OBITUARIES for Thursday, May 11, 2023

FRANCIS E. PURNELL

WATERVILLE – Francis E. Purnell, 83, passed away in the early morning hours on Tuesday, May 2, 2023, following a brief illness. Born in Waterville in 1939, he was the only child of Harry and Kathleen Purnell.

After graduating from Waterville High School, he honorably served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1958 to 1962.

Fran spent his career with Ace Tire and Bill’s Tire, both in Waterville, selling truck tires to customers throughout Maine and parts of Canada until he retired. However, he came out of retirement to work with his sons at Granite Corp., in Oakland, where he helped in all possible ways he could.

Fran’s love for animals was second only to his love of baseball. He generously gave his time to work with the local Little League Baseball community, which led to numerous accolades, including proclamation days for the city of Waterville and the renaming of Matthews Field to Purnell Field in recognition of his more than 45 years of service and dedication.

Fran and his wife Joyce believed every child deserved the opportunity to play baseball, and thus they started a new league, the Challenger Division, for handicapped children in the area. Over the years, countless local children had the opportunity to don a uniform and play baseball, thanks to Fran’s unrelenting dedication. He even went so far as to organize games between local baseball/softball teams, parents, and other volunteers, so that the handicapped children had teams to play against.

In 2014, Fran met Ken Walsh, from the Alfond Youth Center, who became a son to Fran and Joyce. Fran retired and passed the baton to Ken, who worked tirelessly to develop Purnell Wrigley Field, a legacy that will be forever remembered.

Fran’s wife of 63 years, Joyce, was behind him every step of the way in supporting his visions and dreams, and together, they learned to share his time with many children in the community, giving them the opportunity to participate in local baseball.

Fran is survived by his wife that he married on May 14, 1960, Joyce; and their three children, Christopher Purnell, Debra Poulin and her fiancé Lou Berthel, Kevin A. Purnell and his wife Lisa; grandchildren, Kevin II and Stephanie Purnell, Nicholas and Jamie Purnell, Max and Mikayla Poulin, Abigail Poulin and her fiancé Tyler Bartlett, Katie Purnell, Ariana and Peter Lepage, Kendall Purnell, and Ashley and Matthew Woodbury; great-grandchildren, Ryker, Livia, Piper, Gavin, Theodore, Brynn, Korbin, Kaycen, Greyson, Grady, and one more due in September; his cousin, Richard Purnell; sisters-in-law, Celeste and her husband David Harris, sister-in-law, Arlene and her husband Gordon Jones, sister-in-law, Annette Rancourt, Muriel Rancourt, and Pat Rancourt; and brother-in-law, Robert LaChance; his nieces and nephews.

Fran was predeceased by great-grandson, Brayden; his sister-in-law, Shirley LaChance, as well as his brothers-in-law Carl, Earl, and David Rancourt.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated, at 10 a.m., on Wednesday, May 17, at Notre Dame Catholic Church, 116 Silver St., Waterville, followed by a Celebration of Life, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., in the Notre Dame Church Hall. Burial will be in the Niche Wall at the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Blue Star Highway, Augusta at a later time established by family and friends.

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

In lieu of flowers, donations and contributions can be made in Fran’s memory to the Purnell Baseball Endowment Fund at the Alfond Youth and Community Center, 126 North St., Waterville, ME 04901, or follow this link https://alfondyouthcenter-ivsrq.formstack.com/forms/untitled_form_13_copy_copy_1.

RONNIE RETAMAR

CHINA – Ronnie Retamar, 57, of China, passed away on Tuesday, April 18, 2023, following a prolonged battle with Sclero­derma. He was born on Feb­ruary 8, 1966, to Puerto Rican parents in St. Vincent Hospital in the major industrial city of Bridgeport, Connecticut.

He lived a colorful life filled with love, laughter, and adventure. In his early 20s, he journeyed to Maine, where he met his life partner, Steven Keaten. They were together for over three decades, sharing their lives and building a beautiful home until Ronnie’s passing.

Ronnie grew up in Connecticut and Puerto Rico, attending schools in Connecticut and earned a CNA certificate from the Job Corp, in Bangor. He worked in many places as a CNA and later as a waiter in several restaurants in Kennebec County until disabilities forced him to retire much sooner than he wanted. He found deep fulfillment in his careers where he took great pride in caring for his patients and making sure customers always received a great dining experience.

