OBITUARIES for Thursday, March 30, 2023

FREDERICK V. GLIDDEN

SOUTH CHINA – Frederick Victor Glidden, 75, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 8, 2023, at his home, in South China. Fred was born in Gardiner, January 15, 1948, to George Burton Glidden and Pauline Winifred (Stimpson) Glidden.

After graduating from Erskine Academy, in South China, in 1966, he then achieved his Maritime Engineering Degree from Maine Maritime Academy, in Castine, in May 1970. A few months later, in September, Fred married the love of his life, Bonnie.

Together they enjoyed building a home full of love, laughter, and life values for their three children. Fred was passionate, full of life and enthusiastic. He filled the room with his presence, always telling stories and jokes. He led a life full of adventure, filled with lots of unusual journeys and many traditional hobbies; snowmobiling, ice fishing, camping, boating, water skiing and billiards were just a few. His many extraordinary adventures, both at home and abroad, could fill a bestselling book. Who else do you know has visited all 15 Presidential Libraries, or flown in a Concorde? After circling the globe many times, family lost count of the countries he visited.

Although he traveled the world, his one true north was home with his family and community. Fred fostered these relationships by building homes with his family, joining the South China Volunteer Fire Department in 1973, of which he became treasurer in 2012. He enjoyed hosting gatherings at the multi-generational family camp, his hard work, exceptional life, dedication, and laughter became legendary and will forever echo on China Lake.

He is survived by his wife, Bonnie (Smith) Glidden, and their three children: Michael (Tania Martinez Lemke), Tiffany (Joseph Plourde) and Dori (Isreal Rancourt); nine grandchildren, Rowen Glidden, Zachary Glidden, Arianna Forbes, Matthew and Thomas Plourde; Carrie, Nicholas, Victoria and Natalie Rancourt; and a great-granddaughter, Ophelia Forbes; his brother, Nelson (Sue Coons Glidden); sister Gayle; his cousin Pamela (Stimpson) Aveling, and many other cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents George and Pauline, cousins Jerry Stimpson, Paula (Stimpson) Fueschel and other cousins.

Please join the family to remember Fred on July 1, 2023, at 1 p.m., at the camp.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Gerald Stimpson and Frederick Glidden Scholarship, at Erskine Academy, 309 Windsor Road, South China ME 04358, or the South China Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 325, South China ME, 04358.

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

CELINA KNIPPLING

OAKLAND – Celina Knippling, 52, died peacefully, in Oakland, on Thursday, March 16, 2023. She bravely fought cancer for many years and died peacefully.

Yanked into the world by the forceps of an impatient doctor, Celina was born on the plains of South Dakota, November 1970, to Howard and Claire Knippling.

She was the definition of an exceptional child who was known to say, “I ‘mart, Mommy.” and could read Little House books before kindergarten.

Celina was known for her genius-level wit coupled with her unquenchable thirst for truth and justice, usually served with a sprinkling of her sardonic humor. She wanted to be a historian and was a voracious reader of all topics but settled on becoming an auditor in order to bring white collared criminals to justice and pay the bills.

She earned many accolades as a Senior Auditor, in Sacramento, California, including the State Auditor’s Excellence Award (much like Jamie Lee Curtis’s character in the movie Everything Everywhere All at Once). In 2013 she moved to Baltimore, Maryland, eventually becoming the Chief Compliance Officer (CCO) at Optimity Advisors. She relocated to Maine in March 2022 to be closer to family while receiving palliative care.

She loved her cats (Kit Kat, Snickers, Basheera, and Harriet), traveling (especially to Rome), visiting friends, fossil hunting for megalodon teeth (which she never found), pranking her nephews and niece, growing things, baking bread, listening to musical theater, coloring and painting her chotskies.

Celina also followed current events closely. Some people think social justice warrior is a scary concept, but Celina wore that badge proudly (her online Reddit presence will be felt and missed thoroughly). She loved fiercely and formed a small group of friends also known as her “chosen family” who were very dear to her. She was known as Celina “The Great”.

She was preceded by nieces Xea Clare and Juniper; father Howard; brother-in-law, John Meyer; and too many other relatives to list.

She leaves behind her mother, Claire (Lafontaine Knippling) Ryan; stepfather, Kelly Ryan; sisters Laurie (and brother-in-law Shane) Nelsen, Kitara Meyer, Jen (and brother-in-law Craig) Allen; brother, Mike Knippling; nephews Phoenix Sanchez, Eli, Luke and Noah Nelsen, Lex Knippling and niece, Vani Byerly.

