OBITUARIES for Thursday, December 7, 2023

HENRY H. SMITH

WATERVILLE – Henry Howard “Howie” Smith, 92, passed away on Saturday, November 18, 2023, at Mount Joseph Nursing Home, in Waterville.

As a child, Howie had a great love of football and baseball. Howie was an outstanding two-sport athlete at Lawrence High School, in Fairfield. Howie served in the U.S. Army Signal Corps and was a Korean War Veteran. Mom waited patiently to marry him following his return from the war.

Howie was a dedicated family man and raised his family as a plumber on the north end of Keyes Fibre Company, in Fairfield. Howie was a faithful volunteer at the Fairfield Interfaith Food Pantry. He was a coach and mentor in the local PAL youth sports program and received the Bulldog award at the 2012 LHS football banquet.

Howie’s hobbies were gardening and woodworking. He “grew the best tomatoes on Woodman Ave.” and loved making wooden Bulldog athletes and cheerleaders for folks in the community.

He had a strong faith in Jesus and raised his family at the United Methodist Church, in Fairfield Center.

Henry is survived by his children Dale and wife Tonya, and Darcy and Dean; his grandchildren Jared and wife Jaimie, Alex, Katie, Jordan, Ashley, Joshua, Aaron and wife Monica, James Autumn, and Liberty; great-grandchildren Jared, Rylan, Raiden, Brynnlea and soon expecting great-granddaughter; brothers-in- law Randy Reynolds and wife Sally, and Aulden Reynolds and wife Andrea; and many nieces and nephews.

Howie was predeceased by his wife of many years Arleen; his mother Ruby Smith and father Samuel Smith; stepfather Benny Jones; brother Bobby; sister Florence; and twin sisters Arlene and Charlene; and several brothers in-law and sisters in-law that have passed on before him.

Visiting hours will be on Friday, December 8, from 4 – 6 p.m., at Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, in Fairfield. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, December 9, 2023, at 1 p.m., at Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, in Fairfield. A burial and celebration of life will be held in the spring.

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.

REBECCA SHERWOOD

WATERVILLE – Rebecca (Hallee) Sherwood, 75, passed away on Tuesday, November 21, 2023, following a long illness. The eldest of six children, Rebecca was born to N. Richard and Constance (Audet) Hallee, in Waterville, on May 30, 1948.

After graduating from Waterville High School in 1966, she joined the Women’s Army Corps, which included work at the Pentagon, in Washington, DC. She earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees from State Univeristy of New York (SUNY Buffalo). She returned to the Waterville area in the 1970s to raise her family.

Rebecca was a fiercely loving mother of two sons, devoted wife, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She thrived as a full time mother, and also taught high school and college English part time. Her passion for vintage jewelry became a successful part-time business. Rebecca was known by family and friends as the “queen of the scrabble.” Her generous spirit, unwavering love, contagious laugh, and unforgettable smile will be missed.

She is survived by her husband, Peter; sons Matthew and his wife Kellyann, and Nathan and grandson Sam; brothers Greg Hallee, Steve Hallee, and Tim Hallee and wife Lauren; sisters Lisa Hallee and husband Eric Sharpe and Bridget Hallee Campbell, husband John and daughter Haley; nephews Brent Hallee, wife Crystal and son Brody, and Scott Keddy and daughter Charlotte.

Rebecca was predeceased by her parents, and her nephew Christopher Hallee.

In accordance with Rebecca’s wishes, there will be no funeral service. All who knew and loved Rebecca are welcome to join the celebration of life on Saturday, December 16, at St. Bridget Center, Main St., in Vassalboro, from 2 to 4 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a gift in Rebecca’s name to the Maine Children’s Home, mainechildrenshome.org.

HARRY BRUNELLE

SIDNEY – Harry “Bill” Brunelle, 58, passed away peacefully at his home Wednesday, November 22, 2023. Bill was born in Hartford, Connecticut, on January 27,1965, the son of Roger and Dorothy Drouin.

