OBITUARIES for Thursday, December 11, 2025

DIANE T. PAUL

PALERMO – Diane Theresa Paul (Couture), 75, of Palermo, passed away peacefully on Wed­nesday, No­vember 19, 2025. Diane was born in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, on February 14, 1950, daughter of Leonard and Jean Crawford Couture.

She spent her childhood creating cherished memories with her siblings and close family friends, and later graduated from high school in Waterville. She studied education at the University of Maine at Farmington and went on to dedicate countless years to her profession as a teacher, where she was loved by many. Her early career was spent teaching in West New York, New Jersey. After returning to her home state of Maine, she spent numerous years teaching at Benton Elementary School, where she eventually retired.

Diane was devoted to her family and was most happy when she was surrounded by those she loved at the lake, where she and her husband resided with their loving dogs. She took tremendous pride in her gardens, where she lovingly created the foundation for the magic that came from her kitchen. Her gift of cooking was one of her truest expressions of love. Her artistry was reflected in everything she created and gifted to those she loved, including her painting, knitting, and quilting.

She embraced the many adventures she shared while traveling with her husband. After retirement, she devoted her time as a volunteer to hospice care and cherished the relationships she developed. Ultimately, her home and the wildlife that surrounded her oasis brought her heart its greatest contentment. The love she poured into her family and friendships is the most beautiful and enduring gift, and that kindness remains her lasting legacy.

Diane is survived by her husband, Timothy Paul; daughters and sons-in-law, Kristin and Casey Peacock and Erin and Glenn Bolduc; stepdaughters and sons-in-law, Shelley O’Connell, Carrie and Jack Ruehsen, and Janna and Scott MacDonald; sister and brother-in-law, Jean and Robert Aranson, sister-in-law, Sherrie Raymond; grandchildren, Emma Jones, Boden Jones, Elsie Peacock, Torin and Ryley O’Connell, Tyler Hapworth, and Alannah and Savannah Hartford; numerous nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life for Diane will be held this summer for family and friends. Memories and condolences may be shared with her family at directcremationofmaine.com.

Those wishing to remember her and to honor her legacy may consider a donation to Hospice Volunteers of Waterville Area in Maine, where she shared her kind spirit and gave her heart.

TIMOTHY S. MITCHELL

WASHINGTON-Timothy Scott Mitchell, 61, passed away on Thanks­giving Day, November 27, 2025, at his residence in Washington. He was born on June 19, 1964, a son of Theodore Mitchell Sr., and Josephine (Reynolds) Keene.

Tim grew up in China and was a graduate of Erskine Academy, in South China. Following school, he earned his CDL license and began his career as a truck driver. Throughout his lifetime, he has worked for multiple companies as well as being self-employed. Most recently, he was employed at JR Trucking. Tim loved being a truck driver.

In addition to driving trucks, he also plowed snow for 40 years.

Tim enjoyed camping, attending car shows, participating in truck pulls, and going dancing. In addition, he had a love for the outdoors and enjoyed snowmobiling and four-wheeling prior to his health declining.

Tim will be remembered for his good sense of humor and charming personality.

He was predeceased by his brother, Theodore Mitchell, and his parents, including his step father, John Keene.

He is survived by his children, Travis Mitchell and his wife Kerstin, and Kristen Cote and her husband Philip; grandchildren: Levi Mitchell, Leroy Mitchell, and Brayden Lovejoy; his partner, Angel Labelle; Angel’s children, Melaney Labelle, Alex Labelle, Ashley Conklin and her husband Chris and their daughter Lily; and three sisters.

A period of visitation was held on Monday, December 8, 2025, at Plummer Funeral Home, 983 Ridge Rd., Windsor, ME 04363, where a funeral service was held.

MAUREEN C. MURPHY

OAKLAND – Maureen (Connors) Murphy, 78, passed away on Saturday November 29, 2025, at home, in Oakland. Maureen was born in Brooklyn, New York, on November 21, 1947, to Joseph and Veronica Connors.

She grew up in Maywood, New Jersey, where she met her husband, John Murphy.

After their wedding, John and Maureen moved to Maine where they raised their two daughters. Maureen cherished her role as a dental assistant working for many years in Waterville where she made lifelong friends who became family. After retiring, she volunteered at Inland Hospital, the Muskie Center, and George Mitchell’s aftercare program, all in Waterville, where she was the proud founder of the “JumpRope Club”.

