OBITUARIES for Thursday, January 8, 2026

DONALD G. PAULEY

SOUTH CHINA – Donald G. “Don” Pauley, 91, passed away on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at the Andwell Hospice House, in Auburn. Don was born in Boston, Massachusetts, on September 24, 1934, the third son of four born to Charles F. and Mary E. Pauley.

Christa was born in Portland, on April 26, 1935. She attended Boston University and Portland School of Art. Don was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army on August 17, 1956, and discharged as a Captain in the reserves, in 1965.

He graduated from Boston University on the 18th and married Christa on the 19th, at her family’s home on Lake Sebago, in Raymond. They then were stationed at Fort Bliss, Texas, where their son was born on July 12, 1957. Sadly, he died on his 65th birthday at the Augusta Veterans home. After active duty, they moved back to Maine, bought a home on China Lake where their special daughter, Dawn, was born in 1959, God’s gift to a father. Don and Christa lived there until her death in 2023. Sadly, Dawn passed away on May 4, 2025.

Don worked for a mechanical power company servicing paper mills in New England until 1965 when he went to work for a hydraulic system design firm. In 1975 he formed Brown and Pauley, Inc. with his good friend Bill Brown until he retired at 65 in 1999. During those years he said he never worked a day in his life because he loved traveling to paper mills in both the U.S. and Europe for design help and troubleshooting which he loved.

He taught high pressure hydraulic system classes in U.S. and European paper mills and for the University of Maine system. His love of piano and music led him, along with Christa, who had a magnificent lyric soprano voice, to give of their talents: 20 years as organist and choir director of the South China Village Church, 20 years of playing for the Erskine Academy “Chic-a-laca” student shows, the Erskine BEA Club adult shows as well as a number of shows for the Augusta hospital system.

Don and Christa gave of their talent over 800 times in 50 years for weddings, funerals, retirement homes and the like and never asked for payment for any of the above. He was past president of the Augusta Symphony Organization. Don was the summer organist for the Waterville First Baptist Church for years and was full time organist when the church reopened during the Covid situation and was pleased to be able to accompany a wonderful classical violinist, Dr. Jennifer Rogers, each Sunday.

Don was a Past Master of Dirigo Lodge, AF&AM #104, of Weeks Mills, as well as a Past Grand Organist. In the town of China, he served on every committee, except planning board, for 25 years. He was a licensed pilot, was involved with Troop #222 Boy Scouts, in Palermo, and the South China Little League.

Don is survived by his younger brother Kenneth and wife, of Massachusetts; son-in-law Ed Hodsdon; his brother-in-law Dr. Jeffrey Brown and wife, of Gold Canyon, Arizona; three grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren and a number of others who became part of the extended family: Stephen Gosselin, Leslie Gosselin Wilson who lived with Don and Chris from age 13 to 18 and graduated from Erskine Academy, in South China, in 2001, Chris Moore and families.

This bio would not be complete without mentioning 35 years playing with a trio comprised of Don on piano, Armand Beaulieu on double Bass and Chuck Hewins on drums and vibes.

Don and his beloved Christa, son Raymond, and daughter Dawn have moved onto Glory together.

Relatives and friends may visit on Saturday, January 10, 2026, from 10 to 11 a.m., at Plummer Funeral Home Windsor Chapel, 983 Ridge Rd., Windsor, ME 04363, where a memorial service will follow at 11 a.m. Condolences, stories and photos may be shared by visiting http://www.plummerfh.com.

GLADYS E. GLIDDEN

JEFFERSON – Gladys E. Glidden, 88, died peacefully at home, on Wednesday, December 3, 2025. Gladys was born, in Whitefield, on September 5, 1937, the daughter of the late Frederick and Annie (Seigars) Tibbetts.

She attended local schools and graduated from Wiscasset High School in the class of 1957.

In 1957, she married the love of her life Leo F. Glidden, and together they shared 68 years of marriage.

Gladys worked at Hallowell Shoe Company and then Medomack Canning Company until their closing. She then went to work at Country Manor Nursing Home until her retirement.

She was a member of the Arlington National Grange for 70 years, Lions Club of Whitefield where she was a life member. Young at Heart Senior Citizens, of Whitefield, Senior Citizens, of Nobleboro, and longtime member of South Somerville Baptist Church, in Somerville.

