OBITUARIES for Thursday, June 15, 2023

HANS E.W. HAASE

Hans E. W. Haase, 78, of Waterville, passed away on Friday, April 21, 2023, following a lengthy battle with cancer.

He emigrated from Germany to the United States in 1951 across the Atlantic Ocean on the vessel, Rotterdam. He grew up in Chicago, Illinois, and attended the prestigious Lane Technical High School.

In 1967 he met and married Patricia Simpson. They were married for 55 years. Hans attended Judson University, in Elgin, Illinois, and graduated with a BFA degree in 1971. In that year the couple moved to Maine with one young son. Hans taught art in Maine until he retired in 2019.

He was greatly loved and respected by the students. His love for life brought him many opportunities besides teaching. He was also a sales professional, draftsman, sign maker, and photographer.

From a young age and throughout his life, Hans loved to fix/restore things such as gramophones/record players, fishing reels, boats, classic cars and trucks. He loved nature and often spoke about the infinite design elements it exhibits. He did love waking up early to be out on a lake as the sunrise greets the fog cloaking the mysteries and possibilities of what may lie beneath. He had just about landed what would likely be the state record’s biggest bass had it not broken the line upon seeing the net.

As a strong classical music/opera advocate, Hans was always enthusiastic about sharing the benefits of acoustic and refined music on mood, mind, body and the community. Over the years, Hans brought many students to operas and classical music performances, instilling the love of music in future generations. He wanted people to know – there is other music – where the focus is on beautiful melodies, musicianship and tone rather than marketing and revenue.

Throughout his life, Hans always had a painting on the easel and many of his works of art are gracing homes across the country. Some of the artwork and photography can be seen on his website – haasefineart.com.

Hans found his avenue to communicate in teaching. It was destined to happen, because he loved learning and discovery. He always had a great enthusiasm for being alive! He
says: “Life is a gift! Health is our blessing. An enthusiasm for truth and beauty should be shared. Quality and honesty go hand in hand. We should all be positive and loving
ambassadors for our planet (our FINITE environment!)”.

Hans Haase is survived ty two sons, his wife, a daughter-in-law and a grandson, two brothers, two sisters, as well as several nieces and nephews.

A memorial is now online at mykeeper.com/profiles/HansErichHaase.

A memorial by the immediate family will be held in the near future. His creative energy and sense of humor are greatly missed by his family, those he helped, and those who truly knew him. His spirit lives on.

KAYLA M. STEWART

FAIRFIELD – Kayla May Stewart, 28, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, May 23, 2023. She was born on March 4, 1995.

Growing up, Kayla was a very bubbly and feisty child, who was determined to get what she wanted one way or the other. She was determined to be who she wanted to be and do things she wanted to do, even if others told her she couldn’t, she would make sure she did. She wanted to play football, so she did. She wanted to play baseball, so she did. She did all the things she wanted without any hesitation.

As Kayla got older, she had big dreams of helping those who could not help themselves. She always wanted to build homes for the homeless and make sure people always had a roof over their head. She was giving in every sense of the word, selfless above all else. She idolized her brother Eriq’s work ethic and wanted to follow in his footsteps and pursue a career that was just like his. She knew if she followed in his footsteps, she would be successful and would have his support through it all.

In the most recent years, Kayla had held various jobs and was working very hard to build a life for herself of which she would be proud. In this last year she bought her first vehicle on her own, got her own apartment, went skydiving and saved money to go on a family vacation to Florida, the trip of a lifetime. Kayla was also attending online school through UMA in Augusta, where she was achieving high honors as she worked to obtain a degree in liberal arts, with a major in history.

Most recently, she had a newfound joy in helping her brother, Adam, build her tiny home, for which she had big plans. She would spend countless hours mapping out her ideas, helping with the construction and was his confidant on this new project.

Kayla was ever so proud of her daughter, Cadence, and loved her more than anything. She was looking forward to dancing in Cadence’s upcoming recital, where they were practicing a family dance together, along with her mother, Lucie.

Kayla had a never-ending support system, so many friends and family that loved her to pieces. She was a very easy person to love, as she was the one to always make you laugh and smile on the hardest of days. People could always look to her to brighten their days, which she did until her last days.