Maureen will always be remembered for her quick wit, mischievous smile, and heart of gold. She always put others first and was known for her loyal friendships. Through the years, her favorite times were spent with family and friends, most of whom she had special nicknames for, likely one that no-one else used. More than anything, she loved her four grandsons and was notorious for inventing the wildest games to play with them. They knew when they saw her there would be love, good food, and crazy antics.

Maureen is survived by her husband of 52 years, John Murphy, who kept her going through many health challenges. She will be forever remembered by her two daughters, Amy Cone and husband William and Bridget McHale and husband Rick; grandsons, Tyler and Josh Cone, and Ben and Ryan McHale; two brothers Michael Connors (Sandra) and Kevin Connors (Fay) and her brother-in-law Bob Murphy (Peg); several nieces, and nephews.

Visitation took place at Veilleux’s Funeral Home, on Saturday, December 6, followed by a Celebration of Life.

Services are under the care of Veilleux-Redington-Lawry Brothers, 8 Elm Street, Waterville. An online guestbook may be signed and memories shared at http://www.vrlfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Oakland Firefighters Association, P.O. Box 187, Oakland, ME 04963 or the Oakland Food Pantry, 20 West School St., Oakland, ME 04963.

DOROTHY M. WITHEE

WINSLOW – Dorothy Marie Withee, 86, passed away on Sunday, November 30, 2025. She was born on January 28, 1939, in Bell Island, Newfound­land, to Richard and Alice (Hurley) Ryan.

Dotti’s greatest joy and achievement was her large, close-knit family.

Dotti was a certified social worker and built a career at Crisis and Counseling, where she had a positive impact on the lives of countless people.

As a mother of seven, grandmother of 22, and great-grandmother of 13, Dotti was the heart of the family. Her home was a gathering place for family and friends. She led by example, through her love, compassion, and strength.

Dotti was preceded in death by the love of her life, Douglas Withee, and son, Keith Poirier.

Dotti is survived by her children, Richard Tardiff and Jutta, Donald Poirier, Karen Gervais and Lawrence, Sean Poirier and Jennifer, Mark Cooper and Maria, Edward Cooper and Lina; her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A Catholic Mass service will be held on Dec. 11 at St. John Catholic Church in Winslow at 10 a.m., followed by a burial at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, in Waterville. A Mercy Meal and gathering will directly follow at Dotti’s home.

Services are under the care of Veilleux-Redington-Lawry Brothers, 8 Elm Street, Waterville. An online guestbook may be signed and memories shared at http://www.vrlfuneralhome.com.

ETHEL C. TIBBETTS

TROY/UNITY – Ethel C. Tibbetts, 95, passed away on Sunday, November 30, 2025. She was born in Troy, on September 30, 1930, the daughter of George Sr. and Alice (Leeman) Call.

Ethel was skilled in many domestic arts, including knitting, crocheting, sewing, and crafting, and she regularly attended craft fairs. Over the years, she made much of her children’s clothing, including several wedding gowns and bridesmaid dresses, and created wreaths and centerpieces to sell during the holidays. She also prepared homemade butter, cooked for the Cribbage Association, in Burnham.

Ethel contributed to her household through various independent sales efforts, including Avon, toys, and Tupperware. She collected turtle figurines and enjoyed making clothing for her teddy bears. For many years, she and her husband Alfred spent winters in Florida.

Ethel participated in several community organizations. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, in Unity, the Firemen’s Auxiliary, in Troy, and the 7 Star Grange, in Troy. Earlier in life, she was licensed to take in foster children, and she was active in the PTC when her children were in school. She belonged to the Congregational Church, in Pittsfield, and worked at the church-affiliated Pennywise Thrift Store.

Ethel was predeceased by her parents; her husband Alfred of 50 years; her daughter, Orinda (Rinny), survived by her son-in-law Dennis Turner Sr.; two sons, Maynard Tibbetts, survived by her daughter-in-law Colleen Tibbetts, and Clyde Tibbetts; and her granddaughter, Karrie DiBlasi.

She is survived by her children, Dora “Dodie” Thompson and husband Walter, Mabel Metivier and husband Edward “Eddie”, Betty Emery and husband Charles, Vanessa DiBlasi and husband Salvatore “Sam” III, Lorie Raven and husband Douglas Sr., and Scott Tibbetts and wife Linda; 19 grandchildren; and several great-great-grandchildren; and great-great-grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held in the summer of 2026 at the family plot in Rogers Cemetery.

