OBITUARIES for Thursday, August 15, 2024

RANDALL C. MORISSETTE

WINSLOW – Randall Clifford Morissette, 73, of Winslow, passed away on Wednesday, July 10, 2024. Randall was born on September 15, 1950, in Waterville, to Jeanette and Clifford Morissette.

He graduated from Waterville High School and went on to attend Southern Maine Vocational Technical Institute, where he earned a degree in Machine Tool Technology.

Randall was employed by the United States Postal Service, in Waterville, until his retirement.

Randall was an avid and accomplished outdoorsman who loved hunting and fishing. His most treasured memories were made when he was sharing his love of the outdoors with his dear friends, his children, and his grandchildren.

Randall was predeceased by his parents Jeanette and Clifford; and his brother, Steven.

Randall is survived by his daughters Amy (Patrick) Guerette and Christine (Ryan) Devoe; grandchildren Maeve Hutchinson, Jonas Hutchinson, Austin Devoe and Wyatt Devoe; stepdaughter, Jennifer (Craig) Hobbs and children Allyson, Emily and Nolan; sisters Diana (Gil) Poliquin and Jane Morissette; nieces Angela Cook and Lisa Dulac; and nephew, Paul Duperry; his former wife, Ann Carrigan.

A Celebration of Life gathering will be held on Sunday, August 25, 2024, at noon, at the Saint Bridget Center, in Vassalboro

RICHARD B. FOSTER

UNITY – Richard B. Foster “Pa”, 72, of Unity, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, July 20, 2024, at Thayer Hospital, in Waterville. Richard was born on April 1, 1952, in Skowhegan, the son of Edwin and Irene (Lindsey) Foster.

He was raised in Moscow at the family-owned Foster’s Camps. He graduated from Upper Kennebec Valley High School, in Bingham, in June 1971. Later, he attended Northern Maine Vocational Technical College, in Presque Isle, and graduated in June 1973. Richard then began a career in design drafting.

Growing up, he developed a very strong work ethic. He was a hard worker, whether it was cutting wood for teams of horses, surveying, working in the fire tower in Canaan, driving a truck, radar sighting, working on a farm, or in an office designing a house or hydro project. He was employed at Kelienschmidt Associates, in Pittsfield, Acheron, in Newport, Jim’s Coleslaw, in Unity, Larry Ward’s Farm, in Unity, and Depot Bottles’ Redemption, in Unity. He and Madeline met in September 1976 and have been together ever since.

Richard was predeceased by his parents; his grandparents, Edgar and Vera (Collins) Lindsey; his grandparents, George and Evelina Foster; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Norman and Alice (Bechard) Gervais; and his sister-in-law, Rita Gervais.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Madeline (Maddy) Gervais Foster, of Unity; his children, Michael R. Chiott, of Newport, Rose-Marie (Anthony) Bick, of Saint Albans, and Samantha Foster Wells (Michael Wells), of Fairfield; his grandchildren, BreAnna, Brandy, Ricky (Dani), Chadwick, Zenobia, Jace, and Heirdontias; his great-grandchildren, Cooper, Sarah, and Little Ricky III; his brother-in-law, Roger (RoxAnne) Gervais, of Randolph; five younger siblings, Michael (Sal) Foster, Scott Foster, Lee (Paula) Foster, Wanda Faith Foster, and Pamela (Randy) Locke; several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He held many offices in the Grange, in Bingham, Solon, and Troy. In Solon, he was a Cub Scout leader and a Boy Scout leader. He was the president of the Unity Pond Kanaukulus Club, a member of the Chess Club, in Waterville, and attended Colby College, in Waterville, for soccer coach training, eventually becoming a coach. As his grandchildren say, “If Pa can’t fix it, it can’t be done.” He was a jack of all trades.

His passion was spending time with family. He loved teaching his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren about hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, and anything to do with nature or the outdoors. Holidays with his grandchildren were always a special time. He tended to be the biggest kid in the group.