Kayla will be remembered by her selfless nature, her sense of humor, her contagious laugh and her smile that lit up any room. She will be deeply missed by her loved ones, friends and all who knew her beautiful soul.

Kayla is survived by her parents Lucie and Randy Stewart; her daughter, Cadence Stewart; her siblings Erica Strickland and significant other Jake Pierce, and children Jayden and Kaitlyn; Adam and Shanna Strickland and children Aidan and Zackary; Eriq Stewart and fiancée Aaliyah Towle and children Preston and Lenox; Joyce Lawrence and family; by her significant other, Damian Boullie.

A funeral service was held Sunday, June 11, at Veilleux and Redington Funeral Home with burial following at Maple Wood Cemetery, Fairfield.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at http://www.VeilleuxFuneralHome.com for the Stewart family.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Veilleux and Redington Funeral Home, 8 Elm. St., Waterville, ME 04901.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to Cadence’s College Fund, c/o KSW, 222 College Ave., Waterville, ME 04901.

GEORGE R. HOY

BELGRADE LAKES – George R. Hoy, of Belgrade Lakes, passed away, in New Jersey, on Sunday, May 28, 2023. Born in Long Branch, New Jersey, to John and Mabel (Magee) Hoy, George was the middle of three children.

He married Joan (Sculthorpe) in 1949. He was employed in many capacities throughout his life. He was a U.S. postal employee, plumber, and fireman at Fort Monmouth. He ultimately retired in 1983 as a Captain from Naval Weapons Station Earle. George also took great pride in the many memorable years he spent as a volunteer fireman for the city of Long Branch, New Jersey.

George and Joan raised their family of three children in Long Branch, New Jersey, and in 1960 took their first two-week summer vacation to Bel­grade Lakes. These trips would become an annual tradition for the Hoy family, and upon his retirement, George and Joan purchased a set of camps on Long Pond and opened Hoy’s Belgrade Lakes Cottages. In 1989 they sold the camps and moved into a new home just up the street.

George’s time in Maine was well-loved and well-spent. As to be expected, he easily made friends who became family and kept himself quite busy. He was a member of the Rome Ruff Riders (local snowmobile club), the Belgrade Lakes Dams Committee, the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and the Rome Intellectual Club. Anyone who drove by his house could expect to see one of several scenes: George meticulously mowing his lawn, washing his beloved Ford F-150, or hosting happy hour on his front deck. Each summer George and Joan would await the arrival of their children and grandchildren for their annual vacations to Belgrade Lakes, a tradition that continues to this day with the fourth generation of Hoys visiting Long Pond.

When he did relax, George could be found in his favorite recliner doing Sudoku, watching golf or an old Western, or listening to Classic Country. An avid racing fan and hating to be late to anything, he passed away the morning of the Indy 500 to ensure he had the best seat in the house for the main event. George was an excellent cook (fan favorites include bacon-covered pork loin and his special Sunday breakfast) and so enjoyed preparing meals for those he loved. He was also known for his vodka martini, coined a “Hoy-tini,” taking out his trusty pocket knife to slice the olives, and up until the end, enjoyed a daily shot and a beer.

Any and all who found themselves lucky enough to cross paths with George would quickly know they had found a friend. He will be remembered for his hearty laugh, his immense heart, and his love and pride for his family.

He was predeceased by his wife, Joan; his son, Kevin Hoy, his son-in-law, Robert Featherstone; and his brother, Jack Hoy.

He is survived by his sister, Lois Pierce, of Eatontown, New Jersey; his son, Robert Hoy and his wife, Michele, of Belgrade; his daughter, Stephanie Featherstone and her partner, Steven Kiernan, of Paramus, New Jersey; his daughter-in-law, Karen Hoy, of Long Branch, New Jersey; his grandchildren, Andrew Hoy and his partner, Lindsay, Billy Featherstone and his wife, Jessie, Ashley Featherstone and her husband, Scott Darwick, George Featherstone and his wife, Kelly, Vin Berardi and his partner, Amy Blitz, Travis Hoy and his fiancée, Ashlee Bobb; and his great-grandchildren, Angelina, Benjamin George, Natalie and Weston.

George’s life will be celebrated with a memorial gathering on Sunday, July 9, at noon, at the Elks Lodge, in Augusta, 397 Civic Center Dr.