Ronnie was a happy, non-judgmental soul who welcomed everyone with an open heart. A heart of 24-karat gold. He had a contagious spirit and laughter that would spark up any room and he never missed a chance to dance. Oh, how he could dance, having learned from his siblings.

Ronnie was also very connected with his native Taino roots and collected jewelry and memorabilia of Indigenous communities. He loved watching films and traveling, having visited all 50 states and he was a lover of photos and memories. He enjoyed hosting family gatherings and was always the life of the party. He maintained community over social media and phone calls with loved ones, near and far, and his warm personality would make anyone feel at home. Gloria, his mother, will especially miss the long calls and the sound of his voice, sharing stories, and catching up on each other’s lives.

Ever dashing and dapper, Ronnie had an eye for the finer things in life and his appreciation for elegance, jewelry and thrifting was a shared passion between mother and son. Much of his time was spent antiquing with his partner, Steven and sister-in-law, Julie Searles, tending to his plants and gardening. His home was a testament to his impeccable taste. His home was his sanctuary, and his doors were always open.

Throughout his life, Ronnie remained a constant source of unconditional love and support for his family. From birthdays to graduations and weddings, Ronnie was always present for every significant life event. Despite the distance between them, he never missed an opportunity to be there for his daughter, Jenny Patron and his grandchildren’s important milestones. His commitment to his family was a testament to his unwavering loyalty and nurturing spirit.

As the family historian, photos of his ancestry and family were of utmost importance to him. They were some of his most prized possessions, and he valued them dearly. Ronnie and his partner, Steven, were very active in local politics. They were a force to be reckoned with, and ever the humanitarian, Ronnie was passionate about making a tangible difference.

Ronnie was predeceased by his father, Edelmiro Retamar; brother, Alfredo “Freddy” Carrion; and son, Andrew Keaten.

He is survived by his mother, Gloria Esther Morales-Alicea of Bridgeport, Connecticut; his lifelong partner, Steven Keaten, of China; his brother, Angel Carrion, of Camuy, Puerto Rico; his sister, Marilyn Galindo and husband Luis Galindo, of Fitchburg, Massachusetts; his brother, Robin Retamar and his sister, Michelle Retamar, both of Bridgeport, Connecticut; his daughter, Jenny Patron and his grandchildren Marcus Ramirez and Jaydalee Ramirez of Meriden, Connecticut; his son, Evan Keaten and wife Lydiyah Hawkins, of Clyde, Texas; his daughter, Sarah Keaten and his grandchildren Sapphira Davis and Julian Davis, of Abilene, Texas; his brothers-in-law, Daniel Keaten, of Brighton Plantation, and Derek Keaten and wife Donna Keaten; his sisters-in-law Julie Searles and husband Larry Searles, Sherri Arris and husband Robert Arris, all of Skowhegan; dozens of nieces and nephews.

A graveside memorial service to honor the life of Ronnie Retamar will be held at 11 a.m., on Tuesday, May 30, at the Mount Rest Cemetery, in Athens. Following the ceremony, a joyful celebration of his life will be hosted at the Somerset Academy on Academy Street in Athens.

The arrangements have been thoughtfully handled by Smart & Edwards Funeral Home in Skowhegan. Family and friends are welcome to join together in paying their respects and celebrating the memory of Ronnie’s remarkable life.

SHEILA M. LEMIEUX

VASSALBORO – Sheila M. Lemieux, 69, passed away unexpectedly at home on Tuesday, April 18,2023. She was born in Waterville, on May 1, 1953, the daughter of Cornelius and Fern (Leathers) Lemieux.

She attended local schools and graduated from Winslow High School, class of 1971.

After graduation she was employed by Deschaine’s Market, in North Vassalboro, and Colby College, in Waterville.

She enjoyed visiting and helping neighbors around town. When at home, she was often crafting, writing letters and quilting, which she learned from her mother and grandmother. She shared these talents while spending time with her ladies group, Pins and Needles, at the Methodist Church. Tigger, her cat, was her cherished companion. She often shared his antics with everyone. They enjoyed feeding and watching wildlife together.

Sheila loved seeing sunrises and would look forward to getting pictures of them from all over the state when her nephew, Ben, was travelling.

Sheila was predeceased by her parents, brother, Wayne, her niece, Sarah, and two great nieces.

