OBITUARIES for Thursday, March 13, 2025

FALECIA L. POTTER

WHITEFIELD – Falecia Lauran Potter passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, February 26, 2025. Falicia was born on April 28, 1997, to parents Jennie Rebecca Lorance and Timothy Gordon Dupont.

Falecia grew up in Jefferson, and graduated Erskine Academy, in South China. She later graduated University of Maine-Augusta with a BSN in nursing. Falecia was continuing her education and was building her career at MaineGeneral Medical Center, in Augusta.

Falecia married her husband John Potter in 2018.

She was predeceased by her grandparents Robert J Henn, Gordon L. Dupont and Elsie A. Dupont.

She is survived by her husband John Potter; daughters Autumn and Lilyanna; parents Timothy Dupont and Jennie Lorance; stepfather Dwayne Lorance; and brother Timothy D. Dupont; by her grandmother Laura Curtis; great-grandmother Shirley Mahar; and many other extended family.

CHRISTINE F. AUCOIN

SHAWMUT – Christine Frances (Proulx) Aucoin, 69, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, February 26, 2025. Chris was born on May 1, 1955, in Brewer, to Avis (Quirion) Noel and Leonel Valmore Proulx.

She attended Waterville High School, class of 1973, and worked as a supervisor at C. F. Hathaway Shirt Company, in Waterville, until its closure in 2002. She then attended Kennebec Valley Technical College, in Fairfield, graduating in 2004, after which she worked as a supervisor at New Balance Shoe Factory, in Skowhegan, until her retirement in 2019.

Chris was the cornerstone of her family; the rock upon which they all depended for strength, support and stability.

She was predeceased by her parents, her daughter Tamera May Aucoin, and two brothers, Gary Proulx and Mark Proulx.

Chris is survived by her son and his wife, Jeffrey and Stephanie Aucoin, of Fairfield; granddaughter and partner, Kaitlin Overlock and Gaige Fuller, of Albion; partner Mark Thibodeau, of Shawmut; stepson Dustin Buzzell and grand-stepson Lennon Buzzell, both of Waterville; her siblings and their spouses, Norma and Leonel Proulx II, of Orrington, Mary Proulx, of Orrington, Jeananne Proulx, of Eddington, Danny and Brenda Proulx, of Florida, Nanette and Dan Wells, of England, Scott Proulx, of Texas, and Denise and Clifford Jones, of Clifton; her stepmother Ladonna Proulx, of Clifton; fourteen grandchildren; several great- and great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral service will be held on May 4, 2025, at 1 p.m., at the Shawmut Chapel, 57 Bray Avenue.

ANN MARIE DOHERTY

WATERVILLE – Ann Marie Doherty, 86, passed away on Thursday, February 27, 2025. She was born on March 10, 1938, to her parents Raymond and Marion (Grover) McHugh at Richardson House in Boston, Massachusetts.

Though her last few years were marked by health challenges, including lung cancer, Guillain-Barré Syndrome, and bouts of pneumonia, Ann Marie approached these trials with the same bravery, dignity, and resilience that defined her entire life. While her body grew weary, her mind and spirit remained unwavering until the time came for her to rest.

Ann Marie graduated from Needham High School in 1956 and earned an associate’s degree in business from Cardinal Cushing College in 1958. She met her husband John while working at Sylvania, and their love story began with a glance at his 6’5” frame, dark hair, and blue eyes. Together, they raised a family, and though John passed away in 2010, Ann and her kids remained a loving united family.

In 1963, the family moved from Massachusetts to Waterville. Little did they know that this new chapter would lead to the creation of a home that would become a beacon of warmth and love for the entire neighborhood. Their second home on Violette Avenue was more than just a place to live, it was a haven, a sanctuary, and a gathering space for countless families and individuals over the years. At the heart of this welcoming home was Ann Marie. Known for her attentive listening and open heart, Ann Marie made everyone who crossed her doorstep feel seen, heard, and valued. Her ability to connect with people, offering a kind ear or a thoughtful word, created an environment where friendships blossomed, and memories were made. Ann Marie’s love for animals was immeasurable. Alongside her family, she cared for three Samoyed dogs, several cats, rabbits, and parakeets—each of them part of her unique and vibrant family.