LYNNE M. NUTTING

FAIRFIELD – Lynne Marie Nutting, 75, passed away on Wednesday, May 31, 2023. She was born on September 16, 1947, in Worcester, Massachusetts.

Lynne grew up in Skow­hegan, graduating from Skowhegan Area High School in 1965. She was a learner, always seeking opportunities to expand her knowledge. She would use her wisdom about the world around her to teach and help others.

She spent her working years in the Augusta engineering department for Verizon, where she had a successful career for 33 years and built lifelong friendships. She was well known for thinking outside the box and developing efficiencies for the company, earning her recognition and an award prize trip to Hawaii. She took pride in all she did; she was a true hard worker with meticulous attention to detail.

Lynne had her son, Michael Batey, in her early adulthood. Mike spent his younger years alongside his “Ma” as they learned to navigate life together; their memories and time together left no question they were “cut from the same cloth”. When she met Jim Nutting, that cloth became eternally woven into the Nutting family – the family of two became a family of eight. She loved and cared for the five Nutting children so deeply and they truly were her children, too. Lynne and Jim married on June 28, 1986.

She executed her values of pride, a sense of purpose, success, and meaningful relationships through her actions. She saw success as connections built on trust, mutual respect, caring, thoughtfulness, and honesty. She was prideful about what she put out to others, the magic of gift giving, of extending a listening ear, of just being there in whatever way someone may need. She had a way of knowing what you needed more than you did at the time. Those are the moments we look back and on and think, “She was right.” Lynne found her purpose through helping others, in a gentle, present way that just made you feel special. Anyone who was blessed enough to experience her in this way knows she accomplished this because she was so special.

She loved any chance she could get to celebrate others. This meant grand, sentimental, and sometimes silly gifts for birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas – you never knew if you were about to open a card filled with confetti, a hand knitted blanket, puzzles and “busy” crafts, a gag gift, or something special you mentioned you were interested in months ago. Regardless, you always knew it would be something well thought out… again, just to make you feel special.

She loved to travel with Jim. They visited Alaska, Hawaii, and many trips to Las Vegas, Nevada. They also spent many years competing in car shows, going to the racetrack, and many family sporting events.

When she was spending time for herself, she loved to scrapbook, knit and embroider, read, watch and collect movies, watch the Boston Celtics, and spend time in her garden. Her garden was her solace, her place to be alone with her thoughts, maybe talk out loud if the flowers and trees wanted to listen.

Lynne’s granddaughter, Adelia, had the privilege of interviewing her a few years ago while taking a course on the aging process in college. She asked her, “How do you wish to be remembered?” Lynne replied, “Just that I was here.” She giggled and paused, then said, “That I did some good along the way. That something I said, or did, made a difference. And that I made a difference in the life of a child. My essence will always exist in this world. The little things I do, the things I share with you, my kindness when talking with the grocery store cashier, those things spread my essence. They create a butterfly effect.”

She was preceded in death by her parents Russell and Mildred Allen; and her son, Michael Batey.

Lynne is survived by Jim Nutting, her husband and best friend of 37 years; brothers, Wayne Allen and wife Julie, of Skowhegan, Steve Allen and wife Debbie, of Albany, Georgia; nieces, Elizabeth Hess (husband Steven; daughter Alex); and Hannah Allen; granddaughter Adelia Batey-Kee (wife Kassandra), of Readfield; daughter, Kim Dunton and husband Travis, of Pittsfield; grandson Mackenzie; son, Mike Nutting and wife Jane, of Fairfield; grandson Jordan (wife Taylor; great-granddaughter Parker), grandson J.T.; son, Cory Nutting and wife Jill, of Fairfield; grandson Conner; daughter, Kelly Alley and husband Jeff, of Albion; grandson Zachary and granddaughter Raygen (husband Garrett); son, Kevin Nutting and wife Jaime, of Oakland; grandson Kobe; brother-in-law, Lindsay Nutting and wife Tammy, of Belgrade.

At Lynne’s request, there will be no funeral or visiting hours or specified places for donations.

Arrangements are in the care of Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, 107 Main St., Fairfield, where condolences, photos, and stories may be shared by visiting http://www.lawrybrothers.com.