Richard lived life to the fullest. There was always an open door, a cup of coffee, a meal on the table, a sleeping bag, or someone to talk to; he was always there.

A celebration of life for Richard (Pa) will be held at New Hope Church, on Route 201, in Solon, at 1 p.m., on Saturday, August 17, 2024. Immediately following, there will be a small luncheon.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Giberson Funeral Home and Cremation Services. To leave a condolence for the family and to view the online obituary, please visit http://www.gibersonfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Pine Tree Camps, Attn: Lori Chesley, 114 Pine Tree Camps Road, Rome, ME 04963. Please include “In Memory of Richard “Pa” Foster” on the memo line of all checks.

PHYLLIS H. DUMAIS

WINSLOW – Phyllis H. Dumais, 83, passed away, in Farmington, on Saturday, July 27, 2024. She was born on June 8, 1941.

There will be a graveside burial on Friday, August 23, 2024, at 10 a.m., at Saint Francis Catholic Cemetery, in Waterville.

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

HAROLD J. MICHAUD

WINSLOW – Harold J. Michaud, 99, passed away at the Maine Veterans Home, in Augusta on Sunday, July 28, 2024. Better known as “Pete”, he was born on April 28, 1925, the son of Rosaire and Florida (Caron) Michaud, in Waterville.

Following graduation, he joined the U.S. Navy and served on three ships during World War II. He was a recipient of the World War II Victory Medal, the American Theatre Medal, Asiatic Pacific Theatre Medal three Stars, the Philippine Liberation Medal, and the European African Theatre Medal.

Among the many battles he saw, the two he recalled most were the taking of the Kwajalein Atoll and the battle to take Iwo Jima, shelling 40,000 rounds on the volcanic terrain while Kamikaze aircraft rained down on the invasion fleet. When the first Marine reached the summit of Mt. Suribachi and placed the American flag, he was there to celebrate.

When he returned to Maine he married the former Theresa Belanger on May 30, 1950. He was an avid hunter and tying flies and fishing were hobbies.

He was predeceased by his parents; spouse, Theresa; brother, Roland Michaud, and sisters Violette Meader, Lorette Clair, and Gloria Lewis.

Harold is survived by brother Joseph Michaud; sister Jacqueline Morin; as well as his many nieces, nephews; great-nieces, great-nephews.

“Period” – his favorite way to end conversations.

A memorial service was held at Maine Veterans Cemetery, on Monday, August 12, in the chapel, at 163 Mt. Vernon Ave., in Augusta.

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

DIANA M. BICKFORD

SOUTH CHINA – Diana M. Bickford, 43, died unexpectedly Saturday, August 3, 2024. She was born in Augusta on June 18, 1981, the daughter of Mark M. and Dorothy A. (Reynolds) Bickford.

Ms. Bickford was a graduate of Erskine Academy, in South China.

She was a self-employed painter, working with her mother at both commercial and residential job sites.

Ms. Bickford is survived by her parents, Mark M. and Dorothy A. (Reynolds) Bickford, of South China; five children, Alexee Littlefield, of South China, Mark Pilsbury, of Augusta, Joseph, Reed and Annebell Pilsbury, both of South China; two sisters, Tara Hembree and her husband Shawn, of West Gardiner, and Amy Corliss and her husband Jason, of Pittston; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

There will be no public visiting hours or funeral services. Burial will be at the convenience of the family.

Arrangements are under the care of Plummer Funeral Home, Windsor Chapel, 983 Ridge Rd., Rt. 32, Windsor, ME.

Condolences, stories and photos may be shared through the funeral home website at: http://www.plummerfh.com.

LAUREL L. VIGUE

FAIRFIELD – Laurel Lynn Vigue, 71, passed away unexpectedly at her home, in Fairfield, on Saturday, August 3, 2024. Laurel was born in Island Falls, in 195,3 to Auril L. Hartin and Stella M. Hartin.

