OBITUARIES for Thursday, August 10, 2023

BETTY J. WHITAKER

WATERVILLE – Betty J. Reid Whitaker, 78, peacefully passed away, Thursday, July 6, 2023, following a long courageous battle with COPD. She was born April 17, 1945, the daughter of Arthur and Dorothy (Gerald) Reid.

Betty loved spending time with family and friends. She especially enjoyed playing cribbage at Seton Village with her closest friends Mary, Talie, and Jean. She also couldn’t wait for Mondays to spend the day with her four sisters knitting and sewing, but mostly just chatting and enjoying dessert.

Betty is survived by her children, Selene (Bill) Genovese, of Connecticut, Howard “Bub” (Liza) Whitaker, of Detroit, Basil (Jennie) Barnes, and Ricky (Dawn) Barnes of Albion; many grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews; brothers George (Judy) Reid and Alan (Sandy) Reid; and sisters, Shirley (David) Gifford, Jane Chamberlain, Verna Goodwin, and Gail (Sheldon) Dudley.

She was predeceased by her parents; brothers Paul and Arthur (Joe) Reid, and brothers-in-law Sherwood Chamberlain and Wyman Goodwin.

A celebration of life was held Sunday, August 6, at her sister’s house, in Waterville.

MADELEINE E. JACHE

CHINA – Madeleine E. Jache, 89, of Manchester, New Hampshire, died Wednesday, July 26, 2023 at home. She was born on June 15, 1934, in Derry, New Hamposhire.

Madeleine enjoyed her family, whether at home or at camp; crafting with her grandchildren and great grandchildren, enjoyed knitting and crocheting blankets and sweaters. She looked forward to solving the daily newspaper puzzles, and she was a huge Elvis Presley fan. She bowled at Lakeside Lanes and golfed. At camp she enjoyed hiking, snowmobiling, badminton and sitting by the camp fire making the best Hobo pies.

She is survived by her husband of 68 years, Lawrence F. Jache, of Manchester, New Hampshire; her children Debra Fischer, of China, Brenda Boisvert, of Winter Haven, Florida, and James Jache, of Derry, New Hampshire; eight grandchildren Jennife (Fischer) Greenleaf, Michael Fischer, Matthew Fischer, Tania (Boisvert) Wrzeszcz, Jessica (Boisvert) Borkush, Noah Blodgett, Alayna Blodgett and Logan Blodgett; nine great-grandchildren Tanner Greenleaf Aidan Greenleaf, Hailey Fischer, Cassidy Fischer, Lucas Fischer, Rachael Wrzeszcz, Emily Wrzeszcz, Alexis Ostman and Chloe Borkush; thre brothers Kenneth Chase, Henry Chase and Albert (Skip) Chase Jr.; several cousins, nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents Albert E. Chase Sr and Mildred (Brewer) Chase, of Derry, New Hampshire, and her daughter Elaine Blodgett, of Manchester, New Hampshire.

A celebration of life was held at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 673 Weston Road, Manchester, New Hampshire, by Rev. Donald Colageo, on Saturday, August 5, 2023.

CRAIG H. QUIMBY

SWANTON, Vermont – Craig H. Quimby, 57, passed away on Monday, July 17, 2023, following a long illness. Craig was born, in Waterville, on April 22, 1966, to Carroll and Charlene Quimby.

He was rais­ed in Albion. After he graduated from Lawrence High School, in Fairfield, he went on to study at Vermont Tech, and then transferred to the University of Maine at Orono to study animal science. He was a brother of Alpha Gamma Rho.

Craig held a variety of jobs over the years, but always enjoyed dairy farming the most. Craig enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, gardening, and spending time with his family and friends. Craig believed everyone should enjoy the present and live life to the fullest.

In 2007 Craig moved to Vermont to be with the love of his life, Stacey Haskins. They enjoyed many adventures together and raised their beloved animals.

Craig was predeceased by his mother, Charlene Quimby; and nephew, Eben Quimby.

