OBITUARIES for Thursday, December 14, 2023

FRED MURPHY

CHINA – Fred Murphy passed away on Wednesday, November 22, 2023, at the Maine Veterans Home, in Au­gusta.

Fred grew up in China, graduated from Winslow High School and served in the U.S. Air Force. Fred loved telling stories of his adventures while in the Air Force. If you knew Fred, you know he loved telling stories.

Fred was proud to be a cobbler in Waterville for over 37 years. After returning from the service he purchased Harmony Shoe repair, on Main St., in Waterville. Later he purchased Babe’s Shoe Repair and continued on for many years being a master cobbler working to save old soles and a few heels, too. He loved his work and the community he served. Fred was a craftsman and an artist that really could “make a silk purse from a sow’s ear”.

Fred had many passions including gardening. His garlic and blueberries were his pride and joy. Fred had a curious mind, he was a deep thinker, hard worker, a dreamer, a proud father, an adoring husband and a great friend to those lucky enough to have shared time with him. The world was a better place with him in it.

Fred will be greatly missed by so many but especially his family, Jacque, Janet, Celon, Angus, Zac, Merlin and Eli.

MARIE A. PULSIFER

BELGRADE – Marie Anne Pulsifer died Saturday, November 25, 2023, following a brief illness. Marie was born in Waterville on April 14, 1937, the daughter of Wilfred and Florence (Poulin) Morissette.

She was educated at Mt. Merici Academy and St. Francis de Sales Parochial School, both in Waterville. Following graduation she worked as a laboratory technician at Thayer Hospital, in Waterville.

In 1963, she married William “Bill” Pulsifer, of Belgrade Lakes. Bill and Marie raised their daughters in the village, and for many years, Marie operated the Maine Made Shop adjacent to their home. They attended St. Helena Catholic Church, in Belgrade, and St. Joseph’s, in Farmington, where Marie was a supporter of the warming center.

Marie was widely known for her service to her community. She helped launch the Belgrade Health Center and served as its interior designer when it opened. Recognizing the problem of food insecurity in the Belgrade area, Marie initiated the creation of a local food pantry, leading fundraising efforts and recruiting volunteers to keep it running. It remains active to this day.

Messalonskee families will remember that Marie never missed a game, meet, or event when her daughters and grandchildren were in school. She brought homemade baked goods, befriended players from other teams, learned the rules of each sport.

Marie was an excellent cook, baker, cake decorator, interior designer, florist, gardener, quilter, seamstress, and cottage businesswoman. She turned clothespins and popsicle sticks into beautiful handmade crafts and ornaments, which she sold for a while, then gave away just because it brought her joy. She was an avid reader, a quick wit, and a constant supporter of local fundraisers and benefit suppers. She cooked delicious meals for people going through difficult times, or just because she was thinking of them.

Every Christmas, Marie delighted friends and family with her elaborate Christmas village displays, which turned her living room into a magical wonderland. For many, stopping by the Pulsifers’ was a highlight of the holiday season, with Bill at the piano playing carols and Marie bringing out another plate of cookies.

Marie was predeceased by her parents; a sister, Wilena Monroe, a brother, Bill Morissette; and a daughter, Anne Marie Pulsifer.

She is survived by her husband, Bill, of Belgrade Lakes; a daughter, Louise Hogan, of Waterville; a brother and sister-in-law, James and Nancy Morissette, of Rhode Island; granddaughter, Emily Hogan, of Boston, Massachusetts; and grandson, William Hogan, of Brisbane, Australia; numerous nieces, nephews; great-nieces and great-nephews; godchildren; her late daughter’s partner, Ken Hochstetler.

A Mass of Christian burial was held on Saturday, December 9, at St. Joseph’s in Farmington. A memorial Mass, interment, and reception in Belgrade Lakes will take place in the summer 2024.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Veilleux and Redington Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Belgrade Food Pantry, Belgrade Fire and Rescue Association, or Mid-Maine Homeless Shelter are welcome.

