OBITUARIES for Thursday, February 22, 2024

SHEILA M. BONENFANT

WINSLOW – Sheila Marie (Joseph) (Rancourt) Bonenfant, 84, of Winslow, passed away at her home, on Wednesday, January 31, 2024, while recuperating from a devastating fall that broke her hip and elbow, and courageously battled cancer for 15 months. Sheila was born in Waterville, August 22, 1939, to Frank and Lucille (Poirior) Joseph.

She graduated from Waterville High School’s Class of 1957 and attended Thayer Hospital School of Medical Technology, in Waterville. She married her high school sweetheart, Alton Rancourt, in May 1959 and together they raised seven children.

Sheila worked as a histology technician at Thayer Hospital until the birth of her first child, when she left her job to raise her first five children. She re-entered the workforce part-time in 1968, at the old Waterville Osteopathic Hospital where she stayed for 16 years.

Between December 1975 and January 1980, Sheila lost both of her parents and her husband, leaving her to raise the six youngest of her seven children. Despite this unimaginable hardship, she persevered with what she referred to as “The Three Fs” – Faith, Family, and Friends.

Happier times visited her again when Sheila met Don Bonenfant (1931-2006) in 1983. They were married in 1985 whereupon they decided to relocate to Las Vegas, Nevada, where they spent the next ten years. While there, Sheila entered a second career as a realtor and, upon moving back to Maine in 1995, she became an associate broker with Plourde Real Estate, in Waterville, where she spent the last 22 years of her career before retiring at the age of 76.

After retirement, Sheila worked part-time at Mount Merici Academy, in Waterville as a childcare assistant, enjoying the children as much as they enjoyed her. She also volunteered at the Soup Kitchen, with American Veterans and at the Muskie Center, in Waterville, helping with the Meals on Wheels program.

Besides a big family, Sheila was blessed with many close friends who enriched her life, helped her through tough times, and spent many joyous moments with her.

She was predeceased by her parents; her first and second husbands; her older brother, Jerry Joseph, and most recently, her cousin, Laya Joseph, sister-in-law Diane Cates; and her beloved granddaughter Alexa Re Rancourt.

Sheila is survived by her seven children, Michael Rancourt, of Biddeford, Kathi Rancourt, of Holiday, Florida, Marc Rancourt, of Bangor, Celeste ( and Don) Clough, of Henderson, Nevada, Lisa (and Jerry) Dittrich, of Westbrook, Matthew Rancourt, of China, and John Rancourt, of Portland; eight grandchildren, Darryl “DJ” Vintinner, Jr. (and Amy Morrissette), of Oakland, Katie (Vintinner) Hewett, of Skowhegan, Courtney Rancourt, of Albion, Miranda Rancourt, of Bangor, Indigo (and Faith) Soncourt ,of New York City, New York, Max Sanborn, of China, and Mikayla Garcia, of Augusta; and eight great-grandchildren: Nicholas, Oliver, Cadence, Teagan, Molly, Quinn, Sparrow and JoJo; her younger brother, Richard (and Laurie) Joseph, of Holiday, Florida; her step-children and step-grandchildren through Don Bonenfant; as well as her in-laws; nieces, nephews; cousins.

There will be a Catholic Mass held at Notre Dame, 116 Silver St., in Waterville, on Saturday, May 18, at 11 a.m., immediately followed by a Celebration of Life in their event room.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Sheila’s name to one of her favorite local charities, the Muskie Center Meals on Wheels program, and the soup kitchen.

CHARLES P. GAGNON

WATERVILLE – Charles “Charlie” P. Gagnon, 74, of Waterville, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday, February 6, 2024, at Oak Grove Center, in Waterville. He was born on July 22, 1949, in Waterville, to Alexander and Gertrude Gagnon.

He graduated from Waterville Senior High School in 1967 and went on to continue his studies at the University of Maine in Orono. After graduating from college, he began his 34-year career as a Licensed Social Worker with the State of Maine, Department of Health and Human Services. Throughout his 34-years with DHHS he held many positions including child protective work, daycare licensing, and interstate adoptions before retiring in 2008.

