, Raymond Veilleux and partner Steven Sawyer; many relatives and friends; three grandsons with one granddaughter-in-law; two granddaughters and their children.

A graveside service will be held this spring for family at St. Francis Cemetery, in Waterville.

EDNA M. GREENLAW

WINSLOW – Edna Mae (Gurney) Greenlaw passed away on Saturday, March 30, 2024, at her home, in Winslow.

A mem­orial service will be held at 11 a.m., on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at the Vassal­boro United Methodist Church, 614 Main St., Vassalboro, ME 04989.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm St., in Waterville. Please visit http://www.gallantfh.com to read Edna’s full obituary and to share memories.

NATHAN W. SIDELINGER

FAIRFIELD – Nathan William Sidelinger, 37, unexpectedly passed away at home, in Fairfield, on Friday, March 29, 2024. Nathan was born on August 1, 1986, the son of Karren and William Sidelinger.

He grew up in Winslow, where he played youth hockey and soccer, and graduated from Winslow High School, class of 1995. He was a faithful, hard-working employee of the Waterville Walmart for 17 years.

He had a funny and unique sense of humor always willing to debate the facts of any topic with wit and a hint of sarcasm. Nate, Uncle Nader or Up as his nieces and nephew knew him, was a silly uncle, always giving a little extra time to the kids in his life. He was a happy, gentle, and loving person who will be missed by all those who knew him.

Nate was predeceased by his father, his step-father, Michael Thibodeau, and grandparents, Robert and Joan Fortin, and William Sr. and Phylis Sidelinger.

He is survived by his mother; two brothers, and their families, Matthew, Amanda and Isabella Hall, of Uptown Massachusettes, Mark, Stacey and Lauren Hall, of Belmont; two step-siblings and their families, Hilary , Jim and Leo Shorey, of Anson, Travis, Nicole and Tyler Thibodeau, of Fairfield; many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, May 4, 2024, from noon to 4 p.m., at the Best Western Hotel, in Waterville. There will be a buffet and bar available. It will be an informal event and children are welcome.

MARILYN J. PULLEN

WEEKS MILLS – Marilyn June (Dodge) Pullen, 88, passed away Wednesday, April 3, 2024 from complications related to dementia. She had been a resident of Brentwood Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing, in Yarmouth. She was born April 29, 1935, the daughter of Luther and Iva Dodge of South China.

She was predeceased by her husband, Melvin Pullen, of Weeks Mills, her brothers, Glen, Sherwood, Wayne and James and also Diane, a sister who died shortly after birth.

She is survived by her daughter, Diane Louten and husband, Daniel, of Port Charlotte, Florida, and Raymond, Maine; and several neices and nephews.

Marilyn attended China schools and graduated from Erskine Academy, in South China, in 1953. She met her husband, Melvin Pullen, upon his return from the Korean War and they married in 1955. She attended Gates Business School, in Augusta, for one year then worked at Lipman Poultry Plant, in Augusta, HealthTex, in Gardiner, and Country Manor Nursing Home, in Coopers Mills. She later became self employed as a personal caregiver and house cleaner working with Melvin opening camps on China Lake. These folks became friends in the process.

She was a devoted Christian and member of the Weeks Mills Baptist Church. One of her favorite pastimes was playing Elbib (Bible spelled backwards) for the Sunday school children. She enjoyed sitting and playing with the children and many remember her still. She took great pride in her flower and vegetable gardens and even talked to them to encourage them to grow and multiply. She enjoyed her hobbies of sewing, cake baking, painting, reading, writing in her journals, and making music on a piano and banjo. Melvin would say otherwise though.

She was a member of two red hat society groups – The Red Hat Knitters and Foxy Gals, both of Waterville; the Maine State Historical Society and the American Baptist Church Society.

She taught her daughter to:

1. Always be kind and love everybody.
2. Play in the dirt often and don’t worry about dirty hands.
3. Let your inner child out to play on occasion,
4. Dance with glee and don’t worry about how you look.
5. Dress up in clothes that make you happy and make others smile.
6. Surround yourself with color.
7. Make friends and treat them like family.
8. Pray daily.
9. If you say you’re going to do something, do it.
10. Smile at everyone.
11. Be silly.
12. Read your devotions and attend church regularly.

