OBITUARIES for Thursday, March 21, 2024

MICHAEL A. THIBODEAU

FAIRFIELD – Michael Allen Thibodeau, 70, of Fairfield, passed away Wednesday, February 28, 2024.

Mike, “Sparky” as he was known by friends and colleagues, was a master electrician bringing light into people’s lives and homes throughout Maine for the past 40 years. He was a dedicated, skilled and conscientious businessman. The only thing he worked harder for than his clients, was his family.

He raised his family in the home he himself grew up in and renovated, and he always had an open door for friends and family alike. He was generous with his time and advice, always thoughtful and thorough in his approach to passing on his insights both in his work and life.

He was a simple man with a love of the outdoors, books and family. A loving, and fun grandfather, he spent many afternoons with his grandchildren around his home and garden teaching and laughing, as well as summers fishing, kayaking and camping out in the back yard. In his later years he spent his free time traveling throughout Maine and Massachusetts, going on adventures with his partner Karen and vacationing with her family.

Those closest to him will remember him for his teasing nature and big old grin.

He was predeceased by his parents Maurice and Methyl (Haslem) Thibodeau, brother Lawerence Thibodeau, sister Brenda Buzzle and the mother of his children Barbara Caswell. He is survived by his children, daughter Hilary Shorey and son-in-law Jimmy-lee Shorey; son Travis Thibodeau and his partner Nikki Cole; grandchildren, Leo Shorey, Haylee Shorey, and Tyler Cole; the love of his life, and high school sweetheart, Karen Sidelinger and her family, Matthew, Amanda and Isabella Hall, Mark, Stacey and Lauren Hall, and Nathan Sidelinger; his brothers and their families, Richard and Stephanie Thibodeau, Stephen Thibodeau, Kevin Thibodeau; and his neices, nephews, and cousins.

A celebration of life will be held at Fairfield’s Victor Grange, on Saturday, March 23, 2024, from noon to 4 p.m.

DAME MARIE F. DEEB

WATERVILLE – Dame Marie Fefa Deeb, 98, of Waterville, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 5, 2024. Marie Fefa was born Sep­tem­ber 27, 1925, to Sam and Lottie Deeb.

It was Dame Marie’s great honor to have been invested into the Order of St. Gregory the Great by Maronite Bishop Gregory of the Archdiocese of Brooklyn on August 24, 2018, for life service to the Maronite rite. She lived her many years in Waterville valuing family, faith, education, and service.

Marie Fefa worked at C. F. Hathaway Shirt Factory, in Waterville, in the accounting office for 17 years, then chose to pursue higher education. In 1959, she attended Thomas College, in Waterville, receiving a bachelor’s degree in business education. She continued on to receive master’s degrees in economics and accounting from the University of Maine at Orono. Marie touched the lives of many young people as a professor of finance and economics at Thomas College until she retired after 26 years.

Service to St. Joseph Maronite Catholic Church was an integral part of Marie Fefa’s life. A choir member at seven years old to the choir director for 32 years, Marie was a lifelong contributor to the church community. She was on the Church Council and served as president for two years, member of the Maronite Guild and two-year president, on the Rosary Sodality, Bingo, and finance committees, and headed the church accounting office for 32 years. Marie Fefa was awarded the prestigious Massabki Medal in 1954. This is one of the highest honors bestowed on NAM (National Apostolate of Maronites) members for extraordinary contributions of their time, talent and treasure. “Fefa” was known for cooking on her wood stove, baking bread and cookies in the Lebanese tradition, and regularly cooking for church festivals and events.

Marie’s service extended to the greater Waterville community as well. She was an active volunteer at the Waterville Public Library for 27 years and the Waterville Boys Club for 23 years, where she was honored in their hall of fame. She was involved in the Haines Charity, Zonta Club (president), AAUW (American Association of University Women), Delta Gamma sorority for teachers, and she donated her time and talents to several other charitable and religious organizations.

Dame Marie is survived by her niece Rosemarie (John) Masetta, of Irving, Texas; nephew Sam (Kathleen) Deeb, of East Syracuse, New York; great-nieces and -nephew, Brittany (Christopher) Schwarz, Ryan Masetta, and AnneMarie and Mary Kate Deeb; great-great-nephew River Schwarz, many cousins.

She was predeceased by her parents, Sam and Lottie Deeb, brother and sister-in-law George and Jean Deeb, and several cousins.

Family and friends may call from 10-11 a.m., on Tuesday, April 23, at St. Joseph Maronite Catholic Church, 3 Appleton Street, Waterville. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated immediately after the calling hour. Family and friends are invited to a reception following the service in the church hall.

