OBITUARIES for Thursday, May 18, 2023

CHESTER E. POULIN

BENTON – Chester E. Poulin, 93, passed away Sunday, April 16, 2023, following a brief illness. He was born in Water­ville, January 8, 1930, the son of Philippe and Elizabeth (Wintle) Poulin.

He attended school in Waterville, graduating from Waterville High School. On October 24, 1950, he married Natalie E. Johnston. They were happily married for 73 years. He was a dedicated father working three jobs to support his family.

He worked at Scott Paper Co., in Winslow, for 40 years, as a paper maker, raising broiler chickens full time, he also gardened, running a well-known Market Garden, on Benton Avenue, in Benton, with many devoted customers who loved his fresh vegetables.

He was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, in Fairfield. He loved spending time with family and friends. He enjoyed playing cribbage, hunting, fishing, golfing, sports, music, digging for antique bottles. Gardening was a passion, growing tomatoes, cucumbers, garlic, corn, plus many other vegetables. He was a generous person, all excess vegetables were donated to the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, the Muskie Center, in Waterville, or the Waterville Soup Kitchen, which he personally delivered every day.

He and Natalie wintered in Zephyrhills, Florida, for 24 years. They had many special friends, sharing many wonderful adventures.

He is survived by his children, Debra Rancourt and husband Larry, Michael and wife Terry, Stephen and wife Jeannine, Philippe, David and wife Amanda, Doreen Deroche, Andrea Longstreet and husband Jeff; his 15 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by a daughter Darleen Morin; his father Philippe, his mother Elizabeth Poulin, two sisters Irene Nadeau, Julienne Poirier, and four brothers Louis, Percy, Ronald and Raymond Poulin.

Funeral services for Chester are being provided by Lawry Brother’s Funeral Home, in Fairfield, on Saturday, May 20, 2023. Visiting hours will begin at 2 p.m., with a time for sharing and remembrance at 2:30 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 3p.m.

Interment will be at the St. Francis Cemetery in Waterville, Maine.

MARY M. GOWER

WATERVILLE – Mary Margaret Cyr (Gill) Gower, 86, passed away peacefully on Wed­nesday, April 26, 2023, following a short illness. Mary was born at home in Fairfield on June 21, 1936, to Mabel Cecile Galarneau and Lawrence Henry Cyr.

Mary attended schools in Fairfield and Benton. She married Carl Alton Gill on October 17, 1953. She worked many places in Waterville, at the Steam Laundry, McLellan’s, The Elms Restaurant, and as a waitress in Farmington. In later years she worked at Pleasant Hill Nursing Home and HealthCare Agencies, as a Personal Care Attendant, and finally, caring for elderly people in their homes, retiring on October 17, 1997.

Mary began quilting after she retired, gifting family and friends with those quilts, which are cherished. She was a lover of photos and memories, and liked to keep her mind sharp by doing word-find and jigsaw puzzles. Mary also loved to cook, and was well known for sharing those meals and goodies with family, friends and neighbors. In her younger days, Mary loved to dance! Most recently she was remembering her joy as a child running in the strawberry fields out on the farm.

Mary was predeceased by her parents; baby son Boyd Quentin, baby daughter Marianne Rose, sons Alton and Vincent Gill; sisters Florence Cyr, Gloria Grenier, Dorothy (Susie) Landwehr and Julia Fortin, brothers Lawrence Jr. and Richard Cyr; first husband Carl Gill, second husband Stanley Gower, life-partner and father of three sons, Herbert Gilley; sisters-in-law Vina Birchall and Eda Wilson, brother-in-law Ronald Wilson; and special niece Debbie Williams.

Mary is survived by sons, David W. Gill and partner Anne, Francis A. Gill, Ronald H. Gill and partner Pat Alonzo, Terence D. Gill; stepson Larry Palow, and daughters-in-law Barbara Livingstone and Eileen Gill; remaining in-laws Paul Wilson, Maynard Wilson, Gloria White, and Marjorie Wilson; granddaughters Selena Gill, Autumn Grace Gill Murtagh and Alisa Gill, along with grandchildren Justin, Karl, Raymond, Heather, Chantelle, Veronica, Missy, Brad, Abel, Micah; and great-grandson Anthony, besides many more great-grands. Mary wished for nieces Carol Cummings and Susan Boynton to be especially mentioned, along with additional nieces, nephews, and cousins.

