OBITUARIES for Thursday, May 23, 2024

ALDA M. KING

OAKLAND – Alda Margherita King, 86, of Oakland, passed away on Thursday, April 25, 2024, following a long illness, in Waterville. She was born in Paluzza Udine, Italy, on September 9, 1937, the daughter of Edia (Pagavino) and Eraldo Englaro.

She stayed with her family in Paluzza finishing her schooling until 1957.

Alda then moved to Aschaffenburg, Germany, to work at a small Italian pizza shop where she met her future husband George R. King, in 1959, who was stationed in Aschaffenburg with the U.S. Army Military Police. They were married on June 9, 1962, in Casteons of Paluzza, at the San Daniele Catholic church.

During their 25 years of military life Alda accompanied George on every duty assignment he went on with the exception of Okinawa and Vietnam. They spent five tours at various assignments in Germany including Heilbronn, Siegelsbach, Stutt­gart, Garmisch Partenkirchen, Karlsruher, Germersheim and Munchen for a total of 14 years in Germany. Other stateside duty locations included Ft. Bliss, Texas, Ft. Gordon, Georgia, Ft. Benning, Georgia, Ft. Sill, Oklahoma, Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri., and West Point, New York.

After retiring at Ft. Devens, Massachusetts on July 1, 1983 Alda and family moved back to George’s hometown of Oakland.

Alda was preceded in death by her parents, Eraldo and Edia Englaro, and her brothers, Mario and Adriano Englaro, all from Paluzza Udine, Italy.

Alda is survived by her husband of 62 years, George R. King; their daughter Cinzia R. King, of Waterville; son Andrew G. King, of Oakland; granddaughter Miranda E. Kreb; grandsons Joseph E. Kreb, both from Bend, Oregon, and Kenneth G. Kreb, of Litchfield, New Hampshire.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Humane Society Waterville Area, 100 Webb Rd., Waterville ME 04901.

PAMELA L. HALLEE

AUGUSTA – Pamela Laura Hallee, 80, of Augusta, passed away on Saturday, April 27, 2024.

Pam graduated from Mount Merici Academy, in Waterville. She was an avid reader, had a passion for education, and shared her love of learning with the students she worked with as a Title One Educational Technician. Her patience and kind spirit made a difference in so many young lives.

She loved music, photography, and nature. She had a special connection to the ocean, and family and friends will treasure many fond memories of trips to the beach with her.

Pam was loved by everyone who knew her. She was kind, generous, and had an uncanny ability to reach people in a deep and positive way.

Pam was predeceased by her parents Ernest Verzoni and Laura Veillieux Verzoni.

She is survived by her husband of nearly 61 years, Reginald C. Hallee; her sons Todd Hallee (and wife Vicki), and Gregg Hallee (and wife Tracy); two brothers, David Verzoni, and Mike Verzoni (and wife Pat); two sisters, Donna Verzoni and Susan Verzoni; four grandchildren, Brian Hallee and wife Sarah, Lauri Privot and husband Mike, Mitchell Hallee and wife Haley, and Madison Hallee and partner Jennasea Hubbard; two great-granddaughters, Myah Privot and Lennon Hallee; and several nieces and nephews.

Per the family’s request, there will be no services.

Please visit Pamela’s memorial page at https://dsfuneral.com/obituaries/pamela-hallee where condolences, photos, and special memories may be shared.

JACQUELINE C. GAMACHE

CHINA – Jacqueline Caron Gamache, RN, 98, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 5, 2024 at her home, in China. She was born in Waterville, the daughter of Paul J. Caron and Beatrice Darveau Caron.

She graduated from St. Francis de Sales Elementary School and Mount Merici Academy, both in Waterville, in 1944.

Jackie joined the United States Nurses Cadet Corp. in 1944 and subsequently graduated from the Sisters Hospital School of Nursing, in Waterville, in 1947.

She married Arthur J. Gamache, of Winslow, and later moved to Bingham where she enjoyed raising her family and made lifelong friendships. She was a member of and served as president of the Altar Guild at St. Peter’s Parish, in Bingham.

