OBITUARIES for Thursday, June 6, 2024

RONALD MORIN

FAIRFIELD – Ronald Morin, 58, passed away on Saturday, May 4, 2024. Ronald, and his twin brother Donald, were born October 6, 1965, the sons of Marc Andre and Francoise Morin, in Jackman.

Ron grew up in a large family with seven brothers and five sisters. He excelled in academics and athletics while attending Forest Hills High School, graduating in 1983.

Ron enlisted in the U.S. Navy in October 1983 and trained as a Medical Field Service Technician. In 1986-1987, he deployed on an extended 18-month Mediterranean cruise aboard the aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy as a corpsman assigned to Marine Attack Squadron VMF (AW) 533. Ron attained the rank of Petty Officer First Class and separated from the Navy in January 1991.

Throughout his time in the Navy, Ron worked towards earning a college degree. He graduated Summa Cum Laude from Old Dominion University (ODU) in 1992 with a B.A. in Environmental Health Sciences. While attending ODU, Ron met Anna Ghorashian. Ron and Anna were briefly married in 1994 before dissolving their marriage. Ron accepted a position with the Department of the Navy as an Environmental Hygienist working for the Navy Inspector General. He remained in that position until medically retired in 1998.

Ronald returned to Maine to be with family; living with his mother in Fairfield and with brothers in Waterville, Winslow, and Bangor. He loved spending time with his large family and visiting friends he met in the Navy.

Ronald was predeceased by his parents, Marc Andre and Francoise Morin, of Jackman; and brothers Hubert, of Limerick, and Pierre, of Willimantic, Connecticut.

He is survived by sisters Danielle Hale, of Jackman, Louise Morin-Smith, of Bangor, Jacqueline (DeLallo) Morin, of Bethel, Christina Stone, of Scarborough, and Monique Swartz, of Bangor; brothers Maxime, of Jackman, Francis, of Hermon, Jacques, of Bangor, his twin Donald ,of Bangor, and Antoine, of Benton; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service is planned for Saturday, June 15, at noon, in Jackman, at Saint Anthony’s Cemetery, with a reception to follow at the American Legion Hall.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to: the Arno E. Hughey American Legion Post #122, P.O. Box 351, Jackman, ME, 04945.

GLORIA M. LEWIS

BENTON – Gloria M. (Michaud) Lewis, 91, passed away Friday, May 10, 2024, at Maine­General Medical Center, in Augusta. Gloria was born on August 8, 1932, in Waterville, daughter of Rosaire and Florida (Coro) Michaud.

She graduated from Waterville High School in 1950 as valedictorian. She was a talented artist with two of her paintings Tom Sawyer Whitewashing the Fence and Black Beauty, hung in the Children’s Room at the Waterville Public Library for many years.

On June 14, 1952, Gloria married Howard “Ted” Lewis, at Sacred Heart Church, in Waterville. Gloria’s commitment to family and friends will find them missing her every day. She was passionate about gardening, both flowers and vegetables, baking, canning, and growing giant sunflowers brought her joy.

Gloria is survived by her daughter Debra Lewis Beckwith and husband Durwood Sr., of Hartland; grandson Benjamin Grass and wife Kelly, of Watertown, New York; granddaughter Patrice Harris and husband Benjamin, of Winslow; great-grandchildren Joshua, Jordaan, Jakob, Michaela, Garrison, and Ainsley; and great-great-granddaughter Daisy Kate; brothers Harold “Pit” and Joseph Michaud; sister Jacqueline Morin; and several nieces and nephews.

Gloria was preceded in death by her husband Ted Lewis; her son Michael Howard Lewis; great-granddaughter Katherine Lee Grass Burns; brother Roland Michaud, sister Lorette Clair and Violette Meader, three sisters-in-law and three brothers-in-law.

A graveside service will be held June 3, 2024, at 10:30 a.m, at St. Francis Cemetery, in Waterville. Please join the family immediately afterward at the St. John School Hall, in Winslow.

