OBITUARIES for Thursday, January 23, 2020

LARRY C. JACKSON

WINSLOW – Larry Charles Jackson, 66, passed away at Maine Medical Center, in Portland, on Friday, January 3, 2020. He was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on September 21, 1953, the son of the late Charles and Katherine Jackson.

Larry attended school in both Waterville and China, and graduated from Waterville High School with the class of 1971. He went to work at Kimberly Clark Paper Co., in Winslow, where he stayed until the mill shut down. He began a second career as a custodian in the Augusta school district before ending his last years at his beloved Vassalboro Community School.

Larry was an avid photographer and welder. He could build or repair anything and frequently took on projects for friends and family. Later in life he took great pride in taking care of his Aunt Marjorie Jackson every chance he had. Larry had an amazing, dry sense of humor that was beloved by all who knew him.

He is survived by his wife Lynne Moses Jackson; his sons Matthew Jackson and partner Melissa Hunnefield, of Augusta, Joshua Jackson and wife Shannon, of Fairfield, and their mother Rose Jackson, of Thomasville, North Carolina, as well as Lynne’s son Matthew Howard.

A Celebration of Life gathering will be held at the Winslow VFW, 175 Veterans Dr, Winslow, on Saturday, February 1, 2020, beginning at 2 p.m.

Arrangements are with Chad E. Poitras Cremation and Funeral Service, Buxton, www.mainefuneral.com.

Online condolence messages can be submitted at www.mainefuneral.com

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to Vassalboro Community School Backpack Program and Charitable Donations to: Vassalboro Community School, c/o Principal Megan Allen 1116 Webber Pond Rd., Vassalboro, ME 04989 or: Animal Humane Society Waterville Area, 100 Webb Rd. Waterville, ME 04901 or online at Hswa.org.

SANDRA M. WALTERS

JUPITER, Fla. – Sandra (Massey) Walters , 65, passed away in Jupiter on Tuesday, December 31, 2019, following a courageous battle with cancer. She was born on March 31, 1954, in Hartford, Connecticut, the daughter of Bernadette and John (Steve) Massey.

As a child her family returned to Waterville, where Sandy was raised, and she graduated from Waterville High School in 1972. After high school she attended the Carnegie Institute of Medical Technology, in Boston, Massachusetts, and worked as a medical lab technician, first at Inland Hospital, in Waterville then in Palm Beach, Florida. Sandy worked the majority of her professional life in the Palm Beach area, working for Dr. Mark Stein, and Allergy Associates of the Palm Beaches for a total of 32 years. She was earnest in her work, and took pleasure in being part of a team which strives to improve people’s lives.

Sandy was a loving and devoted single mother, raising her son, Matthew, alone since infancy, first living in Palm Beach Gardens, then Jupiter, Florida. She will forever be remembered for her broad, bright smile, and her dry sense of humor. She was devoted to spending time with her family, and visited Maine every summer to spend time with her parents and extended family.

Sandy was predeceased by her father, John (Steve) Massey, and her brother, Stephen Massey.

She is survived by her son, Matthew, of Jupiter, Florida; her mother, Bernadette Massey of Winslow; her brother, Scott Massey and sister-in-law Brigitte, of Waterville; nieces, Amy and Christina Massey, Lauren Massey, Katy (Massey) DeBlois, and nephew, John Massey; her aunt, Anita Mathieu and aunt, Pat Massey; sister-in-law, Claudette Massey, and many cousins.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated later this spring in Waterville, with date and details to be announced.

CHRISTA E. LORD

JEFFERSON – Christa E. Lord, 89, died Friday, January 10, 2020, at the Country Manor Nursing Home, in Coopers Mills, following a long illness. She was born in Germany on November 2, 1930.

Mrs. Lord attended school in Germany and met her husband, Ormand, while he was overseas there in the US Army during World War II.

She was the classic example of blue collar pride, spending a number of her working years as a grocery store manager for Cottle’s Supermarket, in Waterville, as well as Barden’s while living in the Gardiner area. She was also employed at Carlton Woolen Mills for many years.

Christa was very talented in the art of knitting, and had her way with a many skeins of wool in her day, producing beautiful sweaters, afghans, hats and socks to keep her entire family warm and safe. She also took great pride, along with her husband Ormand, as very successful dog breeders, producing multiple litters of pups from a number of various breeds for families far and wide to enjoy in the form of beloved family pets. She also had a incredible “green thumb” and loved gardening as well as the processing of the fruits of her labor through canning and jelly making.