All are welcome to attend the graveside remembrance for Mary at Maplewood Cemetery, in Fairfield, on June 10, 2023, at 11 a.m.

If you would like to honor Mary’s memory, please consider a donation to an animal shelter or: a homeless shelter or, the Maine Children’s Home for Little Wanderers.

BARBARA HANSON

WATERVILLE – Barbara Hanson, 96, passed away at the Auburn Hospice House, on Friday, April 28, 2023. Barbara was born in Ripley on May 31, 1926, the daughter of Agnes and Everett Ross.

She attended and graduated from the Hartland School District.

Barbara spent many years working for Federal Trust Co. bank, in Waterville, and various offices after that when it closed. She loved her volunteer work at Thayer hospital for many years.

She enjoyed going to Florida during the cold winters and spent her time there playing cards with lots of friends, playing shuffleboard, and enjoying the many restaurants with friends. She enjoyed her camp in St. Albans and family during the summer months.

She was predeceased by her parents; her husband Gareth Hanson; her son Gregory Hanson; her brother Charles Ross; and her stepfather Celon Sweet.

She is survived by her sons Aaron Hanson and wife Peggy, of Kingfield, Kevin Hanson and wife Marcia, of Waterville; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, May 24, 2023, at the Veterans Cemetery, at noon, located at 163 Mt. Vernon Road in Augusta.

Donations can be made in lieu of flowers to the Auburn Hospice House, 236 Stetson Rd., Auburn, ME 04210.

DANA J. LaLIBERTE

SKOWHEGAN – Dana Jon Laliberte, 69, passed away on Monday, May 1, 2023, in Skowhegan. He was born in Waterville on May 23, 1953, the son of Bernard and Ann Laliberte.

He was an extraordinarily talented three-sport athlete. In his senior year at Waterville High School, Dana was the quarterback and captain of the football team, captain and high scorer for the hockey team that won the New England championship, and captain of the baseball team. He matriculated at Bowdoin College, in Brunswick, where he played on the freshman football and baseball teams and was a member of two ECAC Division II championship hockey teams in 1975 and 1976. He graduated in 1976, with a major in Classics. Dana was president and social chairman of Alpha Kappa Sigma Fraternity while at Bowdoin.

Following graduation, Dana earned a Juris Doctor degree in 1980 from the Franklin Pierce Law Center, in Concord, New Hampshire. After passing the New Hampshire Bar exam, he was hired as a police legal advisor and City Prosecutor, in Dover, New Hampshire. In 1983, he passed the Maine bar and moved to the Portland area, where he was an assistant district attorney for several years.

Dana was predeceased by his father, Bernie “Boom-Boom” Laliberte in 2004, and mother, Ann Poliquin Laliberte, in 2022.

He is survived by his children, Nate Laliberte (age 42), and grandson Aiden (age 2), Kyle Laliberte Randall (age 33), and Katie Laliberte Randall (age 27); his sisters, Linda Laliberte-Cote and her husband, Claude Cote, of Lincoln, Rhode Island, and Jefferson, and Karen Laliberte and her husband, Dr. John Niles, of Acton, Massachusetts, and Boothbay Harbor; many nieces and nephews.

The family will have a graveside service at St. Francis Cemetery, in Waterville, on Friday, June 16, at 1 p.m.; all are welcome to come and share memories.

Memorial donations may be made in Dana’s name to Portland Recovery Community Center at portlandrecovery.org.

JOSEPH “GUS” MATHIEU

CHINA – Joseph “Gus” Mathieu, 96, of China Village (formerly of Waterville), passed away on Wednesday, May 3, 2023, following a short illness. Gus was born in Waterville in 1926, son of David Mathieu and Yvonne Giguere Mathieu, both originally from Québec, Canada, before moving to Waterville.

Gus lived independently all but eight weeks of his life.

Gus attended elementary school in Waterville, which at the time, was in French. He graduated from Coburn Classical Institute in 1945, in Waterville, and earned a degree in textile engineering at New Bedford Textile Institute in 1948, now called U. Massachusetts at Dartmouth. It was at college where he met Ann.