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 http://www.gallantfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Marie Fefa’s name to St. Joseph Maronite Catholic Church.

LEONETTE B. FORTIN

WINSLOW – Leonette “Lee” Bernadette Fortin, 86, passed away on the morning of Wednesday, March 6, 2024, following a courageous battle with COPD. Leonette was born in Waterville on March 26, 1937. She is the daughter of Antoinette (Cabana) and Armand Rossignol.

She graduated from Waterville High School in 1954. With the ability to speak both French and English, she secured a job with Central Maine Power Company as an interpreter in the sales department. After meeting the love of her life, she moved to Connecticut, married, and began a family. In 1971, the family came home to live in Central Maine.

Lee worked in the community for many years. She worked as a housing manager for both Seton Village, in Waterville, and Chateau Cushnoc, in Augusta. At the age of 49, Lee was diagnosed with lung cancer. With the expertise of her surgeon Sheridan Oldham and her faith, she believed in a complete healing and was so appreciative of every day thereafter.

In her retirement she was employed part-time and volunteered for the Hospice Volunteers of Waterville organization, which held a special place in her heart. She was a longtime member of Notre Dame Catholic Church, in Waterville. She served on the board of trustees for New Dimensions FCU as well as the Seton Village housing program. She enjoyed her years as a snowbird and spent many days soaking up the sun.

In the weeks preceding, her home was filled with an abundance of warmth, love, and laughter. Lee was encircled by friends, family, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. Lee was the glue that held the family together! She was determined to attend every family event wherever and whenever it took place. She was a social butterfly who made friends that lasted a lifetime.

Lee’s Catholic faith anchored her through the storms of life and fed her soul. She had a compelling belief in forgiveness and walked in that truth.

She was predeceased by her parents Antoinette and Armand Rossignol, brother Vincent Rossignol and special friend Leonette Fortier.

She is survived by her husband of 68 years, Joseph G. Fortin, of Winslow; her three daughters, Jean Donovan and husband Wally, of Waterville, Shyla Fortin and husband Chip Button, of Madison, and Lori Albee, of Winslow; her sister Ann Rossignol Hinck, of New Edgecomb; sister-in-law Bonnie Rossignol, of Benton; several nieces, nephews, and cousins; nine grandchildren: Nichole Fortin and wife Leigh Tanner, of Weaverville, North Carolina, Jamey Davis and husband Jeremy, of Plymouth, Lisa Albee and Doug Wellman, of Palermo, Bethany Murphy and husband Mike, of Readfield, Eric Albee II and significant other, Anne Kornkven, of Whitefield, Danielle Hart and husband James, of North Yarmouth, Joseph Albee, of Madison, Renee Williams and husband Eric, of Pearl River, Louisiana, and Meagan Albee and significant other, Josh Linn, of Jacksonville, Florida; 17 great-grandchildren, Dylan and significant other, Cheyanne, Dessie and fiancé, Patrick, Addion, Grant, Marshall, Ivy, Greta, Aurora, Everest, William, Dakotah, Adalynn, Jacob, Avery, Shane, Casey, Mason; and one great-great-granddaughter Amelia, daughter of Dylan and Cheyanne.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m., on Friday, May 17, 2024, at Notre Dame Catholic Church, 116 Silver Street, Waterville, Maine 04901. A reception will follow in the church hall.

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 http://www.gallantfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hospice Volunteers of Waterville at http://www.secure.givelively.org/donate/hospice-volunteers-of-waterville-area.

TAMERA AUCOIN

FAIRFIELD – Tamera Aucoin, 46, passed peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday March 6, 2024. She was challenged with diabetes at an early age and faced this battle with determination, yet her tiny body could take no more. Tammy was born in Waterville on May 29, 1977, to parents Mark “Marty” Aucoin and Christine (Proulx) Aucoin, of Shawmut.

She worked as a server in the Waterville area for many years until her health declined, ultimately bringing her back to her childhood home in Shawmut where she took her first and final steps.

She was loved by many and will be sadly missed. Tammy’s compassion for those in need was to be admired, and she helped whenever she could, even if it meant she would go without. Fly high my angel.

Tammy was predeceased by maternal and paternal grandparents; father Mark Aucoin; aunt Angie Aucoin whom she had a special bond with, and uncles, Gary and Mark Proulx and Bruce and Gary Aucoin.