She loved people and caring for them. Marilyn and her daughter Diane would go for walks and she would find four leaf clovers without even trying, while Diane, on the other hand, could search for hours and never find one. While having a discussion about end of life matters, Diane asked her to show her a four leaf clover when she arrived in heaven and wanted to communicate with me. She agreed. So we will see.

There is a thin veil of time between heaven and earth and only a four leaf clover away.

A celebration of life will be held later this summer.

ROBERT POULIN

VASSALBORO – Robert Poulin, 76, passed away unexpectedly Thursday, April 4, 2024, at his home. He was born August 9, 1947, the son of Robert and Dorianne (Paquet) Poulin.

Robert attended local schools, graduating from Winslow High School. He went on to college, graduating with a degree in accounting. He served in the United States Navy and the Air National Guard.

Robert met the love of his life, Jean, and together they shared over 45 years of marriage. They made a home in Vassalboro where they raised their three children.

Robert worked for over 30 years as a salesman for Frito Lay, until his retirement. In his free time Robert enjoyed the outdoors, watching local sports, traveling, and the ocean. He loved spending time with family, over anything else, that is what he valued most.

Robert was predeceased by his wife; his parents; and his brothers Ronnie and Reggie Poulin.

He is survived by his children, Stephanie Lockhart and husband Justin, Chad Poulin and wife Jodi, and Brent Poulin and wife Bailey; six grandchildren, Josh Wilde and wife Emylia, Tyler Wilde, Trent Poulin, Cole Poulin, Caitlin Poulin, and Brennan Poulin; three great-grandchildren, Leo, Emmitt and Schyloh Wilde; his brother, Raymond Poulin; several cousins; nieces and nephews.

There will be a graveside service at St. Francis Cemetery, in May, details to follow.

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

JOHN A. NELSON

CLINTON – John Arlo Nelson, 71, died peacefully at MaineGeneral Medical Center, Thayer Campus, in Waterville on Thursday, April 4, 2024. He was born April 19, 1952, the first child of Fred and Carleen Nelson, in Hartford, Connecticut.

John was a 1970 graduate of Lawrence High School, in Fairfield. Arlo then served four years in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. Upon discharge, worked at Scott Paper Company, in Winslow. After closure of the mill, he became a merchant marine delivering goods all over the world.

John is survived by his wife, Ma. Diana; mother, S. Carleen Nelson, of Winslow; sister, Carolyn Nelson Corey and husband Tim, of Albion; brother, Chappell Nelson, of Clinton; nephew, Gabe Corey; and nieces Cheryl Smith and Beth Leary.

John Arlo was predeceased by his father, Fred Nelson, of Clinton.

There will be a reception of remembrance May 4, at 11:30 a.m., located at the Brown Memorial Church Fellowship Hall, 36 Church St., in Clinton.

There will be a graveside service at the Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery, in Augusta, later in the spring.

DANIEL A. MARQUETTE

WINDSOR—Daniel Andre Marquette, 70, passed away during the evening of Friday, April 5, 2024, at MaineGeneral Medical Center, in Augusta. He was born in Canada on July 4, 1953, a son of Roger and Georgette Marquette.

As a young man, Dan moved to Maine and settled in Windsor alongside his wife, Darlene. Dan was mechanically inclined and was a self-employed auto mechanic at his shop, Marquette Muffler Brake & Tire Shop. He enjoyed tinkering on classic cars and was particularly gifted installing and repairing custom exhaust systems.

In addition, Dan enjoyed gardening and woodworking. He will be remembered as a good man with a big heart.

He was predeceased by his parents; a sibling, Parrett Melanson; and his wife in January 2023, Darlene Marquette.

Dan is survived by his children, Andre Marquette, Chantel Trafton, and Daniel Marquette; his step-children, Mark Chambers and his wife Lauri, Tim Chambers and his wife Jaimie, and James Longmire and his partner Kelsey Libold; grandchildren, Allie, Gunner, Benjamin, Megan, Matthew, Jacob, Tim, Alex, Chevvey, Damien, Aaleah, and Brianna; great-grandchildren, Blake and Aubrey; and siblings, Lucy Marquette and Jacques Marquette.

A graveside service will be held later in the spring at the John C. Shirley Cemetery, in Durham, New Hampshire.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Plummer Funeral Home, 983 Ridge Rd., Windsor, ME 04363.