Please visit Gloria’s memorial page at https://dsfuneral.com/obituaries/gloria-lewis-2023 where condolences, photos, and special memories may be shared.

Donations may be made in her name to the Waterville Public Library Children’s Room.

ALBERT L. WOODBURY

BENTON – Albert Lee Woodbury, 66, passed away at MaineGeneral Medical Center, in Augusta, on Monday, May 13, 2024, after bravely fighting stage 4 pancreatic cancer with the utmost courage, and wildly bold determination to face it head on without treatments.

Born on October 25, 1957, Albert lived a life filled with love for his family and a deep sense of empathy for others. He will be remembered for his need for speed, his mischievous laugh, for being the life and soul of the party, but mostly for his unwavering love, guidance, and support that he gave to his daughter, grandson, and granddaughter.

Albert graduated from Mount View High School, in Thorndike, in 1976 and went on to start his life on Town House Hill, in Clinton, at the ripe age of 19. Professionally he spent the majority of his life in the wood business, delivering firewood to residents in central Maine. His most prideful trade was working alongside Harold Bickford for over 30 years gaining the love for and knowledge of building homes here in Maine with one of the people he respected most in this world. Albert transformed three homes into rental properties and became a landlord for more than 30 years when he moved to Clinton. Raising a family in the old one room schoolhouse before making the move to a brand-new home he built on the Sebasticook river, in Benton.

Albert cherished moments spent with his family enjoying the simple pleasures of life. He also experienced extreme pleasure being at the racetracks with his closest friends, smelling the rubber, feeling the vibration from the cars, all with a cold Budweiser in hand. His presence brought such a festive, upbeat feeling to all who knew him, even to the people who did not. His absence will be deeply felt by those who were fortunate enough to have him in their lives.

He was predeceased by his parents William and Caroline Goodblood Woodbury, as well as his brothers Willie and Andy Woodbury.

Albert is survived by his only child Jennifer Woodbury George and her husband Brandon George, of Benton; his grandchildren Zachary Reid, Bralynn George; great-grandson Bentley Reid; brother Paul and wife Mary Woodbury, of Burnham; several nieces and nephews and their families.

Albert did not want a formal service, however there will be a celebration of life to come at a later date.

Please visit Albert’s memorial page at https://dsfuneral.com/obituaries/albert-woodbury where condolences, photos, and special memories may be shared.

The family kindly requests that donations be made to pancreatic cancer research, in Albert’s memory.

PRESCOTT D. ROBINSON

FAIRFIELD – Prescott D. Robinson, 86, passed away peacefully in his home on Friday, May 17, 2024. Prescott was born on April 6, 1938, in Fairfield, son to Albert N. and Flornce E. (Moore) Robinson.

Prescott was a proud lifelong resident of Fairfiled. He was a mechanic at McCormick Tractor and operated heavy equipment. He loved racing at Unity Raceway with his brothers and going to camp to hunt and fish.

He was predeceased by son Lawrence Robinson, and daughter Donna Robinson.

Prescott is survived by sons Prescott Robinson Jr., of Stark,s and Robert P. Robinson, of Fairfield; as well as daughter Robin L. Nelson, of Monson.

At his request, there will be no service.

Please visit Prescott’s memorial page at https://dsfuneral.com/obituaries/prescott-robinson where condolences, photos, and special memories may be shared.

CHRYSTAL P. HASSEN

WATERVILLE – Chrystal P. Hassen, 74, passed away at home on May 18, 2024. She was born in Augusta on January 26, 1951, to Earl and Mary Shorey.

She is survived by her husband of 45 years, Douglas Hassen; three sons, Reginald Davis, Justin Davis and wife Wendy, Kurt Davis and wife Jen; and her sister Janet; 11 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and two nieces.

She was predeceased by her parents Earl and Mary; and son Gregory Davis, Jr.