She is survived by her daughter Kaitlin Overlock and partner Gaige Fuller; mother Christine Aucoin and partner Mark Thibodeau; brother Jeffery Aucoin and wife Stephanie; aunts and uncles, Lenny and Norma Proulx, Danny and Brenda Proulx, Scott Proulx, Denise and Cliff Jones, Nanette and Dan Wells, Mary Proulx, Jenanne Proulx; step-grandmother Ladonna Proulx, Kathy and Bill DeRoche, Greg Aucoin, Pam Aucoin and Bob Bouchard; and “half-brother” Dustin Thibodeau; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at 1 p.m., at Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, 107 Main Street, Fairfield. A gathering, at the Fairfield VFW will be held immediately following the celebration.

AULDEN D. REYNOLDS

FAIRFIELD — Aulden Dean Reynolds, 82, passed away at his home on Wednesday, March 6, 2024.

A full obituary and an online guestbook is available on the Lawry Brothers Funeral Home website, http://www.lawrybrothers.com.

A funeral service was held at Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, 107 Main Street, Fairfield, on Monday March 18, 2024, followed by interment at the new Maine Veterans Cemetery, Mt. Vernon Road, Augusta.

RICHARD K. PARENT

SOMERVILLE – Ret. Lieutenant Colonel, Richard Kalikino Parent, 80, of Somerville, died Friday, March 8, 2024, at the Alfond Center for Health, in Augusta. He was born in Honolulu, Hawai’i, on January 7, 1944, the son of Francis and Ida (Dumas) Parent.

Richard graduated from Cony High School, in Augusta, in June 1962. He was an ROTC candidate with the U.S. Army starting in 1960 and later enlisted as active duty in 1962. He served 16 years in active duty and another 16 years in the National Guard. He retired as a lieutenant colonel in 1994.

He was a decorated serviceman being awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Army Aviator Badge, Vietnam Service Medal with three Bronze Service Stars, Air Medal, Air Medal (2D-9th Awds), Vietnam Campaign Medal, 60 DVC Bronze Service Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal.

Richard was the owner/operator of Beaver Brook Campground, in Winthrop, for 10 years upon his military retirement.

He served on The board of the Maine Veterans Home for 13 years. He also participated with the Disabled American Veterans.

Richard was the kindest and most generous man you could meet. He was loved by everyone he met. When he became a friend, it was for life. There wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for anyone, all you had to do is ask and he was there.

He was predeceased by his parents.

Richard is survived by his wife Linda (Burns) Parent, of Somerville; his wife’s children Jessica Forrest and spouse Craig Forrest and their three children, Timothy Huntington, and spouse Pamela Huntington and their six children; granddaughter Jessica and spouse Matthew Guba and four great-grandchildren; and granddaughter Justice Kent; many cousins.

Richard’s visiting hours are from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., on Saturday, March 23, at Staples Funeral Home, 53 Brunswick Avenue, Gardiner.

Arrangements and guidance are entrusted with Staples Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 53 Brunswick Avenue, Gardiner, Maine.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the Staples Funeral Home website, http://www.staplesfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Maine Veterans Home, 35 Heroes Way, Augusta, Maine 04330 or http://www.mainevets.charityproud.org/Donate.

ROBERT M. NELSON

BELGRADE – Robert “Bob” Merrill Nelson, 86, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, March 9, 2024, following a long battle with Parkinson Disease.

Bob lived his early years in and around Wayne, New Jersey, graduating from Wayne High School and Newark College of Engineering. He started working for Keyes Fibre (now Huhtamaki), in 1963, in Morristown, New Jersey. In 1983, when the supporting engineering division was closing the doors in Fairfield, New Jersey, he transferred to the engineering department in Waterville, retiring in 1993.

In 1986 he and Robert Bartlett Sr. put their resources together and started Wrabacon in a two car garage at Bob Barlett’s home in Oakland. The business grew and eventually built a large building at its present location in Oakland. Bob retired for the second time in 2013 and sold his interest to Robert Bartlett Jr. Wrabacon, under Mr. Barlett’s leadership it continues to thrive today.

Bob enjoyed all four seasons of outdoor activities. He enjoyed hunting and fishing. He loved to ski and was a season pass holder at Sugarloaf for over 30 years. He was determined and succeeded to ski until he turned 80 so his pass was free! Playing golf was also an important pastime and was a member of Waterville Country Club for 39 years.

Bob was predeceased by his parents, Jessie and Merrill Eugene Nelson.

