OBITUARIES for Thursday, July 10, 2025

NATALIE B. HARRIS

WATERVILLE – Natalie Beth Harris, 76, died unexpectedly from a sudden illness on Wednesday, June 4, 2025. Born in Chicago, Illinois, on January 27, 1948, to Arnold and Charlotte Johnson, she attended Elmhurst High School.

She completed her undergraduate and graduate work at Indiana University, where she earned her Ph.D. in 1977. She taught American literature and creative writing alongside her husband at Colby College,, in Waterville, for over three decades before retiring.

Natalie met Peter Harris in a Herman Melville seminar. They were married for 51 years. They had two children, Alison and Michael, and two grandchildren, Noah, 8, and Jonah, 5, (children of Alison and her husband, Joel Leiby). She began the nightly ritual of writing down three things to be grateful for 15 years ago. She filled six volumes of her nightly gratitude journal.

Natalie was a devoted lover of the arts. At various stages, she played piano and painted in watercolor and acrylics, but first and last, she loved writing. In mid-career, she earned an MFA in fiction writing and began to publish short stories and creative non-fiction. She also loved revision. An expert editor, she improved any draft that came her way by removing clutter and enhancing grace and clarity. She often saved her husband from public embarrassment.

Retirement brought on her fullest flowering. Her passions were several. Once a runner, she continued her practice of walking at least five miles a day – quickly. She and Peter facilitated a literature seminar for local adults under the auspices of Colby College. Before that, she’d founded a book group, which she referred to as the “bookies.” Forever an “A” student, she read each book twice, took notes, identified key passages, and baked cookies. The bookies’ discussions were always probing, specific, and often uproarious.

She began retirement by volunteering her grant writing assistance at the homeless shelter. Later, she found her calling as a court-appointed special advocate (CASA) for children threatened by family dysfunction. Another love she long cultivated was yoga, and in retirement, she practiced five days a week at her School Street Yoga. She practiced faithfully. She treasured her Sunday morning meditation group and her annual retreats to Insight Meditation Society, in Massachusetts, from which she always returned radiant. These practices also complemented her growing engagement with her Jewish heritage.

A gifted cook, she made a home-cooked meal every night, the ingredients often arranged on the plate in the form of a smile or mandala. Her recipes kept changing, but her nut loaf and Harris House Pizza were consistent favorites.

There will be a memorial service at the Colby College chapel on Aug. 3 at 1 p.m. followed by a reception on campus. All are welcome.

MERWYN E. PERKINS

UNITY – Merwyn Ernest “Bucky” Perkins, 93, of Unity, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 11, 2025. He was born on January 4, 1932, in Dixmont, the son of George Ernest Perkins and Emma Lucy (Bishop) Perkins.

He graduated from Unity High School in 1951. He made a career as a truck driver and served the community as a deputy sheriff for many years. He was an active member of Star In The West Masonic Lodge #85, in Unity, for many years. His favorite thing was to visit friends, play cards and reminisce of his years living in the town of Unity.

He grew up in a large family and was predeceased by his siblings Leona (Perkins) Bulley, Dennis Perkins, Anson Perkins, and Clarendon Perkins.

He shared 54 years of marriage with his wife, Marian (Tobey) Perkins, who preceded him in death.

Bucky is remembered by his children, Alan Perkins, Rodney Perkins and his wife Marilee, and James Perkins and his wife Veronica; grandchildren, Miranda, Joshua, Eric, Jessica, Danielle, and Jordan; and his great-granddaughter, Nora; his sister, Lilla Jackson; and many nieces and nephews.

More information to come in the future about a service.

ESTELLE V. BARNES

WATERVILLE – Estelle Verzoni Barnes, 93, of Waterville, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 11, 2025. Born on July 22, 1931, in Fairfield, Estelle was the daughter of the late John and Stella Poplaski.

She attended Lawrence High School, in Fairfield, where she excelled in basketball and was a member of various school clubs and organizations.

Estelle married Angelo Verzoni, and they started a family in Waterville, where she owned Stella’s Variety before moving on to a long career at Levine’s clothing store, in Waterville. At Levine’s, Estelle took great pride in dressing and coordinating clients for many years.

Estelle was a very talented craft maker, who loved to paint, create wood sculptures, and teach ceramic classes.