Chrystal was a very religious person who loved her cats and dogs. She also liked car riding in the country, playing cards. eating out and stockcar racing.

There will be a Celebration of Life at the Old Time Pentecostal Church, at 866 Kennedy Memorial Drive, Oakland, on Saturday, June 8, at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a local animal shelter.

GLORIA J. BLANCHET

WATERVILLE – Gloria Jean (LaPierre) Blanchet, 73, passed away on Thursday, May 23, 2024 at Mt. Joseph, in Waterville. She was born in Waterville on January 11, 1950, the daughter of Leodore L. and Doris M. (Saindon) LaPierre.

Gloria was educated in local Catholic and public schools and she married Carl S. Blanchet, on May 9, 1992.

Her work consisted of 20 odd years in local department stores (Mammoth Mart, Zayre, and K-Mart). From 1987 until 2012 she was employed by the Town of Fairfield. She worked in the treasurer’s and assessor’s/codes enforcement and town clerk’s offices.

When not working she was volunteering. Gloria was buyer and later president of the Maine Children’s Home for Little Wanderers. She was happy and proud of her 19 years of helping the home, especially the Christmas miracles that happened there. She also volunteered with the Fairfield Chocolate Fest, served as an officer one year for Fairfield Historical Society, and served as secretary one year for Seton Village Council. Keeping busy, she also helped her mother with the older cousins at Christmas time to get their trees up for the holiday and, of course, to take them down. Some Christmas holidays she’d help with a half dozen trees.

Gloria was predeceased by her parents, her husband Carl, and all her siblings, Doreen, Ronald, Marie, Louis, Theresa, and Francis.

She is survived by a niece Crystal Pomerleau, her husband Robie, and their children Harly and Tucker; with many more nieces and nephews.

At Gloria’s request, there will be no public wake or funeral service.

RONALD A. BUCKNAM

OAKLAND – Worshipful Ronald A. Bucknam, 76, died Friday, May 24, 2024, in his home in Oakland.  Ronald was born Nov­ember 18, 1947, to John and Gladys Bucknam.

He graduated from Messalonskee High School in 1966, entered the U.S. Air Force, and married his lifelong love, Bonnie Whitman.

After returning home, he worked for Peters Gas and Oil and Maine Central Rail Road.

He was a Past Master of Messalonskee Masonic Hall for 34 years and a member of Mount Lebanon Counsel and Drummond Chapter of York Rite.

He leaves behind his wife, Bonnie, of 54 years; his son Steven; two brothers; and eight grandchildren; many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his son, Gary, his brothers John and Steven, and his sisters, Joyce, Helen, and Ellen. He always told the best jokes.

A public viewing will be held at Wheelers Funeral Home, on Saturday, June 15, from 5 – 7 p.m.

A graveside service is scheduled for Monday, June 17, 2024, at Lewis Cemetery, in Oakland, at 11 a.m., followed by a celebration of life at the Waterville Masonic Hall.

WARREN M. POULIN

WINSLOW – Warren Maurice Poulin, 85, son of J. N. Laurier and Yvette (Ferland) Poulin, passed away on Saturday, May 25, 2024, at home. He was born October 30, 1938, the day radio announcer Orson Wells reported Earth was invaded by Martians.

Warren was president of his Winslow High School Class of 1956, a member of the National Honor Society, and the American Legion. He earned a BS degree at Suffolk University, an MBA at Northeastern University and a JD from Suffolk University Law School.

He was a member of the Massachusetts and Maine bars, and practiced in the Waterville-Winslow area for 50 years. Warren was a lifelong learner and an avid reader, with a particular interest in World War II history. He and his wife Patricia built their home together, learning and appreciating tradesmen’s skill sets in the process. He hunted, hiked, enjoyed a number of outdoor sports, gardened, and repaired (with occasional success) antique Johnson outboard motors and small engines. A great day for Warren was reading a good book while either relaxing in his recliner or in a hunting blind.