He was raised and attended school in Waterville.

Bill was a self-employed business owner for many years. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He loved boating, the great outdoors, and going to the casino with his wife Wanda. One of Bill’s favorite seasons was winter, he loved to go on long snowmobile rides.

He was predeceased by his parents Roger and Dorothy Drouin, sister Tina Gillette, brother-in-law Randy Foss.

Bill is survived by the love of his life and wife Wanda Brunelle; stepsons Clint and Jason; sisters, Tammy with husband Bill St. Amand, of Oakland, Angela Foss, of Rome, Terry with husband Robert Pritchard, of New Mexico, Pamela Cox, of Missouri, Carol with husband Mark Walker, of Sidney, Betty with husband Dan Wilson, of Belgrade; as well as many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be on Saturday, January 27, 2024, at the Oakland American Legion, on Church Street, in Oakland. Time will start at 1 p.m., all are welcome to come and celebrate this amazing man.

Graveside services will be in the spring of 2024, date and time to be determined.

Please visit Bill’s memorial page at http://www.dsfuneral.com/obituaries/harry-bill-brunelle where condolences, photos, and special memories may be shared.

LeROY F. GOWER SR.

SOUTH CHINA – LeRoy F. Gower, Sr., 88, passed away on Friday, November 24, 2023, in his home on his own terms.

Roy was a very proud hard worker whether running his dairy farm, painting, running a trash route, or helping a neighbor. He was a strong character who believed in honesty and trustworthiness. Lessons were passed to his children by example as they worked side by side on the farm.

His hobbies included car racing, horse and oxen pulling, and snowmobiling. However, he is best remembered for his silly playfulness: making faces, pulling pranks, crawling around on the floor with children.

Roy is survived by his seven children: Charlene, David, LeRoy Jr., Brenda, Richard, Sandra, Kevin and their spouses; 14 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and his sister Margaret Sheehy.

A private burial will be held in the spring.

Arrangements are under the care of Kincer Funeral Home, 130 Pleasant St., Richmond, Maine 04357.

CLARENCE L. TARDY

FAIRFIELD – Clarence “Todd” Leslie Tardy, 78, of Fairfield, passed away on Friday, November 24, 2023, while in the comfort of his home. He was born on October 7, 1945.

Todd was well-known by his community, family, and friends as kind, caring, and a fun-loving person and will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him.

Per Todd’s wishes, there will be a spring, Military Honors interment. See the full obituary at: https://dsfuneral.com/obituaries/clarence-tardy

Please share photos, memorable stories, and condolences in his honor.

JOSEPH W. NADER

WINSLOW – Joseph “Joe” William Nader Jr., 82, passed away on Sunday, November 26, 2023, following a very long and loving life. Joe was born in Waterville, on November 10, 1942, the son of Joseph William Nader Sr., of Beirut, Lebanon, and Christine (Batcheller) Nader, of Exeter.

Joe graduated from Winslow High School in 1961 and joined the U.S. Army National Guard as a Maintenance Technician.

Joe worked for the woolen mill, in Waterville, and then started working for his father, Joesph Sr., in 1978, at his company, J.W. Nader Paving. Joseph took over the paving business and ran it until 2005.

He started driving the school bus for First Student, of Augusta, then for Winslow for a few years. He continued his passion for driving the school bus for the Waterville School District, where he retired.

Joseph enjoyed hunting, snowmobiling, square dancing, and ball room dancing. He got to know a lot of people throughout the years he lived. He made many wonderful friends that he enjoyed spending time with. He loved spending time with his two grandchildren, he went to many of their sporting events and other activities in which they were involved.

Joe was predeceased by his parents and brothers, Bill Nader and Elias Nader.

Surviving him is his wife of more than 55 years Mary (Robinson) Nader, of Winslow; two daughters, Doreen Nader ,of Winslow, Paula (Nader) Snow and her husband Thomas, of Wayne; two grandchildren, Ben Hasson, of Columbus, Ohio, Christine Hasson, of Winslow; several nieces and nephews.