He is survived by his wife Sharon of 38 years; his children Maryann Gilman and her husband Larry, of Brick, New Jersey; Michael and his wife Roselin, of Florida and Wharton, New Jersey; Todd of New York City, New York, and Rockaway, New Jersey; stepdaughters, Dana Maino and husband Tom of Bluffton, South Carolina; Lisa Sevret, of Gresham, Oregan; his brother Calvin and his wife Mary of Rindge, New Hampshire; and nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Burial will be held at a later date.

Arrangements are entrusted to the compassionate care of Wheeler Funeral Home, located at 26 Church Street, Oakland. Memories of Bob can be shared, and an online register book can be signed by visiting http://www.lawrybrothers.com.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to: Northern Light Home Care & Hospice Foundation, P.O. Box 679, Portland, Maine 04104, (207) 973-5055 http://www.northernlightheallth.org/giveHCH.

VERA A. McDANIEL

OAKLAND – Vera Alice (French) McDaniel, 82, of Oakland, passed away on the morning of Sunday, March 10, 2024, at her home. She will be in the care of Wheeler Funeral Home where a full obituary can be read and an on-line guest book can be signed at http://www.lawrybrothers.com.

BEULAH A. WOODBURY

WATERVILLE – Beulah Ann (Norwood) Woodbury, 89, passed away Tuesday, March 12, 2024, at the Oak Grove Center ,in Waterville. She was born on August 6, 1934, in Bangor, to Harold Norwood Sr. and Bertha Norwood. She was one of 11 children.

Ann was a wonderful homemaker and a friend to all who knew her. She enjoyed reading, listening to country music, watching the TCM Channel, writing poetry, and having a DD coffee and donut. She never forgot a birthday or anniversary. It’s impossible to remember the names of everyone that she sent cards to.

Her most loved moments were hearing about and seeing her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Ann was predeceased by her parents, daughter Barbara J. Dow, daughter-in-law Karen Woodbury, second husband George Dow, and third husband Earl Woodbury.

Ann is survived by her children and their spouses Kenny Woodbury, Marie (Gordon) Pinkham, Robin (Junior) Libby, Annie (Joey) Woodbury, and Lisa (David) Lindquist; grandchildren and their spouses, Darcy Woodbury, Brandy Woodbury, Larenna Woodbury, Lacy Woodbury, Kimberly Pinkham, Wesley Libby, Summer Libby, Dillon Libby, Tony Dow, Harold (Sarah) Dow, Adam Woodbury, and David (Delancy) Lindquist II; and numerous great-grandchildren.

A private burial will be held by the family later this summer.

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 http://www.gallantfh.com.

In lieu of flowers and for her love of reading, donations can be made to your favorite library’s children section.

KENDALL L. COOK

SOUTH CHINA—Kendall L. Cook, 72, passed away on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, at his home. He was born on July 12, 1951, to parents Delma (Tyler) and Kenneth Cook.

Kendall grew up in South China and graduated Erskine Academy, class of 1970, where he played on the football team. As a youngster, Kendall was in the Boy Scouts and had fond memories spending summers at Camp Bomazeen. Eventually, he was inducted to the Order of the Arrow.

Throughout his life, Kendall experienced a variety of careers. Following school, Kendall traveled to Key West, Florida, where he was employed as a cook and fisherman, a time of his life that generated many stories. Later, he received his welding certificate in Ohio and for eight years was employed at Bath Iron Works (BIW), in Bath, as a welder. He also spent a few years as an on the road truck driver. Kendall spent many years employed at Digital Equipment Corporation, in Augusta, in the shipping and receiving department and finished his working career at SnoPro.

Kendall enjoyed camping, hiking, gardening, spending time on the lake and boating, and was always tinkering around his house. He was an avid pool player and supported the Elks for over 30 years. Kendall was the happiest while riding motorcycles. A past member of the “Weed Monkey’s” club, Kendall felt a sense of freedom while on the bike that gave him peace.

Kendall will be remembered for his outgoing personality and the love he has for his family.

Kendall was predeceased by his parents, including his stepfather, Charles M. Jones.

He is survived by his wife of 23 years, Kelly-Jo Cook; his brother, Willard Cook and his wife Karin; his nephews Bradley Cook and Justin Cook; his stepchildren, Regina Fletcher and her husband Scott, Michael Cook and his wife Jessica, and Kristin Merrill and her husband Zack; and his many granddaughters, to which he was lovingly known as “Paw-Paw”.

A memorial service will be held at a later date, to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Kendall name may be made to The China Food Pantry and/or MaineGeneral Hospice.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Plummer Funeral Home, 983 Ridge Rd., Windsor, ME 04363.