Highlights of his youth athletic career were the day he hit three home runs and two singles in one Little League game and in one football game, he caught a bunch of passes and was dubbed “Sticky Fingers Poulin” and receiving All-State Football Honorable Mention that same year.

Warren took every opportunity during his military service for travel throughout Europe and to Istanbul. He visited the Brandenburg Gate before it became known as Checkpoint Charlie, and the massive Soviet monument to Rodina, in East Berlin. A special treat was seeing the pilfered 5,000-year-old bust of Nefertiti on display in West Berlin. Warren ended his military service in Zurndorf, Germany, as a Secretary-Stenographer for the Commanding Officer, 4th Armored Divarty.

From an early age, Warren was interested in aviation. Every time he heard the drone of an aircraft, he had to look up, one time seeing large formations heading to Europe for D-Day. A ride on a clunky post World War II vintage C-119 Flying Boxcar was a special treat. On his one and only static line parachute jump, he missed the drop zone and landed on a runway. That experience drove home the notion that there are less perilous pursuits in life than jumping out of perfectly good flying aircraft. At age 65 he took flying lessons, soloed, and returned the plane intact to his relieved flight instructor.

He is survived by Patricia (Carroll), his wife of more than 54 years; daughter Aimée Poulin (John Hopkins), son Nathan Poulin (Betsy Melrose); his grandchildren Raegan and Preston; nieces and nephews; his siblings Michael, Thomas.

He was predeceased by a brother, Leonard D. Poulin, Sr.

Warren’s remains will be interred in Maine Veterans Cemetery, in Augusta. A celebration of life will be held at St. Bridget Center, in North Vassalboro, on Monday, June 17, from 2 – 4 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Winslow Public Library.

SISTER PAULETTE A. DUCHARME

WATERVILLE – Sister Paulette Anne Ducharme, OSU, 76, died peacefully on Saturday, May 25, 2024, in Waterville. The daughter of Raymond J. and Yvette (Letourneau) Ducharme, she was born on June 8, 1947, in Brunswick.

She entered the Ursuline community on September 10, 1967, and professed her vows on March 15, 1970.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in scripture and a bachelor of fine arts degree from Emmanuel College, in Boston. She earned a master’s degree in spirituality and a master’s degree in education administration from Boston College, where she also studied spiritual direction and hospital chaplaincy.

Sister Paulette was a teacher, principal, hospital chaplain, retreat director and author. She also held many Ursuline leadership positions, including as a provincial councilor and superior in the Northeastern Province.

She taught at Ursuline Academy, in Dedham, Massachusetts, from 1974-76 and at Mount Merici Academy, in Waterville, from 1976-80. She was principal of Mount Merici from 1980-88. She was program director for Catholic Charities in Maine from 2000-02, chaplain for MaineGeneral Medical Center, in Augusta, from 2002-06, and chaplain for Our Lady of the Lake Hospital, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, from 2006-09.

Upon returning to Waterville in 2009, Sister Paulette served as director of pastoral care for Mount St. Joseph. She also was a volunteer chaplain at Oak Grove Center, in Waterville, for many years.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Michael Ducharme.

Burial will be at 10 a.m., Friday, June 7, in the cemetery at St. Angela Way, in Waterville. A Mass will be offered in Lewiston at a later date.

Memorial gifts may be made to the Ursuline Sisters Retirement Fund, 353 S. Sappington Road, St. Louis, MO 63122 or Ursuline Sisters, 1 St. Angela Way, Waterville, Maine 04901.

RICHARD E. HARRINGTON

WATERVILLE – Richard Edward Harrington, 85 of Waterville, passed away on Tuesday, May 28, 2024. Born in Gardiner on July 5, 1938, he was the son of Byron and Clara Harrington.

Richard worked at the Lipman Poultry Plant as a young newlywed. He found his career in the plumbing and heating field working for various companies including Thayer Hospital, in Waterville, doing commercial and residential work. In the late ‘70s he started Dick’s Plumbing and Heating which he owned until his retirement.