Ann Marie was an extraordinarily self-taught cook, developing her skills through her vast cookbook collection. Her kitchen was her sanctuary, and cooking wasn’t just a task-it was her happy place. Beyond her love of cooking, Ann Marie enjoyed gardening, birdwatching, shopping, reading romance novels, getting her hair done, watching her afternoon soap operas, and talking with her friends.

But her greatest joy, without a doubt, was spending time with her children and grandchildren. Ann Marie was a devout Catholic with a strong Christian faith. Even as health issues kept her from attending Mass in person, she continued to watch the services on TV, maintaining a deep connection to her faith.

As her children grew older, she ventured into the workforce, taking on roles as an administrative assistant and a cook for her husband John’s restaurant ventures. Later, she became the restaurant manager for a small local business in Oakland, where she touched on the lives of customers and colleagues alike.

She is survived by her five children and their spouses/partners, John, Soraya, Jordan, and Mike; seven grandchildren; extended family members, Uncle Rich, Aunt Tish, Aunt Joan; her niece Christine; nephews Rick and Matt, their children Caelan, Gia, Sara, Shian, Ashtynn, Nolan, Logan, and June from Ireland.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Notre Dame Catholic Church, 116 Silver Street, Waterville, followed by interment at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, 78 Grove Street, Waterville.

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

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Harold Alfond Center for Cancer Care, PO Box 828, Waterville, ME 04903, or online: give.mainegeneral.org.

GORDON R. POW

BELGRADE – Gordon R. Pow, 80, passed away on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at the Alfond Center for Health, in Augusta. He was born in Manchester, New Hampshire, on June 8, 1944. A son of the late Bruce and Fredrica (Burnham) Pow grew up in a family of five siblings.

Gordon was a graduate of West High School in Manchester, New Hampshire. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business from New Hampshire College while he worked many part time jobs and was quite the pool shark to help pay for school.

Gordon started in banking at Depositors Trust Company, in Augusta, which became Key Bank where he was the Senior Vice President of Commercial Lending. Later he worked for DeLorme Mapping and retired from Penobscot McCrum as a financial consultant.

Gordon was a member of the Augusta Country Club, Kennebec Chamber of Commerce, and participated in many other boards in the Augusta area, including the Board of Directors for MaineGeneral Medical Center.

Gordon hosted the best family reunions known as the “Ka-Pows,” had a love for his family that was foremost in everything he did. He enjoyed playing golf, watching the Boston Celtics, and being with his friends far and near. Gordon loved being on the water and fishing with his girls and grandson. Nantucket Island was a place with many childhood memories and visited often throughout the years.

Gordon took immense pride in his home and property, where he loved to mow the lawn and drive his John Deere tractor. There were many celebrations held for friends and family at his home.

He was pre-deceased by a brother, Clifton and sister, Pamela.

Gordon is survived by his wife and best friend, Patricia Callahan Pow, of Belgrade; two daughters, Allyson Pow and partner Dean Northup, of Oakland, and Kathryn Damren and her husband Scott, of North Belgrade; a brother Stanford “Buddy” Pow, of Bedford, New Hampshire; sister Janet Seiler, of Florida, and Andrea Conway, of Bedford, New Hampshire; a grandson Kaleb Moore, his second-best friend and partner in crime, and his partner Lea Violette; as well as 13 nieces and nephews.

A gathering will be held at the Augusta Country Club, in Manchester, on March 23, 2025, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., where condolences, stories and photos may be shared.

Arrangements are under the care of Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta, ME, 04330.

Condolences, stories and photos may be shared at http://www.plummerfh.com.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to the Belgrade Fire and Rescue Association PO Box 404, Belgrade ME, 04917.

CATHERINE A. KING

WATERVILLE – Catherine Alice King, 84, passed away Monday, March 3, 2025, at Northern Light Con­tinuing Care, Lakewood, in Waterville.