She and Ormand loved the outdoors and were very involved with camping, boating, fishing and snowmobiling. She loved the Chamberlain lake region.

Mrs. Lord was predeceased by her mother Erna Schild, father Franz Schild, stepfather Walter Ziegler; husband Ormand S. Lord; daughter Dianne Sawyer; and granddaughter Jessie Sawyer.

She is survived by her son Vincent and partner Sarah, of Windsor; her granddaughter Kaela, her husband Craig and their daughter Audrey; her brother Harry Schild and his wife Sheila ,of British Columbia, Canada; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

At her request, there will be no public visiting hours or funeral service. A private burial will be held in Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta, ME. Condolences, stories and photos may be shared at www.plummerfh.com.

Those who desire may make donations in Christa’s memory to: aspca.org or ASPCA, PO Box 96929, Washington, DC 20090-6929.

EDWINA M. GENDREAU

OAKLAND – Edwina Marie Gendreau, 88, of Oakland, passed away on Saturday, January 11, 2020. She was born on July 21, 1931, in Grand Isle, to Arthur and Mabel (Beaulieu) Grivois.

She married O’Neil Gendreau and together they raised their five daughters in Oakland.

She spent many years working at Diamond Match, in Oakland, and C.F. Hathaway Shirt Factory, in Waterville. After retirement she babysat many local children.

She was mémère to everyone and enjoyed telling her grandchildren stories of her childhood, learning how to cook, raising “the girls” and the meaning of all the “French phrases” that they heard growing up.

She had a special bond with each of her grandchildren and she enjoyed cooking big dinners for the family. Some family favorites were her toutière pies, chicken and dumpling stew, ploys and tomato rice soup.

She found joy in her flower gardens, loved long rides, going out to eat and grabbing an ice cream.

She was predeceased by her parents; her husband, O’Neil; daughters, Marilyn and Sharon; her siblings, Armand, Mary and Harold; her fur baby, “Little Lady”; and her partner in crime, Yvonne Grivois.

She is survived by her daughters, Lorraine (Kent) Somers, and Gloria Ripley, both of Oakland, and Debbie Poirier, of Embden; grandchildren, Erin, Sarah, and Kaila Ripley, Neil and Jenna Wing, and Leah Poirier; her two great-grandchildren, Alexis Furbush and Marshall Veilleux; her sister, Gloria (Chuck) Reeves, of Utah, her brothers, Leo James and Gerald Grivois, and Mike McAdoo, all of Oakland; brother-in-law, Gene (Betsy) Duguay, of California; sons-in-law, Jeff Wing and Rick Thyng; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

As she requested, there will be a graveside service and a celebration of life at a later date in the spring.

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

Arrangements are by Wheeler Funeral Home & Cremation Care, 26 Church St., Oakland.

CAROLYN E. DRAHEIM

WINSLOW – Carolyn (Elliott) Draheim, 69, died in Augusta, at the Comfort Care Unit of Glenridge Nursing Home on Sunday, January 12, 2020, just a month shy of what would have been her 70th birthday on Valentine’s Day.

In recent years, Carolyn had been dealing with early onset dementia, and, with help from family, friends, fellow parishioners at the Pleasant Street United Methodist Church, in Waterville, and her neighbors at Fontaine Oakes Condominiums, in Winslow, she was able to live safely at home. But on Christmas Eve 2019 she was diagnosed with advanced pancreatic cancer which claimed her life quickly.

Carolyn was born in Waterville to Clyde and Alma Elliott and raised on their dairy farm on Eight Rod Road, enjoying the company of many relatives and cousins from her parents’ large families. There she learned the value of hard work and acquired a love of animals, but not of Maine winters.

After graduating from Waterville Senior High School in 1968, and Beal Junior College, in Bangor, in 1970, she moved to Connecticut where she worked in banking. There she also met and fell in love with Richard Draheim, a Navy warrant officer stationed at Groton, Connecticut. Following their marriage in Waterville in 1972, Rick’s career took them to postings in Scotland, various naval bases on the east coast of the U.S. and to the San Diego area where they settled in the town of Santee to raise their family, daughter Melanie and son Elliott.

While living in Santee, Carolyn discovered a love of working with young children. She studied, took courses, attained the required qualifications and for many years taught preschool at church and community centers in the Santee area. Carolyn was an ardent fabric artist, creating many quilts and craft items for family and friends, church fairs and shelters.

She will be remembered for her quiet, soft-spoken manner, warm smile and concern for others over self.