Richard loved hot rod cars with big engines and loud exhausts systems. He had plenty of stories to tell about growing up in Chelsea and the cars that he had. Richard was known by several different nicknames by people that he worked with, such as; Dick, Dicky, Papa Smurf, Smiley and Grump by his grandchildren. Richard and Joanne loved to go on bus trips to various cities with different casinos. They also enjoyed going camping, doing a little brook fishing, going out to events to dance the night away, playing cards on a Saturday night with Kerwin and Rose, and spoiling their beagle Puppy. In retirement they enjoyed going for rides and eating out. One of their favorite places was Wasses. Most of all, they loved spending time with family near and far. Richard will be remembered as a hard working man with a deep sense of family values.

He was predeceased by his wife, Joanne (Keller); sister, Pauline; brother, Byron Jr. and his
parents.

Richard is survived by his daughters, Diana (Dwain) McKenney, Holly (Skip) Lemar, Tara Harrington (Peter Howard); grandchildren, Hillary (Rob) Turner, Tory (JJ) Winters, Haley (Chris) Cromwell, Nathaniel and Nicholas Howard; and seven great-grandchildren; his brother Paul; brother in-law Michael and sister in-law Mary Keller; as well as many nieces and nephews.

For anyone wishing to honor Richard, his daughters will be hosting a Celebration of Life on Sunday, June 30, from 2 – 4 p.m., at the Sheepscot Fish and Game Clubhouse, Route 3, Palermo.

A private family burial will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation can be made to an animal shelter of your choice.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at directcremationofmaine.com.

MAXINE BUZZELL

VIENNA – Maxine (Briggs) Buzzell, 79, of Vienna, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 31, 2024, after succumbing to dementia. Maxine was born in Lewiston, to Richard Briggs and Dorothy Badger.

Maxine worked in the Lewiston shoe shop in her early years, then at the L.C. Dill Center and Augusta Mental Health Institute (now Riverview Psychiatric Center).

Maxine was an area coordinator for Somerset County Special Olympics. She received a Volunteer of the Year award from Mrs. Kennedy Shriver as well as a Lifetime Achievement award for the Special Olympics.

Maxine is survived by her husband of 24 years, Jayson Buzzell; her four children, Vanessa Greenleaf and her husband, Robert, of Winslow, Vincent Briggs and his wife, Ellen, of Madison, Veronica Overlock and her husband, Alex, of Winslow, Vance Briggs, of Frostproof, Florida; nine grandchildren; her sister Joanne Grignon and her life partner, John Kelly, of Machias .

Maxine was predeceased by her father, her mother and her grandson, Clint James Briggs.

A graveside service will be held at a later date.

DIANE H. Van DEVENTER

WINSLOW – Diane H. Van Deventer, 96, passed peacefully on Monday, April 15, 2024, in Waterville. Diane was born on November 13, 1928, in Lockport, New York, to M. Aloysius and Blanche Hopkins.

She graduated from SUNY Brockport State Teachers College and married her college sweetheart Raymond W. Van Deventer. Diane was an elementary school teacher in Lockport, a frequent substitute at Sanborn, and a classroom teacher at Starpoint Central.

When Diane and Ray retired they moved to Florida. Diane worked with many charities, enjoyed jewelry making, traveling, reading and playing bridge and mahjong.

Diane is survived by daughters Linda Haag (Carl), of Winslow, and Kathy Chandler (Howard), of Lexington, Kentucky: eight grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; sister Linda McGrath; sister-in-law Diane Pentz; and nieces and nephews.

Diane was predeceased by her husband Ray and son John.

The family invites you to a Celebration of Life for Diane at St. Bridget’s Center, in North Vassalboro, on Monday, June 24, at 11:30 a.m.

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

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Diane Van Deventer to Winslow Public Library, 136 Halifax St., Winslow, ME 04901, or Good Shepherd Food Bank of Maine, P.O. Box 479, Lewiston, ME 04243-0479.