A celebration of life will be held virtually and in Maine on July 2, 2023.

In lieu of gifts or flowers, please donate to her favorite charity, the Fistula Foundation.

LEE E. FITZGERALD

OAKLAND – Lee Edward Fitzgerald, 89, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 17, 2023, at his home, located on Messa­lon­skee Lake, in Oakland. He was born in Waterville on January 29, 1934, the only son of Harry and Mary (McCann) Fitzgerald.

Lee grew up in Winslow, graduating from Winslow High School in 1952, where he excelled in basketball and baseball. He then went on to the University of Maine where he was honored to be selected his sophomore year into the University Owls Honors Society. He was a member of the Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity.

In 1954, he enlisted into the U.S. Army and trained in the Armor Branch, completing his term as an instructor. In 1956, he returned to the University of Maine, graduating in 1959 with a B.A. degree in history and government.

Lee started his employment career with Travelers Insurance Co., in Hartford, Connecticut, trained in selling pension and group health plans for company employees. A change to State Mutual Insurance Co. took him to Providence, Thode Island, Chicago, illinois, Syracuse, New York, and onto Washington D.C.

Lee started his own company, Global Benefits, offering group health benefits to companies and associations. He started another company, Group Claims Administration (GTA), which insured and processed health insurance claims for foreign students enrolled in colleges in the United States. He sold his business and retired in 2005.

Lee had a passion for old history and the many antiques that he had collected over the years. He liked nothing more than attending an antique auction to bid on a treasure that he had researched to know its true value. Lee accumulated a diverse collection of antique furniture, pewter, paintings, and was especially proud of a large collection of antique guns with his special interest in shotguns.

Lee took advantage of his retirement, along with his longtime companion, Delia Thompson, to travel several times to Ireland, investigating places of interest and his family ancestry. He later flew to Rome, Italy, involving a three-week trip to Italy, Spain, Egypt, and many other points of interest on the Mediterranean Sea.

Lee is survived by his daughter, Laura Lee Fitzgerald, of San Luis Obispo, California; and longtime companion, Delia Thompson, of Oakland.

A family and friends graveside service will be held at a later date.

PEARL I. FULLER

ALBION – Pearl Irene (Rood) Fuller, 93, passed peacefully on, Sunday, March 19, 2023, at Lakewood Continuing Care Center, in Waterville, just three weeks shy of her 94th birthday. She was born in Benton Falls, the fifth child of nine born to the late Robert H. and Elvira Goodale Rood.

She enjoyed being part of a large family and admired her mother for keeping the children in line – most of the time! She was proud of graduating eighth grade at the East Vassalboro Grammar School.

In 1943 the family moved to a home on the Benton Road, in Albion, and she entered Besse High School, in Albion, as a freshman. There she met Carleton “Dutchie” Fuller, who was into everything sports related. She was a cheerleader at many of his games. During summers she worked at Willow Beach Camps, in China, along with several of her sisters and friends. She graduated in 1947 and entered a two-year secretarial science program at Thomas Business College,, in Waterville. Upon graduation in 1949 she started working for the Waterville Morning Sentinel.

Pearl and Carleton were married April 25, 1950, on the 25th wedding anniversary of his parents, in a candlelight ceremony at the Albion Christian Church. They lived in Waterville for a short time before moving back to Albion to start a family and buy a home. Their first child, Stephen Carleton, was born in 1952; David Mahlon in 1956, and Bettie Jane in 1959.

After leaving the newspaper, Pearl worked for several superintendents of Albion schools, and when Albion consolidated with area towns, she worked for the superintendent of SAD #49 (Albion, Benton, Clinton, Fairfield). She took a short break from working and then became a teacher’s aide at the Albion Elementary School where she enjoyed guiding and caring for the students she supervised.

When Grandfather Fuller passed away in 1970, the family moved to the farm where Pearl did all the bookkeeping for the business of the farm, worked in the broiler house, tended a large vegetable garden, and helped out in other areas when needed. She was a very active woman! She was also known for her cooking and baking skills, especially her yeast rolls and sweet treats.

Pearl made many life-time friends in Albion and was involved in a variety of community organizations, both as a member and officer, including PTA, Rebekahs, Fireman’s Auxillary, Extension, Fairfax Club, Grange, and Red Hatters. For many years she belonged to a bowling league and was a fierce competitor! Playing cards, cribbage, Uno, Yahtzee, and other games with friends and family, especially grandchildren and great-grandchildren, brought her much joy.