In 1968, Jackie returned to Waterville and resumed her nursing career, practicing at Seton Hospital and later at Mid-Maine Medical Center, in Waterville. Jackie worked in special units and retired as an Infection Control Educator in 1980. She was a member of the Exchangettes which is an affiliate of the Exchange Club of Greater Waterville. She served in the capacity of secretary and president. She then joined the Exchange Club of Greater Waterville and remained a member until the time of her death.

Jackie enjoyed golfing and was a member of the Waterville Country Club and Natanis Golf Course, in Vassalboro. She was an active bridge player at the Muskie Center, in Waterville. She enjoyed attending baseball games with her brother, Ronald, whose son-in-law, Manny Acta, was the manager of the
Cleveland Indians and Washington Nationals.

In later years she spent winters with her husband in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. They were communicants of Hurlburt Field Air Force Base Chapel. She also enjoyed her time as a member of the Okaloosa Island Garden Club.

She was predeceased by her husband, Arthur, to whom she was married for 60 years.

Survivors include son, A. Paul Gamache and wife Linette, of Vassalboro, Michele Ferris and her husband, Joseph, of China, Celeste Erickson and her husband, Alton, of Ocala, Florida, Peter Gamache and his wife, Nancy, of China, and Dr. A. Jules Gamache and his wife, Brenda, of York; seventeen grandchildren. Jason Gamache, Brienna Gamache, Sean Gamache, Andre Gamache, Joseph Ferris III, Renee Sudnick, Shannon Davila, Benjamin Smith, Christopher Smith, Peter Gamache II, Celia Castro, Mallorie Blake, Candace Leland, Dustin Dupee, Dalton Gamache, Keenan Gamache, and Bryce Gamache; great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; her brother, Ronald J. Caron; her sister, Alice C. Paddock; her brother-in-law, Allen Paddock; and many nieces and nephews.

A Catholic Mass will be held on Tuesday June 11, 2024, at Notre Dame du Perpetual Scours Catholic Church – Corpus Christi Parish, 116 Silver St., Waterville, Maine, at 10 a.m. Following the funeral will be the Rite of Committal at the St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, 78 Grove St. in Waterville.

A celebration of life will take place immediately following the graveside service in the parish meeting hall at Notre Dame Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to Impactakids.org. ImpACTA Kids is a charitable organization created by Manny Acta. The foundation focuses on providing opportunities for children to achieve their dream.

ROGER A. CLARK

VASSALBORO – Roger Adam Russell Clark, 43, passed away on Thursday, May 9, 2024, from a brain bleed and stroke. Rog was born on February 17, 1981, in Fort Belvoir, Virginia, to Roger and Rhonda Russell Clark.

His father was in the U.S. Army so Rog spent the early years of his life moving to different states, and even the country of Germany. Once his family settled down, he lived in Windsor, where he attended school and went on to graduate from Erskine Academy, in South China, in 1999.

Rog loved his family and went on many family camping trips with them. Lots of good memories were made on these trips, especially Dead River camping trips, that his family will remember always.

Every fall, he would enjoy going to the corn maze, pumpkin patch, and apple orchard, at Treworgy Family Orchards, with his family. He always enjoyed a good BBQ, oftentimes the man behind the grills, he also loved his mother’s lasagna for his birthday dinner every year. He had a passion for video and computer games and would often be found playing one with his friends and family.

There were many holidays spent with everyone sitting around with their own computers playing games together. Much like the rest of his family, he had an interest in playing card games and board games. There were many Sundays with the whole family sitting around the table laughing and having a good time playing games together. These are the times and memories his family will always cherish.

Rog leaves behind many loved ones, both of his parents, Roger and Rhonda (Russell) Clark; his older sister, Melissa (Clark) Stackhouse and her husband Keith; his younger sister, Anitta (Clark) Dunlap and her husband Timothy, as well as their children, Declan, Jonah, and Claire; aunts, uncles, many cousins.

He was predeceased by his grandfather and grandmother Robert and Reta (Bailey) Russell, his grandfather and grandmother Walter and Fern (Collins) Clark, and an aunt Regina (Russell) Jewett and uncle Leo “Lee” Clark; nieces and nephews.