Gus worked at Bates Mills, in Lewiston, as a textile engineer before joining his father’s Auto Body repair business in Waterville, David Mathieu Company. David Mathieu Company eventually became one of the oldest businesses in Waterville, closing its doors in April 2023 after 95 years of operation.

Gus and Ann raised their six children in Waterville and spent every summer on China Lake, where they lived full time the last 30 years. They also spent over 25 years in Florida during the winter months, mostly in the Port Charlotte area.

Gus well known for his sense of humor, spirit of adventure, community spirit, and generosity to his family. Among his favorite adventures was driving his Model T Ford from Waterville to New Bedford, Massachusetts, and back in 1976. In 1978 he purchased a train caboose and relocated it to the Sugarloaf area, where it still stands. Always up for a challenge, he ran from Waterville to China Lake (12 miles) when he turned 50 and when he turned 62 hiked West and Avery Peak, on the Bigelow Range, for the first time on a beautiful fall day. As a giver to the community, Gus spent time and resources at the Sacred Heart Soup Kitchen, in Waterville, and participated in several community fundraisers.

Aside from his love for adventure, Gus was passionate about restoring antique cars, officiating at Colby College track events, boating on China Lake, eating lobster, volunteering at charities and food banks, and watching his own children’s sports events. He loved fishing, motorcycling, and most of all, family gatherings.

Surviving Gus is his wife of 72 years, Ann Natasha Nazarchyk Mathieu; and six children and their spouses, Joseph “Joe” Mathieu Jr. (wife, Pam), of Santa Cruz, California, Barbara Themo (husband, Steve Themo) of Milford, Massachusetts, James “Jimi” Mathieu (wife, Janice Hallee), of Fairfield Center, John Mathieu (wife, Stacey), of Bath, Jeffrey Mathieu (wife, Karen), of Coatsville, Pennsylvania, and Heidi Mathieu (husband Ron Dextraze), from Whitefield, New Hampshire; 10 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

As per Gus’ request no memorial service will be held.

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

Cards can be sent to his wife of 72 years; Ann Mathieu, The Woodlands Room 30, 147 West River Road, Waterville, Maine 04901.

NATALIE E. POULIN

BENTON – Natalie E. Poulin, 91, passed away on Saturday, May 6, 2023, at Woodlands Memory Care, in Waterville, following a long illness. She was born January 21, 1932, to Arthur and Inez (Smith) Johnston of Caribou.

Her family moved to Winslow where she attended Winslow High School, graduating in 1949. She married Chester E. Poulin, on October 24, 1950. Chester was the love of her life, and they were married for 73 years.

Natalie was a wonderful mother and homemaker to her family. She was very talented and creative. She loved flowers, growing herbs, vegetable gardening, decorating, antiques, crafting, making dolls, sculpting Santa’s, flower arranging, drying flowers and herbs. She was an excellent cook; the grandchildren loved her homemade pickles and cookies.

She was a member of the Fairfield History House. Natalie worked alongside her husband growing vegetables and tending their family Vegetable Stand, on Benton Avenue, for many years. She loved meeting customers, making them feel special, and sharing her flowers and herbs. She was a member of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, in Fairfield. She and Chester wintered in Zephyrhills, Florida, for 24 years, where they shared many special friends and adventures.

She was predeceased by her husband Chester, sisters, Maxine Johnson-Seamans, and Arlene Seamans.

She and husband Chester had eight children, Debra Rancourt and husband Larry, Michael and wife Terry, Stephen and wife Jeannine, Philippe, David and wife Amanda, Doreen Deroche, Andrea Longstreet and husband Jeff, and predeceased daughter Darleen Morin. Natalie had 15 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren she enjoyed spending time with. She is also survived by her sister Ellen Romanowski.

Funeral services for Natalie are being provided by Lawry Brother’s Funeral home in Fairfield on Saturday, May 20, 2023. Visiting hours will begin at 2 p.m., with a time for sharing and remembrance at 2:30 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 3 p.m. Interment will be at the St. Francis Cemetery in Waterville.

M. THERESA DUTIL

WATERVILLE – M. Theresa Dutil, 94, passed away on Saturday, May 6, 2023. She was born on August 11, 1928, in Waterville, to Charles and Marie Theriault.