Gladys was predeceased by her husband Leo Glidden; a son, Alan Glidden Sr; a daughter, Debbie Glidden; a brother, Charles Tibbets and half brother, Lawrence Hubly; three sisters, Minnie, Dora and Hazel.

She is survived by two grandsons, Corey Glidden, of Jefferson, and Allen Glidden Jr., of Jefferson; great-granddaughter, Ciara Glidden, of Augusta; great-grandson, Bodie Rollins, of Augusta; a sister, Jennie Feyler, of Whitefield; many nieces & nephews.

A graveside service will be held in the Spring at the Whitefield Cemetery, in Whitefield.

Arrangements and guidance are in the care of Staples Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 53 Brunswick Avenue, Gardiner, ME. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared with the family by visiting the Staples Funeral Home website www.StaplesFuneralHome.com.

RICHARD M. NADEAU

WATERVILLE – Richard M. Nadeau, 74, passed away at his home on Sunday, December 14, 2025, following a courageous battle with congestive heart failure. A burial will be held at a later date in the spring. Richard’s full obituary and an online guestbook may be found at http://www.gallantfh.com.

JACQUELINE M. GRENIER

WINSLOW – Jacqueline M. (Breton) Grenier. Born in Waterville on November 15, 1930, she was the daughter of Joseph and Ida May (Giroux) Breton.

She graduated from Mt. Merci Academy, in Waterville, with the class of 1949.

She was employed at the Waterville Morning Sentinel in the Circulation Department from 1949 to 1958.

She married the love of her life, Donald Grenier, on May 30, 1952, at St. John the Baptist Church, in Winslow. She also worked at Depositors Trust Bank (now Key Bank), in Waterville, from 1970 to 1985.

She enjoyed playing the organ, knitting, crocheting and crossword puzzles. She loved to dance and was with The Foxy Ladies and A Touch of Class, where the line dancing groups also entertained at local affairs and nursing homes in the area. She was also a longtime volunteer at MaineGeneral Medical Center, where she enjoyed her work at the information desk.

She was predeceased by her parents and her husband Donald, who passed away in 1999.

She is survived by her daughters, Judy Gallagher, of Winslow, Brenda Neal and her fiancé Steven Fox, of Gray, and Lisa Burke, of Gray; sisters Mildred Roy and Cecile Pasha; three grandsons, Nick Gallagher and his wife Eugenia, Josh Gallagher and his wife Lindsay and Jacob Neal; seven great-grandchildren, Violet and Quinn Gallagher, Adelyn and Oliver Neal, Logan, Dylan and Adelyn Gallagher.

A graveside service will be scheduled in the spring.

BARBARA G. CLARK

ALBION – Barbara G. Clark, 89, died Wednesday, December 17, 2025, in Albion. She was born on February 28, 1936, in New Haven Vermont, the daughter of Robert P. and Ethel Sherman.

She was a member of the Christian Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

She graduated high school at Beeman Academy, in New Haven. She went on to the Massachusetts General Hospital School of Nursing to earn a degree as a registered nurse in 1957. She worked at Thayer Hospital, in Waterville, for many years, and became a nurse anesthetist. Later she went on to get her master’s in adult education and became the director of the School of Nursing Anesthesis at St. Mary’s hospital, in Lewiston.

Barbara loved outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, skiing and canoeing. She was a very active member of the Maine Appalachian Trail Club since 1957 and the Appalachian Mountain Club since 1962. She served as the general and membership secretary for 16 years of the former club.

She is survived by her sister, Beverly Meyer, of New Haven, Vermont; two sons, Christon Clark, of Tijeras, New Mexico, and Samuel Clark, of Mattawamkeag; a daughter, Cathy Rodrigue, of Albion; seven grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by a daughter Caia Judge on December 28, 2022.

BARBARA ANN KNIGHT

ALBION – Barbara Ann Knight, 90, of Albion, passed away Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at her home. She was born September 29, 1935, in China. Barb was the daughter of Elwood and Alice (Haskell) Knight.

To view the full obituary please visit vrlfuneralhome.com.