SHERRY L. LEVESQUE

WATERVILLE – Sherry Lynn Levesque, 66, of Waterville, passed away on Wednesday, November 29, 2023. She was born August 22, 1957, the daughter of the late Chester Levesque and Mona Sted­man.

She graduated from Waterville High School. Sherry worked most of her life as a waitress/bartender at The Down Under Pub, Sportsters, The Pub, The Dugout and VFW, all in Waterville. She was a lifetime VFW auxiliary member and enjoyed cooking for and helping the local veterans.

She enjoyed decorating for the Christmas season for all to enjoy. You could find her outdoors tending to her gardens, flowers, bird feeders and yard. Free time was spent with her children and grandchildren.

Sherry is survived by her children, sons Chad Denis and his fiancée Angie Troy, of Fairfield, Zachary Denis, of Waterville; and daughter Casey Perkins and her husband Craig Perkins, of Arizona; her sisters Cindy Levesque Giguere and her husband Shawn Giguere, of Oakland, Rachel Corvahlo and her husband Fernando Corvahlo, of Fall River, Massachusetts, Rhonda Oliveira, of Dighton, Massachusetts; grandchildren Kora Mae Denis McDonald, Quinn Denis and Treston Carrow; nieces Katelyn, Cheryl, Carrie, and Daniel.

She was predeceased by her dad, Chester Levesque, mother, Mona Stedman; brother, Micheal Levesque; aunt, Lucille Dulac; grandchildren Zyah Denis and Eevee McDonald.

Arrangements are entrusted with Staples Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 53 Brunswick Ave., Gardiner. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the Staples Funeral Home website, http://www.staplesfuneralhome.com.

VIRGINIA E. GAGNE

FAIRFIELD – Virginia E. “Ginny” Gagne, 72, of Fairfield, peacefully passed away in her sleep on Wednesday, November 29, 2023, at MaineGeneral Medical Center, in Augusta, following a brief battle with cancer. Virginia was born on July 1, 1951, to Harry and Jennie Norton, in Skowhegan.

She graduated from Madison Memorial High School in 1969 and dedicated many years as a millwright at SAPPI Paper, in Hinckley. She enjoyed planting in her flowerbed, cuddling with her pets, watching the birds, and commenting and hearting on loved one’s Facebook posts. She absolutely loved everybody!

Virginia was predeceased by her father, Harry C. Norton.

She is survived by her husband, Paul Gagne; mother, Jenny E. (Quimby) Norton; daughters, Angel Vaughn and husband Walter, Calandra Whittier and husband Timothy; nine grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; siblings Beverly Patrie, Paula Fowler, Cecil Norton, Faylene Seavy, Glendon Norton and their families.

The family will be announcing a Celebration of Life and burial services closer to Spring. If you would like to send condolences to the family, please mail to 261 Wilder Hill Rd. Norridgewock, ME. 04957.

PAUL ARNOLD

WINDSOR – Paul Arnold, 90, passed away at home on Saturday, December 2, 2023, after a full life.

After retiring from the City of Augusta in the public works department, Paul enjoyed traveling, lawn care, and gardening.

He is survived by his wife, Ruby Arnold; his son, Brian Arnold and his wife Diane; daughter-in-law Vickie Arnold; four grandsons, Troy Richards, Brandon Arnold, Devon Arnold, and Daniel Arnold; and nine great-grandchildren. He was blessed to have gained a bonus family (Ruby’s family), Charlotte Vinton, Charles Barnes Sr. and his wife Barbie, Christopher Barnes and his wife Brenda, Chester Barnes Sr. and his wife Cindy, Cheyenne Barnes and his wife Ann, Cheryl Granquist and her husband Derek, and Chauncey Barnes and his wife Vicky, along with their families.

A graveside service was held on Friday, December 8 at the Maine Veterans Cemetery, 163 Mt. Vernon Rd., Augusta, ME 04330.

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, donations in Paul’s name may be made to MaineGeneral Hospice, c/o Office of Philanthropy, P.O. Box 828, Waterville, ME 04903-0828.

LEONETTE M. FORTIER

WINSLOW – Leonette Marie Fortier, 90, of Winslow, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 2, 2023. Leonette was born in Saint-Zacharie, Québec, Canada, on June 25, 1933, the daughter of Adonia and Florence Parent.