His service was held on Wednesday, December 6, at Saint Joseph Maronite Catholic Church, in Waterville. A burial will be scheduled 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 may be made in the name of Joseph Nader, to St. Joseph’s Maronite Catholic Church, 3 Appleton, Waterville, Maine, 04901.

NANCY D. McREEL

WATERVILLE – Nancy Dunwoody McReel, 100, passed away onSunday, November 26, 2023, at Woodland’s Assisted Living Facility, in Waterville. She was born July 23, 1923, in Swamscott, Massachusetts, the daughter of Kingsland Dunwoody and Janet Barber Dunwoody.

Her favorite childhood activity was sailing to many victories in yacht club races. As a teenager she was a Girl Scout Mariner and crewed on schooners along the East coast. She graduated from Vassar College, in Poughkeepsie, New York, and immediately joined the U.S. Navy as an officer, stationed at the Pentagon, in Washington, DC, in the Intelligence Department decoding German documents.

In 1948 she took a summer long bicycle trip across Europe with several friends, staying in youth hostels, empty fields or even one night in a concrete storm drain. Upon returning to the U.S., she obtained a Masters Degree in Library Science from the University of Michigan. She drove across country to start work in the reference department of the California Academy of Sciences, in San Francisco. Her next job was at the University of New Hampshire, in Durham, where she met her future husband, William McReel. They moved to Castine where William worked at Maine Maritime Academy until his death in 1969.

Nancy raised their three children then returned to library work at University of Maine, Orono, and finally at Thornton Academy, in Saco. She resided in Kennebunk and Wells for 35 years before moving to assisted living in Waterville.

In her calm, quiet way she would educate others in the wonders of the natural world, believing that if one developed an appreciation of the outdoors it would lead to taking care of it. She taught her children respect and responsibility for the environment through numerous camping, hiking, kayaking and skiing adventures. She was a long time “Sugarloafer”, skiing the bumps on Skidder until her 80s. She continued her interest in the outdoors in retirement, obtaining a certificate in Botany from the University of Southern Maine and volunteering with the New England Wildflower Society, National Audubon Society, Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge and the Conservation Education Foundation of Maine, just to mention a few! Her love and interest in botany and birds lead her on global adventures from Mongolia to Antarctica, Tibet to Greenland, and many other environs.

She was predeceased by her husband, William and oldest son, Malcolm.

She is survived by her daughter Laurie McReel and her husband, John Poirier, of South Thomaston; and her son James McReel and his wife Kathy; grandsons Ian Poirier and James Poirier and great-grandchildren, of California.

Per her wishes, there will be no memorial service.

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

Donations in her name could be made to the Friends of Rachel Carson Wildlife Refuge in Wells (friendsofrachelcarsonwr.org) Maine or any other conservation organization of choice.

JEFFREY E. PELOTTE

VASSALBORO – Jeffrey E. Pelotte, 65, of Vassalboro passed away at home on Tuesday, November 28, 2023. Jeff was born in Waterville on September 5, 1958, the son of Rosaire and Bernice (Batchelder) Pelotte.

He married the love of his life, Elizabeth (Fairfield) Pelotte in June 1980 and they enjoyed 43 years together. He spent his career as a drywall installer and finisher. Travel for his job took him all over the state so he always knew the most beautiful places in Maine to take his family and where to buy the best seafood.

Jeff was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping. He was a generous person who would always help friends and family when needed.

Jeff was a skilled craftsman and was usually working on projects either at his home or one of his children’s homes. He was a caring, supportive husband and father who taught his children many important life skills. His grandchildren will remember how he loved to bring home small treats for them and how he always wanted to hear about their interests and after-school activities. Jeff enjoyed family parties and always tried to get people to dance.