After her first husband passed, Estelle met and later married Louis Barnes. Estelle and Lou spent many years wintering in Arizona, where they enjoyed hiking and rock collecting. Estelle was well traveled and loved visiting her son Peter, in New York City, New York. where she discovered a passion for museums, arts, and theater.

Estelle prided herself on maintaining a beautiful home, both inside and out. She found joy in gardening and her property was well known for its colorful flowers, plentiful vegetable garden, and neatly manicured lawn. Estelle loved the holidays and always made sure her home felt festive for any celebration.

Estelle is survived by her sons Peter and Angelo Verzoni; daughters-in-law Lisa and Anne Verzoni; Anne’s sons Kevin and Andrew Flaherty; grandsons Angelo and his wife Jade, Anthony, Richard, and Ian Verzoni; and six great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Angelo and second husband, Lou; as well as her sons Stephen and Richard Verzoni.

Visitations will take place between 10 a.m. to noon, on Thursday, July 10, at Veilleux Redington Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, at 8 Elm St., Waterville. A graveside service will follow at 1 p.m. at the Maine Veterans Cemetery, at Blue Star Avenue, in Augusta.

An online guestbook may be signed and memories shared at http://www.vrlfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in her name to Maine Children’s Home, Attn.: Development, 93 Silver St., Waterville, Maine 04901, or online at mainechildrenshome.org-give.

SUSAN T. CORO

WATERVILLE – Susan T. Coro, 76, passed away at MaineGeneral Medical Center, in Augusta, on Monday, June 23, 2025. Susan was born in Waterville on January 1, 1949, the daughter of James and Violette (Thibodeau) Cote.

She attended Mount Merici Academy, in Waterville, until high school and then graduated from Waterville High School with the Class of 1967.

Susan loved to collect miniature dollhouses which were fully furnished and decorated. She even had an article in the Morning Sentinel about her Christmas display. She also collected dolls, of which there are a great variety. Susan was affectionately known as “The Fair Queen of Maine” as she never missed a fair if she could help it. The Windsor Fair was her favorite.

She was predeceased by her daughter, Kristy Reny; parents, James and Violette Cote; and her sister, Deanna Thibodeau.

Susan is survived by her husband of 43 years, Kenneth H. Coro; brother, Richard Cote; her nephews Chris Cote, John Cote, and Steve Cote; as well as several grandnieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated on Thursday, July 10, at Notre Dame Catholic Church, 116 Silver St., Waterville, followed by burial at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, 78 Grove St., Waterville.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm St., Waterville. An online guestbook may be signed, condolences and memories shared at http://www.gallantfh.com.

CLIFFORD R. BOURASSA

AUGUSTA – Clifford Roy Bourassa, 97, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at the Maine Veterans Home, Augusta. He was born on June 15, 1928, in Palermo, and was the son of Clifford M. Bourassa and Beatrice (Bailey) Bourassa.

Clifford was a proud veteran, entering the U.S. Army on February 8, 1955. He served two years before his honorable discharge in Stuttgart, Germany. He later worked at the American Woolen Mill, in Oakland, several car dealerships and eventually followed his passion for business, owning and operating Lakeside Auto Sales – his own car dealership where “everything was a deal.” He is credited with ordering the first shipment of International Scouts and pickups to central Maine.

An active member of the community, Clifford was a proud Mason, affiliated with Dirigo Lodge No. #104, in Weeks Mills. He had a lifelong passion for horses and spent many years judging horse shows with the Kennebec Riding Club. Clifford was also an avid dancer and rarely missed a chance to be on the dance floor, often dancing three nights a week with his wife Diane.

Gardening was a passion his entire life. He could be found rototilling gardens and tending to both vegetables, flowers and cultivating African Violets. He and Diane loved the coast, blue-fishing, Pemaquid and Young’s Lobster Pound where he was a regular.

Clifford also spent two decades living in Arizona. He particularly loved visiting the Sonoran Desert Museum in Tucson, where he immersed himself in the desert’s unique beauty.

Clifford was predeceased by his parents, his wives Diane (Cyr), Roberta (Wood), and Theresa (Webber), his brother Frank Bourassa, brother-in-law Edward Neil, sons-in-law Toby Gower and Richard Moore.

He is survived by his son Michael Bourassa and wife Liz, of Florida; daughters, Donna “Toni” Doody and husband Roland, of Arizona, Karen Colwill, of Arizona, Sheila Piper and husband Richard, from Maine; 20 grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren; sisters, Winona Neil, Donna Bourassa, and Donzella Glendenning and husband Dale; several nieces; stepdaughters from Maine, Dawn and husband Robert Hupper, Cindy Hilton, Jane and husband Steven Mullin, Leisa and husband Anthony Bovenzi, and Anita H Moore.