STEVEN C. COOPER

SOMERVILLE – Steven Clayton Cooper, 67, died on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at home in Somerville.

He was preceded in death by his father, Clayton Esten Cooper; his younger brother and closest companion, Wayne “Red” Cooper; and his firstborn, Lance Mollison.

Steve leaves behind an extensive circle of family and connections.

He is survived by the family he built, including his former wife of 30 years, Judy, their two daughters, Tiffany and Brandy, and their sons, Bastian Jude and Owen James, respectively. Together, they shared many years of life within a close and enduring community of friends who were an important part of their family experience.

In addition, Steve is survived by his mother, Shirley Mae Cooper, who is consoled in her loss by Steve’s sister, Pamela Lambert, and her daughters. He is also survived by his nephew, Clayton, and his niece, Lisa Marie, her husband, Gene, and their daughters, with whom Steve shared a close and loving relationship following the death of his brother.

Steve was an entrepreneur, a raconteur, and a man about town. He was known for his strong opinions, his stories, and his unmistakable presence. He did little quietly and left an impression wherever he went.

Motorcycles were a constant in Steve’s life for decades. Riding offered him a sense of movement, independence, and focus that he returned to again and again. The road provided a place where time slowed and expectations fell away. In remembering him, it is fitting to think of Steve riding on now, unburdened, at ease, and free. His loss is mourned, and his life is remembered by many.

In lieu of any other token, remember Steve the way you would have enjoyed his company, in private. Details regarding a celebration of Steve’s life will be shared separately with family and friends.

Arrangements and guidance 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, http://www.staplesfuneralhome.com

RICHARD A. MESSER JR.

VASSALBORO – Richard A. Messer Jr., 71, of Evans Road, died peacefully on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at the Togus VA Hospital, in Augusta, following a long illness. Richard was born in Gardiner, on December 26, 1953, the son of the late Richard A. Sr. and Pauline (Blair) Messer.

He grew up in the Gardiner and Bowdoinham areas.

On May 21, 1988, Richard married the love of his life Dolores Nelson, in Pittston.

Starting at a young age, Richard worked in his father’s business of Recycling, Repair and Towing Business. In 1989, together, Richard and Dolores started their own business, Pine State Towing and Best Price Towing, and later added Best Price Recycling. They owned and operated businesses until their retirement in 2014.

In his spare time, he loved stock car racing at the Wiscasset Speedway, #90 in the lite weight division in the ‘90s, blowing his Dukes of Hazard horn after every win. He enjoyed going to the Oxford and Foxwoods Casino. He enjoyed boating on Great Pond, in Belgrade, fishing or just cruising the lake. He loved spending time surrounded by his family, especially his grand and great-grandchildren. He also loved the company of his four-legged friends, many of which he had over the years.

Predeceased by a brother, Bidwood Messer; eight sisters, Theresa Messer, Sheryl Messer, Sandra Shockley, Bridget Messer, Doris McKenzie, Bonnie Therrian and Kim Messer; a grandson, Brodie Messer.

He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Dolores Messer, of Vassalboro; a stepson, Don D. and Joanne Nelson, of Vassalboro; four sons, Richard A. Messer, of Richmond, Chucky A. Messer, of Brunswick, Jeremy D. Messer, of Richmond and Charles D. Messer and his wife Martha Brown, of Vassalboro; nine grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; three sisters, Grace Sidelinger, of Randolph, Tina Pelletier, of Augusta, Laurie and her husband John Racine, of Somerville; two brothers, William Messer, of South Gardiner and Richie Messer, of New Hampshire; a stepbrother, Patrick Alexander, of Augusta; three stepsisters, Pauline Alexander, of Lewiston, Gail Messer, of Bowdoinham and Lydia Messer ,of Readfield; many nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held in the spring on Friday, May 22, 2026, at 2 p.m., at the Putnam Cemetery, in Pittston.

Arrangements and guidance in the care of Staples Funeral Home, 53 Brunswick Ave, Gardiner. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared with the family by visiting the Staples Funeral Home website http://www.StaplesFuneralHome.com.

GALEN L. LIBBY SR.

MADISON – Galen LaVerne Libby Sr., 90, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 24, 2025. Born in Thorndike, in 1935, Galen was the son of Margaret Fay and Albert Libby, Sr.