He is survived by his wife Beth; children Aaron and Jessica Pelotte, of Vassalboro, and Andrea and Matt Galasyn, of Winslow; and his grandchildren Alex, Lilly, Caroline, and Margo; his mother Bernice Pelotte, of Waterville; siblings Jean and Ted Brown, of Bradenton Florida, and Judy Languet, of South China; as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father Roger Pelotte and siblings Jerry Pelotte and Joey Pelotte.

A Celebration of Life is scheduled for Sunday, January 7, 2024, at 2 p.m., at 255 Trafton Event Room, located at 255 Trafton Road, Waterville. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Jeff’s life.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine.

CAROLYN PIERCE

OAKLAND – Carolyn Pierce, 92, passed away on Tuesday, November 28, 2023, at Northern Light Continuing Care Lake­wood, in Waterville. Carolyn was born in Hartland on May 31, 1931, the daughter of Albert L. and Elizabeth (Burbank) Smith.

The family lived in Waterville and Winslow, eventually moving to the Rices Rips Road, in Oakland, across the street from her future husband.

Carolyn graduated from Williams High School ,in Oakland, in 1949. She married Richard Pierce, of Oakland,on Christmas Eve 1950, at the Pleasant Street Methodist Church, in Waterville. After brief stays in Dover-Foxcroft and Monmouth, they moved to Rices Rips Road, in Oakland, where she and Dick lived for over 60 years. Cal, as Dick called her, had three children – Richard, Laurie, and Daniel.

Carolyn was very active in local clubs and organizations. She was a member of the Young Mothers Club, the Kennebec Mothers Club, and the Oakland Tuesday Club. She was involved with the Oakland Republican Party, often “working the polls” as a ballot clerk.

In the summers, Carolyn worked across the street at her in-laws’ Mayflower Hill Farm, where she was known as the fastest strawberry picker on the farm. Many of the strawberries went into her delicious strawberry jam.

During the late 1970s and through the 1980s, after the children had grown, Carolyn went to work full-time. She started as supervisor for the Hilltop Center, on College Avenue, in Waterville. Later, she was the director of Ken-A-Set’s Work Activity Center, in Waterville, and the College Avenue Thrift Store. In 1977, she was an organizer for the Maine Special Olympics, held at Colby College.

Carolyn was extremely talented at sewing and crafts. She made many costumes over the years, both for the children at Halloween, and for their school and community shows. She knit a personalized Christmas stocking for every grandchild and great-grandchild.

Carolyn was predeceased by Dick, her husband of 68 years; her parents, Bunny and Betty Smith; her brother, Albert Smith, Jr.; her sister, Regina Smith; her brother-in law, Russ MacPhee; and her son-in-law, Paul Thomas.

She is survived by her children, Richard Pierce and wife Sherry, of Oakland, Laurie Thomas, of Oakland, and Daniel Pierce and wife Roxanne, of Scarborough; her six grandchildren, Derek Stevens and wife Tonya, of Las Vegas, Nevada, Jennie Charleston and husband Russell, of Vassalboro, Nathan Pierce and wife Jody, of Hallowell, Benjamin Pierce and wife Julia, of Camden, Sarah Pierce Bureau and husband Edmond, of Falmouth, and Daniel Pierce and wife Maria, of Benton; 14 great-grandchildren; her sisters, Colleen MacPhee, of Waterville, and Margaret Cilley, of Turner.

There will be no services.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Carolyn’s memory may be made to the Oakland Flower Committee, c/o Oakland Town Office, P.O. Box 187, 6 Cascade Mill Road, Oakland, Maine.

PATRICIA C. PACKARD

WATERVILLE – Patricia Cronin Packard, 93, of Unity, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 28, 2023, in Waterville. She was born on February 7, 1930, in Skowhegan, to James Cronin and Mary Ellen (Paradis) Cronin.

She was raised in Skowhegan by her uncle and aunt, Carl “Chibby” Paradis Sr. and Sara Paradis. She attended Skowhegan schools and graduated from Skowhegan High School in 1948. She graduated from Gorham State Teachers College, in Gorham, in 1953. Her first teaching position was in Unity; she also taught in Skowhegan, Old Lyme, Connecticut; and Stamford, Connecticut schools.