Catherine was born in Waterville, the daughter of Theodore and Beatrice (Provencher) King, on November 2, 1940. She grew up in North Anson.

Catherine graduated in 1963 from Farmington State Teachers College (now the University of Maine-Farmington) and in 1973 received a Master’s Degree from Simmons College, in Boston, Massachusetts. She began her teaching career at Ridgefield Park High School, in New Jersey, where she taught for four years. In 1966 she was employed by the Arlington Massachusetts Public School System to teach home economics, at Arlington High School, where she taught until her retirement in 2002.

Catherine had an uncanny ability to recall detailed stories of past events which were always fun and enlightening to hear, whether it be about family, (she researched genealogy) or about her travels to foreign lands (Japan, China, Russia, Ireland, Netherlands, and Germany). She cared for her family and was always interested in the latest updates. She maintained lifelong friendships.

Catherine did volunteer work for the Massachusetts Citizens for Life and various political campaign as well as supported charitable organizations. She belonged to the Bedford Council on Aging and was a member of St. Agnes Catholic Church, in Arlington, Massachusetts.

Catherine was predeceased by her parents Theodore and Beatrice King and brothers David King, Paul King, James King and Theodore King Jr..

She is survived by sisters Elizabeth (Douglas) Phillips, of Vassalboro, Mary (Roger) Mayott, of Springfield, Vermont, Rachel (Stephen) Chang, of Seal Beach, California, and Jane (Mark) Decker, of Dover, New Hampshire; and brothers Michael King, of Parkhurst, North Carolina, Daniel (Janice) King, of Madison, and Stephen (Lynette) King, of Skowhegan; as well as cousins, and many nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m., Friday, March 14, 2025, at Notre Dame Catholic Church, 116 Silver Street, Waterville. A Spring committal will be held at St. Francis Cemetery, 78 Grove Street, Waterville.

All liturgies at Notre Dame Church parish are live streamed on the parish website: www.corpuschristimaine.org.

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

ALAN D. YOUNG

CHINA – Alan Duane Young, 64, passed away at his home on Monday, March 3, 2025. Alan was born on March 14, 1960, in Waterville, the son of Harland and Norma Young.

He was predeceased by both parents.

Alan is survived by his two sisters, Angela Young, of Augusta, and Ann Young, of China; his nephew Devin Young, of McFarland, Wisconsin; aunts and uncles.

Alan grew up in China and graduated from Winslow High School, class of 1978. He worked at Central Maine Railroad and retired from Bath Iron Works after 30 years.

Alan was an avid sportsman; he loved fishing and hunting or just sitting up in his clearing in the woods to watch the deer gather at sunset.

Alan will be missed by many. A graveside service will be held in the spring.

Services are under the care of Veilleux Redington Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, 8 Elm Street, Waterville, Maine 04901

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the China Village Fire Department, P.O. Box 6035, China Village, ME. 04926.

ALDEN A. McCARTY

WINDSOR—Alden A. McCarty 85, passed away at home on Thursday, March 6, 2025. He was born on June 25, 1939, the son of Aubrey and Gertrude (Wartman) McCarty.

Alden, also known as “Mac” grew up in Aroostook County before moving to the Augusta area at the age of 12 where he attended Cony High School. Following school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and proudly served as a Military Police Officer.

Following his honorable discharge, he married Jeannette LaVallee on May 28, 1960. They settled in Windsor where they raised their three children and celebrated 57 years of marriage until Jeannette’s passing in 2017.

Mac was employed at AMHI, in Augusta, before his 25-year career at Statler Tissue, also in Augusta. His working years concluded with employment at VA Togus, retiring in 2001.

Mac took pride in his yearly vegetable garden. He enjoyed being outside, going for walks, and in his younger years he enjoyed hunting and fishing. On most Wednesdays and Sundays, you could find him at the Le Club Calumet, waiting for that lucky ball to drop for him to holler “Beano”. He particularly looked forward to his great-grandson Joshua’s weekly visit, where they would talk for hours about old days and Joshua’s dreams of the future. Mac will be remembered for his independent spirit, outgoing personality and always waiting for the next opportunity for that wise crack.

