OBITUARIES for Thursday, August 28, 2025

CATHY SELUKE

SIDNEY – Cathy Seluke, 73, passed away peacefully at home in Sidney, on Sunday, August 3, 2025. Cathy was born on February 9, 1952, in Caribou.

Cathy faced her eight-year journey with ovarian cancer with remarkable resilience and positivity.

A dedicated nurse, Cathy earned both her LPN and RN degrees from the University of Maine Nursing School. She spent 45 years at MaineGeneral Health, serving in various departments until her illness no longer allowed. Her commitment to caring for others left a lasting mark on colleagues and patients alike.

Traveling and reading brought happiness to Cathy’s soul. She had an incredible mind and could answer every question on “Jeopardy” instantly. a lifelong lover of animals, she and Bill rescued many dogs and cats over the years. In recent years she joined “Love on a Leash” that trained her along with her most recent rescue dog Coraline to visit libraries in the area to read to children.

Her passion for genealogy led to a headstone dedication in July 2024, honoring the Conroy ancestors buried in South Portland, a result of years of meticulous research tracing their emigration from County Galway to Ellis Island in 1851. Two unforgettable trips taken to Ireland in 2017 and 2018 with family members including her Conroy cousins cemented her love for Ireland’s people and her Irish heritage. Her favorite holiday was Halloween, and her house was a beacon for the neighborhood kids as she dressed up (sometimes as Glinda the Good Witch), decorated the front steps with ghosts, smoking cauldrons, and gave out individual bags of treats.

Cathy was an amazingly strong person. She was warm, kind, intelligent and caring, and a beautiful human being. She will never be forgotten by friends and family who will miss her deeply.

For 43 years, Cathy was married to the love of her life, her husband, William “Bill” Seluke. Her extended family includes brother-in-law Michael Seluke; niece Gretchen Seluke; brother-in-law Paul Seluke; sister-in-law Pam Seluke and her husband; sister Sharon (Lovely) Lambert; brother-in-law Michael Lambert; niece Nicole Lambert; and nephew Kyle Lambert.

She was predeceased by her parents, Ethel M. (Conroy) Lovely and Robert A. Lovely of Oakland.

A Celebration of Life honoring Cathy will be held at a later date.

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 in Cathy’s name may be made to the Humane Society Waterville Area, 100 Webb Road, Waterville, Maine 04901.

BRIAN A. JACQUES

WATERVILLE – Brian A. Jacques, 65, passed away on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, following a tough battle with ALS, or Lou Gerhig’s disease. Brian was the youngest of his siblings, born on September 18,1959, the same birthday as his oldest brother, Paul. He was the son of Fernand and Jeanne Labbe Jacques.

Born in Waterville, he graduated from Waterville High School in 1978 and was hired by Colby College right out of high school. In February of 1979, he went to work for Scott Paper Company, in Winslow, and stayed on with Sappi, in Hinckley. After he resigned from Sappi in 1997, he started his own business, Home and Yard Maintenance Plus. Brian was hit head on in an automobile accident that left him with PTSD and other physical injuries which forced him to close his business.

Brian was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was a member of the Maine Big Buck Club, the Fish That Did Not Get Away Club with an 8-pound plus brook trout from Moosehead Lake, and a member of the National Wild Turkey Long Beard Society. His home was filled with many trophies he had mounted over the years. He was also trail master of Central Maine Snowmobile Club. For many years he was avid golfer, mostly at Natanis Golf Course.

Brian is survived by his oldest brother Paul, his brothers Reginald with wife Janice and their two sons, Joseph with wife Traci, and Joshua, Roger, with his sons Justin with wife Tia and Michael with wife Gwen and their two boys, Samuel and Ben; his sister Janet Weeks and her husband Chris and their daughter Amanda, with her children Wyatt and Mikaela and their son, Christopher; his aunts Lorraine Cook and Nancy Jacques, as well as many cousins.

He was predeceased by his parents, both sets of grandparents, Arthur and Noella Jacques and Wilbur and Euphemie Labbe and his cousins, Dan Jacques and Chuck Shorty.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Tuesday September 9, at Notre Dame Church, Silver Street, in Waterville, at 10 a.m. Please dress casually for Brian.

Donations in Brian’s memory may be sent to Sisters of Blessed Sacrament, 101 Silver St., Waterville, ME 04901.

EILEEN L. HOWARD

FAIRFIELD – Eileen Lois Howard, 88, of Fairfield, passed away on Friday, August 15, 2025, at the Alfond Center for Health, in Augusta. Born in Rockland, on November 23, 1936, to Angelo and Dorothy (Cummings) Howard, Eileen spent her life dedicated to her family, her work, and her community.

Eileen made her mark early on, graduating from Union High School in 1955. She then embarked on a fulfilling career as an accountant for the State of Maine, where she served 31 years until her retirement.