She married Crosby Packard on July 22, 1961. After raising her family, she returned to teaching in Unity, until she retired in 1992. She was a cub scout den mother, active on school committees, and volunteered in the schools. She enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles, politics, and classic movies. Her dogs were her loyal companions, especially Digby and Jake. In her retirement she enjoyed spending time with her fellow retired teachers.

She was predeceased by her husband in 1994, an infant son James Crosby Packard, two brothers Carl Paradis, Jr. and James Cronin, her sister Mayna Damren, and a nephew Carl Paradis III.

She is survived by her son David Packard and daughter-in-law Vicki Packard, of St. Albans; her daughters Deborah Packard and Melissa Packard, both of Unity; her granddaughters, Ashley Graham and her husband Matthew, of Palmyra, Sara Packard Mitchell and her husband Riley, of Boothbay; her great-grandsons, Levi and Luka Graham, of Palmyra.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, December 7, at 9 a.m., at Notre Dame de Lourdes Catholic Church, 273 Water St, Skowhegan.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Smart and Edwards Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Humane Society Waterville Area, 100 Webb Rd., Waterville, ME 04901.

BOYD S. WEBBER SR.

AUGUSTA – Boyd Smith Webber Sr., 89, quietly passed away in his home, on the morning of Wednesday, November 29, 2023, following a five-year battle with Lewy Body Dementia. He was born in Sister’s Hospital, in Waterville, on May 19, 1934, the son of the late Wyman W. and Amanda (Boggs), a/k/a Sally Cummings.

Boyd was raised by his maternal grandparents Robert and Myrtle Boggs, on the Lamson Road, in Augusta, and he built a house next door to them after marrying his wife, Viola in 1953. As their family grew, he built a larger home across the road where they raised their six children and spend many happy years together.

Boyd began his education in the tiny Bolton Hill Road school, moving on to Williams Elementary and Erskine Academy, in South China. He served in the Maine Army National Guard, 142nd Ord. Co., from 1952 to1955, where he began his life long career as a diesel mechanic.

He worked as a logger, gas station attendant, oil delivery driver and was a partner in a well-drilling company before he began at White & Bradstreet’s, in Augusta, in the early 1960s and worked until his retirement in 1998.

He was an expert welder, a wizard with hydraulics as well as truck and auto repair. His garage was the go-to place for family, friends, and neighbors who needed a helping hand with most anything, or just to have a cold beer or can of Moxie. His passion for the older model cars became a decades long hobby of restoring antique autos, particularly Oldsmobiles and Chevrolets from the late 1930s & 1940s.

Boyd enjoyed a nice drive to the coast for seafood; a good ole western movie or TV show, especially if it included John Wayne; backyard family cookouts; a nice lobster roll or cool shrimp cocktail; a friendly game of horseshoes or pool; dinner from the Red Barn or at the Chinese buffet; but mostly he likes his quiet time puttering around with his projects in his garage.

Boyd is predeceased by his wife of 68 years Viola, sister Shirley (Terry), brother Vance, his son Boyd Jr. and granddaughter Rebecca.

He survived by his sons Bruce and wife Debbie, of Augusta, Tom and wife Lori, of China; his daughters Jean Royle, of Palermo, Sue and Deb, of Augusta, and Patricia, of Waterville; grandsons James, of Augusta, Kevin and his partner Heather, of Windsor, Shane and wife Tasha, of Waterville, Daniel, of Florida, and Derek and wife Heather, of Fairfield; granddaughters Heidi and her partner Matt, of Florida, Katherine (Cater) and husband Seth, of Lisbon, Sara (Phillips) and husband Rick, of Surry, Tara and Natasha, of Florida; three great-granddaughters and three great-grandsons; is sister Lorraine; and brothers Keith Webber and William Cummings; his “adopted son” Jack Mellor, of Whitefield; many cousins, nieces and nephews.