CARLTON L. FITZGERALD

CHINA – Carlton L. Fitzgerald, 89, passed away on Saturday, April 6, 2024, following an extended time of declining health.  He was born on September 15, 1934, in China, to Lloyd F and Hazel (Esancy) Fitzgerald.

Carlton was a lifelong resident of China, attended the South China Village School and was a member of the first eighth grade to graduate from the new China Consolidated School in 1949.  He attended Erskine Academy, in South China, graduating in 1953, third in his class.

While at Erskine, he was president of the class for three years, participating in sports and band.  Carlton attended the University of Maine at Orono and graduated in 1955 with an associate degree in mechanized farming.

In 1955, Carlton married his high school sweetheart, Shirley Fletcher, and they resided in the old Fitzgerald farmhouse on Rte. 32, raising their five children there.

In 1958, Carlton and his dad expanded the farm operation, built a new barn on the old homestead, and built one of the first milking parlors in the state. The farm grew in size and at its peak milked around 100 cows and raised meat for their own food.

He was involved in several organizations of his interest: The Farm Bureau, The Maine Forestry Board, The Maine Association and The Kennebec County Soil and Water Conservation District, serving as president to each.  It was during that time that he and Shirley traveled to many U.S. cities attending the National Convention as delegates.

Carlton served as Scoutmaster for the China BSA, was president of the China School PTA and was an avid snowmobiler, in fact, was a founding member of the China Four Seasons Club, as its president and trail master for many years.  He and his wife covered many miles of Northern Maine from the eastern to the western border on their snowmobile.

Carlton’s most pleasurable hobby was camping, which his wife introduced him to early in their marriage.  They spent much time in their retirement traveling in the motor home across the U.S. and spent their winters in Florida for several years.  Their camping experience covered almost all types of camping, evolving from basic tenting to pickup and camper, to tow-behind, to motorhome, and even a fifth wheel.

Carlton was predeceased by his parents.  He is survived by his wife Shirley; his children Patricia Pratt-Rossman and wife Diane; son Fredrick Fitzgerald and wife Patricia, daughters Linda Bengtson and husband Wayne, Cathy Frisbie and husband Trey, Betty Sularie and husband Larry, and former daughter-in-law Betsy Fitzgerald; grandchildren Bruce Fitzgerald and wife Ginnie, Derek Clifford and wife Anne, Jaimi Clifford and fiancé Brandon, Heather Turcotte and husband Chris, Justin Sularie and companion Kristie, and Emmi Pelletier; several great grandchildren, his sister Arlene Cox, Melbourne, Florida, and sister-in-law Joan Hammond, Green Valley, Arizona; as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A graveside service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Erskine Academy Alumni Scholarship Fund, 309 Windsor Rd., So. China, ME  04358, or to Beacon Hospice, 5 Community Dr., Ste A, Augusta, ME  04330

Condolences may be expressed at www.funeralalternatives.net.

FRANCIS H. CAVERLY

CLINTON – Francis “Frank” H. Caverly, 82, passed away on Tuesday, April 9, 2024. Frank was born on May 27, 1941, to Brainard Jr. and Evelyn (Wyman) Caverly.

Frank graduated from Lawrence High School, in Fairfield, where he played football. He often joked that the football field was his true classroom, and his teammates were his family. After graduation, Frank returned to the family farm. Frank married the love of his life, Suzanne Hardy, on April 27, 1968, they were married just shy of 56 years.

A dairy farmer by trade, Frank was a mentor to young aspiring farmers and to the community around him. Frank had many “phone pen pals” he spoke to on a weekly basis in which they would solve all the world’s problems.

Among the many chapters of his life, one of the brightest was when Frank and his brother E.C stood as co-recipients of the prestigious Skowhegan Fair Agricultural Person of the Year award. Frank was also past president of the Ayrshire Breeders Association and a 50-plus year member of the Benton Grange.

Frank possessed an amazing sense of humor, he loved talking about politics, farming, sports, and his grandchildren, as well as, harassing salesman with “the card”. Frank was a wonderful friend to many, whether you knew him for five minutes or 50 years, he had a joke and life advice to share.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents; his eldest son Dale; his brothers Pudge and E.C., his sister Marion; his nephew Richard; and his sister-in-law Donna.

Frank is survived by his wife Susie; his son Neal and girlfriend Michele; his grandchildren Alexandria “Allie” and Bryce; several in-laws; nieces, nephews, cousins.