Beyond her professional life, Eileen was an active and beloved figure in her local community. She was a past member of the Augusta Church of the Nazarene serving on the church board, Sunday School Superintendent and participating in the choir. She later joined the Fairfield Church of the Nazarene and was a cherished member. Her dedication to service also extended to the Senior Adult Ministries.

In her free time, Eileen was a passionate athlete, participating in the Augusta women’s softball league and enjoying basketball and candlepin bowling. Eileen also loved to travel, often around the northeastern United States and Canada and embarking on alpine tours.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Angelo and Dorothy Howard, and two brothers Dwight and Bobby Howard.

Eileen is survived by her sister, Ivah White; eight nephews, Jeff, Mark, Thomas, Amos, Michael, and Richard White, and Gregory and Ronald Howard; three nieces, Suzanne Young, Elizabeth Lane, and Susan Morris; sister-in-law Nancy Howard.

A memorial service for family and friends will be held at the Fairfield Church of the Nazarene, 81 Main Street, Fairfield, on Monday, September 8, 2025, at 11 a.m. The service will be officiated by her long-time friend Rev. Bill Young and her pastor Rev. Peter Roy. There will be a graveside service at the Union Common Cemetery, Ayer Hill Road, Union, directly following the memorial service at approximately 1:15 p.m.

Share memories of her on the memorial page at http://www.khrfuneralhomes.com and to upload any photos that capture the spirit of this remarkable woman. Eileen’s life was rich with love, service, and adventure, and we look forward to celebrating her in all the ways she touched our lives.

Arrangements and guidance are in the care of Knowlton & Hewins Funeral Home and Cremation Care, One Church Street, Augusta, Maine 04330

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been set up in Eileen’s memory. The money raised will go towards children going to kids’ camp. You may donate by sending a check to Fairfield Church of the Nazarene, P.O. Box 146, Fairfield, ME 04937 or, go to YourMainStreetChurch.com, and click on her name in the giving section.

MARYELLEN M. TRAVERS

SKOWHEGAN – Maryellen Malbon Travers, 70, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, August 15, 2025, following a long two-year battle with pancreatic cancer. Maryellen was born March 15, 1955, in Skowhegan to Glennis and Russell Malbon.

She graduated from Skowhegan High School in 1974. Maryellen was married to her husband, Tony Travers, for 49 years. She worked at several different banks and credit unions. However, her pride and joy was when she and Tony had Malbon’s Mills Greenhouse for 11 years, meeting many lifelong friends along the way. Maryellen enjoyed camping, fishing, hunting and cross-country skiing.

She was predeceased by her parents; and brothers Rusty and Jimmy.

Maryellen is survived by her sisters Jane with her husband Bob Smith and Lucinda Malbon with her husband, Bob Tgettis; as well as many nieces and nephews.

The funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at 11 a.m., at Christ the King Parish Catholic Church, in Skowhegan, followed immediately by a Celebration of Life at the American Legion Post #16, in Skowhegan.

Funeral arrangements have been made through Somerset Valley Remembrance Center.

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

In lieu of flowers, those who wish to remember Maryellen in a special way may make gifts in her memory to: the Pancreatic Cancer fund

DR. BRIAN SHEA

SIDNEY – Dr. Brian Shea, 69, passed away peacefully, on Tuesday, August 19, 2025. Brian was born to the late Anna and Donald Shea on March 21, 1956, in Orlando, Florida.

He graduated from Portsmouth High School in 1974, where he began lifelong friendships playing football and pond hockey. He went on to attend the University of New Hampshire, earning a degree in physical education in 1978. Brian’s love of learning and natural curiosity carried his academics from New Hampshire to Michigan, to Philadelphia — which held a special place in his heart — and London before ultimately leading him to Dartmouth Medical School, where he earned his medical degree in 1989.

Brian’s love for cardiology and his dedication to his patients were unwavering throughout his 36-year career. He poured his heart into every patient he treated, never taking for granted the privilege of caring for others. Even on days off and vacations, he could often be found with a cup of coffee in hand, reading the latest medical journals to stay at the forefront of his field. Brian was especially thrilled to have recently begun a new role at Redington-Fairview General Hospital, in Skowhegan. Whenever Brian’s colleagues spoke of him, one theme always stood out: his interactions with patients. His compassion, sincerity, and graciousness left a lasting impression, inspiring everyone around him.