Laurel’s life journey was marked by dedication, compassion, and a deep love for family and friends. Her early years laid the foundation for her remarkable career in nursing. After graduating from Kennebec Valley Community College (KVCC), in Fairfield, with a degree in nursing, she devoted over 30 years to caring for others at Oak Grove Nursing Home, Mount Saint Joseph’s, both in Waterville, and several other local nursing facilities. It was during that time she met many amazing people and forged lifelong friendships that she deeply cherished.

In her personal life, she was a beacon of joy and laughter, known for her tremendous sense of humor and a knack for making people smile. Her direct and sassy personality was a breath of fresh air, and she was adored by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Laurel’s heart was full of love for her family.

She was married to her husband, Richard Vigue, for 27 years. Laurel had three children and three grandchildren who were her pride and joy. Her grandchildren especially brought her immense happiness, and she cherished every moment she spent with them. She actively expressed an interest in their daily lives, which she demonstrated with unwavering support and involvement, such as frequent attendance at their sporting events.

Outside of her professional and family life, Laurel had a passion for reading and cooking. Her delicious pies were a staple at family gatherings and holiday dinners. She also had a special place in her heart for her two cats, Hootie and Stella, as well as her grandcats, Merle and Whitney.

Laurel’s family and wide circle of friends will remember her as a dynamic, caring soul who brought light into their lives. Her legacy of love, laughter, and support will continue to inspire and comfort those who knew and loved her, and her absence will forever leave a profound void in our hearts and lives.

Laurel was predeceased by her first husband, Charlie Weeks, both of her parents, a sister, Bonnie Dunphy, and her father-in-law, Donald Vigue.

Laurel is survived by her husband, Richard Vigue; her son, Christopher, and his wife Julie; her daughters, Stacy, and her husband Lance, and April, and her husband Keven; her grandchildren, Alexis, Zachary, and Ashley; her two brothers, Sterling Hartin and his wife Lori, and George Hartin and his wife Hayley; mother-in-law, Elverine Vigue; and numerous cousins; nieces; nephews; great-nieces, and great-nephews.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, August 15, at 11:30 a.m., at Wheeler Funeral Home, in Oakland, followed by a burial at Lewis Cemetery, in Oakland, and a reception at a location to be determined.

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

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Laurel’s name to the Humane Society WatervilleArea, 100 Webb Rd., Waterville, ME, 04901.

EDWARD L. POLLARD

PALERMO – Edward Leonard (Skip) Pollard, 75, passed away at home on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, following a long illness. He was born April 3, 1949, in Providence, Rhode Island, a son to Edward Sr. and Helen (Dwyer) Pollard.

After high school he attended North Eastern University X-Ray program through Roger Williams hospital, in Providence. At this time he joined the Rhode Island National Guard as a medic, training in California. Ed stayed with the guard for about four years.

He worked at Roger Williams hospital as a special procedures technologist from 1968 until 1973, when he became chief technologist at Newport hospital, in Newport, Rhode Island. This is where he met his wife Anna. They married in May 1976 and moved to the family farm, in Palermo. They led the “Good Life “: garden, horse, cow, pigs and chickens.

Skip was the proud and loving father to two children, Edward lll, and Allison.

For a few years, he would travel every other week to Rhode Island to work for a mobile X-Ray service. In 1980 the farm house burned down, and Skip went into the woods, cut logs, and in three years, had built a new home. He worked cutting fire wood to sell, hauling gravel, and trucking potatoes from the “County” to New York City.

In 1991 he returned to the radiology profession and worked at Kennebec Valley Medical Center and Maine Mobile MRI, until 2001 when he suffered a stroke.

Paralyzed in his right side, he was still able to walk so he went back to the woods and cut his own firewood. With help he added two decks to his home. He built a slide in camper and a Bucket-T hot rod. (He did a few drag races with it and won).

Skip was adventurous, he was a skier, SCUBA diver, learned to fly a plane, and crossed this country twice on his Harley-Davidson.

His greatest joys in this world were his two grandchildren, Scarlett May Pollard and Ella Marie Murphy. No matter how bad he was feeling these two girls brought light into his life.