He was predeceased by his parents; his loving wife, Jeannette McCarty; his grandson, Gary Alden McCarty, II. and his sister Audrey McCarty.

Alden is survived by his children, Gary McCarty and his wife Lisa, Lori Ann Leclerc and her husband Bruno, and Douglas McCarty; grandchildren, Tanya McCarty-Barrett and her husband Josh, and Jennifer Dissell and her husband Matt; great-grandchildren, Joshua Barrett II, Leah Barrett, Cooper Dissell, Piper Dissell, and Jackson Dissell; his sister Roberta Reher and husband Jerry; and brother Vernon “Butch” Burns; his niece April McCarty; his brother-in-law Sonny (Dot) LaVallee, and sister-in-law Priscilla Thompson.

Visiting hours will be held on Monday, March 17, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., at Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta, ME 04330. Following visiting hours will be a Mass of Christian Burial, at 11 a.m., at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 41 Western Ave., Augusta, ME 04330.

A spring burial will be held on May 28, at 1:30 p.m., at the Holy Family Cemetery, 139 Townsend Rd. Augusta where Alden will be laid to rest next to his wife Jeannette on what would have been their 65th wedding anniversary. Condolences, stories and photos may be shared by visiting www.plummerfh.com.

DONALD L. ABRAMS

WINSLOW – Donald L. Abrams, 91, passed away Thursday, March 6, 2025. Don was born on November 8, 1933, to Louis and Abbie Abrams, in Salt Lake City, Utah.

He graduated from Sweet­water High School, in National City, California, in 1951 and attended San Diego Community College.

Don joined the U.S. Army and served from 1951 to 1953. He was stationed at Fort Belvoir, in Virginia, and served as an Honor Guard, at Arlington Cemetery, as well as in Greenland.

After his military service, Don was employed at Rohr Aircraft, in San Diego,California. From 1956 to 1964, he worked at General Dynamics, holding positions in San Diego, California, Topeka, Kansas; Roswell, New Mexico, the Atlas Program, at Cape Canaveral, Florida; and Rochester, New York. He later moved to Waterville, where he became co-owner of the Harry J. Smith Company, and subsequently worked for Kmart.

After retiring in 2000, Don served as a substitute teacher at Winslow High School, in Winslow, and Erskine Academy, in South China.

An accomplished artist, Don was an active member of the Waterville Art Society and participated in numerous juried art shows throughout Maine. At just 16 years old, he survived a horrific train collision that left him hospitalized for an entire year in a Navy hospital. Despite this devastating experience, he emerged as a survivor – stronger, more determined, and deeply shaped by the resilience he developed during that challenging time, a trait that influenced him throughout his life. Don became an avid outdoorsman, competing in multiple 5K and 10K road races as well as several marathons. His passion for nature led him to volunteer for the Appalachian Trail Maintenance crew. Additionally, Don contributed his time to the Boy Scouts, supporting his oldest son, Paul Briggs, in earning the rank of Eagle Scout.

Don was an avid traveler who explored several provinces in Canada – such as Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and Québec, most U.S. states – including Alaska and Hawaii – numerous Caribbean islands, and one of his favorite destinations, Aruba.

Don was deeply engaged in state and national politics, volunteering for and supporting several political campaigns, including those of Robert F. Kennedy, George Mitchell, Jimmy Carter, and Angus King.