JAMES CROSBY

ALBION – James Crosby, 88, of Albion, passed away June 2, 2023.

There will be a full obit on Lawry Brothers website, lawrybrothers.com.

JUANITA C. HOLLINGSWORTH-VAUTOUR

BELGRADE LAKES – Juanita “Nita” C. Hollingsworth-Vautour, 76, of Belgrade Lakes, passed away on Saturday, June 3, 2023, at Andros­coggin Home Healthcare and Hospice, following a long battle with Alzheimer’s. She was born in Durham, North Carolina, on June 15, 1946, daughter of William and Edith (Bowen) Pickering.

Nita grew up in Durham, North Carolina. As a child, Nita loved to work in her grandfather’s (Archie Lee Bowen) grocery store after school and attend Bull Durham baseball games, which Archie was a part owner of at the time. Nita graduated from Elwood Regional High School in Newfoundland, where her father was a commander on Ernest Hermon Air Force Base.

After high school, Nita married and worked at raising three boys (Matt, Chris and Ben). After her husband had honorably fulfilled his military obligation, both enrolled at the University of Maine at Farmington. Even though all her college advisors and teachers tried to talk her out of it because, “she was too small to handle the students she would face,” Nita became the first woman to graduate with a degree in special education from UMF in the early ’70s. Little did UMF know how strong Nita was, as she spent the next 30 years working as a special education teacher and director in the State of Maine.

Although her first marriage did not last, family was the most important thing to Nita, and she never gave up, sometimes working two to three jobs at a time to raise her three rambunctious, rule breaking, not always law-abiding boys. The boys had no idea who they were up against though, their mother ensuring in the end that they all grew up to be mature, successful, and law-abiding men (at least two out of the three, anyways).

On April 16, 1998, Nita married Doyle Vautour and they spent the next 35 years inseparable from each other. Nita and Doyle went on numerous cross-country adventures, but always ended up back at their home on Long Pond.

Besides her parents, Nita was predeceased by her brothers Ernie Pickering, Sidney Pickering, and her sister, Sue Pickering.

Nita is survived by her husband, Doyle Vautour, of Farmington; her three sons, Matthew Hollingsworth and wife Isabelle, of Westwood, Massachusetts, Chris Hollingsworth, and wife Jodi, of Farmington, and Benjamin Hollingsworth and wife Candace, of Copperas Cove, Texas; nine grandchildren, Tucker, Taylor, Cooper and Casey Hollingsworth, of Farmington, Alexandra Cochran and Nicholas Hollingsworth, of Copperas Cove, Texas, Autumn McIntire, of Grovetown, Georgia, and Alanna and Garson Hollingsworth, of Westwood, Massachusetts; as well as two great-grandchildren, Amyas and Amara.

Cremation care has been provided by Dan and Scott’s Cremation and Funeral Services, 488 Farmington Falls Rd., Farmington, ME 04938.

FAYE KITCHEN

OAKLAND – Faye Kitchin, 80, passed away Tuesday, June 6, 2023, following a brief illness. She was born in Oakland on August 11, 1942, the daughter of Melville and Pauline (Mulliken) Knox.

She graduated from Williams High School in 1961 and began working at Harris Baking Company, in Waterville.

While working at Harris Baking Company, she met her husband, Leroy Kitchin. They were married on September 4, 1965, and celebrated 42 years together before he passed away in 2007.

She is survived by many family members and friends.

She was predeceased by her parents, husband, one brother, three sisters and a grandson.

At Faye’s request, there will not be a service, but a celebration of life will be announced at a later date.

There will be a full obit on Lawry Brothers website, lawrybrothers.com.

ROLAND E. DECHAINE

PITTSFIELD – Roland E. Dechaine, 94, died peacefully on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, in Pittsfield. Roland was born on Jan­uary 9, 1929, in Millinocket, a son of the late Pierre and Leona (Martin) Dechaine.

He graduated from Water­ville High School with the class of 1947 and furthered his education at Bentley College, in Massachusetts. He worked at Veilluex’s Market, on Sherwin Street, in Waterville, before moving to Pittsfield in 1972. He was employed for many years as the store manager at LaVerdiere’s Drug Store, in Pittsfield, retiring in 1993.