Family was the center of Brian’s world. He adored his children, cherished his friendships, and deeply loved his wife, Terry, whom he married on September 23, 2023, after 10 beautiful years together. He was overjoyed to become a grandfather, “Poppy,” in January, a role that filled him with immense pride. Some of his fondest memories were made while traveling with family: ski trips to Colorado, beach vacations, adventures in New York City and Montreal, visiting friends in England, and time with loved ones in Virginia and Washington D.C. Outside of family life, Brian was an avid cyclist who loved his daily rides through the back roads of Maine, and a talented hockey player who relished the challenge of keeping up with younger teammates in his men’s league well into his 60s. Brian also had a love for animals, and some of his happiest winter days were spent skating laps on the backyard pond while his dog, Sofie, chased after him.

Brian faced chronic illness for many years with optimism and strength, and his resilience was both admired and deeply inspiring to others on similar journeys. He was profoundly grateful to his clinicians at Lahey Clinic for their dedication and care over the last three decades, and to the organ donors and their families who gave the ultimate gift of life when he received two life-saving liver transplants in 1991. His family will forever cherish the 34 additional years they were given with him because of organ donation.

Brian is survived by his wife, Terry Shea; his three children, Brian, Tessa, and Leanna Shea; his grandson, Finn Russell; his nieces and nephew, Clara (Shea) Totten, Ellie (Shea) Lanigan, and Maxfield Shea.

Visitation will be held on Friday, August 29, from 4 to 7 p.m., at Veilleux Redington Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, located at 8 Elm St., in Waterville. A funeral service will follow on Saturday, August 30, at 2 p.m., at the same location.

In lieu of flowers, Brian’s family asks for those whose health allows to consider registering to become an organ donor at http://www.donatelife.net. For those who wish to make a charitable contribution in his honor, donations to the Waterville Humane Society (www.hswa.org) would be a meaningful way to celebrate his love for animals.

FRANCES N. FAXON

PALERMO – Frances Nelson Flye Faxon, 88, of Palermo, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 23, 2025. She was born on November 18, 1936, in Palermo, the daughter of Ruby Nelson Elliott and Maynard Nelson, and stepdaughter of Henry “Al” Elliott.

On March 17, 1956, she married Cecil Flye, and together they raised four daughters and a foster son in their Palermo home.

Frances worked 26 years as a cook at Erskine Academy, in South China, alongside her sister, Ann Childs, and often said these were some of the happiest years of her life. Later, she enjoyed traveling with her second husband, Robert Faxon, visiting all 50 states, and exploring Europe with her lifelong friend, Linda Ayer. She also loved reading, dining out, cooking, a bit of gambling at the casinos, playing Beano with her friend Bonnie Studley, and, mostly, spending time with family.

In her final days, Frances was uplifted and comforted by the steady stream of friends and family who came to visit her in the hospital, as well as the many prayers and loving thoughts sent to her. Their gift of love and support gave her peace and strength, helping her leave this world surrounded by the same love and caring she had given so freely throughout her life.

Frances will be remembered for her love, strength, and devotion to family, which touched all who knew her. In her memory, donations may be made to Erskine Academy, South China.

She is survived by her daughters Darlene Pietz (Ron), Diane Dow (Berry), Dorene Gerrish (Tom), and Dena McQuarrie (Mike); her son Blake Brown (Kim); her brother Forest “Chug” Nelson (Marilyn); her stepchildren Lee Faxon (Wendy), Vonda Faxon, Doug Faxon (Sharon), and Albert Faxon (Sharon); 12 grandchildren; two stepgrandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; her brother-in-law Stevie Childs; and several nieces and nephews.

Frances was predeceased by her parents, her stepfather, her brothers Dana, James, and Barry Nelson; her sister Ann Childs; and her husbands Cecil Flye and Robert Faxon.

A service celebrating Frances’s life will be held at Palermo Christian Church, on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at 11 a.m.

Others Departed

CLIFTON GLIDDEN JR.

WAYNESBORO, Virginia – Clifton Glidden Jr. “Cliff”, 92,passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 17, 2025, at his home in Waynesboro, Virginia. He was born April 3, 1933, in Winslow, where he later raised a family with his predeceased first wife, Patricia.

He was a student of Winslow schools and joined the U.S. Navy to serve in the Korean War. He retired from the Veterans Administration Medical Centers after years of service.

Cliff is survived by his wife Sandra; children, Clifton III (Skip), of Charlottesville, Virginia, Sherri Corbin, of Eustis, Mark and his wife Sheryl, of Hollis, Doraine of Charlottesville, Virginia; and many grand- and great-grandchildren.

Services

DONALD & CARLEEN COTE

AUGUSTA – You are invited to celebrate the lives and legacy of Donald and Carleen Cote, who passed away on December 22, 2024, and April 27, 2018, respectively. Please join on Saturday, September 20, 2025 at VFW Post #887, located at 509 Leighton Road, in Augusta, from 1:30 – 4 p.m., to share memories and stories of Don and Carleen, as well as Duck Pond Wildlife Care Center.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to an animal shelter, rescue or wildlife rehabilitator of your choice.