She attended and graduated from Waterville schools, and in her early years, worked as a secretary for businesses in the area. On April 30, 1955, she married the love of her life, Norman Dutil, surrounded by the love of their friends and family.

Theresa came from a large French-Canadian family and enjoyed crossing paths with others who spoke French.

She enjoyed playing her piano (self-taught), crafts, puzzles, traveling, competing with her bowling league, playing cards, dancing with her husband and spending time with her family. She enjoyed supporting her favorite teams, the New England Patriots and the Boston Bruins, and especially loved swimming and canoeing on Oak Pond. Theresa and Norman also made journeys to casinos, where they celebrated their frequent wins playing the penny slot machines.

She devoted her time raising her two daughters, prior to accomplishing 10 years as a housekeeper at Colby College, in Waterville.

She was also a lifelong active member of Notre Dame Church/Corpus Christi Parish, in Waterville.

Family members always knew her loving door was open if they needed a place to stay. It did not matter how old you were, everyone always left their home carrying a goody bag filled with a variety of refrigerated chocolates, bullseye caramels, and a stomach full of spaghetti. She also made homemade bread and loved giving it out to family and friends.

Theresa was preceded in death by her parents, brothers, Frances, Peter, Timothy, Martin, George, and Arthur, sisters, Agnes, Estelle, Regina, and Amanda. Also, by her brother-in-law Arthur.

She is survived by her husband of 68 years Norman Dutil; two daughters, Linda Pooler husband Mike, Tina Principato husband Richard; four grandchildren, Jenny Warger husband Jason, Brock Pooler wife Michelle, U.S. Marine Sgt. Lucas Principato, and Eli Principato; great-grandchildren, Ellie and Cutter Warger, Emma and Riley Pooler; many nieces and nephews; her sister-in-law Dorothy Romano and brother-in-law Marlin Dutil.

Per her request she will not have services at this time.

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

VIRGINIA R. CLARK

ALBION – Virginia R. Clark, 87, of Albion passed away Sunday May 7, 2023, in her granddaughters’ home. Virginia was born November 21, 1935, daughter of Raymond and Lilian (Furrow) Austin of Thorndike.

She graduated from Freedom Academy, in 1954, and married Harvey Clark on June 18, 1955.

Virginia was a caring housewife and mother of five children and dedicated her life to taking care of them. After Harvey passed away, she became a Nanny for Ed and Ann Ervin, of Waterville.

Virginia enjoyed attending church services, listening to music, watching baseball, decorating for Christmas, crocheting, and hanging out in the community room with dear friends Pauline and Evelyn.

Virginia was predeceased by her husband Harvey Clark, of 25 years; daughters Deborah Jean Clark and Rose DePino; grandson Robert Hubbard; mother and father Raymond and Lilian Austin; brothers Paul Austin and wife Laura, Earnest Austin and wife Lois.

She is survived by son Bruce Clark and wife Lisa, of Fairfield; her daughters Ruth Clark and husband Mike, of Live Oak, Florida, Cheryl J. Gould and husband Galen, of Vassalboro; sister Sylvia Elliot, of Oswego, New York; son-in-law John DePino, of East Ellijay, Georgia; grandchildren Nicole Stewart and husband Mike, of Albion, Dustin Woodward and wife Angelina, of Bangor, Marissa Greenlaw and husband Justin, of Winslow, Breanne Christian and husband JJ, of Clermont, Florida; great-grandchildren, Sage Brown, Ryan Brown, Ashtynn Stewart, Mike Stewart, Jude Greenlaw, Spencer Greenlaw, Urijah Christian, Matthew Christian; and a special mention to the Ervin children Kate, Ned, and Carrie whom she loved so much.

A graveside service was held Saturday May 13, at Quaker Hill Cemetery, in Unity.

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.VeilleuxFuneralHome.com for the Clark family.

GERALDINE P. NIMON

WATERVILLE – Geraldine “Gerry” P. Nimon, 97, of Woodlands, of Waterville, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 10, 2023. She was born December 19, 1925, in Waterville, the daughter of Ernest and Isabelle (Parody) Pooler.

She graduated from Waterville High School in 1943.

Gerry was a communicant of St. Joseph Maronite Church, in Waterville.

She retired from New England Telephone Co., in 1982, following 30 years of service.

