OBITUARIES for Thursday, December 31, 2020

NELSON L. BROWN

JEFFERSON – Nelson Leonard Brown, 75, of Jefferson, passed unexpectedly on Friday, November 27, 2020. He was born in Jefferson on May 13, 1945, to Weston and Bertella (Whittier) Brown, the youngest of five children.

Nelson was educated in local schools and was drafted into the U.S. Army in the summer of 1966. While home from boot camp he married Louise Vannah, of Waldoboro, on September 12, 1966.

On December 23, 1967, Sgt. Nelson Brown was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action against hostile forces on August 3 and 4, 1967, in the Republic of Vietnam.

He held various jobs including driving truck for R. C. Moore and George Hall and Son.

Nelson was predeceased by his parents; brothers, Wendall, Myron and Laurice.

He is survived by his wife, Louise; sister Hilda Benner; nephews Matthew (Catherine) Moore, Michael (Beth) Moore; sister-in-law Bonnie (Burton) Orff; brother-in-law Ernest (Colleen) Vannah; and many nieces and nephews.

Per Nelson’s wishes, there will be no services.

Friends and family are invited to share their memories of Nelson by visiting his book of memories at http://www.hallfuneralhomes .com.

Arrangements are entrusted to Hall Funeral Home 949 Main Street Waldoboro, ME 04572.

Contributions may be made in Nelson’s memory to Jefferson Fire and Rescue, PO Box 5, Jefferson, ME 04348.

BRUCE W. HAMILTON

WATERVILLE – Bruce Wayne Hamilton, 72, of Waterville, passed away on Thursday, December 3, 2020. He was born on February 1, 1948, to Charlotte and Harold Hamilton in Hartland.

After graduation he began his career at Scott Paper Co., in Winslow, where he worked as a machine tender for 30 years.

Bruce loved his children and grandchildren first and foremost. He was loving and generous father and grandfather and will be

Bruce is survived by his son, James Hamilton; daughter-in-law, Jill Hamilton; granddaughters, Kayla Smith and husband Eric Smith, and Julia Hamilton and fiancé Brody Thompson; daughter, Carrie LaCroix; son-in-law Douglas LaCroix; grandson Charles LaCroix and wife Mariah LaCroix; granddaughters Evelyn and Lucia LaCroix; sister, Theresa Bradbury and brother, Gary Hamilton.
greatly missed by all who knew him.

At this time there will be no funeral service. Family will have a celebration of life gathering privately.

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

VICTORIA BRIGGS

WATERVILLE – Victoria “Vickie” Briggs, 83, died Tuesday, December 8, 2020, at Mount Saint Joseph, in Waterville. She was born February 5, 1937, in Burlington, Vermont, the daughter of Chester and Florence (Bruleigh) Blow.

In 1955, Vickie graduated from Milton High School, in Milton, Vermont, and married George M. Briggs. She provided home day care for children for most of her life and graduated from Appalachian Bible College in 1978.

Vickie enjoyed traveling, especially bus tours, and getting together with the girls and playing cards on Saturdays.

She was predeceased by her two daughters, Bonnie Lee Briggs in 1962 and Julie Victoria Briggs in 1964, her husband, George, in 1988, her parents.

Vickie is survived by her brother, Leon Blow and his wife, Carol, of Georgia; her sister-in-law, Amy Morway, of Vermont; and several nieces and nephews.

A funeral service was held on Thursday, December 17, 2020, at the Kennebec Valley Baptist Church, Waterville.

Burial will be in Grande Isle Cemetery, Grande Isle, Vermont, with her husband and daughters.

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

Memorial donations may be made to the Clinton Baptist Church, 10 Spring St., Clinton, ME 04927 or Kennebec Valley Baptist Church, P.O. Box 704, Waterville, ME 04901-0704.

JOSEPH G. E. RODRIGUE

WATERVILLE – Joseph G. E. Rodrigue, 77, passed away Wednesday, December 9, 2020, at Oak Grove Center, in Waterville. He was born November 3, 1943, in Waterville, the son of Albert and Juliette (Vellieux) Rodrigue.