He grew up with eight siblings and graduated with honors from Unity High School in 1953. Galen worked at Norrwock Shoe until it’s closure and later at Sappi, retiring at the age of 63.

He was predeceased by his parents; siblings Albert Libby, Jr., Royce Libby, Meldon Libby, Phyllis Balog, Marjorie Lawton, and Kathleen Brown; his first wife, Carole Perkins Libby; and his son, Ricky Libby.

Galen is survived by his wife Doris Marie Libby; children Galen Libby Jr., Jeff Libby, Greg Libby, and Melanie Knight; seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; siblings Alton Libby and Wilda Dow; and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life was held on Saturday, January 4, 2026, at 1242 Lakewood Road, in Madison.

Please visit Galen’s memorial page at https://svremembrancecenter.com/obituaries/galen-libby where condolences, photos, and special memories may be shared.

ELAINE J. UPHAM

WINDSOR – Elaine Jean Johnson Upham, 76, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 22, 2025, at her home where she wanted to be. Elaine was born on December 23, 1948, in Camden, to Walter James Johnson and Barbara Grinnell Johnson.

She grew up on the Genthner Road, in West Waldoboro, with her brother, Dana. Graduating from Waldoboro High School in 1966, she went on to attend Augusta Business School, working at Augusta Savings Bank, and State of Maine Department of Child Welfare.

In the early ‘70s, Elaine moved to Windsor on the Maxcy’s Mill Road with her husband, Bob, and her son, David. She opened a home based daycare for several years until she started work at the South China Post Office, working two hours a week. She later transferred to the Windsor Post Office as a clerk. In November 1985 she became Postmaster, serving over 30 years. During that time, she became an on-call firefighter for the Windsor Fire Dept. She also worked for RSU #12 for many years as a substitute teacher and as a contract driver for many students whom she loved and mothered dearly. She and Bob both retired for good when Covid hit.

In her spare time Elaine enjoyed doing family genealogy. She was very crafty and enjoyed making homemade cards. Elaine loved spending time in special places such as Moosehead Lake and a special cottage on the ocean in Chamberlain, watching the lobster boats go by. She was also an excellent cook, with her family looking forward to her peanut butter fudge, special cookies, and teriyaki chicken wings.

Special times were had at the Grinnell Family Reunion every year on the Fourth of July, and many memories were made around her swimming pool with her family over the years, and on her moose hunt in Moosehead. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

Elaine was predeceased by her parents, Walter and Barbara Johnson, of Waldoboro, her in-laws Raymond (Sr.) and Elizabeth Upham, of Thomaston, and brothers-in-law, Fred and Arnold Upham.

She is survived by her husband, Robert Upham, of Windsor; her son David, and his wife, Colleen, of Windsor; and grandchild Kira Dominique; brother, Dana Johnson, and his wife, Annette, and their family, of Waldoboro and Nobleboro; brothers-in-law, Raymond Upham, of Rockland, and Gary Upham, of Thomaston;sisters-in-law, Pat Demmons, of Camden, Paula Upham, and Nancy Upham, both of Rockland; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a food bank of your choice.

Elaine’s family will remember her life privately at a later date.

WAYNE R. McKINLEY SR.

SKOWHEGAN – Wayne Roland McKinley Sr., 84, passed away in the early morning of Sunday, December 28, 2025.

Wayne was born January 15, 1941, in Waterville, and grew up in Oakland. Wayne was the fourth of five children for Allen and Erma (Dyer) McKinley. He was a member of the Local Laborers Union and spent most of his life working as a carpenter.

In May 1966, Wayne married Betty (Steward) McKinley. Together, they raised eight children. Wayne was a supporter of various charities, such as March of Dimes, Disabled Veterans, National Arbor Day Society, World Wildlife Organization, and the list goes on. If a solicitation was received in the mail, he made sure to send at least $5. He enjoyed playing cards, especially Skip-Bo and cribbage.

Wayne was predeceased by both of his parents, his sisters, Marilyn Champagne and Joleen Buchanan, his brother, John McKinley, and his wife of 42 years, Betty.

