OBITUARIES for Thursday, May 22, 2025

ELAINE GRANT

FAIRFIELD – Elaine Grant, 78, of Fairfield, passed away Thursday, May 1, 2025. She was born July 17, 1946.

Elaine, who was originally from Caribou, was an avid outdoors person who enjoyed camping, fishing, and four-wheeling as well as crafts, and time with friends and family.

Elaine’s quiet strength, selflessness, honesty, faith, and devotion to her husband and family were unparalleled. She was the matriarchal glue that held the family together.

Elaine is survived by her husband of 55 years, Calvin Grant; as well as her children, Stuart Rossignol, Scott Rossignol Grant and wife Gail, Vickie Dixon and husband Dean, Steven Grant and wife Lena, Maria Borman and husband Scott, Daisy Grant, Karen Henry and husband Randy, and Mark Heikkinen; 11 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; siblings Mary Butler and husband Bob, Phoebe Clayton; sister-in- law CeCe Rossignol; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents, Helen and Edman Rossignol; siblings Howard Rossignol, Dale Rossignol, Bob Rossignol, Shirley and Morgan Everett; and daughter-in-law, Mia Grant.

A graveside service will be held Saturday, August 23, 2025, at 10 a.m., for family and friends, followed by a celebration of life at Calvin and Elaine’s home.

Please visit Elaine’s memorial page at https://svremembrancecenter.com/obituaries/elaine-grant-may-2025 where condolences, photos, and special memories may be shared.

CLAIRE I. PELLETIER

PALERMO – Claire Irene Pelletier, 76, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 6, 2025. She was born in Lewiston on April 5, 1949, a daughter of the late Armand A. and Cecile T. (Lessard) Belanger.

She was a graduate of Lewiston High School in 1967, and earned her Bachelor of Science and master’s degrees in Education from The University of Maine at Fort Kent and Augusta. She held teaching certificates in elementary, and secondary education for both regular and special education, in addition to specific certificates in French, English and Social Studies.

For many years she was employed at Skowhegan Area High School, and then Fairfield MSAD #49, as a teacher of Special Education. Inspiring countless students with her passion for learning.

She was a passionate gardener, and enjoyed sharing her vegetables with family and friends, as well as her famous salsa and pickles that were a favorite to many. She instilled her love of reading, cooking, sewing, and gardening to her daughter and granddaughters who were the joy of her life.

She was mother to, Aimee K. Franzese and her husband Peter, of Lake Mary, Florida; three granddaughters, Alaine Dukess, of Monmouth County, New Jersey, Miranda Dukess, of Birmingham, England, and Paige Dukess, of Lake Mary, Florida; two sisters, Pauline Rodrigue and her husband Charles, of Farmington, and Jo-an Lantz and her husband Donald, of Lyman; her nieces and nephews, Melissa and Anthony Lindsey, of Brunswick, Matthew and Carissa Rodrigue, of South Orange, New Jersey, Laurie and Phil Cantanese, of Bryant Pond, Timothy Langlois and Emily Gingras, of Beverly, Massachusetts, Jenna and Jason Ercolano, of Abington, Massachusetts, Evan and Alessia Lant,z of Yardley, Pennsylvania, Jacob Lantz and Victoria Cornell, of North Dartmouth, Massachusetts; and many great-nieces, great-nephews.

A funeral service was held on Friday, May 16, at Plummer Funeral Home, Augusta. Burial was in the family lot in Lewiston.

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

FREDERICK L. FAGIN

COOPERS MILLS – Frederick Lynn Fagin, 85, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 9, 2025. Fred was born in Bryan, Texas, on November 12, 1939, to the late Karl Fagin and Ritchie Talacko.

A longtime resident of Whitefield and Somerville, Fred had been under the compassionate care of the VA staff at Togus for several weeks prior to his passing.

Fred was a fighter – someone who embraced life’s challenges with determination and grit. But in the end, he was tired, and when the call to heaven came, he answered it with peace.

In 1958, Fred enlisted in the U.S. Army and attended language school in Monterey, California, where he became fluent in German, Russian, and Chinese. He served in Army Intelligence during the Vietnam War and was later stationed in Germany during the Cold War. After experiencing a family tragedy, Lieutenant Fagin left active duty but continued his service in the Army National Guard and Reserves, ultimately retiring in 1999 after 31 years of honorable service.

While still in the Army Reserves, Fred accepted a construction assignment in Nanjing, China, in 1993. There, he met Angela, and the two were married on October 6, 1994, in Tampa, Forida. A month later they moved to coastal Maine, where they started a home business, Jyang-Lee Kitchens, producing gourmet Chinese foods for local farmers’ markets. Their son Colin was born on November 15, 1996.