He married the love of his life, Vernette Veilleux, in November of 1959. He was an active parishioner of St. Agnes Catholic Church, in Pittsfield, and member of the Knights of Columbus #4861, Pittsfield. He was a member of the American Legion Post #5 Waterville, U.S. Army 1950-1953, serving in South Korea.

Roland enjoyed spending summer days at Big Indian Lake, sailing and fishing. He prided himself on maintaining his home and working in the yard. He loved spending time outdoors. He will be remembered as never meeting a stranger, and always having a joke or story to share. Roland’s love for his family is reflected by the many fond memories he leaves for his wife, children, and grandchildren to cherish.

He was predeceased by his parents; brothers Claude Dechaine and Don Dechaine; brother-in-law, Lee Veilleux and wife Bernley, sister-in-law, Jeanette Bourgoin and husband Roland, sister-in-law, Evelyn Veilleux (wife of Roland Veilleux); and infant daughter, Kathy.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Vernette Dechaine; children, Kenneth Dechaine and wife Nanhee, of Pittsfield, Susan L’Heureux and husband Lucien, of Georgia, and Diane Wadsworth and husband Michael, of Ohio; grandchildren, Leah Dechaine and Heidi Dechaine, of Pittsfield, Krista Roop and husband Richard, of Georgia, Kiera Plante, of Georgia, Emma Wadsworth and Ian Wadsworth, of Ohio; siblings, Gloria Gamache and Theresa Perkins; sisters-in-law Gladys Dechaine (wife of Claude Dechaine) and Joan Dechaine (wife of Don Dechaine); brothers-in-law Roland Veilleux, of Skowhegan, Lucien Veilleux and wife Glennis; great-grandchildren, Colton and Caiden Roop, of Georgia; and many nieces, and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Tuesday, June 13, at St. Agnes Catholic Church, Detroit Street, Pittsfield. A luncheon will follow in the Parish Hall. A committal followed at the St. Francis Cemetery, Grove Street, Waterville, with military honors being presented for his service to our country during the Korean Conflict.

To leave a message of kindness or to share a memory, please visit http://www.shoreynichols.com.

Care has been provided by Shorey-Nichols Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

JANET M. DENNIS

WATERVILLE – Janet M. (Sullivan) Dennis, 77, formerly of Waterville, passed away on December 20, 2022. Her funeral Mass was held Thursday, June 15, at Notre Dame Church, 116 Silver Street, Waterville.

WARREN A. MOODY

ZEPHYRHILLS, Florida – Warren Allen Moody, 93, long-time resident of Freedom died peacefully on Wednesday, April 19, 2023. Warren was born in Liberty on June 24, 1929, to Allen and Freda Wellman Moody.

He married Mildred Shaw and during their 50 years of marriage they raised six children, who in turn gave him 13 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

He was a truck driver by trade as well as being a blueberry farmer. He loved gardening, feeding the birds, traveling, camping, fishing, hunting, and playing cribbage. Family gatherings were the best. His last years were shared with partner, Helen Farrar. Together they enjoyed many adventures in Maine and Florida.

Warren was predeceased by his parents; brother, Richard, sister, Betty; wife, Mildred; son, Ronald; grandson, Derek.

He is survived by Helen; her daughters Karen (Mark) and Elaine (Bill); brother, Carl (Brenda); sons Barry (Cheryl), Lyndon John (Tammy); daughters Cheryl (Dennis), Connie (Jim), Cynthia (Bruce); grandchildren, Kelli (Larry) sons Cameron and Brady; Heidi (Josh) son Jakob; Tauri, daughters Katelyn (Adam), Grace, and son, Riley; Casey (Emily) sons Jonas, Rowan, Julian and daughter Ainsley; Devin and daughter, Marley; Brian (Kari) sons Everett and Desmond; Trevor; Jessa (Trent); Tyler; Benjamin (Jacqueline) son Jason; Mark; Jason; and Amelia (Cody); cousins; nieces and nephews.

BASIL GRANT

WATERVILLE – Family and friends are invited to a celebration of life for Basil at 11 a.m., Saturday, June 17 at the Pleasant Street United Methodist Church, 61 Pleasant St., Waterville with a reception to follow at 82 1st Rangeway, Waterville from noon – 2 p.m.