He is survived by his sister, Gloria Frendt, of Baldwinsville, New York; his children, Vicki Steward, of Winslow, Todd Steward, of Limington (and his partner, Kimberly Cooper), Sherry Ferguson, of Skowhegan, Kelly Whitener, of Hoquiam, Washington, Karen McKinley (and her husband Rich Cantz), of Windham, and Wendy McKinley, Wayne McKinley Jr., and John McKinley (and his partner, Donna Woodard), all of Skowhegan; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

At Wayne’s request, there will be no funeral or visitation hours. There will be a private graveside service held later in the spring.

Please visit Wayne’s memorial page at https://svremembrancecenter.com/obituaries/wayne-mckinley where condolences, photos, and special memories may be shared.

LESTER L. PLOURDE

WINSLOW – Lester L. Plourde, 81, of Winslow, passed away peacefully on the evening of Thursday, December 25, 2025, following a brief illness. Lester was born on April 25, 1944, the son of Leonard and Viola Plourde.

He attended Waterville schools and was a graduate of Waterville Senior High School, Class of 1962. Following high school, he joined the U.S. Air Force and was stationed in Amarillo, Texas. He married his wife, Diane, on May 8, 1964. They began their family in Texas before returning to Maine after his discharge from the Air Force.

Lester worked various jobs before beginning his career at Scott Paper Company/Kimberly-Clark, in Winslow, where he worked for over 20 years. When the mill closed in 1997, he worked briefly at Huhtamaki, in Waterville, and later in the lab at Tambrands, in Auburn, where he worked for more than 10 years before retiring.

Lester had a wonderful sense of humor and could make friends wherever he went. He held many fond memories of past co-workers and friends and was a proud member of the Waterville Elks Lodge #905. He loved watching sports and always looked forward to the annual fishing camp trips with friends at West Grand Lake.

Known as “Bub” to many, Lester was the family chauffeur and leaves his grandchildren with countless memories of traveling to and from their activities. After retirement, he spent a couple of years driving for The Brothers Black Car Service and enjoyed keeping up with the Colby College students.

Lester was predeceased by his parents; sisters Sylvia and Linda; son, Darren; great-granddaughter, Eevee-Mae; and in-laws, Larry and Hilda.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Diane; his children, Kristal (Chris), Lenny (Kim), and Traci (Dennis); grandchildren Nathan (Magen), Mitchell (Kora Mae), and Renee (Ashton); great-granddaughter, Molly; in-laws Gail and Terry; and many nieces and nephews.

There will be no visiting hours. The family will hold a celebration of life in the spring.

Services are under the care of Veilleux-Redington-Lawry Brothers, 8 Elm St., Waterville. An online guestbook may be signed and memories shared at http://www.vrlfuneralhome.com.

BEVERLY J. FOSS

ALBION – Beverly J. Foss, 74, died unexpectedly at home on Monday, December 29, 2025. She was born in Augusta, on May 9, 1951, a daughter of the late Philip L. Lucas, Sr. and Eleanor M. (Rose) Lucas.

She was a graduate of Winthrop High School and worked at Pine Tree Camp, MaineGeneral Medical Center, Health Tex, and Lipman Poultry, to name a few.

Bever­ly always loved animals and loved to go out to eat. She would give anything she had to someone in need. She was always trying to make people happy.

She was predeceased by three brothers: Philip L “Tiny” Lucas, Jr., Ernest “Butch” Lucas and Robert Lucas.

Mrs. Foss is survived by six siblings: Phyllis Farris, of China Village, Priscilla Young, of Readfield, James Lucas and his wife Tierra, of Chelsea, Charlene Tims and her husband Allen, of Readfield, Scott Lucas, of Readfield, and Vivian Gaboury and her husband, Joe Readfield; two sisters-in-law: Betty Lucas, of Mt. Vernon, and Inez Lucas, of Readfield; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

At her request, there will be no visiting hours or funeral service. Burial will be held at the convenience of the family.

Arrangements are under the care of Plummer Funeral Home, Windsor Chapel, 983 Ridge Rd., Rt. 32, Windsor, ME.

Condolences, stories and photos may be shared through the funeral home website at: http://www.plummerfh.com.

Donations in Beverly’s memory may be made to: Kennebec Valley Humane Society, 188 Leighton Road, Augusta, ME, 04330.