OBITUARIES for Thursday, February 8, 2024

ALICE M. HOPKINS

VASSALBORO – Alice Marion Hopkins, 89, of Vassalboro, passed away in her sleep, on Friday, January 26, 2024, at Woodlands, of Hallowell.

A retired school teacher, Alice spent most of her adult life in Connecticut teaching at Woodstock Elementary school, in Woodstock, Connecticut. It was with great pride she shared her passion for learning in the language arts with countless students during her 30-year career.

Alice will be most remembered for her love of her gardens, nature and her talented hand work, especially with rug hooking as well as spending many hours watching nature and all its beauty.

Alice was predeceased by her greatest love Sheldon Arthur Hopkins, formerly from Coopers Mills, with whom she was married for 57 years.

Alice is survived by her two daughters and sons-in-law, Sharon and Stephen Farrington, of Maine, and Lou-Ann and David Martinez, of Florida; her grandson Nathaniel Farrington, of New Hampshire; “sister”-cousins Holly Clary and Norma Dinwiddie, both of Maine; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorial donations may be made in lieu of flowers to the following, Vassalboro Historical Society, Vassalboro Food Bank, Waterville SPCA, Alzheimer’s organization.

A private family gathering will be held during the summer.

ROBERT S. SINCLAIR

JEFFERSON – Robert Samuel Sinclair, 78, of Jefferson, passed away on Saturday, January 27, 2024, at home following a relatively brief illness.

Bob was born on April 30, 1945, in Alexandria, Virginia, the son of the late Rosa Deans Sinclair and Louis H. Sinclair. Bob was the second of four brothers, and dearly loved as a natural caregiver who devoted his life to his family and wide community of friends.

Bob, in his words, led a happy and fulfilling life, made more so by his supreme love for his family, co-workers, and friends. He received his B.S. in business administration from The American University, in Washington, D.C., and played football in college (first string halfback and second-string quarterback!). His love of sports, especially football and baseball, extended past his playing days to work as an umpire in a semi-pro baseball league in Virginia.

Bob celebrated his 42nd year in Maine this past summer. He retired in 2021 as a Human Services Enforcement Agent for the Maine Department of Health and Human Services where he had worked since 2005 and was known for his fair, firm and balanced approach to working with his clients. He was active in his church, St. Giles Episcopal Church, and prior to 2010, served as senior warden, chaired the building and renovation committee, and was elected head of the Vestry. Until recently, he served as the chairman of the Welfare Appeal Board for Jefferson.

A caregiver for his mother, a loyal and generous friend, a confidante and fashion guide for his sisters, charming as all Sinclair men are charming, a lover of journeying and photographing Maine with family and friends (and going to Chick-Fil-A with Tim and food sales and craft fairs with Rosa), a porcupine slayer extraordinaire: all this only begins to describe this wonderful man. His calendars and cards were eagerly awaited each year, and his puns and wit amazed all. Being in his presence meant you could be subjected to a steady, but enjoyable, diet of quips and peculiar sense of humor.

If you were fortunate enough to call Bob “friend,” you were made to feel singularly special, experience generosity on another level and benefit from an unbreakable bond of affection. He was a Godzilla, Dr. Who and original Superman fan. He loved cats (and cats and dogs loved him), trivia and antique cars and had a lifelong obsession with Jeeps. He had a quarterback’s arm, a keen and quick wit, and a unique and generous heart. He was a good man who will be sorely missed.

He was predeceased by his brothers, Louis and Stephen.

He is survived by his brother, Douglas; his sisters Rosa (and her husband Brian), and Elizabeth; numerous nephews, nieces, great-nephews and nieces.

A Celebration of Life memorial service was held at St. Giles Episcopal Church, Route 126, Jefferson, on Saturday, February 3; a reception to celebrate his life followed. There will be a private graveside committal in the spring.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta, ME 04543. Condolences, and messages for his family, may be expressed by visiting: http://www.StrongHancock.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Giles Episcopal Church or to the Jefferson Food Pantry, 72 Gardiner Rd., Jefferson, ME 04348

JOSE M. RODRIGUEZ, M.D.

WATERVILLE – Jose M. Rodriguez, M.D., 99, passed away peacefully in Waterville on Thursday, January 4, 2024, in his one hundredth year. He was born on October 24, 1924, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, the son of Eudoro and Isabel Rodriguez, the youngest of five brothers each of whom became a physician.