Charlie met the love of his life, Linda, in May 1977. Excited to start their life together, Charlie and Linda married on October 1, 1977. Together they built a family and life with their three children, Darrell, Michelle, Alex, and grandsons.

Charlie had a great passion for fishing and playing cards, especially bridge. In his retirement, he attended many bridge games and tournaments with his best friend, David Bourque. He also spent countless hours on his wood lot in Belgrade, cutting and hand-splitting firewood. He especially enjoyed many trips to his family-built camp, on Moosehead Lake, in Northeast Carry, either fishing or bird hunting with friends and family.

Charlie was predeceased by his parents, grandparents, several aunts and uncles.

He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Linda; and their children, Darrell Gagnon, of Vassalboro, daughter Michelle Fitts and her husband Scott, of China, and son Alex Gagnon and his wife Michelle, of Saco; five grandsons, Trent, Colby, Owen, Tucker, and Scottie; his sister, Rachel Ferguson and her husband David; brother Francis Gagnon and his wife Carol, and sister Elaine Veilleux and her husband James; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A Mass and burial will be held in the spring.

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

DOROTHY A. FISHER

WATERVILLE – Dorothy A. Fisher, 63, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, February 6, 2024.

Dori loved her dogs and working for the Humane Society Waterville Area. She also enjoyed driving the big 18-wheelers traveling all over the country taking her special four-legged fur baby Gert with her. Dori will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her and loved her.

She was predeceased by her father Douglas E. Fisher Sr.; brother Douglas E. Fisher II; grandmother Doris Morang; along with several other uncles.

She is survived by her son Kevin Emerson II and wife Heidi; granddaughter Ceira Emerson Moody; mother Shirley Morang Fisher; sister Debra Fisher; brothers Mark and Michael; nephews Josh and Justin Dunn, and Clay Michael Thibodeau; cousins Margo Morang-Kool, Craig Hall; lots of other nephews, nieces, and many friends.

There will be a celebration of life at a later date.

Please visit Dori’s memorial page at https://dsfuneral.com/obituaries/dorothy-fisher-2024 where condolences, photos, and special memories may be shared.

PHYLLIS J. CHUBBUCK

WATERVILLE – Phyllis Joan Chubbuck, 62, passed away on Thursday, February 8, 2024. Phyllis was born on July 12, 1961, daughter to Edward and Helen Chubbuck.

Phyllis worked as a CNA and enjoyed taking care of those in nursing homes and those with special needs. She loved Walking Dead, playing cards, Bingo, joking with others, and Snapchats with niece Inez.

She was predeceased by both her parents; grandparents Robert and Phyllis Lund; and sister Brenda Sterling.

Phyllis is survived by sisters Inez Dyer with husband John, Belinda Austin with husband Dana, and Laura Dill; brother Robert Chubbuck; longtime partner Darlene Robbins; five nephews and three nieces, one of which took exceptional care of her right till her last moments, Inez Gregor.

Please visit Phyllis’s memorial page at https://dsfuneral.com/obituaries/phyllis-chubbuck.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the family to help with funeral expenses through Dan and Scott’s Cremation and Funeral Services, 445 Waterville Rd., Skowhegan, ME 04976.

ROLAND RANCOURT

SHAWMUT – Roland Rancourt, 84, of Shawmut, passed away on Thursday, February 8, 2024. He was born on Feb­ruary 6, 1940, in Waterville, having recently celebrated his 84th birthday.

Roland was a loving husband, father and grandfather to his family. As a devout man, he was a communicant of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, in Fairfield, and after its closing became a member of Corpus Christi Parish – Waterville/Winslow, and was involved in the church folk group for over 40 years playing guitar. Roland led a life dedicated to service, from his earlier years in the U.S. Air Force, to his volunteer work with the Elks, Knights of Columbus and within the community. As a skilled tinsmith, and handy-man, Roland used his skills working and volunteering to enrich the lives and homes of those around him. Roland worked at various roofing companies after his Air Force service as a tinsmith. He retired from Huhtamaki, in Waterville, then took a part time job as a handyman at the Chore Store.