He graduated from Waterville High School in 1978. He was employed as a custodian at the Waterville Elks Lodge and was a member of the Forrest J. Pare VFW Post #1285, in Waterville. He enjoyed going to garage sales and junk stores. He was a veteran who proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War until his honorable discharge.

Joseph is survived by his daughter, Nancy Clowes, of Waterville; three brothers, Albert Rodrigue Jr. and wife Jeanne, John Rodrigue and wife Bernadette, James Rodrigue and wife Barbara; sister, Theresa Rodrigue; and nephew, Scott McAdoo.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family.

Arrangements under the direction and care of Dan and Scott’s Cremation and Funeral Service, 445 Waterville Road, Skowhegan, Maine, 04976.

DARWOOD G. COREY

WATERVILLE – Darwood G. Corey, 86, passed away Thursday, December 10, 2020, at Woodlands Center, in Waterville. He was born May 1, 1934, in Waterville, the son of James and Sadie (George) Corey.

He attended Waterville High School, Lincoln Welding School and was a trained Firefighter/Emergency Medical Technician. On June 24, 1960, he married Mary Ellen Hamlin, who predeceased him in 2018.

He was a veteran who proudly served his country in the U.S. Army as a paratrooper and medic, with special training in jungle warfare, in Panama, until his honorable discharge in 1956. He continued to serve in the Army Reserves until 1962. After his military service he became a welder and in 1962 became a call firefighter with Waterville Fire and Rescue and in 1971 became a career firefighter/EMT until his retirement in 1994.

Darwood was a member of the American Legion and an avid year-round hunter and fisherman. He greatly enjoyed fly-tying and puttering in his garage. Friends and family came to him for his vast knowledge on many subjects and his great company.

He will be especially missed by his cousin and hunting/fishing partner, Payson George and his family.

He is survived by daughters, Lore (Corey) Wing and Darus Vear and husband Bob; sons, Jed Corey and Drew Corey and wife Rachel; brother, Antone Corey and wife Bernadette; grandchildren, Shana (Corey) Page and husband Les, Sara Wing, Brittany Corey, Jessica Tomaszewski and husband Igor, Nikkia-Ria Vear, Bekah Johnson, Maggie Morgan and husband Ryan; great-grandchildren, Joey Page, Helena Page, Makenzie Burton-Wing, Amelia Burton-Wing, Henry Tomaszewski, Willow Morgan, Osiris Morgan, and children of Nikkia-Ria; sister-in-law, Barbara Finnemore and children.

A memorial service will be held at a later date, at the convenience of the family.

Arrangements under the direction and care of Dan and Scott’s Cremation and Funeral Service, 445 Waterville Rd., Skowhegan, ME 04976.

In lieu of flowers, friends wishing to may make donations in Darwood’s memory to the Travis Mills Foundation, 747 Western Ave., Manchester, ME 04351, email: foundation@travismillsfoundation.org.

VIVIANE G. FOTTER

BENTON – Viviane G. Fotter, passed away on Thursday, December 10, 2020. Viviane was born in Waterville, the daughter of Emelia and Ernest Gagnon, and was gifted in drawing and crafts at a young age.

She would display them in her home for all to see especially at Christmas for many years. In her teenage years at Waterville High School she excelled at the violin and in her later years would give the violin to a granddaughter, Danielle, who would play jigs and reels for her at her home in Belgrade Lakes.

In 1948 she married the love of her life, Perham L. Fotter, and they were married for 54 years until his passing in 2002. During those years they raised six sons. They both worked at Diamond International, in Oakland, for many years and even with very limited wages and much sacrifice, the boys never went without. Everyone who knew Viviane knew that she was the strongest woman they had ever known. She worked non-stop her whole life.

At a very young age she developed Rheumatoid Arthritis which seriously affected her body the rest of her life. Despite years of countless surgeries, hospital visits and rehab she never complained of her illness and always was more concerned about her family than herself.

Viviane had some bucket list wishes while living with her son Stephen and his wife Linda during the last five months of her life. The wish she wanted the most was to ride a horse for the first time. Her wish was granted, spearheaded by her grandson Joseph Fotter who was with her the entire ride.