He grew up in Buenos Aires and in the family country house in Rio Cuarto, Argentina. Before attending medical school, he received the prestigious gold medal given to the highest baccalaureate in his college class. He went on to attend medical school at the University of Cordoba, in Argentina, graduating with highest distinction in 1947. Upon graduation, he was offered a fellowship in neurosurgery at Mercy Hospital, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and completed both his internship and residency in 1951. In 1953, he married the former Elizabeth Theresa Doychak.

In 1962, he and his family relocated to Maine where he had been offered a position at the Veterans Hospital, in Togus. Later, he established a neurosurgery practice in Waterville, where he performed microsurgery at the Sister’s Hospital, in Waterville. Later, after the merger of Thayer Hospital and Seton Hospital, he became the Chief of Neurosurgery at Mid-Maine Medical Center, in Waterville, where he practiced until his retirement in 1990.

In 1972, he was elected to the Faculty of the American College of Surgeons. He was a founder of the Colby College summer neurosurgery program which attracted many of the most significant neurosurgeons throughout the world for decades. He also conducted a weekly spinal clinic at Redington-Fairview Memorial Hospital, in Skowhegan. He was a member of the American Medical Association and the American Association of Neurological Surgeons.

While in Waterville, he was a communicant of Sacred Heart Church and Notre Dame du Perpetuel Secours, as well as a longtime supporter of the Servants of the Blessed Sacrament. A lifelong golfer, he was also an enthusiastic member of the Waterville Country Club.

After his retirement, he and his wife split their time between Maine, the Bahamas and Florida, where he indulged his love for golf, swimming and dancing the tango.

He is survived by his daughter, Alicia Benson, son-in-law, Judge Andrew Benson, both of Unity; and granddaughter Eunjae Benson, of Boston, Massa­chu­setts.

He was predeceased by Elizabeth, his wife of 68 years in 2021.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated in the spring.

JANE L. MARDEN

OAKLAND – Jane L. Marden, 67, of Oakland, passed away on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, while vacationing with her husband on a “bucket list” cruise in Antarctica. She died peacefully in her sleep, during the early hours of the morning near Astrolabe Island, Antarctica. Jane was born in Waterville on May 17, 1956, the daughter of Roger and Yvette (Bourassa) LeClair, of Winslow.

She grew up in Winslow, graduating from Winslow High School in 1974. She began college at the University of Maine at Farmington. She finished her two bachelor’s of science degrees, and her master’s degree in food science at the University of Maine at Orono. She was also a registered dietician. Jane was a self-proclaimed “foodie”, enjoying time with her friends in ‘Gourmet Lunch Group,’ and the family called her the food police.

Jane was always up for any outdoor activity. She was passionate about downhill skiing, waterskiing, hiking, and year-round activities on the lake. Jane was especially proud to have passed her outdoor enthusiasm on to her children and grandchildren. Sunday evening family dinners were always filled with laughter and too much food. She was continuously working on sewing or knitting projects for her grandchildren as well as Sew for a Cause and other charities.

Jane was predeceased by her parents and her brother Richard LeClair.

Jane is survived by her husband of 45 years, John Marden; her sister Estelle and husband John Clyde, of Smithfield; her son Jacob and wife Serica, of Vassalboro, their children Caleb and Abigail; daughter Melissa and husband Nathan Mangin, of Farmingdale, their children Owen, Parker, and Cameron; sister-in-law Claire LeClair, of Sidney; and a niece Jennifer Cyr and husband Jason and children Gavin, Allie, and Ben, also from Sidney; many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Funeral services will be held 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 to Guiding Eyes for the Blind at http://www.guidingeyes.org or 800-942-0149 or to Sew for a Cause, c/o St. Bridget’s Center, 864 Main St., No. Vassalboro, ME 04989.

COREY R. BURTON

OAKLAND – Corey Robert Burton, 54, of Oakland, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, January 29, 2024, at Northern Light Inland Hospital, Waterville. Corey was born on February 5, 1969, in Waterville, the son of Jerry A. and Constance A. (Pouliotte) Burton.

He was a graduate of Cony High School, in Augusta, class of 1987, where he met his wife of 28 years, Kathy (Johnson) Burton.

Corey worked in the powerline industry for his entire life. He worked for Security Lighting for 15 years and most recently at Central Maine Power for 22 years. He was proud of the work he did and made an impact on those with whom he worked.

Corey loved camping in the summer at China Lake and vacationing in Mexico and Florida during the winter months. He loved spending time with his family and lifelong friends. Corey was the best husband, father, son, brother, uncle, friend and so much more to the people who loved him.