Craig is survived by the love of his life, Stacey Haskins; his father, Carroll Quimby; brother, Charlie Quimby and his wife Gail, of Albion; sisters, Carla Nielsen and her husband Howard, and Carrie Griffin and her husband David, all of Albion; nephews, Lawrence Quimby and his wife Heather and their children Austin and Brooke, of Hodgdon, Zachary Quimby and his wife Ashley and their children Ryleigh and Reagan, of Albion, Paul Griffin and his partner Morgan Lane and their children Arabella and Tucker, of Albion, Patrick Griffin and his wife Courtney and their children Waylon and Avreigh, of Littleton, and Matthew Nielsen and his wife Betsy, of Benton; nieces, Meagan Nielsen and her children Hallie and Finn, of Benton, Chelsea McKeen and her husband Ryan, of Lakeland, Florida, Jennifer Griffin, of Albion, and Marsha Quimby, of Albion.

A Celebration of Life will be held on September 9, 2023, at noon, at Craig’s father’s home, 358 Quimby Road, Albion, Maine.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Craig’s memory to the charity of your choice.

KATHERINE G. BROWN

NORRIDGEWOCK – Katherine Gertrude Brown, 74, passed away on Friday, July 28, 2023. She was born in Waterville on April 28, 1949, the daughter of Charles H. and Beatrice (Latulippe) Robinson.

She was a loving and caring wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, and friend.

She was predeceased by her parents, three brothers, and six sisters.

Kathy is survived by her husband Richard; her daughters, Beatrice Laughlin and her husband Christopher, of Louisiana, Rita Brown, of Waterville, and Priscilla Brown, of Emden; four grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; one sister, Mary Nader and her husband Joe, of Winslow; many nieces and nephews.

At the request of Kathy, there will be no services.

ROSAIRE J. ROSSIGNOL

WATERVILLE – Rosaire J. Rossignol, 81, of Waterville, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 30, 2023, at MaineGeneral Medical Center. He was born October 10, 1941, the son of Antoine and Cecile (Roy) Rossignol.

He attended Mt. Saint Charles in Rhode Island, and got his business degree from Thomas College, inWaterville.

Rosaire married the love of his life Carmelle on May 22, 1965. He was a loving husband, father and pépère. His daughters have fond memories of camping, fishing, chip and dip Sundays and his special popcorn. Rosaire enjoyed traveling with his wife to many places but his favorite was to Las Vegas, Nevada, where he would find a special bench and watch Carmelle spend their money on the slots. He also enjoyed gardening, reading and visiting relatives in Canada. He had a very special bond with his nieces and nephews from Canada.

Rosaire was predeceased by his parents and wife Carmelle.

He is survived by his four daughters, Renee Pellerin and husband Craig, of Oakland, Nicole Clavette and her husband Russ, of Sidney, Monique Stanley and her husband Levi, of Fairfield, and Simone Goodspeed and her husband Andy, of Fairfield; four grandchildren, Emily and Tyler Pellerin, Ashley and Timothy Clavette; his brother Robert Rossignol and sister-in-law Rebecca Rossignol; his sister Bernadette Poitrais; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Rosaire will be held this Saturday, August 12, 2023, at 11 a.m., at Notre Dame Catholic Church, 116 Silver St., in Waterville, followed by a burial at St. Francis Cemetery. Please visit http://www.VeilleuxFuneralHome.com to share your memories and condolences with the Rossignol family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Winslow Community Cupboard, 12 Lithgow St., Winslow, ME 04901.

LAWRENCE JENNEY

OAKLAND – Lawrence “Knobby” Jenney, 88, of Oakland, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 31, 2023, at the Togus VA Medical Center, in Au­gusta.

Knobby finally lost a courageous battle against an illness that plagued him for the past few years, but it was the loss of that battle that allowed him to go to a place where he could reunite with his loved ones that passed before him.

Knobby served his country honorably in the United States Army, in Korea, from 1952 – 1955, and returned home to college to earn an accounting degree. He owned numerous businesses throughout his life which included a store at the location of the current Belgrade Post Office and a business hauling gravel, and backhoe and bulldozer work. He later worked many years in the paving industry for Tilcon Construction Co., during the spring, summer and fall and then worked in the woods during the winters. Knobby was never afraid of long hours and hard work.

Knobby was a member of the American Legion Post #51 in Oakland. He was loved and respected by all that knew him there. It was at this post that he found the family and friends that kept him going and made him happy in his latter years after his wife Mary died. Without the support of his friends and family at this Legion post, his final years would not have been as bright as they were.

He was predeceased by his wife MaryEllen Jenney, his stepson Christopher Couture, and his parents, Margaret and Louis Jenney, his brothers Douglas Jenney and Gordon (Oscar) Jenney and his sisters Katherine (Kay) Bradley and Eleanor Peck.