Viviane was predeceased by her husband Perham L. Fotter; two sons Phillip E. Fotter and Gerald L. Fotter, who recently passed away from complications due to Covid -19; sisters Martha Pelham, Edwina Bolduc, Eva Hubert, Pearl Frost, Ernestine Parisi and brother Edward Gagnon.

She is survived by her son Bruce Fotter and wife Betty, of Warsaw, Indiana; daughter-in-law Rose Marie Fotter, of Belgrade Lakes; sons Stephen Fotter and wife Linda, of Benton, Peter Fotter and wife Tammy, of Rome, and James Fotter and wife Karen, of Gray; 14 grandchildren; 16 great- grandchildren; and two great-great- grandchildren. A graveside service will be held in the spring with Rev. Bill Meyers officiating.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Funeral Alternatives.

Condolences may be expressed at http://www.funeralalternatives.net.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to ShineOnCass Foundation, 64 Heritage Rd., Oakland ME 04963.

ARLEEN M. SMITH

FAIRFIELD – Mrs. Arleen M. (Reynolds) Smith, 87, passed away on Thursday, December 10, 2020, at Mt. St. Joseph, in Waterville, following a lengthy illness. She was the wife of Henry Howard “Howie” Smith with whom she shared 64 years of marriage. Arleen was born August 11, 1933, in Clinton, the daughter of the late Elmer and Mary (Stewart) Reynolds.

She grew up in Clinton and moved to Fairfield. She attended Clinton schools and Lawrence High School, in Fairfield.

For many years Arleen ran a daycare in Fairfield, she loved taking care of the children from all around Fairfield. She did this for many years until her retirement.

She adored her grandchildren and treasured the time she spent with her family and friends. She was very active at the Interfaith Food Pantry and was one of the founding members.

A lifelong member at Fairfield Center United Methodist Church, where she was also a member of the Methodist Women’s Club and the choir. She was also a member of the Rebecca’s and the Eastern Star. She and her husband Howie loved dancing at the former Fox’s Den and the White Owl Pavilion dance halls, in Fairfield. Arleen also enjoyed going for walks with her friends, toll painting and doing ceramics.

Arleen is survived by her children, Dale H. Smith, of Fairfield Center, Dean H. Smith, of Fairfield, and Darcy J. Smith, of Fairfield; her brothers, Alden Reynolds and his wife Andrea, of Fairfield, and Randy Reynolds and his wife Sally, of Old Orchard Beach; 10 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Arleen was predeceased by her sisters Gale, Sharon and Joyce Elkins and her brothers Gary, Roger, Dwayne, Tank and Merlin “Buba”.

Her funeral service were held privately in the Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, in Fairfield.

Interment will be in Tozier Cemetery in the Spring of 2021.

Arrangements are in the care of the Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, 107 Main Street, Fairfield, where condolences may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the funeral home website at http://www.familyfirstfuneralhomes.com.

RONALD G. SABATTUS

WATERVILLE – Rodney G. Sabattus died Saturday, December 12, 2020, at his home in Waterville. Born in 1951 in Calais, he was the son of Merrill Sabattus and Eileen (Sydleman/Sabattus) Frost.

Rod attended Immaculate Conception Catholic grade school, was a 1969 graduate of Calais Memorial High School and graduated from the University of Maine at Orono in 1974 with a B.A. in economics. Rod had a 35-plus year career with the Internal Revenue Service beginning as an RO and subsequently holding various positions within management until his retirement in 2009.

RG and Robin (Adams) met in the fall of 1982 while he was on assignment to the Augusta Office. Married in November 1984, they shared a deep commitment and love for one another.

In his youth, Rod served as an altar boy at the Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church, in Calais. A person of faith in Our Lord God, Rod worshipped in the communities of Corpus Christi Parish, in Waterville, and China Baptist Church.

Rod was a courteous and kind person with a quiet, dignified presence. He enjoyed listening to jazz and reading mysteries, including the Rumpole stories by John Mortimer. A reader of both local and national news, Rod kept abreast of current and international affairs. His travels always included reading the local newspaper and searching for national newspapers which were not as available in central Maine. He was a sports fan of UMO hockey and the New England Patriots and he himself was a “legendary” golfer.