Skip was predeceased by his grandparents, his parents Edward Sr. and Helen, and his nephew Isaac J. Pollard.

He is survived by his wife Anna; his son Edward lll and partner Nancy Crockett; daughter Allison and husband Mark Murphy; his brothers Wayne Pollard and wife Margie, and Jerry Pollard; and sister-in-law Stephanie Pollard; and niece’s Kelly and Lindsey.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, August 24, 2024, at 11 a.m., at the Palermo Christian church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Harold Alfond Center for Cancer Care. Memories and condolences may be shared at ripostafh.com.

JEFFREY C. NEWMAN

WINDSOR – Jeffrey C. Newman, 67, of Windsor, passed away peacefully, on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, at his home.

Jeff was raised in Augusta, graduated Cony High School in 1975 and obtained a bachelor of science degree in business at the University of Maine in Augusta. He joined the U.S. Army after high school and served in the cavalry, stationed in Germany.

Jeff was avid outdoorsman, he loved hunting, fishing and especially snowmobiling in the Moosehead Lake area. He also enjoyed playing his guitars, going to local open mic nights and “jamming” with his friends. Some of his happiest times were swimming with his grandchildren at his home on the lake.

He was predeceased by his father, Donald Newman, mother Joan (Poulin) Newman, and brother Scott Newman.

Jeff is survived by his wife Frances (Gingrow) Newman; his two sons, Christopher, of Gardiner, and Daniel, of Palermo; grandchildren, Cooper Newman, Willow Newman, and Rowan Newman; sisters Lisa Shelton and her partner Mark Daniele, of Pownal, and Deborah and husband Kenneth Deck, of Sandpoint, Idaho; and several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of his life will be held on Friday, August 16, from 1 – 3 p.m., at the Western View Golf Course and Pub, 130 Bolton Hill Road, Augusta, Maine.

Arrangements are in the care of Knowlton & Hewins Funeral Home and Cremation Care, One Church St., Augusta, where memories, condolences and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of our website at http://www.khrfuneralhomes.com.

SHIRLEY S. DUNLAP

SIDNEY – Shirley Smith Dunlap, 92, died on Wednesday, August 7, 2024. She was born in Waterville in 1932 and lived the first half of her life in Norridgewock.

Then Shirley and her husband, Harold, moved to Sidney, where she lived for nearly 50 years. Harold died in 2019 ending a 71-year marriage.

Although she was never the fix-it or the financial director in the marriage, she adapted when she had to. In her late 80s, she learned about, and handled, the household finances, and became handy enough to live on her own for years. She never quite mastered the computer but did have a cell phone and became proficient in the use of the TV remote (no easy task).

Shirley had a large extended family, being one of five children. She became quite self-sufficient early of necessity, helping raise her younger siblings since both of her parents worked. She became then, and remained, a wonderful cook. Her general cooking was fantastic, but among her two children, and her 21 nieces and nephews, her four siblings, and her four grandchildren, her cakes, and especially pie crusts (perfect every time), were legendary. They do not know it yet, but her ten great-grandchildren missed out on something special, never having tasted her dessert cooking.

Very high on her list of favorite things were family gatherings and holiday dinners. She would, almost single-handedly, put on incredible feasts for large numbers of people without a hitch. Until very recently, she would accept only limited help in her kitchen on these occasions. Anyone who has tried to put on a big event involving the preparation and serving of food to many people knows the skill, dedication, and determination it takes. Shirley had all that, and more.

When her children were young, she worked at Riverside Market, in Norridgewock, which was as far as the children were concerned, the best job ever, with a penny candy after school every day. She moved on and worked for LaVerdiere’s Drug Store, in the purchasing department, for almost 30 years. When LaVerdiere’s was bought out by Rite Aid in the nin’90s, she retired. Upon retirement, she and Harold amazed everyone by how much mileage they put on their cars then. Much of it was at least several trips a week to Yarmouth to be involved in her grandchildren’s lives and activities.