Knobby is survived by his sister Lucille Nickless, of Belgrade; numerous nieces and nephews; step-children and grandchildren, in which he played an enormous role in their upbringing and success in life.

A graveside service with military honors was held at the Pine Grove Cemetery, in Belgrade, on Saturday, August 5.

A celebration of Knobby’s life was held at the Oakland American Legion Post #51 on Sunday, August 6.

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

WARDENA WILLETTE

WATERVILLE – Wardena Willette, 89, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 3, 2023. She was born July 23, 1934, in Waterville to Ward Milton and Mae (Bernard) Milton.

Dena was a proud graduate of Waterville High School, class of 1954. Although, she became a diehard Winslow Black Raiders fan watching her children grow.

She married Robert Willette in 1958, together they raised four children.

Dena held many jobs in her lifetime including Milton’s Vending Service, C. F. Hathaway Shirt Co., both in Waterville, and teachers aide, but her favorite job was mother and grandmother. She loved to cook all their favorite meals, laughing playing card games and watching game shows.

Dena loved spending time with her family and friends. She followed every activity her children and grandchildren participated in. Countless hours spent at ball fields, cold hockey rinks and gymnasiums. Watching them excel were moments she wouldn’t trade for anything.

She was predeceased by her parents, stepfather Ernest Boulette, sister Virginia Howard, brother Lewis Milton, and in-laws Peter and Alice Willette.

She is survived by her three sons, Robert and Sue Willette, Scott and Tina Willette, Greg and Jean Willette; her daughter Lori and Todd Fredette; her 10 grandchildren Hyemi and Matt Draheim, Jake and Mallory Willette, Megan Willette and partner Luis Cotto, Nathan and Meghan Willette, Shawn Willette and partner Cathryn Gage Thurston, Eric, Ryan, and Brady Willette, Luke and Cameron Fredette; seven great-grandchildren, Noah, Harper and Finley Draheim, Lydia and Dean Willette, Noah Jello and Levi Willette; one sister Clare Milton.

Visting hours will be Friday, August 11, from 4 – 6 p.m., at Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm Street, Waterville. An online guestbook may be signed condolences and memories shared at http://www.gallfh.com.

DANA A. BRADFORD II

CLINTON – Dana Andrew Bradford II, 44, passed away at Maine Medical Center, in Portland. He was born May 29, 1979, to the late Dana Bradford I and Kim Bradford. He graduated from Lawrence High School, in Fairfield, in 1998, and went to Kennebec Valley Community College (KVCC), also in Fairfield, and received his lineman’s certification. After school, Dana worked at various jobs most often in carpentry. Anyone who worked with him knew he was a hard worker and knew how to get things done right.

He loved antiques, especially old books and bottles. He would collect treasures and to share them with friends and family. He was a friendly, kind soul who would give the shirt off his back. He was kind to his neighbors, always helping out, whether doing errands, odd jobs or even building a garage.

Dana was very religious and loved Jesus as a good friend and savior. He would talk about scripture often and enjoyed old country and contemporary Christian music.

Dana is survived by his mother, Kim Bradford; sisters, Amy Jorgensen and husband William, and Trina Bradford; nieces, Libbi, Emma, Miah, Sarah; nephews, Johnny and Bradford; great-niece and nephew, Luna and Nathan; aunts, uncles and many cousins.

He was predeceased by his father Dana Bradford I; and his maternal and paternal grandparents.

A service will be held August 12, 2023 at 11 a.m. at Calvary Chapel in Fairfield Maine.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Arise Addiction Recovery, P.O. Box 353, Machias, ME 04654.

OVID W. THIBODEAU
AUDREY M. THIBODEAU

FAIRFIELD – Ovid W. Thibodeau, 92, passed away on August 4, 2018. Ovid was born on December 27, 1925, in Fairfield. He was the son of the late Louis Thibodeau and Rose Cyr. Ovid was the youngest of 14 siblings. He attended Fairfield schools then served three years in the U.S. Navy during World War II, on the USS Gum Tree.

Audrey M. Thibodeau, 96, passed away on Wednesday, August 2, 2023. Audrey was born on January 24, 1927, in Boston, Massachusetts. She was the daughter of the late Arnold Larsen and Sadie Hunter. Audrey was the oldest of six children. She attended Fairfield schools. She met and married Ovid W. Thibodeau just before his discharge from the Navy and together they raised three children.