Carolyn is survived by her daughter Melanie Draheim, of Houston, Texas, her son Elliott Draheim and his children Elliott Jr. and Jewel, of Owensville, Missouri; and her brother David Elliott and his partner Kit Pfeiffer, of Whitefield.

There was a memorial service held on January 17, at the Pleasant Street United Methodist Church, 61 Pleasant St. in Waterville.

In lieu of flowers,the family asks that you consider a donation to an organization of your choice in Carolyn’s memory.

RUSSELL BOURGOIN

JAMAICA PLAIN, Massachusetts – Russell Bourgoin, 70, died in Jamaica Plain, Massa­chu­setts, on Friday, Jan­uary 10, 2020.

Rusty was born on January 30, 1949, to Ingeborg and Joseph Bourgoin in Stuttgart, Germany, but he spent the majority of his childhood in Waterville.

He moved to Boston, Massachusetts, where he graduated from Tufts University with a BA in psychology. Rusty worked for the Social Security Administration, and then became a Computer Systems Analyst who worked for a number of communications companies. He and his family moved to Winchendon, Massachusetts, in 1985, where he resided until his death.

He is predeceased by his wife, Kathy Sullivan.

Rusty was a long-time member of the Gardner Lodge of Elks and the Gardner Fish & Gun Club. Some of Rusty’s favorite things were sharing a beer and a laugh with his friends, playing music, New England sports teams (especially the Red Sox), bird watching, and spending time with family.

He is survived by Bourgoin siblings Alfred (Laura Campbell), Terry (Cheryl Adams), Karen (Mike Labbe), Mark (Pam), and Tina (Scott Willette); honorary brother Wayne Kantor; many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of his life will be held from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 4, 2020, at the Gardner Lodge of Elks.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: National Marfan Foundation or: Winchendon Council on Aging.

WAYNE L. CRUMMETT

SHAWMUT – Wayne L. Crummett, 84, passed away on Sunday, January 12, 2020. Wayne was born in Fairfield on November 2, 1935, the son of Frank and Hazel (Young) Crummett.

He attended Fairfield schools, graduating in 1954 from Lawrence High. Wayne served in the US Air Force for four years after graduating.

Wayne worked for Keyes Fibre Co., in Waterville, most of his adult life. In 1964, he married the former Barbara Goforth Perkins; they spent 35 years together until her death in 1999.

Wayne enjoyed woodworking and built several pieces of furniture and knickknacks. He and Barbara also enjoyed gardening and planted several large gardens; sharing their bounty with family.

He was predeceased by his parents; his wife; his stepson, Alan Perkins; and his brothers, Lawrence, Donald and Blynn.

He is survived by his stepchildren, Dana and wife Dena Perkins, of Brewer, Cathy and Charles Buker and Richard Perkins, of Hartland; 14 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; 11 great-great-grandchildren; a brother-in-law, George Goforth, of Scarborough; and several nieces and nephews; granddaughter, London Bernard.

There will be no services.

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

Arrangements are by Lawry Brothers Funeral & Cremation Care, 107 Main St., Fairfield.

Friends and family who wish may donate in Wayne’s memory to their local Humane Society.

FLORENCE E. PLISGA

WATERVILLE – Florence Elizabeth Plisga, 97, of Waterville, passed away on Monday, January 13, 2020, at Redington-Fairview General Hospital, in Skowhegan, following a brief illness. Born on May 29, 1922, she was the daughter of Albert and Grace Lachance.

She attended schools in Waterville, and then married Stanley Plisga Sr. They spent 58 years together before he died in 2001.

She was a wife, mother and homemaker while working many years as a crossing guard for the elementary school near her home in Waterville. She enjoyed having children around, especially children in the neighborhood. She was affectionately known as “Ma” to all that knew her, young and old alike.

She had many hobbies, loved to travel, and spent her retirement years living in Venice, Florida, in the fall and winter and on Salmon Lake, in Belgrade, the remainder of the year. She loved having the children and grandchildren come to visit in Florida. She and Stanley made many trips to Disney and to the beach hunting for shark teeth when family was there.

She is survived by her three children, son, Stanley Plisga Jr. and wife, Barbara, of Eddington, daughter, Sheila Maxwell and husband, Ron, of Winslow, and daughter, Donna Plisga and husband, Anthony Lee, of Alaska; grandchildren, Kirk Lewis and Stephanie Stewart and husband Bryan, of Alaska, Nathan Lewis, of Oregon, Trisha Souviney and husband Nick, of Winslow, Jason Maxwell and wife,Karrianne, of South Portland; and great-grandchildren, Aubree Stewart, of Alaska, Cooper Blakley, Bethanny Blakley, Nixon Souviney and Jaclyn Souviney, all of Winslow; several nieces and nephews.