She is survived by her brothers, Bernard and his wife, Pam, of Vassalboro, Keith and his wife, Karen, of Winslow; and sister-in-law, Ruth, of Benton; several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A celebration of life will be held at The Mill, 934 Main St, Vassalboro, on Saturday June 17, 2023, from 2 – 5 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the Lemieux family respectfully requests contributions in Sheila’s memory be made to either the Humane Society Waterville Area, 100 Webb Road, Waterville, Maine 04901, or the Vassalboro Food Pantry, 679 Main Street, Vassalboro, Maine 04989.

Arrangements are in the care of Dan and Scott’s Cremations and Funeral in Skowhegan, where memories can be shared, and an online register book signed by visiting https://dsfuneral.com/obituaries/sheila-lemieux.

BETTY F. HUNT

FAIRFIELD – Betty (Fenlason) Hunt, 93, passed away Saturday, April 22, 2023. She was born October 28, 1929, the youngest child of Roy and Nina (Jameson) Fenlason.

Betty attended the Goodwill Hinckley School, in Hinckley, and on May 31, 1947, she married Richard Irving Hunt Sr. The two settled on the family farm in Fairfield, raising sons Richard Jr. and David. Some years later, she was remarried to John Hunt.

In her younger years, Betty was employed at W. T. Grant’s, in Waterville, in the pet department and was known as the “fish lady.” The majority of her working years, she was employed by The Curtain Shop, in Waterville, where she retired. Betty was a member of the Eastern Star and attended church at the Fairfield Center United Methodist Church.

Betty enjoyed reading, doing puzzles, crosswords, and playing cards with her girlfriends, “The Merry Widows.” She was famous for her divinity fudge and lemon chiffon pie, savored by all at family gatherings.

She was predeceased by her husbands Richard Hunt Sr. and John Hunt; son, Richard Hunt Jr.; and siblings, Lyle “Ike” Fenlason, Beryl Fenlason, Mary Dewitt, Ruth Drysdale, Hildred Peterson, and Leah Obe.

She will be missed by her son, David Hunt and his wife Martha; grandchildren, Joshua Hunt and Samantha Maheu and her husband J-Sun Bailey; great-grandchildren, Margaret “Maggie” Maheu, and Charlotte Cowan; her cousin and best friend, Gracie Boyden; and family, Jean Murphy, Barbara Striker, Louise Savage, Tim Hunt; and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, June 25 at 12 p.m. at The Fairfield Center United Methodist Church.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta, ME 04330. Condolences, stories or photos may be shared by visiting http://www.plummerfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Betty’s name may be made to The Fairfield Food Pantry.

GLENNA B. JORDAN

WINSLOW – Glenna B. Jordan, 89, passed away on Sunday, April 30, 2023. She was born in Vermont, the daughter of the late Albert and Myrtle Cantwell, and later raised in a foster home in Windsor by Mrs. Ada Buck.

She graduated from Erskine Academy, in South China, in 1951. She was married to Floyd E. Jordan on June 9, 1951, sharing 61 years prior to his death in 2012.

Most of her working career was with Salter Corporation (formerly Stewart and Williams Inc.), Augusta, until the company closed in 1985. Final employment was with Kennebec Water Power Company, in Waterville.

She was a member and deacon of the South China Com­munity Church, as well as a choir member for much of that time. In earlier years, she served as Sunday School superintendent and later served as the church secretary for many years until retiring in 2012. She remained active in church leadership and participating in church fund raising projects.

She was a life member and Past Worthy Matron of Lily of the Valley, Chapter #157, OES, Weeks Mills.

Besides her parents, she was predeceased by husband, Floyd; son, Kermit and son-in-law, Larry Delucchi.

She is survived by daughters Patricia Delucchi and Deborah Gillcash and her husband Mark; grandchildren Darci Campbellton and her husband Nate, Amy Gillcash and Casey Gillcash; a former daughter-in-law, Jane Govostes and her husband John.

At her request, there will be no visiting hours. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date at the South China Community Church, Village Street, South China. A private committal of both Glenna and Floyd’s ashes will follow that service.

Arrangements are under the care of Plummer Funeral Home, Windsor Chapel, 983 Ridge Rd., Route 32, Windsor.

Condolences, photos and stories may be shared through the funeral home website at: http://www.plummerfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, friends wishing to do so may make donations to South China Community Church, Living Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 335, South China, ME 04358.

LAURENCE E. FURBUSH

OAKLAND – Laurence E. Furbush, 88, of Oakland, passed away peacefully following a long illness on Sunday, April 30, 2023. He was born May 6, 1934, in Rome, and was married to Frances (Robinson) for the past 68 years.