He loved animals and, over the past few years, enjoyed the simple pleasures of watching and feeding the birds. He appreciated the many community members he would meet while volunteering for the collaborative walking program offered between MaineGeneral and Colby College.

Rod is survived by his wife of 36 years, Robin; his aunt, Betty Moreside; sister-in-law, Nancy; brothers-in-law, Lawrence and wife Vikie, and Scott and wife Priscilla; several cousins; and several nieces and nephews.

Services will be at a later date with burial at China Extension Cemetery.

Memories may be shared and an online register book may be signed by visiting http://www.familyfirstfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements are in the care of Lawry Brothers Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 107 Main St., Fairfield.

Memorial donations may be made in Rod’s memory to the charity inspired by his aunt , Berlin, New Hampshire 03570.

KITTY I. GILLUM

VASSALBORO – Kitty Irene Gillum, 96, of Waterville and Vassalboro, died at home, in Vassalboro, on Saturday, December 12, 2020. Irene was born on December 19, 1923, at Trara, in Fredrikstad, Norway, the first of three children and only daughter of Finn and Judith Nilsen.

She was predeceased by her two brothers, Arnulf and Arvid, and by her husband, Kemp Frederick Gillum.

Irene came to the United States in 1925, returned to Norway in 1928, then in 1934 came back to live permanently in the U.S.

The BSN program in nursing at Northwestern University prepared Irene for a career in nursing at Kenosha Hospital, in Kenosha, Wisconsin, and then at Thayer Hospital, later MaineGeneral Medical Center, in Waterville, for 25 years. After retirement, Irene took part in the early development of the Hospice Volunteers of Waterville Area, serving as an organizer, volunteer, and teacher of volunteers for close to 20 years.

Irene is survived by two daughters, Karen Judith Gillum and Mae Elizabeth Simmons, and by son-in-law, Dennis Simmons, sister-in-law, Arlene Edquist Nilsen; five nieces and five nephews and their families.

A family ceremony was held on December 12, at home in Vassalboro. A memorial will be scheduled at some time next year.

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 may be made to Hospice Volunteers of Waterville Area, 304 Main Stree, Waterville, ME 04901, http://www.hvwa.org, or to Mid-Maine Homeless Shelter, 19 Colby Street, Waterville, ME 04901, http://www.shelterme. org.

PETER W. GOLDEN

OAKLAND – Peter W. Golden, 70, of Oakland, passed away Saturday, December 12, 2020, at Northern Light Inland Hospital, in Waterville, following a brief illness. He was born, in Gardiner, on May 13, 1950, to the late Robert J. Golden and M. Pauline Dodge Golden.

Peter was a 1968 graduate of Gardiner Area High School and Dartmouth College class of 1972. He went on to do graduate work for two years at the University of North Carolina. Peter worked for the Social Security Administration for 30 years, beginning his career in Rockland and ending in Baltimore, Maryland, as a computer program analyst.

At an early age Peter became interested in genealogy and it developed into a lifelong passion. He also enjoyed golfing and singing with Sacred Harp groups throughout the country. Peter had an amazing memory for dates and details and was always happy to share genealogy information with family.

Peter was a member of the Palermo Historical Society (where he served as treasurer for several years), Kennebec Historical Society and Taconnett Falls Genealogy Society.

During Peter’s times singing with Sacred Harp groups, he gained acquaintances and friends who shared his passion for music. These friends graciously recorded and dedicated songs for Peter to enjoy during his illness.

Time shared with children and grandchildren brought Peter much joy. Many happy memories resulted from watching Tobey play and coach lacrosse; coaching Andrew’s little league team; exploring Civil War battlefields with Drew; cheering on Ashley at ice hockey games; or playing the part of the handsome prince to Jillian’s princess in the family plays she wrote.

In addition to his parents, Peter was predeceased by his brother Bob Nason.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Noreen Tobey Golden, of Oakland; sons Tobey Farrington (Karen), of Scarborough, Andrew Golden (Deb), of Waterville; grandchildren Andrew Farrington, Ashley Farrington and Jillian Golden; three sisters Carolyn Goggin, of West Gardiner, Janine Brown (Ted), of Paradise Valley, Arizona, and Trish Lorenz (Al), of Brewer; as well as several cousins, nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held when it is safe to gather again.