NORMAN BEST

WHITEFIELD – Norman “Norm” Best, 80, of Whitefield, died Sunday, November 30, 2025, due to complications from pulmonary disease, at Hillside Terrace, in Hallowell. He was born in Rumford on November 4, 1945, a son to Norman E. and Everdine (Knox) Best.

He grew up in Augusta, graduating from Cony High School in 1964.

Norm served in the U.S. Army from 1965 – 1968, serving one year in Vietnam. He then worked at Pratt & Whitney and Statler Tissue before beginning his career with the State of Maine.

He worked as a finance officer with the Maine Attorney General’s office for 30 plus years, retiring in 1998. He worked for Specialty Products in his retirement as a delivery driver.

Norm was a resident of Whitefield for most of his life. It was here that he raised his family and shared 35 years with his wife, Dorothy (Schmitt). Norm was an active and devoted officer of the Coopers Mills Fire Department for over 50 years. He worked tirelessly to coordinate the fire department’s annual auctions and truly enjoyed interacting and socializing with members of his community while organizing these fundraisers. The Town of Whitefield and the fire department considered him an invaluable citizen.

Norm was predeceased by his parents and his wife, Dottie.

He is survived by his daughters, Julie Best (Juan Pons, of Florida, and Amy Best (Paul Atkinson), of Virginia; stepson Michael Gordon, of Whitefield; stepdaughter Ginny Fitzgerald (Bruce Fitzgerald), of South China; grandchildren Victoria (Condon) Bohrer and Tyler Condon; and a brother Bradley Best, of East Andover; and by 19 first cousins.

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

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

JOAN I. COPP

MADISON – Joan Iris (Perkins) Copp, 92, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 2, 2025. Born on May 11, 1933, to Donald and Florentine (Oberg) Perkins, Joan was a lifelong resident of the Madison area.

On October 9, 1953, she married Elwood Allen Copp Jr., and together they shared many wonderful years until his passing in 2017. Joan’s life was centered around her family, and she leaves behind cherished memories for all who knew her.

She is survived by her daughters, Cynthia Petley and husband Terry, of Anson, and Wanda Landry and husband Paul, of Massachusetts; her son, Elwood Copp III and wife Victoria, of Madison; and her grandchildren, Amy Cates, of Anson, Heather James, of Pennsylvania, Paul Landry Jr., of Phillips, Katie Hood and Joni Smith, of Massachusetts, Thomas Landry, of Connecticut, Russell Copp, of Hermon, Jason Copp, of Prospect, and Camron George, of Madison; 14 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren; her brother, Bruce Perkin,s of Westbrook; and sister, Diana Nicoletti, of Florida; several nieces and nephews.

A private celebration of Joan’s life will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family.

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

ROLAND GRENIER

CLINTON – Roland “Sonny” Grenier, 88, of Waterville. passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, December 3, 2025. Roland was born the son of Prosper and Deloris Grenier, on March 9, 1937, in Waterville, the oldest son of 18 siblings.

He worked at Fort Halifax Packing Co. for his entire time in the workforce. He was an avid sports fan. After retiring, he continued work helping out with the family daycare.

Roland was predeceased by his wife of 68 years, Angela (St. Amand) Grenier; daughter, Cindy (Grenier) Veilleux; granddaughters Desiree Grenier and Alyssa Albert; as well as three sisters and four brothers.

He is survived by his two sons, Gary (Julia) Grenier, and Gregory (Karen) Grenier; daughters, Terri Jandreau, Tammy Dyer, and Stacey (Shawn) Gross; son-in-law Eric Veilleux; as well as 14 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren.

Visiting hours will be held on Friday, December 12, 2025, from 2 – 4 p.m. and 6 – 8 p.m., at Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm Street, Waterville.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 11 a.m., at Notre Dame Catholic Church, 116 Silver Street, Waterville. A reception will follow in the Notre Dame Catholic Church Hall.

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

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

Others Departed

MICHAEL S. CASSIDY

BANGOR – Michael S. Cassidy, 71, died Wednesday, November 26, 2025, at an assisted living center in Lisbon. He was born on November 5, 1954, in Waterville, the son of Lionel A. and Mary (Joyce) Cassidy.

Michael attended schools in Winslow, beginning with Halifax Street School, St. John Catholic School, and Winslow Senior High School, and he graduated in June 1973.