She attended public school in Canada and came to Winslow at the age of 16.

Leonette married Armand Fortier and together they had six children, Rita, Tina, Donald, Kathy, Bobby, and Jeffrey. She worked at C. F. Hathaway Shirt Company, in Waterville. She was a passionate cook, an avid knitter, participated in the local Elks Club and was an active member of the Corpus Christi Parish, in Winslow, for many years.

Leonette is survived by all six of her children, Rita and husband Jim, Tina and husband Tim, Donald and wife Lori, Kathy and husband David, Bobby and wife Heather, and Jeffery and husband Steve; 12 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Tuesday, December 12, at Notre Dame Catholic Church, 116 Silver St., Waterville.

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

LINDA M. PINKHAM

CHELSEA – Linda Marie Pinkham, 79, of Chelsea, passed away on Sunday, November 19, 2023, at her home. She was born in Augusta on October 11, 1944, the daughter of Archie and Margaret Park.

All her life Linda was a hard worker. She took care of the neighborhood kids and her granddaughter, Heather and grandson, Justin, for many years. Linda worked in the cafeteria at Togus VA, in Augusta, until 1991 and then at Reny’s, in Gardiner, until she retired.

Linda enjoyed playing Parcheesi, Cribbage, Rummy, and listening to Elvis Presley, dancing, and particularly time spent with family and friends. She also liked watching the Boston Red Sox games. Linda was the life of the party no matter where she went. She will be greatly missed by so many.

Linda was predeceased by her parents; one son, James M. Storkson; husband, Warren Pinkham, Sr.; son-in-law, Michael Geroux Sr., and stepson, James Pinkham, Sr.

She is survived by her daughter, Lisa and husband James Heil; son, David Storkson, Jr. and wife Heidi; daughter, Laurie Geroux; stepchildren Tina, Timmy, Warren Dean, Jr., and Tammy Pinkham; along with many grandchildren; great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews; and cousins.

A spring burial will take place on Friday, May 24, 2024, at 11 a.m., at Allen Cemetery, in Chelsea.

Arrangements are under the care of Staples Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 53 Brunswick Ave., Gardiner, ME 04345. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with family on the obituary page of Staples Funeral Home website, http://www.staplesfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to a local breast cancer center.

SELMA PULCIFUR

OAKLAND – Selma Pulcifur, 96, passed away at Woodlands Senior Living on Saturday, December 2, 2023. Selma was born in Oakland on October 31, 1927, the daughter of Perlie C. and Hilma (Anderson) Pulcifur.

She was a lifelong resident of Oakland where she graduated from Williams High School in 1946.

Selma was employed by The Diamond Match Company, in Oakland, from 1946 – 1985 as an accountant and payroll clerk until it closed. She was then employed by S.A.D.#47, in Oakland, in the superintendent’s office, as administrative assistant of computer operations until her retirement in 1990.

She was a member of the Oakland-Sidney United Methodist Church serving on many various committees and positions. She has been a member of the church choir since 1946.

Selma was a charter member of the R.B. Hall Memorial Band where she enjoyed playing her trombone. She enjoyed volunteering at the Thayer Hospital, in Waterville, and delivering Meals on Wheels from the Muskie Center, in Waterville, where she also served on the Advisory Council. Selma was the 2003 recipient of the Eagle Award from Oakland William Alumni Association for outstanding community service.

Selma loved the time she spent at her cottage on McGrath Pond, in Oakland. She enjoyed traveling, especially with her mother back to Sweden to visit the hometown and relatives. A trip to Lesotho, South Africa, to visit life-long friend Ada C. Knauff, three trips cross country in a 5th wheel trailer, the first trip being to Alaska.

Selma is survived by cousins Wayne Thomas, of Agawam, Massachusetts, James Thomas (Patricia), Springfield, Massachusetts; cousins, Elaine Perry, of Oakland, Carol Salley (Kenneth), of Smithfield, Sherwood Bickford (Bonnie), of Smithfield.