During retirement, she and Carleton went on bus tours and cruises with friends and family and spent many a Saturday night “cutting the rug” at dances. After Carleton passed away, she traveled to Italy with her sister and husband, Hattie and Roddy, and spent multiple winters with Aunt Hattie in Florida, Arizona, and California.

Pearl was a woman of faith and for many years went to the Albion Christian Church. In later years, she enjoyed visiting China Baptist Church and Getchell Street Baptist church, in Waterville, with Aunt Hattie and their cousin, Sharon Norton. The last church she attended was the Winslow Baptist Church where she was baptized (for the second time) and became a member.

In 1989, Pearl and Carleton donated land to Albion for the creation of ball fields for the town’s youth. Fuller Fields is their legacy and a demonstration of their love and hope for their hometown.

After living in Winslow for several years, in 2019 Pearl entered assisted living at Redington Memorial Home, in Skowhegan. In 2020 she moved to the Cedar Ridge Center, in Skowhegan, and in 2021 she moved to Lakewood, in Waterville.

She was predeceased by her parents; her husband; her sisters Hilda Pease (Emery), Bernice Bagley (Ronald), and Hattie Robinson (Roderick); her brothers Harold (Jennie), Herman (Hazel), Ernest (Rosalie), Arthur (Laura); her brother-in-law, Ben Bolin; and her son-in-law, Brent Varney.

She is survived by her children Stephen (Bradley Jordan), of Wells, David and wife Debra, of Albion, Bettie (Randy Hartt), of Vassalboro; her grandchildren April Paul and her husband Kenneth, of Clinton, Christopher Fuller, of Winslow, and Nuria Ramos, of Eliot; her great-grandchildren Cassandra Paul and Draiden Mason; her sister Ellen Bolin of Florida; and many nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held Saturday, May 20, at 1 p.m., in the Number 4 Cemetery, in Albion.

Arrangements are in the care of Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, 107 Main St., Fairfield, where memories may be shared, and an online register book signed by visiting http://www.lawrybrothers.com.

Donations may be made in Pearl’s memory to the Albion Athletic Association, 195 China Rd., Albion, ME 04910, C/O Chuck Roy, or to a charity of your choice.

KIERRA A. LINT

WATERVILLE – Kierra “Kia” Ann Lint, 25, of Waterville, passed away Sunday, March 19, 2023. Kia was born to George Lint II and Jessica Lint on June 12, 1997, in Waterville.

She spent her childhood making memories with brothers Aaron Lint and Zack Costello, and sisters Rylee Lint and Bayleigh Gorman.

She was a graduate of Waterville Senior High School in 2016. Kia treasured the coastline, exploring many beaches in Maine and Puerto Rico. She would often recount gathering seashells she found walking the shoreline. Kia spent most of her childhood summers on Maine beaches with her family and friends.

Aside from gathering seashells, Kia had a passion for creating art; she drew, painted, and made glass mosaics. She found peace and happiness visiting the country’s great national parks: the Great Sand Dunes, the Grand Canyon, the Arches, the Rocky Mountains, and Carlsbad Caverns, to name a few. Kia traveled coast to coast, spending time in Puerto Rico and New York. She loved the endless sounds of the city.

Kia enjoyed working as a DSP at Skills Inc., assisting individuals with intellectual disabilities. She always tried to make the next person’s job easier, often going above and beyond expectations with her tasks. She had a creative, thoughtful, and passionate personality. She was known for her ability to make people smile, and for her contagious laugh. She touched many lives with her generosity and loyalty.

Kia was predeceased by her paternal great-grandparents Robert and Shirley Sylvia; as well as godfather, Marc Lizotte.

Kia is survived by her father, George Lint II, and mother, Jessica Lint; siblings Aaron Lint, Zack Costello, Rylee Lint, Madisyn Trotter, and Bayleigh Gorman; sister-in-law, Jessie Lint; nieces Lilah Costello and Murphy Lint; biological mother, Angel Trotter; grandparents George and Kelly Lint, and Cindy and James Shaw; as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Family and friends are welcome to attend a Celebration of Life, which will be held on Sunday, April 2, from 2-6 p.m., at the MacCrillis-Rousseau VFW Post #8835, located at 175 Veteran Dr., in Winslow.