In his travels to Myrtle Beach during the winters, both Roland and Kay became involved with the Habitat for Humanity Organization utilizing his exceptional skills as a tradesman to give back to the community. In his free time Roland enjoyed playing golf and was a member of the Natanis Golf League, in Vassalboro. His passion for golf led him and Kay to meet some fellow ‘snowbirds’ in Myrtle Beach who have become a second family to them both. When not golfing, you could find him tending to his bird feeders, and swinging on his chair in the front yard, admiring the neighborhood pets, always ready with a treat in hand. His easy-going manner and jokester personality made him a friend to everyone he met.

Roland is survived by his wife of 62 years, Kathleen (Frappier) Rancourt; and their four children, Terri Collier and husband Nathan Collier, Gregory Rancourt and wife Judy Rancourt, Amy St. Pierre and husband Matt St. Pierre, and Jodi Goodie and husband Matt Goodie; his grandchildren, Matthew, Christopher, Carson, Patricia and husband Cory, Noah, Carly, and Drake; and his sister Carol Huard and husband Robert Huard, of Winslow.

He was predeceased by his parents Joseph and Martha Rancourt; sister Patricia LaMontagne, and brothers Donald, Carl, & Richard Rancourt.

A Catholic service will be held at the Corpus Christi Parish on Friday, February 23, 2024, at 10 a.m. After the service, a reception will be held at St. John the Baptist Hall, in Winslow. A family burial service will be held in the spring.

Arrangements are entrusted to the compassionate care of Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, located at 107 Main Street, Fairfield. Memories of Roland can be shared, and an online register book can be signed by visiting http://www.lawrybrothers.com.

In lieu of flowers, Roland requests donations in support of the Waterville Area Habitat for Humanity, ATTN: Treasurer, P.O. Box 1972, Waterville ME 04903-1972.

SUSAN E. ROWE

VASSALBORO – Susan Evelyn Rowe, 65, passed away Friday,February 9, 2024, from complications from pancreatic cancer.

A Celebration of Life will be held on the first weekend in April. Family will update when plans are finalized.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Aable Cremation Service, Waterville. A full obituary can be found at http://www.aablecremationservice.com.

RITA M. HEBERT

WINSLOW – Rita M. Hebert passed away on February 10, 2024. Rita was born in Benton to John and Odilia (Pouliot) Hebert.

She graduated from Law­rence High School, in Fair­field, in 1949, and went on to Thomas College, in Waterville, where she learned the skills that would make her the backbone of the customer service office at Central Maine Power for over 36 years.

She was a dedicated member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, in Fairfield, where she was a lector, Eucharist minister, and acolyte.

Family was everything to Rita. She was always there when anyone needed her. She often remembered the fun she had at the dances with family and friends.

She was predeceased by parents’ John and Odilia Hebert; two brothers, Renee Hebert and Donald Hebert, three sisters, Sylvia Labbe, Antonette Rice and Yvette Hebert.

She is survived by her sister, Frances Plante, of Winslow; sister- in-law Rita (Price) Hebert, of Madison; several nieces and nephews; and several great-nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, at Notre Dame Catholic Church, on Silver Street, in Waterville. A private burial took place at St. Francis Cemetery, Grove Street, Waterville, Maine.

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.

MARGARET P. DENIS

WATERVILLE – Margaret “Peggy” Pauline Denis, 70, passed away on Sunday, February 11, 2024. She was born in Water­ville on July 5, 1953, the daughter of Dominique and Jeannette (Laflamme) Boulette.

She grew up in the north end of Waterville and graduated from Waterville Senior High School.

Margaret worked for First National/ Shop ‘n’ Save and Colby College, in Waterville, for the dining services. She truly loved her Colby students.

Margaret adored spending time with her family and friends enjoying the many gatherings, watching TV, dancing, singing playing cribbage and camping at Birches Lakeside Campground. She loved the beautiful sunshine on her face any chance she could get.

She adored supporting her children and grandchildren at their sporting and dance events. She was their #1 fan. No matter the pain and suffering she endured she had a bright smile on her face through it all.

Margaret was predeceased by her parents Dominique and Jeannette Boulette; the love of her life Michael Denis; and best friend Jeanie Scripture.