Shirley is survived by two children, Mark (Martha), of Yarmouth, and Jayne, of Winslow; four grandchildren, Nate (Jessica), of Burke, Virginia, Amos (Corina), of Falmouth, Lucas (Melissa), of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Maggie Keeshan (Connor), of Old Greenwich, Connecticut; and ten great-grandchildren.

In accordance with her wishes, there will be no funeral.

Please visit Shirley’s memorial page at https://dsfuneral.com/obituaries/shirley-dunlap-2024 where condolences, photos, and special memories may be shared.

CARMELA P. GREENE

SIDNEY – Carmela (Palmieri) Greene, 93, passed away peacefully, in Hallowell, on Wednesday, August 7, 2024. “Mimi” was born on May 13, 1931, in the Bronx, New York, the fifth and last surviving of six children of Joseph and Michelina “Margaret” (Milano) Palmieri, both infant Sicilian immigrants.

In the 1940s she moved with her family to Waterville.

On April 17, 1948, she married John Greene, of East Madison, where they lived and raised a family until 2010 when they moved to Sidney. Mimi adapted quickly to life away from the city and was active in her new community in the East Madison Fire Department Auxiliary and other social and fundraising groups.

Her life revolved around their five children whose ages spanned 14 years, but she also worked periodically as a waitress and a shoe inspector in nearby Skowhegan. In 1983 she finally achieved her goal of obtaining a diploma from Skowhegan Area High School.

With their children out of school or in college, Mimi and John bought a home in a park in Plant City, Florida, in 1988 and became snowbirds for the next 30 years. There she developed new and lasting friendships, was a Red Hat and an avid reader, and enjoyed hosting family excursions, crafting with her neighbors and church friends, and helping with clubhouse holiday dinners.

After John began treatment for a chronic illness, he and Mimi settled in Sidney with their daughter and son-in-law and were both able to enjoy the early years and newer arrivals of eight great-grandchildren (Kelsey, Kayleigh, Noah, Micah, Madeline, Graysen, Olivia and Sterling). Mimi devoted herself to caring for her husband until his death in 2016, after nearly 68 years of marriage. She later saw the addition of two more great-grandchildren (Sophie and Hendrix) and a great-great-grandson (Evander).

Mimi remained self-sufficient in her in-law apartment until 2020 when she entered assisted living in Hallowell during Covid-restricted visitations. However, she brought with her memories of long-time and rekindled friendships and became adept at using Facebook Messenger to stay in touch with family, especially her daughter who contacted her daily.

Mimi’s deep love for her family was apparent, especially her joy at seeing the pictures of young ones and her laughter at wise cracking from her older “children.” She listened intently and without judgment to stories about their happiness and disappointments.

Mimi was predeceased by her husband, John; a granddaughter, Nikki Grayling; her parents; and five siblings: brothers Christopher, Michael, and John, and sisters Mary Laury, and Frances Antoncich.

She is survived by her five children, a daughter, Becky Greene (and husband Peter Grant), of Waterville; and four sons, Daniel (and partner Sue Palakawong), of Sidney, Garry (and wife Chris), of Saco, Allen (and wife Janice), of Woolwich, and Vincent (and partner Julie Foster), of Brunswick; seven grandchildren, Richard Greene, Melissa (Greene) Young, Jonathan Greene, Nathan Greene, Joseph Greene, and Jasmin Greene; and a step-grandson Brandon Grant; ten great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; and many nieces and nephews.

A service and committal at Maine Veterans Cemetery, in Augusta, will be held on a date to be determined.

Death Notices

CAROLL S. WEEKS SR.

PITTSFIELD – Caroll S. Weeks Sr., 79, of Pittsfield, passed away on Tuesday, August 6, 2024. Arrangements through Dan and Scott’s, in Skowhegan.

JOSEPH E. ROBINIA

WATERVILLE – Joseph E. Robinia, 81, of Waterville, passed away Wednessday, August 7, 2024. Arrangements through Dan and Scott’s, in Skowhegan.