A memorial visitation will be held at Lawry Brothers Funeral Home on Monday, April 22, 2024, from 5 – 7 p.m. A time to gather and share stories will be at Moody Chapel, in Hinckley, on April 23, 2024, from noon – 1 p.m., with a funeral service at 1 p.m., and a reception to follow. Weather permitting, there will be a burial at the family cemetery following the reception.

Arrangements are under 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.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Dale H Caverly scholarship fund, P.O. Box 2, Hinckley, ME 04944.

SHARON R. LEEMAN

PALERMO – Sharon Rose Leeman, 77, passed away on Friday, February 2, 2024.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, April 26, 2024, at 11 a.m., at the Palermo Christian Church, 322 Branch Mills Rd., Palermo, ME 04354.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Plummer Funeral Home, 983 Ridge Rd., Windsor, ME 04363.

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

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Sharon’s name may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org or dementiasociety.org.

OTHERS DEPARTED

SOPHIE F. POOLER

LARGO, Florida – Sophie (Fichtner) Pooler, 93, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 1, 2024, in Largo, Florida, following a brief time in hospice care. Sophie was born on February 21, 1931, in Markt Schwaben, Germany, to Anna and Franz Fichtner.

Sophie met her future husband, Carleton W. Pooler, of Waterville, in 1954 during his military service in Germany. After marrying in 1955, they moved to Winslow where they made their home and raised a family.

In addition to her responsibilities at home, Sophie served as a Dialysis Technician, in Waterville hospitals for more than 35 years.

Sophie was known as a fabulous cook, specializing in schnitzel and rouladen always served with a beer. Sophie was passionate about her hobbies of needlepoint, knitting, and playing cards, enjoyed spending time with her friends, and loved traveling, especially to her favorite places, Germany, Hawaii, and Texas, to name a few.

Sophie is survived by her two children, Robert Pooler and his wife Jane, of Mt. Desert, and Carleton Pooler and his wife Paula, of Winslow; two grandchildren, Andrew Pooler and his wife Amy, of Ellsworth, and Ashley Pooler, of Winslow; two great-grandchildren, Brayden and Bella Pooler, of Ellsworth; and niece, Linde Wrigley, of Howell, Michigan.

Sophie was predeceased by her husband, Carleton in 2005; parents, Anna and Franz Fichtner; sister, Hildegard (Fichtner) Cunningham, sister-in-law, Geraldine “Gerry” Nimon.

A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m., on May 21, 2024, at the Maine Veterans Cemetery, located at 163 Mount Vernon Rd., Augusta, in the chapel.

WILLIAM E. MOSHER

BOLIVAR, Missouri – William E. Mosher, 84, formerly of Smithfield, died Friday, April 5, 2024, in Boliva, Missouri.

He graduated from Williams High School, in Oakland, became a corpsman in the U.S. Navy Reserves, married Nancy Guertin and started their family soon after.

He attended auctioneering school in Arkansas.

Billy was quite a character that lived a colorful life, his way. As the auctioneer and former co-owner, with his father, of the Somerset Auction Barn, in Smithfield, “Colonel Bill”, as he was fondly called, drew crowds of buyers, sellers and tire kickers every Sunday for many years. Many will recall how he made you feel the moment you stepped through the door. He would call out “welcome”, to you by name if he knew it, made everyone laugh either with you or at you, and direct you where to get your number to bid.

He kept the crowds entertained with his quick wit, big personality and friendly demeanor. Many drove hundreds of miles with livestock, antiques and junk in the back of their trucks to make a buck. He was touted as one of the best autioneers in the state.

Bill was an avid deer hunter and enjoyed many hunts in Maine with his brother, Dale, and in Missouri. He could tell you entertaining hunting stories from decades ago as if the hunt just happened. Of course, he never lost his love of buying and selling goods, always looking for the next money making opportunity.

He was predeceased by his parents, Merle Mosher and Betty Marshall Mosher; his sister, Lois Jean Mosher, and brother, Dale A. Mosher.

He is survived by his six children, Gary, Timothy, Jodie, Melissa, Marc and Vicki, along with their spouses and significant others; 12 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; sister Joan Butler and husband Jon; many nieces and nephews.

A graveside interment will take place at Southside Cemetery, in Skowhegan, at 9 a.m., Sunday, May 12, 2024, with a gathering to share memories at Fairview Grange #342, in the village of Smithfield, immediately following the service.