Margaret will be remembered by her daughter Melissa Denis; son Michael Denis Jr.; grandchildren Cameron and Alice Denis; brother Paul Boulette and companion Elaine; sisters Melina Boulette, Lisa Ibbitson and husband Paul; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A funeral was held on Wednesday, February 21, at Notre Dame Church, in Waterville. A celebration of her life will be held Saturday, March 16, at 1 p.m., at the MacCrillis-Rousseau VFW, in Winslow.

Arrangements are entrusted to the compassionate care of Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, located at 107 Main Street, Fairfield. Memories of Margaret can be shared, and an online register book can be signed by visiting http://www.lawrybrothers.com.

JOSEPH J. SUGA JR.

VASSALBORO – Joseph John Suga Jr., 84, passed away on Tuesday, February 13, 2024. He was born in 1939, a son of Joseph J. Suga Sr. and Mary Ann (DiOrio) Suga.

Growing up on a farm, Joe learned at an early age the value of working hard. He graduated from Erskine Academy, in South China, and went on to earn an associate degree from the University of Maine at Orono. Following school, he worked for a number of years at Sears-Roebuck as a customer relations manager. He then proudly served his country during the Vietnam era as a member of the U.S. Army. He reached a level of E7 before going to OCS (Officer Candidate School) and being commissioned as a second lieutenant.

Throughout his life, Joe has been employed by the state of Maine in multiple departments as a personnel manager. In addition, he was a master electrician, working for himself for many years. A hard worker, Joe was a productive man and could work circles around younger generations. For 29 years, Joe also owned and operated Suga Country Products alongside his wife Adele, in Vassalboro.

A true Mainer, Joe loved the outdoors; whether he was hunting, fishing, raising hay or cutting firewood, he was a true steward of the land. Some of his favorite memories include spending time at camp up north with friends and family.

Joe was predeceased by his parents; and his brother, Richard Suga.

Joseph is survived by his wife of 39 years, Adele (Hodgkins) Suga, of Vassalboro; his son, Ryan Suga (Nicole Durkee), of Sebago; his nephews, Dana Suga (Patty) and Richard Suga Jr., both of Vassalboro; his niece, Nancy Sanborn, of Pownal; and his stepchildren, MaryKate Friend (Will), of Winslow, and Jennifer Proffitt (Jay), of Austin, Texas.

A funeral was held on Saturday, February 17, 2024, at Plummer Funeral Home, 983 Ridge Rd., Windsor, ME 04363 .

Interment will take place in the spring at Cross Hill Cemetery, in Vassalboro. Condolences, stories, and photos may be shared by visiting http://www.plummerfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Joe’s name may be made to Maine Homeless Veterans Alliance, 907 Ossipee Trail West, Steep Falls, ME 04085.

CAROLE SANDERS

WINSLOW – Carole (Cox) Sanders, 73, passed away peacefully onWednesday, February 14, 2024, at the Alfond Center for Health, in Augusta, following a short but hard-fought battle with respiratory illness. She was a resident at Summer Court, in Winslow.

Carole was a loving wife, mother, sister, aunt, and friend to many. She was a dedicated public servant, advocate for public education, and an avid and skilled golfer, which became her true passion in her retirement.

She grew up in North Monmouth and raised her family in Pittston, where she was first an active member of the PTA and then elected as a member of the MSAD #11 school board, on which she served for a decade, including being elected by her peers to serve as chairman for several years.

She enjoyed time with friends in the Pittston Library Association. She worked for the state of Maine Bureau of Banking for over 20 years, retiring in 2004 and relocating to Brickett Point, on East Pond, in Oakland, where she enjoyed relaxing by the water and kayaking.

Carole was a dedicated and supportive friend and neighbor, who was always available to help anyone in need in whatever way she could. She did not hesitate to become a caretaker for her mother, Lucille, and mother-in-law Barbara when they needed full-time support at the end of their lives.