During his lifetime he worked 43 years for Hollingsworth and Whitney Paper Co., Scott Paper Company, both in Winslow, and Sappi Fine Papers Corporation, in Hinckley. He was a longtime member of the Oakland and Fairfield Church of the Nazarene where he held multiple positions including two mission trips to Africa and Costa Rica with the Work and Witness organization. He also loved to travel and was devoted to his children, and especially to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Frances; children Hope and husband Paul, Robin and husband Reggie, and Aaron and wife Jean; his grandchildren Gary, Nick, Jason, Lance, Nate, Amanda, Chad, Alicia, and Kevin; along with 18 great-grandchildren, Hunter, Hayden, Owen, Kylee, Haylie, Brayden, Codi, Brooklyn, Olivia, Logan, Chase, Kaleb, Isaac, Harper, Matthew, Cruz, Andrew, and Rose; also his great-great-grandchildren Wesley and Wyatt; by his sister, Janice; and brother, Jimmy.

He was predeceased by his father, Frank Furbush Sr., and his mother, Martha (Foss); along with brothers Frank Jr., Wesley, Clarence, Gerald and sister, Shirley.

At his request there will be no funeral, however graveside services will be held at a later date.

SHEILA THOMAS

SIDNEY – Sheila Thomas, 69, passed away peacefully in her sleep, Saturday morning, April 29, 2023. Sheila was born in Waterville on June 10, 1953, the daughter of Albert and Joan (Clark) Cote.

Sheila graduated from Messalonskee High School in 1971. She worked for nearly 30 years as a piece worker, and floor manager at the C. F. Hathaway Shirt Factory, of Waterville. She studied mental health and human services at UMA, and after earning her bachelor’s degree, went to work for Beckett Academy, of Belgrade, before retiring.

She loved gladiolas, tiger lilies, lilacs, and daisies. She also loved hummingbirds, origami, and spending time at the beach with her grandchildren, as well as spending quality time with her mom. She also liked creating gifts through crocheting for her loved ones. She will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by many.

She was predeceased by her father, Albert Cote, mother, Joan Cote; brothers, Larry Cote, and Paul Cote.

Sheila is survived by her son and daughter-in-law Toby Thomas and Robyn Small; daughter, Katie Bauer; granddaughters Bridgette Bauer, Amber Bauer, and Raechyl Pooler; grandson, Dylan Bauer; great-granddaughter, Elayna Pooler; her ex-husband, Johnny Thomas; and ex-son-in-law, Mike Bauer.

Arrangements are under the care of Kincer Funeral Home. kincerfuneralhome.com.

SANDRA STURTEVANT

EAST MILLINOCKET – Sandra Lord Sturtevant, 73, passed away on Tuesday, May 2, 2023, from pancreatic cancer. She was born in Waterville, on August 7, 1949, the daughter of John and Kay (McQuillan) Lord.

She attended Vassalboro and Waterville schools and graduated from the University of Maine in 1971.

All her working years, including volunteer, were in the social services field. She was a fan of day hikes, gardening, trips to camp, running when younger and jogging when older, all her pets and Maine hockey.

Survivors include her husband of 50 years, Patrick; son Brooks and wife Brenna and their two children, Baxter and Lyddie, all of Franklin, Veermont; son Colby, of Denver, Colorado; brother Jack Lord and partner Karla Sturtevant; sister-in-law Jan Sturtevant.

A service will be held at her camp at a later date.

Memorial donations may be made to the Penobscot Valley Humane Society, 1 Park Ave., Lincoln, Maine 04457.

C. RICHARD LaCASCE

WATERVILLE – C. Richard “Dick” LaCasce, 94, died peacefully following a period of declining health on Wednesday, May 3, 2023, at his home, in Waterville. He was born November 28, 1928, in Portland.

Dick grew up in Fryeburg. An Eagle Scout, avid skier, and high school athlete, he graduated from Fryeburg Academy in 1946. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict and then returned to his home state to earn his B.S. in business administration from the University of Maine in 1973.

After 28 years of service, Dick retired in 1990 from the State of Maine Bureau of Public Improvements, where he served as Superintendent of Buildings and Grounds. He enjoyed an active lifelong membership at the YMCA as well as hunting and camping. Later in life he discovered his love for music.