A Masonic funeral was held on July 8. Military honors and burial followed at the Chadwick Hill Cemetery, in South China.

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

DANIEL W. CLARK

Daniel W. Clark, 73, of Winslow, passed away on Wednesday, June 25, 2025. He was born in Oceanside, California, on October 10, 1951.

Dan graduated from Oregon State University in 1974 and immediately began his life of service with the Peace Corps in Sierra Leone, West Africa, as an agricultural advisor to local farmers. It was there he met the love of his life, his wife, Debra, a fellow Peace Corps volunteer, who was also serving there as a teacher. They returned stateside to be married on July 5, 1975, and returned to Africa together to complete their time of service. He was employed by LaVerdiere’s Drug Stores, Maine Biological Laboratory, Wal-mart Corporation, and Maine-ly Elder Care in his lifetime.

Dan was a loving and supportive father and grandfather, sharing his passion for music, theater, and sports with them all.

The most important thing to Dan was his faith in Jesus, and serving others as an outward expression of that inner conviction. He was woven into the fabric of these church families, especially at Faith Church, where he served as a choir member, a men’s Bible study participant, and a member of various ministry committees such as missions, prayer, and even puppets.

Outside of church, Dan also spent his life as a volunteer. He worked with the Mid-Maine Homeless Shelter, the Resolve Life Center, the Solon Women’s Shelter, and Safe Families for Children of Maine.

He loved to travel with Deb, and made lasting memories with her as part of choirs accompanying Christian worship artist Michael W. Smith on tours of both Alaska and Israel. They also enjoyed exploring Maine in the summer months by completing Downeast magazine’s Great Maine Scavenger Hunt for the past few years. They even served as substitute lighthouse keepers on Burnt Island, Maine!

He was a card-carrying member of the Barbershop Harmony Society for 44 years, beginning with the Kennebec Valley Chordsmen, in Waterville – a joy he passed down to his son, Ben, who sang with the older men as a child, and now directs them. He was a member of the southern gospel quartet, The King’s Men, the Mustard Seed Choir, and the choir for the Easter cantata “His Last Days.” Most recently, Dan shared his joy for barbershop harmonies as part of the Portland Downeasters and the VLQ (very large quartet) the Music Medics, who sang to uplift pediatric patients at the MaineHealth Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital in Portland.

He is survived by his mother, Patricia Clark, of Salem, Oregon; brothers Timothy (Mia), Michael (Christine), Craig (Denise), and Christopher; his wife Debra and two children, Erin Pollock and husband Jonathan, of Durham, and Ben Clark and wife Theresa, of Winslow; nine grandchildren: Gabriel, Grace, Lily, Ella, Lydia, Samuel, Theodore, Oliver, and Josanna.

He was predeceased by: his father Edward Clark Jr., of Salem, Oregon; his birth mother, Barbara Cutler Clark; and his wife’s parents, Merton and Lois Campbell, of Winslow.

A celebration of life service will be held at 2 p.m., on Sunday, July 13, at Faith Church, 250 Kennedy Memorial Drive, Waterville.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Dan’s memory can be made to Downeasters Music Medics, Resolve Life Center, Faith Church Waterville, and/or the Come And See Foundation for The Chosen.

ROSEANNA M. BELANGER

WINSLOW – Roseanna M. Belanger, 77, passed away on Wednesday, June 25, 2025. She was born December 2, 1947.

Rose was predeceased by her father Raymond N. Belanger, her mother Edna M. Belanger (Dyer), and brother, Ludger Belanger, all of Washington, Maine.

Rose is survived by her daughter and care giver, Lisa Wilson and partner Mark Cater; and a son, Paul G. Beaulieu and wife Jenn; eight grandchildren, Victoria Evans and spouse Brady, Cameron Wilson and partner Mandy, Falyn Darge and Faith Wilson and fiancé Richard, Krista Beaulieu, Cheyenne Beaulieu and partner Robert, as well as Heidi and Kyle Beaulieu; 15 great grandchildren, KayLynn, Jada, Autumn, Avah, Lillyanna, Isabella, Raistlin, Elora, Adam, Richard (Bubba), Leon, Tristyn, Elijah, Lucas and Lilly; three brothers and three sisters, Sandra Tingwald, Pauline LaBelle Weeks Jones, Linda Bell and spouse Bill Bell, John Belanger and fiancée Pam, Paul Belanger and wife Peggy, Mark Belanger and wife Betty, and sister-in-law Linda Perkins and spouse Roland; ; many nieces and nephews.