He is survived by his wife and best friend, Sharon H. Abrams, of Winslow; his children Paul Abrams Briggs and his wife Patricia, of Albuquerque, New Mexico (predeceased by baby son Edward), Eleanor Abrams, of Durham, New Hampshire, Cindy Randall and her husband John of Cape Neddick, Andy Abrams and his wife Paula, of Byron, Minnesota, Shawn Houghton and his wife Heather, of South China, and Tammy Houghton Lunt and her husband Eric, of Fairfield; grandchildren include Hailey Abrams of Omaha, Nebraska, Kyra Abrams Wilschek and her husband Adam, of Rochester, Minnesota, Sam Hale, of Durham, New Hampshire, Jackson Hale and his wife Maddy, of Fort Worth, Texas; Jacob Houghton and his partner Ciera, of Palermo, Peyton, Easton and Blake Houghton, of South China, Mason Lunt and his fiancée Cassidy, of Albion, and Gavin Lunt, of Fairfield; great-grandchildren Chace Houghton, of Palermo, and Riley Hale, of Fort Worth, Texas; his sister, Jean Katis, and her children Chris, John, Sandy, and Mike; several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Northern Light Home Care and Hospice Foundation, PO Box 679, Portland, ME 04104 in appreciation of the compassionate care provided to Don and Sharon in his final months.

A celebration of life will be held at a future date.

SHIRLEY M. SKOCZENSKI

WATERVILLE – Shirley M. Skoczenski, 97, of Waterville and formerly of Saco, passed away in Medford, Massachu­setts, on Thursday, March 6, 2025. A lifelong Mainer for her first 89 years, Shirley was born in Skowhegan on December 26, 1927, daughter of Peter and Nellie (Gilbert) Riel.

She graduated from Skowhegan High School and Bloomfield Academy, class of 1945.

Shirley’s love story began with the tragic passing of her brother. PFC Robert Riel was killed in the line of duty during World War II, in France. She met her future husband Alfred Skoczenski as he accompanied Robert’s remains back to his home town of Skowhegan. The couple married on November 27, 1948.

Shirley was deeply devoted to her family. As her six children got older, Shirley went to work at Mid-Maine Medical Center, in Waterville, as a telephone switchboard operator. Her career there spanned for 25 years, retiring in 1989.

Shirley had many interests, including travel, reading, bingo and the Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots. But none compared to her family, and she loved nothing more than to gather everyone together for a big Sunday dinner, creating many happy memories.

She was predeceased by her husband Alfred in 1993, by sons Brian Skoczenski in 2014 and Michael Skoczenski in 2025.

She is survived by four children, Robert Skoczenski (Parise,) of Florida, Alfred Skoczenski Jr., of Washington, Cheryl Tebolt (William), of Florida, and Ann Skoczenski, of Massachusetts; daughter-in-law Alison Skoczenski (Brian), of Maine; 10 grandchildren, Eric Skoczenski (Shelby), Brian Skoczenski (Allison), Peter Skoczenski, Ellen Riel (Ashley), Julia Major (Nathan), Elizabeth Manz (Brady), Evan Skoczenski, Hannah Duffy (Chris), Grace Natole (Nate), and Nathan Skoczenski; 13 great-grandchildren, Robert, Dominic, Atticus, Lydia, Emelina, Olin, Faela, Josie, Jack, Molly, Finnegan, Elsie, Sullivan, and Levi.

At Shirley’s wishes, services will be private. Burial will be at a later date in Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, in Augusta.

To view Shirley’s memorial page or leave an online condolence please visit http://www.cotefuneralhome.com.

In Shirley’s memory, donations may be made to The Red Sox Foundation.

Others Departed

ALEX N. FIELD

VASSALBORO ­ – Alex Nova Field “Bud,” 24, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at MaineGeneral Medical Center, in Augusta. Born in Waterville, Alex was the firstborn son of Leslie Field and Casey Bronn.

He graduated from Winslow High School in 2019, earning both OSHA and Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certifications. After graduation, he began working in the automotive industry, at O’Connor AutoPark, in Augusta, in the detailing department. Later, seeking a change, he found his passion as a commercial and residential painter with The Maine Painting Company. He took great pride in his work, often sharing stories about the historic places he had the privilege of painting, such as Colby College Lorimer Chapel and Oak Grove Church, in Vassalboro.

From a young age, Alex had a natural curiosity for how things worked. Whether tinkering with a snowmobile alongside his dad or taking apart household appliances with his siblings: he loved restoring things to working order. He had a deep appreciation for tattoos, music, and gaming, and he cherished time spent with friends and family. His love for animals, especially dogs, was evident in the way he always made space for them, no matter how uncomfortable it made him.