Corey was predeceased by his uncle, Paul Pouliotte and Mémère, Fernande Pouliotte.

Corey is survived by his wife, Kathy; son, Dylan and partner Nathalie St. Pierre, of Scarborough; mother, Constance Burton, of Augusta; father, Jerry Burton and wife Tina, of Chelsea; sister, Ashley Connor and her husband Scot,t of Windham; mother and father-in-law, Stephen and Valarie Plummer, of Hallowell; sister-in-law, Dawn Addy and her husband Brian, of Vassalboro; sister-in-law, Stephany Wiers and her husband Matt, of Lewiston; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

A memorial service was held on Thursday, February 8, 2024, at Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St. Augusta. Burial will be at a later date in St. Augustine Cemetery, Townsend Rd., Augusta.

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

KEITH ELWELL

READFIELD – Keith Elwell, of Readfield, and formerly of Vassalboro, passed away on Monday, January 29, 2024. He was born February 14, 1932, in Sherman Mills, to John and Pearle (Clockedile) Elwell.

Keith graduated from Sherman High School in 1949, and Aroostook State Normal School (now known as University of Maine-Presque Isle) in 1952.

He taught a year in Blaine and then served in the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1955, in Thule, Greenland. Keith then went back to school and graduated from Bentley School of Accounting and Finance, in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1957.

Keith worked at Central Maine Power Co. for 12 years and then Cives Steel, in Augusta, for 20 years until his retirement in 1988.

Keith married Marion (Gould) Elwell on June 30, 1956, in Dixmont. Keith and Marion have three sons.

He was a member of the Riverside Congregational Church where he had served as a deacon and trustee. While living in Vassalboro he also served as a selectman, planning board member, and appeals board. Keith was also involved in the Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts and served on the Advisory Council of Spectrum Generations.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a brother, Bob, and a sister, Marilyn.

Keith is survived by his wife, Marion; and sons Brian, Brent, and Kevin; a brother, Pat; and sister, Anita.

A graveside service will be held in the summer.

Arrangements are in the care of the Roberts Funeral Home, 62 Bowdoin St., Winthrop where condolences and memories may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the funeral home website by visiting http://www.khrfuneralhomes.com

SHARON R. LEEMAN

PALERMO—Sharon Rose Leeman, 77, passed away on Friday, February 2, 2024, at MaineGeneral Rehabilitation & Long-Term Care at Glenridge. She was born June 14, 1946, a daughter of Maurice and Lizzie (Chase) Turner.

Sharon grew up in a large family in Freedom and attended local schools. She married Norman L. Leeman on July 3, 1964. The two settled in Palermo and she became a mother to her four sons: Norman Jr., Douglas, Daniel, and Joey.

She was a true Mainer who loved spending time outdoors. Some of her favorite outdoor activities were hunting, fishing, ice fishing, and snowmobiling. Her happy place was up to camp near Chesuncook Lake where countless family memories were made, including she and Norman’s 40th wedding anniversary party.

Sharon also enjoyed shopping and visiting friends. She will be remembered for her delicious cooking and outgoing personality.

Sharon was predeceased by her parents; and her siblings, Regina Harriman, Maurice “Elwin” Turner, Meldon Turner, Richard “Dickie” Turner, Winfield Turner, and Raol Turner.

She is survived by her husband of nearly 60 years, Norman Leeman; her sons, Norman Leeman Jr. and his wife Robin, Douglas Leeman, Daniel Leeman, and Joey Leeman; 10 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren; her sisters, Geneva Peavey, Shirley Peavey, Peggy Cowing and her husband Paul; her brothers, Lester Turner and his wife Sharon, David Turner and his wife Caroline, Willis Turner and his wife Wanda, and Edward Turner and his wife Bea; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A memorial service will be held at a date and time to be announced in the spring.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Plummer Funeral Home, 983 Ridge, Rd., Windsor, ME 04363.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Sharon’s name may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org or dementiasociety.org. Condolences, stories and photos may be shared by visiting www.plummerfh.com.

MARK G. DAVIS

CHINA – Mark Gladden Davis, 66, passed away on Friday, February 2, 2024, in the comfort of his home. He was born May 28, 1957, a son of James and Martha (Clark) Davis.

Mark grew up in Delaware, graduating from Dover High School and earning a bachelor’s degree from Delaware State University. Mark spent his working years in a variety of capacities: as a contractor for the U.S. Postal Service, farmer, Extension agent for Delaware State University, field support for the USDA-Agricultural Research Service, and prior to retirement he worked at Johnny’s Selected Seeds, in Winslow. He loved working on projects, gardening, and visiting with friends and neighbors.