There will be a graveside service on Sunday July 20, 2025, at 11 a.m,. at Sand Hill Cemetery, in Somerville. A Celebration of Life will immediately follow at her daughter Lisa’s home, 18 Hollingsworth St., Winslow, ME 04901.

In lieu of flowers, donations to her family to help with end-of-life care costs would be greatly appreciated. Donations can be made to PayPal@lisawilson22.

PAULINE E. PLEAU

WINSLOW – Pauline Evelyn Pleau, 86, of Winslow, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at Lakewood Continuing Care, in Waterville. She was born on July 10, 1938, to Henry and Frances Sitnik.

In 1956, Pauline married William “Bill” Pleau.

While raising her family, Pauline pursued a career in banking and earned a business degree from Thomas College, in Waterville. She retired in 1988 as Assistant Vice President of Key Bank. She also played a vital role in managing Pleau’s Market, in Winslow, with her husband and was active in the Chamber of Commerce, Red Hat Society, and Jaycees.

She was an avid reader who found peace near the ocean and joy in time spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Pauline will be remembered for her kind heart, generous spirit, and deep devotion to family.

She is survived by her four children, Debra Pleau and husband Walter Jowett, of Westville, New Jersey, William Pleau, of Charlotte, North Carolina, Richard Pleau, of Pine Hill, New Jersey, and Robert Pleau and wife Barbara, of Vassalboro; six grandchildren, Paul Biester; Stephanie, Sarah, and Daniel Pleau; Sierra and Janelle Pleau; and two great-grandchildren, Stella Biester and Robert Veilleux.

Pauline was predeceased by her husband, Bill, and her siblings Jose “Rusty” Cunningham, Patricia Blair, Joyce Wing, and John Sitnik.

Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, July 10, from 5- 8 p.m,. at Veilleux Redington Lawry Brothers, 8 Elm Street, Waterville.

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

JOYCE A. HART

FAIRFIELD – Joyce A. Hart, 86, of Fairfield , passed away on Wednesday, June 25, 2025. She was born in Barre, Ver­mont, on Jan­uary 18, 1939, the daughter of the late Earl H. and Marcella A.(Provencher) Stewart.

Joyce attended St. Monica School, in Barre, Vermont, and graduated from Millbury High School, in Millbury, Massachusetts, class of 1957. She was a communicant of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, in Fairfield, and Corpus Christi Parish, Waterville/Winslow.

Joyce was employed as an Ed Tech and substitute teacher for St. John Catholic School, in Winslow, for eight years. She greatly enjoyed her time at school, and she also enjoyed watching Red Sox and Patriots’ games and her Tuesday breakfasts with the “Golden Girls.”

Besides her parents she was predeceased by her first husband, Robert E. Hart, who passed in 1981 and her second husband, Roland A. Pooler, who passed in 2024; her stepson, Stephen Pooler; and her brothers Richard and Ronald Stewart.

Joyce is survived by her children, Robert W. Hart, James R. Hart, Marcella A. “Marcie” Hart, Melody J. Hart Simpson and husband Peter, Janice Hart Paden, Nancy Paczesny, Gloria Pooler and John Pooler and wife Debra; many grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Wednesday July 9, at Notre Dame Catholic Church, 116 Silver St., Waterville. Burial will be beside her first husband in Pine Grove Cemetery, in Hartland.

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.

GLENN P. QUIRION

WINSLOW – Glenn P. Quirion, 63, passed away on Sunday, June 29, 2025. He was born in Waterville, on July 17, 1961, the son of Joseph B. Ronald Quirion and Lorraine (Theriault) Quirion.

He graduated from Winslow High School in 1979.

Glenn retired from the U.S. Navy. He worked at the Fairfield Post Office and later worked at, and retired from, Elanco (formally Lohmann), in Winslow. He was a lifetime member of the Waterville Elks Lodge, American Legion and Winslow VFW. Glenn loved spending time with his friends and family. He enjoyed fishing, golfing, and was an avid sports fan.

He was predeceased by his father, Joseph B. Ronald Quirion.