Arrangements are under the care of Dan and Scott’s Cremation, 445 Waterville Rd., Skowhegan, ME 04976.

SARAH M. WATSON

VASSALBORO – Sarah Martha Watson, 48, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, March 20, 2023. Born in Winslow on June 18, 1974, she was the daughter of Wayne Lemieux and Doreen (Pelham) Lee.

She attended Winslow High School, Fisher College, and University of Maine – Augusta, where she received her bachelor’s degree.

Sarah was employed by Maine Service Employees Union (MSEA-SEIU) where she advocated for employees, their families, and the programs across the state of Maine. Her passion for her fellow workers and equality was unwavering and unmatched; advocating for those that could not themselves or needed encouragement to push beyond what they thought possible, was a lifelong passion.

She loved spending time with her family first and foremost, friends, working in her garden, floating in her pool, creating her artwork and crafts, finding beauty in everything with her photography, and watching her daughter’s horseback riding. Her life was dedicated to her family, especially her daughters, whether advocating for appropriate healthcare, teaching them how to be strong, independent women, or being the cool mom that all their friends loved to be with.

Sarah was predeceased by her father, Wayne Lemieux; her daughter, Katherine White (her “Katiebug”); and stepbrother, Randall Lee.

Sarah is survived by her husband Tyler Watson; daughter, Julia White; parents, Doreen Lee and her husband Skip, and Ruth Lemieux; brothers Adam Lemieux and his wife Tania, James Lemieux and his partner Stacey; stepsister, Wanda Lee and stepbrothers Rodney Lee and his wife Sue, Roger Lee, and Rex Lee and his wife Rebecca; mother-in-law, Sharon Hill and her husband Cliff; father-in-law, Roy Watson and his wife Diane; sister-in-law, Lindsay Mutegi; and several other loved ones.

A celebration of life will be held at St. Bridget Center, 864 Main St., Vassalboro, on Thursday, March 30, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. The family requests that all those able to attend wear a plaid flannel in Sarah’s honor.

Arrangements are in the care of Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, 107 Main St., Fairfield where memories can be shared, and an online register book signed by visiting http://www.lawrybrothers.com.

In lieu of flowers, the Watson family respectfully requests contributions in Sarah’s memory be made to the Ronald McDonald House, 250 Brackett St., Portland, ME 04102.

BERNARD J. PERRY

VASSALBORO – Bernard J. Perry, 83, died Tuesday, March 21, 2023, at his home following a long illness. He was born in Gardiner on October 29, 1939, a son of the late George A. and Arlene (Markham) Perry.

Mr. Perry was a graduate of Cony High School, in Augusta, and served 24 years in the Air National Guard.

He was a member of South Parish Congregational Church, Bethlehem Masonic Lodge and the Kora Temple Shriners. He was a driver for the Kora Karts for 15 years.

Mr. Perry had been employed for over 36 years by the state of Maine in the Department of Transportation. Following retirement from the state, he worked for O’Connor Motors and SCS, Inc., both in Augusta.

“Bunk” was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, who enjoyed hunting and fishing in his spare time.

He was predeceased by his daughter, Sandra Saunders; three brothers, Donald, Malcom and Burt Perry and his sister, Loraine Edwards.

Mr. Perry is survived by his wife of 63 years, Carole I. (Batchelder) Perry, of Vassalboro; a son, Dennis H. Perry and his wife Christine, of Augusta; a son-in-law, Dana Saunders, of Orland; a brother, Steven Perry, of Augusta; six grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

A memorial service was held on Wednesday, March 29, 2023, at Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta. Burial will be in the old Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Civic Center Drive, Augusta, at a later date.

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

The family requests that donations be made in Bernard’s memory to either Shriner’s Children’s Hospital, 51 Blossom St., Boston, MA 02144, or Kennebec Valley Humane Society, 10 Pet Haven Lane, Augusta, ME 04330.

JOHN D. DORE

WATERVILLE – John D. Dore, 86, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, March 21, 2023. John was born in Lewiston, the son of Arthur and Albertine (LeBlanc) Dore, on August 17, 1936.

He attended Waterville High School and graduated in 1955. John met the love of his life, Joan Maheu, and they were married in 1958. They celebrated 54 years together last August.

John worked for 40 years at the Waterville Morning Sentinel, retiring in 1995. He enjoyed spending his time golfing, bowling, and fishing. After retiring, John and his wife spent many winters at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, where they made and enjoyed the company of many friends. John’s faith and family were both incredibly important to him, and it showed in the way he lived his life.