In March 2024, Alex overcame the effects of a rare immune disorder, an experience that profoundly shaped him. He became an inspiration to his family, embracing life with renewed purpose. His bond with his mother was especially strong; they were best friends who shared countless conversations and moments together.

Alex was predeceased by his maternal grandfather, Keith Bronn, several great- aunts and -uncles.

Alex is survived by his parents, Casey Bronn and Leslie Field; siblings Zackary Field, Tyson Field, Lexus Field and her companion Dominick Wasilowski, and Denali Hooper; grandmother(Gamma) Cecelia Bronn; grandparents Marietta and John Field; aunt Lora Goodrich; uncle Dwaine Field and his wife Jennifer; aunt Melody Curtis and her companion Tommie Edwards; two nieces; and several cousins.

A Celebration of Life was held on Sunday, March 9, 2025, at the MacCrillis-Rousseau VFW Post #8835, 175 Veteran Dr., Winslow, ME 04901.

In lieu of flowers, donations to assist the family during this difficult time would be greatly appreciated. Contributions can be sent via CashApp ($CaseyBronn), Facebook Pay (Casey Bronn), or by mail to Casey Bronn, 460 Bog Rd., Vassalboro, ME 04989.

Alex’s memory will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

HARRY D. TISDALE JR.

NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Florida – Harry D. Tisdale Jr., 80, known to most as “Sonny”, passed away at his home in New Symrna Beach, Florida, on Saturday, March 1, 2025. He was born on August 22, 1944, in Brunswick, the only boy of five children, to Dorothy M. and Harry D. Tisdale.

Sonny was a kind, loving, generous man who never left his family or friends without a hug.

Sonny had a love for horses, dogs and all things automotive. Following his service in the U.S. Army and becoming a Vietnam Veteran, he returned to Maine and eventually settled in Chelsea. There he opened and operated Tisdale’s Junkyard. Later he sold Tisdale’s and in 1982 he established what became his well known business, Sonny T’s Used Cars and Trucks.

Many memories were made and friendships formed at Sonny T’s and occasionally, a vehicle or two were sold. Sonny knew how to wheel and deal yet lend a helping hand to customers who needed assistance to buy a vehicle. As his business grew, he purchased a supporting location and Sonny T’s Junkyard was developed.

Sonny had his hands full raising three sons who he thoroughly enjoyed life with. He and his boys, Greg, Bobby and Randy were active in fishing, trail riding on ATVs, playing sports including tennis in their own home court and swimming in their pool.

Sonny was especially gifted in teaching his boys many interesting life skills. Performing proper burnouts, hauling a heavy bulldozer to a customer using a light Ford Bronco and lifting a building on top of a schoolbus and hauling it with a wrecker to relocate it are just a few of those valuable lessons. Sonny was a wonderful, fun loving man who will also be remembered for his plentiful lobster bakes. His lifetime of success and humor with so many stories of comical events will be cherished for years to come.

In addition to his automotive businesses, Sonny engaged in the buying and selling of many real estate properties. He once stated “At one point or another I probably owned half of Chelsea!” Sonny spent many winters in Florida before moving permanent to New Smyrna Beach where he spent the last 17 years with his love, Annette Keenan. He was warmly welcomed, befriended and loved by her adult children and grandchildren who also became his family.

Sonny was predeceased by his parents; and sisters, Arlene McRee; Janice Jenkins, Dorothy Read and Harriett Rogers.

He is survived by his sons, Greg D. Tisdale and wife Mary Kay, of Albion, Bobby D. Tisdale, of Chelsea; stepson Randy Markham, of Morril.; grandson Noah D. Tisdale, of Albion; special partner Annette Keenan and family; and many nieces and nephews.

Services are being provided by Settle-Wilder Funeral Home and Cremation, of New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Celebrations of life in Florida and Maine will be determined and details will be shared. A private burial will take place at a later date.