OBITUARIES for Thursday, January 19, 2023

ERNEST OUELLETTE JR.

SIDNEY- Ernest “Ernie” Ouellette Jr., 87, passed away on Saturday, December 24, 2022, at Maine­General Med­ical Center, following a brief illness. Ernie was born February 6, 1935, in Madawaska.

He was the husband to Rena (Michaud) Ouellette with whom he shared 64 years of marriage.

He was a graduate of Madawaska High School, class of 1953, before joining the U.S. Marine Corps, where he served during the Korean conflict and achieved the rank of sergeant.

Ernie’s true devotion was spending time with his family. He especially treasured the time he spent with his grandchildren. He was a talented carpenter, skilled at remodeling churches, building homes and creating beautiful cabinetry and furniture. He began doing carpentry with his dad at the age of nine. He also enjoyed caring for his vegetable and flower gardens.

In addition to his wife Rena, Ernie is survived by his children Gary (Cheryl) Ouellette, of Sidney, Karen Ouellette, of Lewiston, Janice (Roger) Plante, of Wales, Tracy (Boyd) Snowden, of Sidney, and Donna (Kurt) Foster, of Fairfield; eight grandchildren Amy Ouellette (Matthew) Emery, James (Felicity) Ouellette, Erin Plante (Nate) Rolston, Matthew Plante, Brady Snowden, Payton Snowden, Meaghan Foster (Lucas Cortes) and Brett Foster; five great-grandchildren, Elliott, Collin and Ryan Rolston, and Deacon and Drew Ouellette; sister Lorraine Lippert, of Minnesota; brothers Ray Ouellette, Lee Ouellette, and John Ouellette, all of Lewiston; many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Ernie was predeceased by his sister and brother-in-law Geri and Fred LaPointe and his brother Gerald Ouellette.

His Funeral Mass was celebrated in Saint Augustine’s Catholic Church, in Augusta. Interment with military honors followed at the New Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 163 Mount Vernon Road, Augusta, Chapel. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited.

Arrangements are in the care of the Knowlton and Hewins Funeral Home, 1 Church Street, Augusta where condolences and memories may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the funeral home website http://www.khrfuneralhomes.com.

In lieu of flowers donations in Ernie’s name may be made to St. Jude’s Children Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105.

GERARD A. VACHON

WATERVILLE – Gerard A. Vachon, “Jerry”, 66, passed away on Monday, January 2, 2023, in Waterville, due to respiratory failure. He was born in Augusta, on Dec. 4, 1956, the son of the late Armand and Madeline (Veilleux) Vachon.

He graduated from Cony High School, in Augusta, in 1975, and from Central Beauty School in 1980. He owned J’ Hairs and worked at Haircut 100 and The Hair Company.

He is survived by his sisters, Elaine (Roger) Albert, of Lewiston, and Del (Peter) Pelletier, of Florida; his son Nathan Michaud; grandchildren Madeline, Rylee, Bella and Brady; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held at St. Augustine Catholic Church, in Augusta, on January 16, 2023.

Condolences may be expressed at http://www.funeralalternatives.net and www,facebook.com/FALewiston.

LUCILLE I. THIBODEAU

FAIRFIELD – Lucille Irene Thibodeau, 69, of Fairfield, passed on the morning of Wednesday, January 11, 2023, following a long battle with Alzheimer’s. She was born Febuary 26, 1953, in Waterville, the daughter of Douglas Davis and Cecile (Tingley) Kiely.

She graduated from Lawrence High School, in Fairfield, class of 1971. She received her associate degree in accounting from Kennebec Valley Community College (KVCC), in Fairfield.

She married Stephen A. Thibodeau on March 5, 1983.

For many years, she worked for the state of Maine as an Insurance Coordinator.

Lucy loved her games! Especially Beano, Scrabble, and Gin rummy. You could find her on any given day picking out clothes. She could “shop ‘til you drop!” Lucy was a phenomenal cook, known for her hearty meals and perfect timing to get a hot plate on the table. She was an incredibly talented baker, able to make specialized cakes right from the comfort of her blueberry kitchen! In addition to her love of Elvis and some good ole country music, she knew how to throw one great party!

Lucy is survived by her husband, Stephen A. Thibodeau, of Fairfield; three daughters; Kami Maheu, of Florida, Kathy Alley, of Fairfield, and Janneen King, and her husband James, of Washington State; two sisters; Rhonda Levine, of Waterville, and Colleen Willette Rezendes, of New Hampshire; three brothers, Douglas Davis, of Benton, Gilbert Willette and his wife Kathleen, of New Hampshire, David Davis and his wife Jill, of Clinton; five grandchildren, Savanna Fasulo and her husband Takashi, Makayla Alley, Hunter Mercier, Kennedy and James King; two great-grandchildren, Grant and Joanna; stepmother Gail Davis, of Fairfield; many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was predeceased by her mother and father, stepfather, Joseph Willette, and brother, Greg Davis.

A celebration of life was held on Wednesday, January 18, 2023, at the V.F.W., 246 Main Street, Fairfield.

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.

KENNETH R. FREEMAN

WHITEFIELD – Kenneth R. Freeman, 86, of Whitefield, died Thursday, January 12, 2023, at his home. He was born in Augusta on January 14, 1936, the son of Edward and Lena (Bradley) Freeman.

Ken worked at the MaineGeneral Medical Center, Gardiner, for over 40 years as a maintenance worker and boiler operator. He loved the outdoors, working in the woods cutting and splitting wood and selling it, along with mowing the lawn and he was very picky about how his yard looked. If Ken wasn’t in the woods or his yard, he was in his wood shop making bird houses and other things, and he also enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was a family guy and enjoyed attending family gatherings. Ken was a loving caring husband, father, grandfather, and brother and will be missed by all.

He was predeceased by his parents; son Kenneth R. Freeman, Jr., and two brothers Edward and Robert Freeman.

Ken is survived by his wife of 62 years, Dorothy “Dot” Freeman; three children Katherine Freeman, Nancy Jacques and husband Charles, Steve Freeman and partner Heather Mundle; four brothers; six sisters; five grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

To honor Ken’s wishes, there will be no services.

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