He was predeceased by his parents; his sisters Lorraine Cyr and her husband, Ray, Christine Wood and her husband Jack, brothers-in-law Donald Maheu and wife Lorraine, and James Maheu and wife Francine.

He is survived by his wife Joan Dore; his children Kathleen Lobene and husband John, of Alpharetta, Georgia, Kevin Dore and wife Rumi, of Wappingers Falls, New York, David Dore and wife Julie, of Fairfield; grandchildren, Andrea Lobene and husband Jacob Wert, of Delaware, Bryan Dore and wife Jaime, of Newport, and Brianna Dore, of Fairfield; great-grandchildren, Benjamin and Cameron Dore; as well as many nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Friday, April 29, 2023, at Notre Dame du Perpetual Secours Catholic Church, 116 Silver St., Waterville. There will be a small reception following the service in the church hall. Also, for those who want to attend, the burial will be directly after the funeral at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, 78 Grove St., Waterville.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm St., Waterville.

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

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Mount Merici Academy, 152 Western Ave., Waterville, ME 04901.

SUSAN A. FECTEAU

FAIRFIELD – Susan A. Fecteau, 64, of Fairfield, passed away peacefully at Mount Saint Joseph Nursing Home, in Waterville, on Monday, March 27, 2023. She was born on August 12, 1958, to Carl and Marguerite Loisel, in Waterville.

Sue married David Fecteau on September 13, 1980, and they had two children, Allison and Michael. She has one grandchild, Austin.

She held jobs with Digital Equipment, in Augusta, and Pine Cone Gift Shop, in Waterville. She enjoyed arts and crafts, cooking, spending time with friends and family, and participating in the comrnunity with the Waterville Elks Lodge #905.

She is survived by her husband Dave; children Allison and Michael; one grandchild Austin; and two brothers Steve and Rick and spouses.

Funeral arrangements are being made at a later date.

MARY JANE SLACK

WATERVILLE – Mary Jane Slack, (born Mary Jane Wagner), 69, of Water­ville, passed away on Sunday, Feb­ruary 26, 2023. Mary was born in Elkhart, Indiana, on July 3, 1953, to a family who put her into the foster system.

She survived living in and out of a number of foster homes, until at the age of 16, she became the daughter of Ken and Shirley Krause, of Cassopolis, Michigan. She found a love of Christianity in their warm, supportive home. She would go on to become valedictorian of her graduating class at Cassopolis High School in 1971.

Mary’s first job was as a roller skating carhop at an A&W, before she was employed as a receptionist at Bergman Veterinary Medical Center, in Cassopolis, Michigan. It was at that animal clinic where she met and dated Alan Slack, who was a DVM there. Shortly after her graduation, Alan and Mary married, after which they settled in New Jersey. They saved and cared for countless animals while also fostering several foster children during the early years of their marriage. They traveled thoroughly and made many friends along the way. In 1979, they started a family of their own, eventually having seven children. They fell in love with Maine, and in 1984, decided to make it their home.

She was very involved with school activities, took thousands of pictures of her family.

Mary loved to sunbathe and garden. She loved all flowers, especially purple super petunias, and lilacs. She had a special tie to redbud trees and hummingbirds. Her Mom Shirley called her “My little redbud girl”, and let her plant them on their property which they enjoyed for decades.

The most important lesson Mary taught was to love one another, please carry that message forward.

She was predeceased by her grandfather and grandmother, Jesse and Elna Krause, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, father, Ken Krause, of Cassopolis Michigan, son, Wade Alan Slack and daughter, Allison Dale Slack, both of Waterville.

Mary will be missed by her children Meghan, Jesse and wife Mackenzie, Lauren, Jonathan, Andrew and wife Tara; grandchildren, Riley, Avery and Henry; mother, Shirley; siblings Tammy, Kendall, Noel, and Dale.

Visitation will be held for Mary on Friday, March 31, 2023, from 2 – 4 p.m., at Veilleux and Redington Funeral Home, 8 Elm St., Waterville. She will be interred at a later date at Lewis Cemetery, in Oakland, next to Wade, Allison, and Alan.

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

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

In remembrance, her family asks you to follow your heart. If you wish to do something in her name, perhaps bring flowers to someone who might be suffering the infirmities of old age or anyone who could use a reminder that they are loved. A donation to a charitable organization of your choosing is another great way to honor her.