Following his high school graduation, Michael enrolled at University of Maine Farmington, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree. While at Far­mington, Michael competed on the school’s skiing team. Skiing quickly became a life-long passion for Michael, and he was always grateful for the opportunities to ski at resorts in New England and in several western states.

Following his graduation from college, Michael traveled to Utah and began a lengthy career in commercial construction. While in Salt Lake City, he was employed by the Marriott corporation as a construction manager. This management position took him from hotel construction in Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, South Carolina, and Georgia.

In May 1985, Michael returned to Winslow to marry the love of his life, Gayla Kittredge. Michael and Gayla had been high school sweethearts, and their marriage led to two children, with their son Matthew and daughter Mariah. In 1992, Michael and Gayla returned to Maine where he continued work in the commercial construction industry until his retirement.

Michael was predeceased by his wife Gayla, his oldest brother, James, and his sister, Margaret; as well as his parents, Lionel and Mary.

Surviving are his son Matthew and his daughter Mariah; his brothers John, Daniel, Brian, Tom, and Scott; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial reception to celebrate Michael’s life was held on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at the Family Reception Center of Brookings-Smith, 163 Center Street, Bangor.

Condolences to the family may be expressed at BrookingsSmith.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to What’s One Moore Animal Rescue, 29 Partridge Lane, Stockton Springs, ME 04981, (Venmo ID: womrescue).

ETHEL J. CHAPMAN

EDGARTOWN, Massachusetts – Ethel Jessie Chapman, 97, of Edgartown, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, November 28, 2025. She was born on March 4, 1928, in Waterville the daughter of Elsmore M. Penney and Eva M. (Latulippe) Penney.

Ethel grew up on her family’s Penney Hill Farm, in Waterville, which was a well-known establishment in the area. In her youth she enjoyed milking cows, making cider, growing vegetables, and assisting in running the farm stand. She often told stories about various winter adventures she took, on the back roads of Maine, while riding in the rumble seat of her family’s Model T Ford, covered by a buffalo fur blanket for warmth.

Ethel graduated from Waterville High School in 1946 after which she made the decision to pursue a career in nursing. In 1950 she graduated nursing school and became an RN. She met her first husband, Ken Carter, of Edgartown, Massachusetts, while he was working for North East Airlines, at Waterville Airport, which was across the street from the farm. On September 30, 1950, they married and Ken was transferred to Martha’s Vineyard Airport with north East Airline, and made the decision to move to Edgartown, Ken’s home town. There they bought a house and had three children.

In May 1956, Ethel was widowed when Ken unexpectedly passed away during an operation at Martha’s Vineyard hospital. This was a challenging time for a young mother with three children ages five, three and two, but with support from family and friends that Ethel never forgot. Ethel worked hard as a nurse to raise her three young children. In 1957 she met Robert H. Chapman, known for playing golf at Edgartown Golf Club. He held the course record of 26 for years. In February 1958 they were married and together they had a Jeffrey bringing her total number of children to four. Ethel settled down to island life raising her four children and working as a private nurse.

In addition to her family and work life, Ethel loved searching for antiques and hidden treasures. She spent many hours bargain hunting at estate and yard sales both on and off island. She loved the bartering process, always looking for the best deals. In her retirement years she would go on to open and operate the Edgartown antique store, Everything But.

Through the years Ethel was an active member in the Edgartown: Women’s Club, Garden Club, Methodist Church, and the Council on Aging. In her later years Ethel immensely enjoyed her weekly lunches, companionship, and bridge games at The Anchors, in Edgartown. At the age of 90 she proudly became a member of the DAR, as an ancestor to Salathiel Penney, from Waterville, who fought in the Revolutionary War.

Ethel is survived by her children, Jessica Townes, James Carter, and Jeffrey Chapman, all of Edgartown; 14 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild; and one sister, Ruth Weeks, of Florida.

She was predeceased by her daughter Susan Burns and sister Rebecca Coffey.

A graveside service was held on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at the New Westside Cemetery, in Edgartown.

Visit chapmanfuneral.com for online guest book and information.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking donations to be made to Hospice of Martha’s Vineyard or to Edgartown Council on Aging.

Death notices

EUGENE R. STEVENS

WINSLOW – Eugene “Gene” R. Stevens passed away on Thurs­day, Nov­ember 13, 2025. He passed away peacefully, maintaining his gentle, quiet nature. Honoring Gene’s wishes, the family will celebrate his life privately.

To read the full obituary, please visit aablecremationservice.com.