Fred led a life filled with purpose. In addition to his military and entrepreneurial background, he served as a business consultant helping American and Chinese companies build relationships. He also worked in construction, restoring historic homes and building reproduction Colonials throughout Midcoast Maine. Never one to sit still, Fred found time to teach Chinese and ESL courses at the University of Maine at Augusta and in public schools in the area.

In his infrequent spare time, Fred enjoyed reading and watching films – especially military thrillers, mysteries, and suspense stories. He loved to travel and was fortunate to see much of the world both during and after his military service. Fred will be remembered for his quick wit, clever wordplay, and how he left others laughing. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his brothers, Bill Fagin and his wife Prudence, Lynn Talacko and his wife Debbie; his children, Julie, Patrick, and Colin; and his stepchildren, Leanne and Tom; his nieces, Karen, Melissa, and Amy (daughters of Bill and Prudence); as well as his grandchildren, Luke, Jack, Lia, Haley, and Abigail; and Leanne’s three children, Danielle, Lyndsie, and Mariah.

A celebration of Fred’s life will be held at a later date.

Arrangements and guidance are in the care of Staples Funeral Home, 53 Brunswick Ave., Gardiner, ME.

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

KATHLEEN STEUBER

MADISON – Kathleen Steuber, 80, passed away on Saturday, May 10, 2025, following a courageous battle against a rare auto immune disease. She was born Nov­ember 30, 1944, in Skowhegan, to the late Frank and Evelyn Dickey.

She was the tenth of 13 children. She was raised on what is affectionately known as the Dickey farm, now Diadema Golf Course.

She leaves a family bereft, but overflowing with gratitude for their Matriarch — a tiny but mighty woman.

Kathy cherished the rural joys of a country childhood, surrounded by younger siblings and guided by the examples of her older ones. A turning point came when her mother, Evelyn passed, leaving Kathy just 17 years old. This was a seminal moment in her life, as she began a sister/mother relationship with her eldest sister, Frances “Teddy” Merrill — a bond that deepened into lifelong friendship.

Kathy then married the absolute love of her life, David. Over the next 61 years they made their home in Madison and built a full and beautiful life of family, friends and community.

Through raising four children (Glenn, Dottie, Heather, and Dawn), Kathy found her gift for hospitality and generosity. Her spirit of welcome and support defined her.

Kathy’s home was the center of warmth and welcome. Whether you came for her hot rolls or chunky tomato sauce, you found comfort. The home overflowed with laughter, love, and the revolving door of generations. The annual Christmas Eve Buffet, especially in the era of the great-aunts, became legendary. It was a sacred time where everyone from old to young were acknowledged and given a seat at Kathy’s table.

Kathy was a pillar of support — always steady, always present. She was David’s number one fan throughout his successful racing career, a journey that led them to lifelong friends who turned into – Stan and Dianne Meserve.

She cherished the children in the Madison and Athens schools, where she served as head cook for nearly 40 years. Kathy believed deeply in the healing power of a smile or a kind word. She poured love into every meal she prepared, nourishing both body and spirit.

She and David created lasting memories whether they were racing, camping, or simply spending time with their children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, or friends. Those days became a cherished tradition of togetherness, laughter, and love.

Kathy is survived by her husband, Dave; her children, Glenn, Tammy, Dottie, Gary, Heather, Tim, Dawn, and Chucky; her grandchildren, Kacie, Tom, Adam, Ashley, Alyssa, Danielle, Devin, Trey, and Sara; and her great-grandchildren, Rowen and Emeri, Lily, Jordan, Kyle, Sawyer, Nikolai, and Bentley; her siblings Frances, Larry, Donna, Kendall, and Tim.

Kathy was preceded in death by her parents; as well as her siblings Frank, Richard, Lawrence, Gene, Patricia, Phillip, and Ethel.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 24, at 10 a.m., at the First Congregational Church of North Anson, followed by a gathering at Somerset Abbey, in Madison. All family, friends, and acquaintances of Kathy are welcome to attend.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Giberson Funeral Home and Cremation Services. To leave a condolence for the family and to view the online obituary, please visit http://www.gibersonfuneralhome.com.

DAVID BRETON

BENTON – David Breton, 85, of Benton, passed away on Sunday, May 11, 2025, following a brief illness. David was born on February 27, 1940, to Norman and Cleora Breton, in Waterville.

He graduated from Waterville High School and joined the U.S. Army. After his service, he returned to Waterville, where he worked his career with Associated Grocery and the Durkee Spice Company. David received several awards during his career for outstanding service and commitment to excellence.

David was a lifetime member of the Elks Lodge, where he loved to see his friends and play cards. His passion for sports was undeniable to anyone who knew him. A dedicated New England sports fan, he would never miss a game.