For over 30 years, Carole brought together her siblings and their many children for the Cox family Thanksgiving, hosting 25-plus guests annually. She was an active member of Waterville Country Club, formerly serving as president and currently as treasurer of the Women’s Golf Association. For the last several years, Carole and Mike enjoyed spending part of their winters on Hilton Head Island, in South Carolina, where she could spend even more time enjoying golf.

She is survived by her husband of 42 years, Michael Sanders; her son, Eric Sanders; and daughter, Lynn Sanders and her husband Jim Morey; her sister, Shirley Cox Foster; and brother, Linwood Cox; brothers-in-law Myron Jacobsen, Mark and Jeffery Sanders, significant other Wanda Ingham; and many nieces, nephews, and loved ones.

She was predeceased by her parents Walter Cox and Lucille Putnam Cox; siblings Sally Phaneuf, Norma Fides, Richard Cox, Clifford Cox, Arlene Jacobsen, Kenneth Cox; and in-laws Richard Foster and Louise MacDonald Cox.

A celebration of Carole’s life will be held this spring, with details to be determined, and shared by her family.

Cremation arrangements are by Dan and Scott Adams Cremation and Funeral Services. Please visit Carole’s memorial page at https://dsfuneral.com/obituaries/carole-sanders where condolences, photos, and special memories may be shared.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Carole’s memory can be made to the Good Shepherd Food Bank of Maine, Good Shepherd Food Bank | Hunger Relief | Maine Food Bank (gsfb.org).

THERESA V. WHITAKER

CLINTON – Theresa Vola (Proctor) Whittaker, 80, passed away at home, in Clinton, on Wednesday, February 14, 2024. She was born in Waterville on June 9, 1943, the daughter of Ray and Vella (Brown) Proctor.

She attended school in Clinton and graduated from Clinton High School on June 8, 1961.

She worked at Ski Land Woolen Mill, in Clinton,, and then Keyes Fibre Company (now Huhtamaki), in Waterville, retiring after 36 years of dedicated service.

Theresa could always be seen outside maintaining her beautifully decorated yard in summer or shoveling snow in winter. Any friends or family going to the post office could be assured of Theresa hollering hello from across the street. She could be zany, wild, and unpredictable, but she also loved deeply and cared passionately for all those in her orbit. She was fiercely devoted to her family, friends, and her fur grandbabies.

Theresa loved a “quarter dollar deal” and never missed a good yard sale, dragging husband Butch around at all hours of the night, taking friends and family along for the ride, or bringing them back treasures from her own yard sale adventures.

She was predeceased by one son, Allen Rex Whittaker; her parents Ray and Vela (Brown) Proctor; two brothers, Perry and Ray Jr.; and nieces Debbie Gerow and Vanessa Wishart.

Theresa is survived by her husband of 62 years, Myron Butch Whittaker; son, Kevine and wife Kelly, of Clinton; daughter, Kim Holt, of Clinton; her grandson, John T. Holt, Jr. and companion Sam Vanhout, of Fairfield; and too many family members to list – you know who you are.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, March 23, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., upstairs at the Elks Lodge, Industrial Street, in Waterville.

Please visit Theresa’s memorial page at https://dsfuneral.com/obituaries/theresa-whittaker where condolences, photos, and special memories may be shared.

OTHERS DEPARTED

EARLE “PETE” COOPER

FAIRFIELD – Earle “Pete” Cooper, 83, passed away on Thursday, February 8, 2024, in Fairfield.

Full obituary and an online guest book is available by visiting http://www.lawrybrothers.com. Arrangements are entrusted to the compassionate care of Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, 107 Main Street, Fairfield

PATRICIA A. PAGE

CLINTON – Patricia A. Page, 74, passed away on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, following a long illness. Pat was born on October 21, 1949, in Akron, Ohio.

She graduated from Lawrence High School, in Fairfield, in 1968. She was employed for many years as a kitchen designer at Fairfield Lumber Company.

Pat is survived by her husband Keith Page; her mom Sherlie Thayer; sons Ken (Angel) Richards and Justin (Crystal) Richards; her brother Terry (Kim) Thayer; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her brother Buddy Thayer and her dad Ira Thayer Jr.

A graveside service will be held in the spring.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at Directcremationofmaine.com.