She was also predeceased by her parents, her brother, Albert Jr., and her sister, Marion.

Funeral and burial will take place in the spring with date, time and location announced closer to the date.

A service of Veilleux and Redington Funeral Home, 8 Elm St., Waterville, Maine 04901 www.veilleuxfuneralhome.com.

TRACY McGREW

CHELSEA – Tracy McGrew, 57, of Chelsea, died at her home on Monday January 13, 2020. She was born in Lawrence, Massachusetts, on March 19, 1962, the daughter of Arthur and Bertha (Auger) Tisbert.

Tracy adored her animals, her favorite place to be was in the barn with her beloved horses, Gus and Dolly and partner PJ, and she loved spending time with family and her grandkids.

She was a state worker for many years until she retired to a quieter life in the country where her animals consumed most of her time and that’s just how she liked it. She was a kind and compassionate soul that would do anything for anyone.

Tracy is survived by her partner Phillip Dill, of Chelsea; daughter Melissa Graves, of Massachusetts; two step-daughters Mellanie Large and husband Tyler, of Richmond, Pearyleigh Marrow and Partner Fred Moody, of Waterville, as well as her siblings Arthur Tisbert and wife Vicki, of Windsor, Elaine Landry and Jim, of Mt. Vernon, Joann Dunn and partner John Jones, of Mt. Vernon, Kristine Kitson and partner Steve Sohm, of Vienna, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

A celebration of Tracy’s life will be held at a later date.

Arrangements are in the care of 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: familyfirstfuneralhomes.com.

FREDERICK R. BOOKER

WINDSOR – Frederick Royden Booker, 77, passed away on Tuesday, January 14, 2020. Fred was born on October 17, 1942, to Sanford and Lillian (Slocum) Booker.

He was raised in Gardiner where he attended Gardiner area schools.

For most of his adult life, Fred was employed by Lipman Poultry as a poultry grower. During his time taking care of farms he earned several awards and commendations as a top grower.

Fred is predeceased by his parents; his wife of 25 years Gloria; one sister, Ellen (Booker) Walker; three brothers-in-law, William Buker, Robert Walker and Herbert Worrey and a stepson, Rick Talbot.

Fred is survived by his three children, son, Scott and his wife Marsha, daughter Lori (Jackson) and her husband Dana; and son Steven, all of Waldoboro; seven grandchildren: Derek Booker, Ryan and his wife Christine Booker, Adam Rickett, Heather Batchelder, Katie Pickett and her fiance’ Andrew Delano, and Cullin and Kaylee Booker; three step-grandchildren; Heidi (Murray) and her husband Matthew Jennings and Crystal and Ben Foss; four great-grandchildren: David, Jason and Logan Pickett and Emmalyn Booker; and five step great-grandchildren: Isaac, Asher, Gracie, Sophie and Bella Jennings; three sisters: Laura Buker, Clara Hodgdon, and Sandra and her husband Raymond Allen; and one brother, Dan and his wife Kay Booker; several cousins, nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at Kennebec Valley Assembly of God, 44 Hallowell Road, Chelsea, Maine on Saturday, January 25, 2020, at 1 p.m.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Plummer Funeral Home, Windsor, Chapel, 983 Ridge Road, Windsor, Maine.

Condolences, photos and stories may be shared at www.plummerfh.com. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the charity of your choice.

ALICE M. CHAPMAN

WATERVILLE – Alice M. Chapman, 93, formerly of North Vassalboro, Winslow, and Benton, passed away on Monday, January 13, 2020, at MaineGeneral Medical Center, in Augusta, following a short illness. She was born in Waldoboro on May 23, 1926, the daughter of the late Ernest Merry and Edna (Post) Merry.

The last few years she has been a resident at Oak Grove Center, in Waterville.

She worked at several local woolen mills as a spinner in Skowhegan, Fairfield, North Vassalboro, Waterville, and retiring from Cascade Woolen Mill, in Oakland,

Her hobbies included knitting, sewing, gardening, traveling, and most importantly playing bingo. She with her family enjoyed time spent at camp on Brassua Lake.

Alice was predeceased by her husband of 56 years, Calvin Chapman Sr.; her brothers, Robert Merry, and Edward Merry, her sister, Frances Merry; and her son-in-law, Joseph “Bob” LaBrie Sr.