Gerry enjoyed going to the fairs, listening to music, knitting mittens for the Telephone Pioneers for school children, watching TV, watching the Boston Celtics and Boston Red Sox, reading and using her computer.

She was a life member of Forrest J. Pare VFW Auxiliary #1285, in Waterville, where she held a variety of offices, a member of the Grover-Hinckley American Legion Unit #14, of Fairfield, and a member of the Kennebec Life Member Club of the Telephone Co.

Gerry was predeceased by her husband John in 1995; son John Gerald in 1973, and daughter Judith in 1947; also by brothers Donald, Leland, Bernard, and Carleton.

She is survived by her three grandchildren, Richard J. Nimon and wife Melissa, Shirley M Wiles and Sherry M Forrester; six great-grandchildren, Steven Edgecomb, Eric Worthing, Donald Brochu, Ricky Corbett, Lance Maxim and Sadi Nimon; seven great-great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Sophie Pooler; a niece Sandra Paulette, and nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will take place at 11 a.m., on Friday, May 19, 2023, at St Francis Catholic Cemetery, 78 Grove St., Waterville.

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 donations may be made to Humane Societh Water Area, 100 Webb Rd., Waterville, ME 04901 or to the American Diabetes Society, P.O. Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116-7023.

RODNEY GRADY

CHELSEA – Rodney Grady (Zeke to many) passed away Tuesday, May 9, 2023, at his home in Chelsea, following a lengthy illness with cancer. He was born in Gardiner on August 10, 1940, the son of Arthur and June (Harris) Grady. Rodney “Zeke” graduated in 1958 from Gardiner High School.

Rodney loved to tease and always had a joke and a laugh. After a few odd jobs, he started the career he loved the most. Where he became a top trainer or near the top at every Standard Bred Harness Horse Racetrack he went to, in and out of New England. Rodney was very well known for taking young drivers and grooms under his wing and making them much sought after trainers and very successful catch drivers. Rodney (Uncle Zeke’s) love and knowledge of the horses has been passed onto his nephew, Hunter, whom he was very proud of.

Rodney was predeceased by his parents June and Arthur Grady; three sisters, Marvina Davis of Richmond, Geraldine (Gerrie) Merrill of Chelsea, and Penny Perry of Addison.

Rodney is survived by his wife of 58 years Nettie; son and daughter-in-law Bill and Anne Grady, of Florida; daughter Pam Grady (Lill), of Florida; granddaughter Brandi; great-grandson Jaydyn (JJ), of Pittston; sister Kay Myers, of Wiscasset, and brother and sister-in-law Everett and Sandra Reynolds, of Vassalboro; many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life ceremony will be held at the American Legion Post #4, 46 Griffin Street, Gardiner, on Thursday, May 18, 2023 between the hours of 4 – 8 p.m.

Arrangements 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.

ROBERT PERRY

BENTON – Robert Perry, 93, of Benton, passed away on Wednesday, May 10, 2023. He was born March 2, 1930, in Portland, the son of Roland E. and Theresa M. Perry.

He married the late Norma B. Emerson, of Portland, in 1952. They had three sons, John Perry and his wife Margaret, Andrew Perry and his wife Beth, and the late Peter Perry and his wife Jo Anne, all of Winslow.

Robert is survived by grandsons Christopher Perry and his wife Amy and their children, Matthew, Grant, and Mason, and James and his wife Jennifer and their sons Theodore and Sullivan; granddaughters Kathryn Perry, and Alison and Andrea Perry.

At the request of the deceased, there will be no visiting hours or flowers.

A memorial service for Robert will be held on Thursday, May 18, 2023, at 11:30 a.m., at Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, 107 Main Street, Fairfield, Maine.

A private burial will follow the service, at Oak Grove Cemetery in Bath, Maine.

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.

MARC LIZOTTE

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – Marc Lizotte, 75, passed away on Saturday, April 22, 2023, in Corpus Christi, Texas. He was born on March 21, 1948, in Augusta. He lived his youthful years in Winslow, Maine. Marc attended Winslow schools and graduated from Winslow High School.

He later made his home in Corpus Christi and lived his final days there.

He was predeceased by his mother, his father Louis Lizotte and stepmother Doris Lizotte.