LEE SOCQUET

AUGUSTA – Lee “Red” Socquet, of Vassalboro, passed away on Saturday, April 27, 2024. There will be a graveside service held on Saturday, June 22, at 11 a.m., in the Village Cemetery, Cemetery Street, Vassalboro, ME 04989. Please see full obituary at http://www.gallantfh.com.

SALLY F. ALLARD

Carrabassett Valley – Sally Fontaine Allard, 73, passed away on Sunday, April 28, 2024, in Florida. Sally was born and grew up in Rumford, on December 6, 1950, the daughter of the late Leo Fontaine and Barbara McPhee Fontaine.

She was a proud member of the last graduating class from Rumford’s Stephens High School, class of 1969. She met her husband and the love of her life, Robert “Bob” Allard, in Mexico, Maine, at a local restaurant, The Chicken Coop. She was waitressing that summer and Bob was working in the area. Bob swept her off her feet and they were married in 1975. They built a beautiful life together, and raised their two sons in South China. Sally and Bob went on many family adventures throughout the country and the world.

Sally graduated from University of Maine Farmington, with a degree in biology and pursued a lifelong career as an AP biology and math teacher. She touched the lives of many students and faculty at Erskine Academy, in South China. She retired from teaching in 2003 and moved to a home she and Bob built together in Carrabassett Valley.

Sally had a larger than life personality, always smiling. She brought much joy and happiness wherever she was and never gave up the chance to help others. She was an active member and tireless volunteer of the Sugarloaf Christian Ministry.

Sally enjoyed hosting parties and being with friends and family. She adored skiing and traveling, was fiercely independent and loved her DIY projects including building, gardening (and was well known for her amazing tomatoes), painting and sewing. She was also a wonderful cook and baker (except for her ham and butter sandwiches)!

She was predeceased by her husband Robert Allard, parents Leo and Barbara Fontaine and brother-in-law John Makin.

She is survived by her sons Matthew Allard, wife Amanda, and Zachary Allard and wife Jacinth; along with her grandchildren Mason, Jasper, Coralline, and Cole; siblings Nancy Fontaine Makin, Bruce Fontaine and partner Rosey Wolfe, Ann Fontaine-Fisher and husband Gregory Fisher, and Janet Fontaine Crowe and husband Brendan Crowe along with many loved nieces and
nephews and great nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life was held on June 2, 2024, at Sugarloaf Chapel. A reception followed.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that those who desire consider memorial donations in Sally’s memory to Sugarloaf Chapel, 5085 Access Road, Carrabassett Valley, ME 04947.

Memories may be shared in her Book of Memories at www.wilesrc.com. Honored to be caring for the family of Sally Allard is the Wiles Remembrance Center, of Farmington.

SERVICES

PAUL & PAMELA HATCH

ENFIELD – A Celebration of Life will be held in their honor from 2 – 5 p.m., on Saturday, June 8, 2024, at the Poulin-Turner Union Hall (P.A.C.E. Hall), 653 Waterville Rd., Skowhegan, Maine.

RONALD ROSSIGNOL

WATERVILLE – A funeral Mass will be held at Notre Dame Church, 116 Silver St., in Waterville, with Rite of Committal immediately following at St. Francis Cemetery, Grove St., Waterville, on Saturday, June 15, 2024, 11 a.m.

Condolences to the family may be expressed at Brookings­Smith.com.

DAVID S. CAMPBELL

WINDSOR – A graveside service will be held on Sunday, June 23, 2024, at 11 a.m., at the Resthaven Cemetery, Route 32, Windsor, with military honors for his 20 years of service in the United States Air Force. He was also a member of the American Legion Post #2, the Elks Lodge #964, both in Augusta, a Mason and had nine years of voluntary service to the Maine State Credit Union. There will be no gathering after the services. Please bring memories and stories to share with us.