She is survived by her sons, Herbert Gallagher and his wife Gail, Calvin Chapman Jr. and his wife Louise, Fred Chapman and his wife Mary, and Michael Chapman and his wife Tammy; her daughters, Nancy LaBrie, and Christine Pullen and her husband Rick; her brother, Ernest Merry; and several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

Burial will be at Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, in Augusta, at a later date.

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

Arrangements are by Lawry Brothers Funeral & Cremation Care, 107 Main St., Fairfield.

ALAN S. JOHNSTON

CLINTON – Alan Scott Johnston, 59, passed away on Tuesday, January 14, 2020, following extended health problems. He was the son of Beverly and Kenneth Johnston of Shawmut, both predeceased.

Alan was a true “Mainer,” born in Waterville, grew up in Shawmut, and had a home on the Kennebec River. Alan worked at Keyes Fibre, in Shawmut, and the Gorbell Power Plant, in Athens.

Alan’s passions were all about what Maine has to offer, good friends, and hunting and fishing. Though it must have been difficult, Alan was an Oakland Raiders football fan, but defaulted to our beloved Red Sox for baseball.

Alan leaves behind a brother, and sister-in-law, Lynn, and Debbie; a niece, Kimberly; and nephews, Zachary, and Matthew; as well as numerous cousins.

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

Arrangements are by Lawry Brothers Funeral & Cremation Care, 107 Main St., Fairfield.

TODD N. TOLHURST

Todd N. Tolhurst, 60, of South China, passed away Thursday, January 16, 2020, at home, following a brief illness. Todd was born in Rochester, New York, the son of Albert and Marianne Tolhurst.

Todd spent his early years in Rochester and moved to Boynton Beach, Florida, during high school. Todd was an early IT adopter, a geek before it was cool, and started his career at Radio Shack. He has been the Director of Development at INFORME in Augusta, for the past 20 years. Todd was passionate about his work and was well respected by all. He had many interests such as ham radio WA1M, woodworking, welding, photography, flying drones, science experiments, videography, trivia, cooking, building computers and collecting slide rules. He was known to family and friends as a great debater and oracle of knowledge. Todd was a member of MENSA, the high IQ society.

Todd was a leader in the Gun Owners of Maine organization. He believed very strongly in the Second Amendment and worked to preserve gun rights and foster gun safety.

Todd is survived by his wife Elizabeth Curtis, his brothers Lyle and Mark Tolhurst, Scott Caskey, Donald and Robert Tolhurst; his sister Jeanne Tolhurst Holt.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to MaineGeneral Hospice, PO Box 828, Waterville, ME 04903-0828 or South China Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 325, South China, ME 04358.

A celebration of Todd’s life will be planned for mid- to late-February. His family has asked if you have stories and thoughts of Todd to share that you please consider e-mailing them to ttolhurst@gmail.com to be read and shared at his celebration and also to help his family heal from this loss.

CLAUDE THOMAS

UNITY – Claude Thomas “The Traveling Man,” 83, passed away Thursday, January 16, 2020. He was born on April 18, 1936, the son of William and Esther Thomas.

Claude graduated from Freedom Academy. Claude married the former Marion Spaulding on September 16, 1961. They happily raised their five children in Knox.

Claude served in the U.S. Army. After his release from the Army he went back to work on his family farm. He continued farming until 1975 when he joined Local #320 Carpenter Millwright Union, in Waterville. Upon retiring Claude had a great idea to start growing and peddling potatoes which he did for over 30 years. He became known as “The Traveling Man.”

He was predeceased by his wife Marion of 56 years; his parents; brothers Richard, Arthur, Grant, William, Robert, Gary, Dale, Bernard, Neil, Carl, Lowell (Moe) and sisters Elnora, Arlene, Millie, and Shirley.

Claude is survived by his five children and families: Darrell and Heather, Shirley and Gregg (Ingraham), Janet, Robert and Debbie, and Kirk and Julie; grandchildren Vanessa, Shane, Isaac, Macy, Alex, Trevor and Emma Lou; great-grandchildren Carolina, Daxton and Dawson; special great nephews Lucas and Austin; his sister Frances Paradis and husband Irvin; sisters-in-law, Bea Thomas, Nancy Spaulding and brother-in-law Phillip (Bo) Spaulding and wife Brenda; and many special nieces and nephews.

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

Arrangements are by Lawry Brothers Funeral Home & Cremation Care, 107 Main St., Fairfield.