She was predeceased by her parents and a cousin, Ethelyn Thomas.

At Selmas’s request there will be no calling hours. A memorial service will be held at the Oakland-Sidney United Methodist Church, 20 West School Street, Oakland, on a date in January, to be determined later.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Wheeler Funeral Home & Cremation Care, 26 Church Street, Oakland, Maine.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Oakland-Sidney United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, 20 West School St., Oakland, ME 04963.

AVIS MARCOUX

WATERVILLE – Avis Marcoux passed away on Sunday, December 3, 2023, following several months of health issues. She was born the daughter of Frances and Clayton Cookson, in Burnham.

Her education began in a one room school house with her mother as the only teacher, she went to high school at Maine Central Institute, in Pittsfield, and attended the University of Maine at Orono.

She met the love of her life, Albert Leon Marcoux, at a dance at the Puddleduck, in Albion. Her parents insisted she wait until she was 20 to get married so she celebrated her birthday one weekend and was married the next. Avis and Al celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary in October. As Al has been heard saying, “it is rare for two people to get to love each other so much and for so long”. And love each other they did.

Together they raised four children and Avis was the best of moms. She was a teacher, protector, worrier, giver and a loving, kind person. Avis loved family gatherings. Whether playing games around the table, eating or simply socializing; laughter ensued and memories were always made. Avis adored her family and was proud of them whether they were working, succeeding academically or performing on a court, a field, a pool or a stage.

There are many things she loved but to list a few: Her pies “made with love” were a specialty. She was a crafter/decorator and her house was a welcoming home. Playing games with family and friends…she often won but it was a surprise to everyone including herself when it happened. Trips to Florida taking advantage of the beach and other attractions. Family time at parks and beaches in New England. Watching the Red Sox and Celtics. Attending the performances of family. Choosing the perfect gift for everyone at birthdays, Christmas, weddings and births.

She is survived by her four children and their spouses, Denise (Stephen) Nelson, Marc (Corrina) Marcoux, Diann (Bill) Libby, Joey (Julie Greene) Marcoux; 12 grandchildren and their partners, Kristin Nelson, Bryan Nelson, Scott Marcoux, Sarah Gammon, Jacob Marcoux, Clay Marcoux, Jessica Witham, Kati Landers, Erica Noonan, Lauren Collin, Paige Marcoux, and Izaak Gajowski; and 16 great-grandchildren and their partners, Nathanial Gammon, Mackenzie Gammon, Janelle Gammon, Charlie Marcoux, Bryer Marcoux, Lincoln Marcoux, Kori Marcoux, Austin Witham, Emily Witham, Katelyn Witham, Raegan Witham, Tyler Witham, Enzo Lander, Finn Lander, Ollie Noonan, and Liam Collin; her sister Sheilya (Dale) Voter and countless other family.

Avis was predeceased by her parents and her infant sister Iva Cookson.

There will be no services at this time.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Veilleux and Redington Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers we ask that you show love to your family and friends and do whatever you can to make the world a better place.

WILLIAM P. GUITE

BENTON – William Phillip Guite, 78, passed away peacefully at Maine Medical Center, in Portland, on Monday, December 4, 2023. Bill was born in Waterville on September 19, 1945, the son of the late Renaud and Yvette Constance (Gousse) Guite.

He was a graduate of Lawrence High School, in Fairfield, in 1963, and the University of Maine in 1967. He was an active member and officer of the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity. He earned a Masters in Mathematics at St. Louis University as well as a master’s degree in education from The University of Southern Maine in 1982.

Bill started his teaching career at The John Philip Sousa Junior High School, in Port Washington, Long Island, New York. After five years, he moved back to Maine and taught an additional 33 years at Winslow Junior High School, enjoying his role as assistant principal for the last 20-plus years before retiring in 2005. Bill was instrumental in obtaining grant money for the at-risk students to experience life-changing trips he led in the remote Allagash Waterway, with the goal of keeping these students in school, out of trouble, and to finally graduate. Bill’s motto for dealing with difficult students was always to be Firm, Fair, Friendly, and Forgiving. He believed in giving many chances for success.