Audrey worked for many years at Sisters Hospital, Seton Hospital and retired from Thayer Hospital as a Nurse’s Aide, all in Waterville.

Ovid worked at Hollingsworth and Whitney Paper Co., later known as Scott Paper Company, in Winslow, from where he retired.

Ovid and Audrey are survived by their three children, Jane, of Winslow, Garold and his wife Becky, of Albion, and Lawrence and his wife Anne-Marie, of Winslow; six grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews.

Ovid loved gardening, bowling, golfing and fishing. He loved swimming in his pool and enjoyed backyard grilling for his grandchildren.

Audrey loved dancing, dining out with her friends, collecting stamps, taking pictures and researching family genealogy.

Ovid and Audrey were married 73 years.

There will be a private graveside service at the North Fairfield Friends Cemetery.

Arrangements will be provided by Gallant Funeral Home in Waterville.

TINA LUNN

KENDUSKEAG – Tina Lunn was born in Waterville, June 26, 1971. Her maiden name was Folsom. She was the daughter of Patricia Higgins and Eugene Folsom, both deceased.

She is survived by her three sons, Timothy Lunn and wife Eva, and their two daughters, Audra and Addy, Mathew and wife Kayla and their children, Isabella, Joseph, and Katherine, and Michael Lunn with Josie Byron and daughters, Alex and Tempi; and special mention of Ryan, Kyle, Dustin, and Donny Lunn, who she also considered her sons; her sister, Terrie Randall and husband James; and her niece and nephew, Jenifer and Tyler.

Her graveside service will be on Saturday, August 12, at 2 p.m., in the Lewis Cemetery, in Oakland.

KEITH HARRIS

BENTON – Keith passed away doing what he enjoyed the most, riding his motorcycle. He was born in Skowhegan, son to Donald and Marion Harris of Norridgewock.

He graduated from Pioneer Valley Academy, in New Braintree, Massachusetts. He then joined the U.S. Army, serving our country from 1969-1971.

Upon his return, he worked with his father at Don’s Small Engine, in Norridgewock.

Keith also graduated Kennebec Valley Community College, in Fairfield, with his daughter, Tawnya McLean. They were the first father/daughter duo to graduate together in 1994.

He was a welder for Bath Iron Works (BIW), and worked with Bob Johnson, in Clinton, in the woods with large machinery. Before retiring, he finished out his career at Cascade Iron Works, in Clinton.

Keith was a longtime member of AA, recently celebrating 12 years of sobriety.

Keith is survived by the love of his life, his wife, Mary Lord Tracy. He enjoyed raising their children, enjoying their grandchildren, traveling and NASCAR. He is also survived by his daughter, Tawnya and Mike McLean and grandchildren, Desiree Willette, Emily McLean and David Willard; son Donald Emery and grandchildren Donnie and Ava; son David “Joe” and Suneva Ware and grandchildren, Brian and Taiya; son Edward James (Ej) Tracy and Kelly McCormak; step-daughter, Trisha and John Federovich and grandchildren Jackson and Jonah; and his sisters Becky and Bob Wilmont and Bonnie Harris Pelletier; and many nieces and nephews.

Keith was predeceased by his parents, and his brother, Larry Harris.

A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m., on Friday, August 18, at The Maine Veterans Cemetery, in Augusta, 163 Mount Vernon Road, Augusta, Maine, 04330.

On Saturday, August 19, 2023, at 2 p.m., all are welcome to attend a Celebration Of Life, for Keith, at The Victor Grange, 144 Oakland Rd., Fairfield, Maine 04937.

In lieu of flowers, Keith would appreciate donations be made to donate.k9sforwarriors.org.

PATRICK D’ALONZO

WATERVILLE – Patrick D’Alonzo, 53, of Waterville, died unexpectedly following a lengthy illness.

Patrick was a great lover of animals, especially his cats Vita and Mariah.

Patrick was predeceased by his father, Michael D’Alonzo.

Patrick is survived by his mother, Janice D’Alonzo; sisters, Anne D’Alonzo and Mary Beth D’Alonzo; sister-in-law, Molly Timmerman.

He was born in Kirkwood, Missouri, educated at the University of South Alabama and Mt. Ida College. He returned to Waterville, where he was a lifelong resident.

Visitation will be held at Gallant Funeral Home on Thursday August 10, 2023, from 4 – 6 p.m.

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

Donations can be made to the Humane Society Waterville Area, 100 Webb Rd., Waterville, ME 04901.