Mark was predeceased by his parents; his sister, Joyce Davis and his brother, F. Clark Davis.

He is survived by his wife, Caragh Fitzgerald; daughters, Sylvia and Claire, of China; his son, Brandon Davis, daughter-in-law Amanda, and grandchildren Parker and Addy, of Galena, Maryland; his daughter, Stacy Edwards, son-in-law Michael, and grandchildren Chandler and Evelyn, of Camden-Wyoming, Delaware; his siblings, Cheryl Smith (Dale), James Davis III (Susan) and Diane Heesh (Robert); and several nieces and nephews.

A period of visitation will be held on Friday, February 9, from 5 to 7 p.m., at Plummer Funeral Home, 983 Ridge Rd., Windsor, ME 04363. Internment will take place at Holy Cross Episcopal Church, at 4603 Rocks Road, Street, Maryland, 21154, at a later date.

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

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to MaineGeneral Hospice, P.O. Bopx 828, Waterville, ME 04903-0828, or to the Holy Cross Episcopal Church, in Street, Maryland.

HARVARD E. GAY SR.

VASSALBORO – Harvard (Hardy) E. Gay Sr., 90, of Vassalboro, passed away on Friday, February 2, 2024. He was born in Brooks, April 19, 1933, the son of Guy and Ellen (Maddocks) Gay.

Hardy grew up in Weeks Mills, attended China school and Erskine Academy, in South China, before being drafted into the United States Army.

Upon his honorable discharge, he returned to Maine to begin a career in the automotive industry. He worked in the public sector many years before being recruited to the Bureau of Public Safety where he spent 23 years making lifelong friends and taking pride in ensuring that members of the State Police had a safe ride. He retired in June 1990.

Hardy enjoyed motorcycling, snowmobiling, camping, and going on road trips throughout the country, even making the trek to Alaska. He especially enjoyed puttering around his yard on his Kubota tractor. Hardy was a jack-of-all trades and a man of many talents, something he no doubt learned from his father. If he did not know how to do something, he pondered it and figured it out. If he didn’t have a tool he needed, he made one himself. One of his proudest accomplishments was designing and building an energy efficient earth-bermed home.

Hardy was predeceased by his parents, Guy and Ellen, sister Guylene Freeman, and brothers Gerald, Darrell, Neil and Dennis Gay, two of his children, Melody and Edward Gay, and granddaughter-in-law Anita Newell.

Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Christine Gay; son Harvard Jr., of Rumford; daughter Melinda Simon and her husband Peter, of West Gardiner; grandchildren Ryan and Dustin Gay, Nicole Simon and husband Patrick, Matthew Simon and wife Nicole, and Jeffrey Newell; great-grandchildren Emilyn Simon and Jacob and Sophia Gay; brother Roland and wife Hilda, of Weeks Mills; sisters-in-law Jeannette and Kay Gay; and brother-in-law Clarence Freeman, of North Monmouth; several nieces and nephews.

There will be a graveside service in the spring at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery, in Augusta, where Hardy will be laid to rest alongside his daughter Melody.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Mid-Maine Cremation Services, Waterville.

LOEL MAE KLINE

CAMDEN — Loel Mae Kline, 76, passed away on Monday, December 11, 2023, at her home, following a courageous battle with dementia. She was born on June 9, 1947, in Monroe, New York, the daughter of Robert Schoonover and Mae Smith Schoonover and the youngest of three siblings.

Loel’s journey through life was marked by boundless love, compassion, and an unwavering dedication to the well-being of children. After completing her high school education in Monroe, she earned her BA in Early Childhood Education from Wheelock College. In 1969, she married the love of her life, Dr. Edgar “Ned “Kline III, and together they embarked on a journey to Maine.

The young couple settled in China, in 1972, and in 1975, Loel founded Frog Hollow Nursery School, a nursery school that became a treasured part of the community for over 20 years. Hundreds of children and families in the region were touched by Loel’s warmth and dedication. Loel also worked with Child Development Services, providing special education services, as well as love and support, to children with special needs and their families.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Loel found joy in family life. She and Ned welcomed two children, Matthew in 1972 and Katie in 1974. The family enjoyed sailing on Penobscot Bay and skiing at Squaw Mountain and Sugarloaf. An avid skier, Loel volunteered on the ski patrol at Squaw in the 1970s.