In his retirement, Bill enjoyed life to the fullest by spending most of his free time outdoors with nature and animals and always interested in house projects. He loved to dog sit and spend time with his sons and grandsons. He also continued to serve on the Benton Comprehensive committee, Clear Channel Community committee, and Maine Association of Retirees.

Bill will be remembered most for his love and kindness to all – family, friends, animals, neighbors, and even the students he had to discipline at school. Truly, his heart was much bigger than he was.

He often shared his biggest accomplishment in life was to see his two sons grow up to be compassionate human beings and blessed to have a devoted wife of 53 years that loved and stood by him until his last moments.

He is survived by his soulmate and love of his life for more than 53 years, his wife, Gloria (Angeloni) Guite; two sons Ryan J. Guite, of Nashville, Tennessee, and Dean W. Guite, of Wilmington, North Carolina; two grandsons (Dean’s children) Tristan 10, and Cameron 9; sister Margaret Holland, of Plattsburgh, New York; sister-in-law Ginger Guite, of Atlanta, Georgia; sister/brother-in-law Palmira and Gino Fiasche, of Montreal, Québec, Canada; as well as cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Bill was predeceased by Patricia Pooler, sister, and Renaud Guite, brother.

A memorial Mass will take place at Notre Dame Church, 116 Silver St., in Waterville, in the spring with a reception to follow to share stories and laughter of Bill’s life.

Arrangements are in 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 may be made in his name to the: Maine Transplant Program, 43 Baxter Blvd., Portland, ME 04101 or the Humane Society Waterville Area, 100 Webb Rd., 04901.

STEPHEN E. HEWETT

SOMERVILLE – Stephen E. Hewett, 65, of Somerville, passed away Thursday, August 17, 2023, at Maine Medical Center, in Portland.

Stephen graduated from Erskine Academy, in South China, in 1976 and also attended Capital City Vocational School, in Augusta, where he concentrated on plumbing and heating. Stephen went on to become a master plumber and oil burner technician. An avid sportsman, he played basketball and softball for many years. He loved hunting, fishing and ice fishing; his favorite color was camouflage.

Stephen was predeceased by his parents, Elwin and Alena (Ward) Hewett, brothers, Elwen Hewett Jr and Donald Hewett, a sister, Rhonda Hewett, and his beloved son Eric Stephen Hewett.

Stephen is survived by his companion Lisa Willett, of Somerville; and a brother Robert Hewett, of Windsor.

Stephen will be buried at Rest Haven cemetery, in Windsor.

OTHERS DEPARTED

CHRISTOS G. HADIDIACOS

ROCKVILLE, Maryland – Christos George Hadidiacos, 81, passed away on Monday, December 4, 2023. Christos was born on May 3, 1942, in Anemotia Mytilene, Greece, to George and Sophia Hadidiacos.

At the age of 4, Christos, along with his parents and sister Chris, came to the United States. On June 8, 1963, Christos married his high school sweetheart, Elaine Giguere, of Winslow. The couple moved to Rockville, Maryland, in 1972, when Christos was offered a job at the distinguished Carnegie Institute for Science Geophysical Laboratory. He worked there for 42 years and was the first person to receive Carnegie Institute’s Service to Science Award that recognized outstanding and/or unique contributions to science.

Christos is survived by his two children, Michelle Belski and her husband Gary, of Maryland, and Michael Hadidiacos and wife Kristina, of North Carolina; and his grandson, Jordan Belski, of Maryland; sister Chris Lee, of Winslow; niece Betty Lee, of Bangor; and nephews Lewis Lee, of Winslow, Kostas Gregory and his wife Erna-Sue, of Waterville, and George Gregory, of Riverside, Rhode Island; and their children Kostantinos Gregory, of California, Nike Gregory, of Massachusetts, Yorgos and Burke Gregory, of Massachusetts, and Madison Gregory, of California.

The family will hold a memorial service for Christos in Maine during the summer of 2024.

Donations can be made in Christos’ memory to the Lewy Body Dementia Association at https://www.lbda.org/donate/.