A private family graveside service will be held in the spring.

A celebration of life gathering will be held at 1 p.m., on Sunday, December 17, 2023, at the Boynton-Webber American Legion Post #179, Legion Memorial Drive, in South China.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests a donation to Lewy Body Dementia Association @ https://www.lbda.org/donate/.

Others Departed

DAVID W. CROOK

LAKE PLACID, Florida –David William Crook, 77, died on Saturday, November 11, 2023. He was born April 8, 1946, son of Harvey and Frances Crook.

He will be remembered as a hard-nosed prosecutor, an avid fisherman, proud Mainer, loyal Democrat, and a loving husband, father and grandfather.

He graduated from Brewer High School (1964), where he was a four-year varsity football player, member of DeMolay, and earned the rank of Life Scout in Boy Scouting in Maine. A member of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity, he earned a BS in education from the University of Maine (1968). While at Maine, David worked as waterfront director at Camp Waasokeaq in Dexter, Maine. There, Crook met his future wife, the camp nurse Barbara Linfante. The summer romance resulted in a marriage of 55 years and two children, Kendra and Adam.

Crook started as a teacher and assistant football coach at Madison High School (1968), but he determined he could never support a family on a teacher’s salary. At Barbara’s urging and her financial support, Crook graduated Brooklyn Law School with a Doctorate in Juris Prudence (1972) in the top 10 percent of his class, earning the Cornelius J. Wickersham Constitutional Law Award. He passed the bar exam in New York and Maine.

David was hired by the Brooklyn District Attorney’s office as an assistant DA. One of his favorite stories was his first day of work. Because of a personnel error, he was assigned to argue a robbery case before a jury. People always asked if he won and he responded he wouldn’t tell the story if he lost!

For two years, he worked in the homicide and night court divisions of the DA’s office. In his third year, Crook was promoted to the Special Narcotics Unit that handled cases for all of New York City.

David returned home to Maine as an assistant DA for Kennebec and Somerset Counties (1975) and within a year was promoted to Deputy DA. Crook ran for District Attorney in 1978, winning six consecutive four-year terms by large margins.

During his 30-plus year career, Crook prosecuted more child abuse cases (over 1,500) than any other DA. Crook established the Victim Rights program by authoring laws passed by the Maine legislature giving victims the right to be heard at sentencing, restitution and notification of plea bargains. Criminals paid more than $5,000,000 to their victims and repaired Maine Pine Tree Camp and many high schools. He was recognized by a joint resolution of the legislature as Maine’s Top Prosecutor of OUIs for eight consecutive years. He was twice selected Law Enforcement Officer of the Year and recipient of the Colonel’s Award from Maine Game Warden Service. David was elected as president of the Maine Prosecutor’s Association and served on the board of the National District Attorney Association. He was admitted to practice law before the United States Supreme Court, the Federal District Court and the Court of Appeals.

On the first day of retirement, David was diagnosed with cancer. During remission, he joined Tom Ferris to form the firm of Ferris and Crook (eventually Ferris Gurney Grant and Crook). He often remarked that many people who he prosecuted as DA were quick to hire him as a defense attorney. Crook saw no inconsistency in being a prosecutor and a defense attorney because he always sought the truth and justice before the law.

In his later years, David and his wife spent six months in Rome, Maine, and six months in Florida.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara (Linfante); daughter Kendra Crook and son-in-law Christopher Sariti, of Mahwah, New Jersey; son Adam Crook, of Melrose, Massachusetts; his grandchildren, Charles Sariti, Margaret Sariti and Samuel Crook.

A memorial will be held at a later time.

Donations in his memory can be made to his grandson’s Eagle Scout project: https://gofund.me/4194fcc2.

Death notice

VINI HEIKKILA

NORRIDGEWOCK – Vini Heikkila, 64, of Norridgewock, passed away on Thursday, November 23, 2023. Arrangement through Dan & Scott’s, Skowhegan.