Loel’s interests extended to literature, and she actively participated in the Albert Church Brown Memorial Library, in China Village, and China Elementary School. Gardening brought her immense pleasure, and she cultivated both a vibrant flower garden and a bountiful vegetable garden. She loved spending time in nature; birding, hiking, and canoeing. Loel cared deeply for animals and had many adored pets throughout her life.

In 1999, Loel and Ned moved to Camden, where their love for family and adventure continued to thrive. From 2003 to 2007, they were blessed with four grandchildren — Mattijes, Annie, Willem, and Emmett. Loel embraced her role of Nana with great enthusiasm, sharing her passions for swimming, skiing, reading, gardening, hiking, and playtime with her beloved grandchildren.

Throughout her life, Loel and Ned maintained their love for sailing on Penobscot Bay, skiing at Sugarloaf, and spending time with friends and family. Loel’s legacy lives on through the love she shared and the impact she made on the lives of those she touched.

She is survived by her husband, Ned; their two children, Matthew and his wife Marieka, Kate and her husband Tom; their four grandchildren; and her nieces, nephews, and sisters-in-law.

A memorial service is planned for summer, 2024 in Camden.

Condolences may be shared at www.longfuneralhomecamden.com. Arrangements are with the Long Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 9 Mountain Street, Camden.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to the Albert Church Brown Memorial Library, in China Village.

MARGUERITE J. BRACKETT

WINDSOR – Marguerite Jones Brackett, 94, passed away on Tuesday, December 19, 2023. She was born on Oct­ober 19, 1929, to Merle S. and Doris Shuman Jones, educators from the Windsor area who moved around central Maine for their work, spending every summer at the family farm in Weeks Mills.

Margie was athletic and active and played basketball at Walker High School, in Liberty. She studied at the University of Maine and graduated in 1950 with a B.A. in Music. At university, she met Allen Brackett, an engineering student who was several years older, having served in the U.S Army during World War II. They married in 1951 and were rarely apart for the next 71 years.

They moved to Kittery, where they raised two children. Margie enjoyed playing piano and often volunteered at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church where they were steadfast members for nearly 60 years.

Margie always loved sports and followed all the New England teams, especially the Red Sox and the Celtics. She loved to swim and water ski and the family spent many happy hours at their camping spots on George’s Lake, in Liberty, and on Square Pond, in Acton. She and Allen square danced for many years together. Margie became the Kool Aid mom to a street full of kids who played hard in the yard beside the house. She also loved to read and shared that with the kids, even when camping she would read entire books out loud by the campfire.

After Allen retired, they traveled and spent nearly every winter in Zephyrhills, Florida.

Margie was preceded in death by her husband of 71 years, Allen R. Brackett; daughter Allane Brackett Ball and husband Steve; son Russell V. Brackett and wife Linda; grandsons Benjamin E. Ball and Jonathan A. Ball; four great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson; her sister Edna Mitchell.

A service will be held in Kittery in the spring.

OTHERS DEPARTED

RICHARD M. SUCHAR

CHINA – Richard Michael Suchar, 82, passed away on Friday, December 8, 2023, in Scarborough. He was born on September 9, 1941, in New Britain, Connecticut.

He had a degree in agriculture from the University of Connecticut.

He moved to Maine with his first wife in 1967, and ran a beef cattle farm, in China, while working for Central Maine PowerCompany, as a water power stations operator, and he also built substations for CMP.

He is survived by three daughters, and was predeceased by his son John Aaron, in 1998.

ROBERT W. FOWLES

AUBURN – Robert W. Fowles, 87, of Auburn, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 19, 2024, at the Auburn Hospice House. He was born in Lew­iston in October 1936, a son of the late Henry H. and Velma L. (Baker) Fowles.

He grew up in Auburn, attending local area schools and graduated from Edward Little High School. After high school he went on to obtain his master’s degree in English from Rochester Institute of Technology.

Bob worked as a photographer and an editor for the Waterville Morning Sentinel for 43 years before retiring in 2004.

He enjoyed his cup of coffee and frequented Denny’s, in Auburn, on a regular basis.

He is survived by his daughter, Melinda Howe and her husband Jeffrey, of Rumford; his sister, Barbara Allen Fowles and her husband Doug, of Marcellus, New York.

Interment in Gracelawn Memorial Park, Auburn will be private. Please visit http://www.TheFortinGroupAuburn.com to sign Robert’s guestbook and leave memories and condolences for the family.

In lieu of flowers, a donation in his memory can be made to Androscoggin Greater Humane Society, 55 Strawberry Ave., Lewiston, ME 04240.