David was predeceased by his parents, Norman and Cleo; a brother, Roger, and brother-in-law, Brad Carr.

David is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Gloria (LaCroix) Breton; three loving daughters, Celeste (Dan Mallett), Nicole (Mark Strout), and Laura Magocsi-Wilson; and sister, Loretta Hawes (Frank); grandchildren Jenn, Chris, Jessica, Sara, and Jordyn; and several great-grandchildren. David is also survived by Roland, Judy LaCroix, Dotti Carr, Lucien, and Barbara LaCroix.

David and Gloria spent their winters in Davenport at their home in Center Crest, which was a second family to them. Over the years, they created special bonds with their neighbors, playing cards, listening to concerts, and karaoke porch parties. He loved the community and the wonderful warm weather.

There will be a private burial scheduled at a later date.

Others Departed

DANA J. COCHRAN

BELLEFONTAINE, Ohio – Dana J. Cochran, 84, formerly of Winslow, passed away peacefully in Bellefontaine, Ohio, on October 25, 2024.

The Cochran family announces that a Celebration of Life will be held at Kingdom Life Church, 191 High Street, Oakland, ME 04963, on Saturday, May 24, at 1 p.m. Interment at Lakeview Cemetery, Oakland, to occur directly after the service. Refreshments and fellowship to follow in Jefferson.

WILFRED C. CYR

ROCHESTER, N.H. – Wilfred Charles Cyr, Jr., 100, passed away following a short illness, at Frisbie Memorial Hospital, in Rochester, New Hamp­shire, on Sunday, May 11, 2025. Wilfred was born on June 9, 1924, in Waterville, to Wilfred C. Cyr and Melvina M. Cyr.

Wilfred attended St. Francis de Sales parochial school where he learned to play hockey with the brothers, with the nuns of the school as cheerleaders.

Wilfred was the youngest child of six. The eldest was his sister Lilian, then his brother, Guy, then his sister, Germaine Poulin, his sister, Theresa Lacroix and his brother, Bob.

At Waterville High School he played baseball and hockey. He received his letter “W” for hockey. He was chosen to be the starting left fielder for the team for his senior year but was drafted by the Army during World War II as a junior in high school at the age of 18.

He served as a private first-class during World War II in Europe from March 17. 1943, and was honorably discharged on December 20, 1945. He served as part of the 776th AAA Liberty Bell Battalion, manning one of the 40mm anti-aircraft as the ammunition man and received five battle stars.

He first arrived in England to guard the British Coast, then went to Utah Beach a few days after D-Day since his unit was semi-mobile and did not storm the beach on D-Day. In France, the French people would call him “Mr. Willy” and his fellow service mates would call him “Will Cyr, the Runner” when they played baseball for entertainment during the war.

After returning from the war, Wilfred obtained a job working for the Wyandotte Worsted Mill, on Front Street, alongside the Kennebec River, in Waterville, and later at the new Wyandotte Mill, on West River Road, in Waterville.

Wilfred played semi-professional hockey for the Waterville Notre Dame hockey team and played on several softball league teams such as the Gamblers, Lane’s Beef and Rummel’s, where the Morning Sentinel daily newspaper would provide articles on the game highlights, score and league standing, occasionally mentioning Will Cyr’s performance. One year, the team went to the State final for softball after beating Bangor and just lost to Portland for the State of Maine championship for that year. It was reported by several people who went to the games for regular entertainment, that Will Cyr would make spectacular catches in left field but most of all, would have the arm to throw the softball all the way to the catcher at home plate to throw out the runners.

While working at the mill on Front Street, he would bring peanuts to Lucille Marie Gagnon, whom he later married on October 18, 1952, shortly after both of their fathers passed away. Their first child, John Anthony Cyr, was born July 2, 1960, in Waterville and passed away on December 16, 1960. Their second child, Charles W. Cyr “Charlie”, was born on June 14, 1963, in Waterville.

In Waterville, Wilfred and Lucille practiced their faith and attended St. Francis De Sales Church and Notre Dame Church.

Wilfred retired in 1989 while working at the Cascade Woolen Mill, in Oakland. Wilfred and Lucille lived in Waterville until 2007 and then moved to Rochester, New Hampshire, to live with their son, Charlie. Lucille passed away in 2008.

Wilfred drove until he was 93 years old and would go faithfully to St. Mary’s Catholic Church, in Rochester, N.H. Later on, in 2018, Wilfred would attend and was part of the Freedom Point Church with his son, Charlie, and his daughter-in-law, Zeny Cyr.

Wilfred was a lifetime fan of the Boston Red Sox, Boston Bruins, Boston Celtics and later on the New England Patriots. He also enjoyed watching college football and March Madness basketball.