Arrangements are in the care of Lawry Brothers Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 107 Main St., Fairfield, Maine.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the Lawry Brothers Funeral Home website: http://www.familyfirstfuneralhomes.com.

Those who wish to honor Peter’s memory could do any of the following: have a lobster cookout with family, play a round of golf with friends or become actively involved in your local historical society

RONALD GILLIS

WATERVILLE- Ronald “Randy” Gillis, 59, passed away on Tuesday, December 15, 2020, after losing his battle with COVID-19. He was born on August 9, 1961, in Sidney, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, to Ronald and Florence Gillis, spending his childhood in New Waterford, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia.

Randy moved to the United States in 1984 with his then-wife, Melody, in support of her nursing career. Randy worked at Huhtamaki, in Waterville, for 33 years.

A proud Cape Bretoner at heart, Randy looked forward to going home every summer. One of his happiest moments was when he became a grandfather.

Randy is survived by his daughters, Kayleigh Love (James) and Sarah Gillis; his grandchildren, Jensen Love and Margot Love; his fiancée, Renee Michaud; his ex-wife, Melody Gillis, and mother, Florence Gillis; his brothers, Joseph (Marina) Gillis, Glen Gillis, Paul (Diane) De Ruyte, and Mark (Bin) De Ruyte; and sisters, Karen (Paul) Lowe, Nancy De Ruyte, Heather (David) Hare, and Theresa (Rick) McPhee.

He was predeceased by his father, Ronald Gillis and birth mother, Anne-marie De Ruyte.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Veilleux and Redington Funeral Home. Condolences and memories can be shared by visiting Ronald’s guestbook at http://www.veilleuxfuneralhome.com.

DELORIS A. McCASLIN

CHINA – Deloris A. McCaslin, 79, of China, passed away on Wednesday, December 16, 2020. She was born in Augusta, the daughter of Lucille (Fisher) Seeley and Perley Seeley.

She grew up in the Augusta and Windsor area, and graduated from Erskine Academy, in South China, in 1958.

On November 29, 1958, she married Melvin E. McCaslin, at the China Baptist Church, in China.

She was employed for many years as a stitcher in the button hole department at Hathaway Shirt Company, in Waterville. Deloris also worked as an assistant cook in the China schools, and owned and operated The Landing Restaurant, at the head of China Lake. For several years she worked at Caswell’s Liquidation Center, in Waterville, as a cashier, where she met a very dear friend Judy Reid and her husband George, of Clinton.

Over the years Deloris loved to cook, knit, snowmobile, and going fishing and camping.

Deloris was predeceased by her parents, her husband Melvin, a very special companion Dickie Merrill, sisters Janice Mays, Gloria Norton and Marie Latulippe; brothers Raymond Seeley, David Seeley and Larry Goderre.

She is survived by her children Malcolm Small, Michael Small, Marilyn Small, John (Wendy) McCaslin, Dale Seeley, Linda Seeley and Debra McLaughlin; and grandchildren.

Services will be held at a future date.

GERENE R. LACHANCE

WATERVILLE – Gerene R. Lachance, 79, formerly a resident of Augusta, died Monday, December 21, 2020, following a long illness. She was born in Augusta on February 5, 1941, a daughter of the late Elmeune Letourneau and Diana (Roy) Letourneau Carroll.

Mrs. Lachance attended Augusta schools and was a communicant of St. Michael Parish. She had been employed for many years at the Augusta Mental Health Institute as a food service worker. She was an avid Beano player who loved playing on Wednesday’s at Le Club Calumet, in Augusta.

Mrs. Lachance was predeceased by her husband, Robert J. Letourneau; a daughter, Susan Lachance; and her brother, Roger Letourneau.

She is survived by her daughter, Linda Randall, of Augusta; her grandchildren, Amy St. Peter, of Waterville, Ashley McGuire, of Augusta, Laura Atter, of Monmouth and Zachary Randall, of Augusta; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

There will be no public visiting hours. A graveside service will be held in the spring in Holy Family Cemetery, Townsend Rd., Augusta.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta, ME.

Condolences, stories and photos may be shared at http://www.plummerfh.com.