KENNETH J. OUELLETTE

WINSLOW – Kenneth J Ouellette, 77, of Winslow, passed away on Friday, January 17, 2020, at Northern Light Inland Hospital , in Waterville, following a brief illness. He was born in Eagle Lake on October 24, 1942, the son of the late Roderick and Margaret (Dube) Ouellette.

He served his country in the U.S. Air Force and the Army National Guard. He worked at the New England Telephone Company for over 20 years. In his spare time he enjoyed reading, hunting and fishing with Dwayne Rioux and Marcel Sirios, playing horseshoes, going to the movies, and spending time with his family. He also loved playing cribbage with his daughter Robin and son Steve and looked forward to summer outings.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years Donna Ouellette, of Winslow; his sons Steven Ouellette and wife Rebecca, of Oakland, Marc Ouellette, of Winslow, daughters Robin Bard and husband Jim, of Oakland, Heather York and companion, Jeff Wheeler, of Bangor; five grandchildren Cody Ouellette, Austin Bard, Aaron Bard, Myriah Palow, Devin Palow; his brothers George Ouellette, of Winslow, Edward Ouellette and wife Pearl, of Waterville; his sisters Beatrice Dubois and husband Carlton, of Florida, Norma Robinson and husband Dana, of Eagle Lake, Rachel Parent and husband Richard, of Connecticut, Marguerite Rutherford, of Indiana, Gloria Ouellette, of Fort Kent; many cousins Lena Sirois, Lori Day, Anita Dunn, Rella Poulin, Daniel Toussaint, Donald Toussaint, Norman Toussaint, and the late Ronald Toussaint and Bertha Toussaint.

HELLEN B. DANCER

WHITEFIELD – Hellen Brawn Dancer, 92, died at her home on Wednesday, January 18, 2020. Hellen was born in Gardineron May 26, 1927, the daughter of Erving and Lois (White) Brawn.

She was raised in Randolph, graduating from Gardiner High School in 1945.

She worked for Thompson Lumber Co., before meeting John L. Dancer at her uncle’s store, in Randolph. They married on June 2, 1947. John had started a small dairy farm in Whitefield. Mama said that they were able to find someone to care for the farm so, they could go to a borrowed cottage for a one-night honeymoon! They ran the farm, with all of the joys and burdens associated with it, raising a son and two daughters; she said that while waiting for each baby to arrive, she would feel very sick, but she was needed to drive the hay wagon, so she would nap on the truck seat while John and his helpers loaded the wagon! Along with the duties of farmer’s wife, she was also the town clerk for Whitefield during their years on the farm. After selling the farm in 1968, she worked for the Maine Lung Association, in Augusta, until her retirement in the mid 1980s.

Hellen loved to sew, making many clothes and birthday and Christmas gifts for her children when they were little. During her retirement years she began creating colorful “potholders,” giving many to family and friends. One of her last sewing projects was making over 50 of these to give to each lady (young and old) at her church. She also enjoyed baking desserts, which the family always thought were the best we had ever tasted! Baked beans were her specialty and were always expected at the “potluck” lunches at church. Birdwatching was one of her favorite activities, always hoping to see the cardinals, because, she always agreed with the saying, “Cardinals appear when angels are near.” She also loved flowers and tended many perennials in her backyard each summer.

Hellen was predeceased by her parents; husband, John; daughter, Janey Dancer; son, Pastor John C. Dancer; brothers, George Brawn and Harrison Brawn; sister, Marjorie Page and many other relatives.

She is survived by her daughter, Lois Bourque and husband Stephen, of Whitefield; daughter-in-law, Donna Dancer, of Jefferson; sister-in-law, Louise Dancer, of Whitefield; six grandchildren: Susan Batty and husband Bill, Jonathan Dancer, Joshua Dancer, Elizabeth Heath and husband Joe, George Bourque, and Hellen Bourque; nine Great-grandchildren: Julia, Matthew and Nathanial Batty, Grace, Hannah and Benjamin Dancer, Reanna and Blake Heath, and Estelle Ford; several cousins, nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 24, from 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m., with the funeral service immediately following, at Staples Funeral Home, 53 Brunswick Ave., Gardiner.

A celebration of Hellen’s life will be held following the service at the American Legion, 46 Griffin St., Gardiner.

Burial will take place at the Kings Mills Cemetery in Whitefield, in the Spring.

Arrangements are in the care of 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: familyfirstfuneralhomes.com.

Memorial donations may be made to the Disabled American Veterans or the Maine Farm Bureau.