He is survived by his mother, Lorraine Quirion; his brother, Stephen Lamarre, his wife Ewa and their daughter Sabrina; his sister, Karen Rancourt and her husband Gerard, as well as their children, Derek and his partner Sylvie, Mike and his wife Hanna, and their children Owen and Madison, Ryan and his wife Sarah and their child Emma, and Kristen and her partner Brennan.

Per Glenn’s wishes, there will be a private burial at a later date.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm St., Waterville. An online guestbook may be signed, condolences and memories shared at http://www.gallantfh.com.

HOPE E. WAYE

BENTON – Hope Elizabeth (Todd) Waye, 88, passed on Sunday, June 29, 2025, following a long illness. Hope was born in March, 1937, in Abbot, one of 11 children born to Glendon and Alice (Russell) Todd.

She was raised in Abbot and Guilford, graduating from Piscataquis Community High School in 1956.

She married her sweetheart, Donald P. Waye, in September 1956, embarking on her journey as a military spouse. Hope and Don raised three children and together navigated the ever-changing plans that the U.S. Navy had in store. Over Don’s military career, Hope found work wherever she was, mostly in the local shoe factories. Hope was instrumental in helping Don run his hardware store upon his military retirement. Just when Hope thought full retirement was on the horizon, Don heard his calling to become a Methodist paster. Without missing a beat, she followed him wherever his calling took them, and enjoyed the many friendships made along the way. They were able to share 40 years together.

After losing Don in 1996, she finally achieved her life-long dream of owning her own home. She enjoyed traveling, whether it was a day trip on the back roads of Maine, or a cruise to Bermuda. She also spent many happy hours playing Bingo and visiting the casinos.

Hope was the very definition of Yankee ingenuity. She was not one to shy away from a challenge, and always fought hard to find a solution, albeit downright comical at times. It was often joked “Where there’s a will, there’s a Waye” when it came to her!

Hope was an avid crafter and quilter, and a member of several quilt groups in Southern and Central Maine. She felt great joy when she gifted them or donated one for a grandchild’s raffle from time to time. Perhaps her greatest accomplishment was the Christmas that she completed a quilt with matching pillowcase (for storage) for each of her great-grandchildren!

Hope was predeceased by her parents, and siblings Glendine Ward, Lillian Lake, Loretta (Jeannie) Sanders, and David Todd, brothers/sisters-in-law, Connie and John Gordon, James Waye, Janet Babesh, and TheoHelen Griffith, Joseph Babesh, John Peachey, Ernie Lake, and Bob Cowette.

Hope is survived by children Lewis Waye, of Buxton, Keith and Brenda Waye, of China Village, and Dawn (Beth) and Lee Haywood, of East Vassalboro; grandchildren and spouses, including Sandra Clark (Nathan), Michael Waye, Kathy St. Jean (Michael), Scott Haywood (Shy), Holly Haywood-Wahl (Mark), Joel Waye, and Amber Crocker (Joe); great-grandchildren, Sierra and Morgan Haywood, Evan and Kienna Haley, Liam Scandore, Alyssa Peters, Isabella Crocker, Morgan Waye. Kyle Waye and Keanna St. Jean; bonus great-grands, Cody and Paige Arsenault; great-great-granddaughter, Vivianne Camilla Nelson; by siblings Russell Todd, Vyronna Cowette, Cecile Peachy, Sylvia (James) Cross, Diana (Gordon) Davis, and Andy (Karen) Todd, and sisters-in-law Sharon (Chadbourne) Brawn and Judy (Waye) White, Donna Waye; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Services will take place at 1 p.m., on July 15, 2025, at Veilleux Redington Lawry Brothers, 8 Elm Street, Waterville, Maine. A private burial will take place at Maine Veteran Cemetery at a later date.

Services

JESSICA A. LEVESQUE

CHINA – The family of Jessica Ann Levesque Stuart announce her graveside service on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at 12:30 p.m., at the China Village Extension Cemetery, 48 Neck Road, China, followed by a Celebration of Life from 1-4 p.m., at the China Baptist Church vestry, 36 Causeway Road, China. Friends and family are invited to gather to honor her life and memory.

LOUISE S. SMITH

BELGRADE – A Celebration of Life will be held for Louise S. Smith, of Belgrade, on Saturday, July 19, from 3 to 5 p.m., at Loon Cove Lodge, at the end of Loon Call Drive. The service will be held at 3:15 p.m,. with visiting afterward.