He is survived by his daughter, Reva Merrill and husband, Dean, of Anson; son, Tom LaCasce and wife, Cindy, of Claremont, New Hampshire; grandchildren Robin, Elizabeth, Rachel, Catherine, and Ryan; great-grandchildren Lacey, Adelinn, Kenley, Jasmine, Holly, Henry, Kilee, Johannah, Emmylou, James, and Josephine; sister-in-law Jeanne; nieces, nephews and cousins.

Dick was predeceased by his wife, Nancy (Hill) after 66 years of marriage; parents, Raymond and Helen (French) LaCasce; and brother, James.

In following Richard’s wishes, all services are at the convenience of the family.

Arrangements are in the care of Wood Funeral Home, 9 Warren St., Fryeburg. To make an online condolence please visit http://www.woodfuneralhome.org.

Those wishing to make donations in his memory may do so to the Fryeburg Academy Alumni Fund, 745 Main St., Fryeburg, ME, 04037; or Kennebec Valley YMCA, 31 Union St., Augusta, ME 04330.

DEATH NOTICE

JOHN R. MAROON

SCARBOROUGH – John R. Maroon, 94, of Scarborough, formerly of Waterville/ Winslow, passed away on Thursday, April 27, 2023.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 13, 2023, at 11 a.m., at Hobbs Funeral Home, 671 U.S. Route 1, in Scarborough. See full obituary at http://www.hobbsfuneralhome.com.

JACQUELINE S. KORBET

PHOENIX, Arizona – Jacqueline Sue Korbet, 39, passed away on Wednesday, March 22, 2023, at St. Joseph’s Hospital, in Phoenix, Arizona, due to respiratory failure. She was born December 22, 1983, in Portland.

Jackie grew up in Sidney and loved outdoor sports. She started kayaking Maine streams at 16 years old. She was inspired to explore by an untamed spirit of adventure like Lewis and Clark.

She graduated from Messalonskee High School, in Oakland, in 2002, and attended the University of Maine Orono. In the summer of 2003, she became a Registered Maine White Water Rafting Guide on both the Dead River and Kennebec River, in Maine. Jackie was accepted into the student exchange program in her sophomore year with Ft. Lewis College, Durango, Colorado. So, in 2003 she left for Colorado in her Toyota Tercel with her skis, mountain bike and kayak on the roof.

She fell in love with the Rockies, and this is when she started her first career. She spent the better part of her youth chasing rivers, absorbing the infinite beauty and knowledge the world offers. She was a certified raft guide on many rivers like Hells Canyon, Snake River; Middle Fork, Salmon River; and Madison River; just to name a few. She traveled from Alaska in 2009 to the Southern Patagonia Alps in 2010.

Jackie became a professional ski patroller and dog handler while working at Big Sky, Montana. She also received her EMT certificate in 2006 and again in 2010. Jackie and her dog, Atlas, were professional certified Avalanche Rescue and was Wilderness Search and Rescue in the states of Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming.

She continued with her degree with a major in outdoor sport management. In 2015 a rattle snake bite almost took her life. This is when she changed her major so she could pursue a career as a physician assistant. Jackie graduated with honors from Montana State University 2017 with a B.S. Degree in Microbiology.

In 2019 she was accepted to Rocky Mountain College, in Billings, Montana, for a master’s degree in physician assistant. While waiting for her acceptance she became the first woman licensed fly-fishing guide in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

She went to several different states doing her rotations during Covid. This included Maine. Jackie started her second career as an emergency room physician assistant at Yavapai Regional Medical Center, in Prescott and Prescott Valley, Arizona. She loved her job and was incredibly good at it. She made numerous new friends that absolutely loved her dearly. She always had a positive attitude and would be able to lift your spirits with just a few words or a smile and a hug. Once you met her you felt like you had known her forever, like an old friend. She had such an inner peace that a lot of people strive for but can never find. Jackie had the ability to capture the beauty in the world and did so in many pictures and her artwork.

She is survived by her parents, Stephen and Sue Korbet, of Sidney; brothers Matthew, of Cape Canaveral, Florida, Gregory, of Topsham, and Jon, of Sidney; sisters-in-law; two nieces, four nephews; six aunts, five uncles; and 17 cousins. She also leaves her longtime friend who she loved very much, Hayes Buxton, of McAlister, Montana, who is now caretaker of her beloved puppy, Bodhi.

For more pictures of her extraordinary life, visit: share.photocircleapp.com/album/DM3CDYHKW7.

There will be a celebration of her life at a later date.