He is survived by his son, Charlie, his daughter-in-law, Zeny Cyr; his three step-granddaughters, Kristel Lee, Jazel Lee and Leizel Ane Lee; and his step-great-granddaughter, Mya Maynard.

There will be a visiting hour on May 27 from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m., with a Mass of Christian Burial, at 11:30 a.m., at Notre Dame Church, 116 Silver Street, Waterville. Burial will follow at St. Francis Cemetery, Grove Street, Waterville.

Services are under the care of Veilleux-Redington-Lawry Brothers, 8 Elm St., Waterville. An online guestbook may be signed and memories shared at http://www.vrlfuneralhome.com.

HELEN M. McDONALD

WATERVILLE – Helen M. McDonald, 82, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at Maine Medical Center, in Portland, following a brief illness. Born on January 1, 1943, in Cari­bou, Helen was the daughter of Clement and Iris (Blanchette) McDonald. She grew up in a large Irish Catholic family with eleven siblings.

She graduated from Caribou High School and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Emmanuel College. She later earned a Master of Education from the University of Maine at Orono and a Master of Science in Educational Administration from the University of Southern Maine.

Helen dedicated four decades to teaching high school English, first in Caribou and later in Fort Fairfield, where she chaired the English department. Known for her high standards and dedication to her students, she was often described as one of the toughest – and best – teachers her students ever had. A lifelong learner, Helen later completed the necessary coursework and training to become a Certified Nursing Assistant.

Helen was a devout Catholic and active in her local parishes. She also loved music and was an accomplished pianist, organist, and singer. She lent her talents to various churches in Aroostook County and Waterville, serving as organist and cantor, and also enjoyed singing with the Caribou Choral Society and the Colby-Kennebec Choral Society.

Helen raised her family in Fort Fairfield but moved to Waterville when she retired from teaching. Friends from her Waterville apartment community remember her fondly for her kindness toward her neighbors and the efforts she took to make the building feel like home, from planting flowers outside to decorating the common spaces for the seasons.

Helen is survived by her two children, Gilbert Thibeau and his wife Tanya Thibeau, of Waterville, and Briana Thibeau and her husband Joel Weinshank, of Annapolis, Maryland; three grandchildren, Grace, Tobin, and Tennyson Thibeau; and nine siblings, Clement Joseph (“Joe”) McDonald (wife Susan), James McDonald (wife Cathy), Michael McDonald, John McDonald (wife Ruth), Catherine Starr, Francis McDonald, Jeanne Savage, Ruth McDonald, and Paul McDonald (wife Denise).

She was predeceased by her parents, Clement and Iris McDonald; and her brothers Peter and Thomas.

Service arrangements are pending and will be shared with family and friends when finalized.

LINDA K. LIZZOTTE

WINSLOW – Linda Kay Lizzotte, 71, passed away on Monday, December 23, 2024. She was born on April 15, 1953, in Waterville, daughter of Beverly Ann and Herbert Allen Leathers.

She was raised in Winslow and graduated from Winslow High School.

Linda was fond of knitting, sewing, and ceramics. She was strongly focused on her family and devoted much of her time and energy toward it.

She was predeceased by both her mother and father; her husband Daniel Lizzotte; and her grandson Troy.

Linda is survived by her sons Craig and Nicolas Lizzotte; grandchildren Ilana, Olvia, and Lucas; and her brothers David, Robert, and Michael Leathers.

Please visit Linda’s memorial page at https://svremembrancecenter.com/obituaries/linda-lizzotte-2024 where condolences, photos, and special memories may be shared.

MARILYN J. DWELLEY

CHINA – Marilyn Joan Wonchoba Dwelley, 88, formerly of China, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 3, 2025.

Marilyn held a master’s degree in education from the University of Maine at Orono. She taught fourth and fifth grade students for many years in her hometown of China. During summer breaks, Marilyn grew and canned her own fruits and vegetables, providing for her family. She was a wonderful cook and made the best apple and blueberry pies.

Marilyn was also a prolific and talented artist, winning countless awards at Maine art shows, and selling over 1,000 paintings during her career. She also wrote three books, Summer & Fall Wildflowers of New England, Spring Wildflowers of New England, and Trees & Shrubs of New England, illustrating all 1,488 colored drawings for the books.

Marilyn held a very strong Christian faith and was active in her church communities in Maine and Florida. Marilyn was also very active in gardening and art groups and supported the Waterville Art Society.

Marilyn was predeceased by her husband of 65 years, Norman Willard Dwelley.

She is survived by her son, Frank and his wife Laura; and her grandson, Adam and his wife Gabriela.