Rog’s graveside service was held at Pine Grove Cemetery, in Dresden, on Wednesday May 15, 2024.

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, www.staplesfuneralhome.com.

JASON A. TOMPKINS

BENTON – Jason Andrew Tompkins, 37, of Benton, died on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, at the Alfond Center for Health, in Augusta. He was born in Pirmasens, Germany, on November 7, 1986, the son of Bruce Tompkins and Scherry (Wharton) Stone.

He went to Central High School in St. Joseph, Missouri. After graduation he decided to move to Maine with his family to be closer to extended family and start a new life with his children. When he was working at Nouria Energy, in Farmingdale, he met the love of his life Tiffany, and they married July 16, 2022.

Jason enjoyed tinkering with computers, cars, and anything mechanical. He had a love for tractors, spending time with family going hiking, long walks and taking his family to the ocean. Jason loved to cook and made amazing meatloaf.

He worked for many years for Nouria Energy, in Farmingdale, then went to work for United Ag and Turf, in Fairfield.

He was predeceased by his father Bruce Tompkins; stepfather Terry Hughes; maternal grandparents Barbara and Carl Wharton.

Jason is survived by his wife Tiffany (Wheeler) Tompkins, of Benton; mother Scherry (Wharton) Stone and husband Clifford “Allen”, of Stewartsville, Missouri; five children, Skye Wharton, Heaven Tompkins, Jason A. Tompkins Jr., Philip Carson Jr., and Cole Tompkins; four sisters, Michelle Tompkins, Kim Hughes, Kaylee Stone, Amanda Tompkins; three brothers Mitchell Hughes, Justin Hughes, and Kyle Stone, many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Jason’s graveside service was held on Saturday, May 18, at Forrest Grove Cemetery, in Augusta.

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 plant a tree in Jason’s memory.

LISA W. GULLIFER

CANAAN – Lisa W. Gullifer, 56, passed away on Thursday, May 9, 2024, following a long illness. Lisa was born on March 8, 1968, in Waterville, daughter of Cheryl and Donald Gullifer, of Fairfield.

She graduated from Lawrence High School, class of 1986, in Fairfield, and worked at Woodlawn Nursing Home as a cook, in Skowhegan, for 22 years. Lisa enjoyed playing games and watching TV.

She was predeceased by her father, Donald Gullifer.

Lisa is survived by significant other, Ed Archer; mother, Cheryl Gullifer; sister, Lori Gullifer, of Fairfield; stepson, Edward Archer Jr., of South Portland; daughters Kristen Gullifer, of Skowhegan, and Morgan Archer, of Canaan; and grandchildren Dylan Archer, Brentley and Emerson Archer, Brayden Atkinson, and Nova Archer.

A graveside service will be held for the family at a later time. Cremation arrangements by Dan and Scott’s Cremation and Funeral Services, in Skowhegan.

SR. STELLA DUBE, CSJ

WATERVILLE – Sr. Stella Dube, CSJ, 87, died on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at Mount Joseph, Waterville. She was in her 66th year as a Sister of St. Joseph of Lyon. She was born October 28, 1936, in Chisholm, the first daughter of Lucien and Juliette (Bellemore) Dube.

She joined the Sisters of Saint Joseph in February 1956 and made her first profession in 1958.

She received her elementary education from the Sisters of Saint Joseph at St. Rose of Lima School, Jay, and Sacred Heart Academy, Jackman. She received a BS degree from St. Joseph College, Standish, and afterward took many ongoing education and enrichment programs, including becoming a certified nursing assistant later in life.

Sr. Stella was known and deeply appreciated as a caring and attentive teacher with a heart and the patience for the students who had the most difficulty. She taught at Holy Family School, Lewiston; St. Michael School, South Berwick; Sacred Heart School, Auburn; and St. John School, Winslow. She then worked as a Nurse’s Assistant and later a cook at Fontbonne Community, Mount St. Joseph Holistic Care Center, Waterville, where she shared her love and tenderness with residents and staff alike.

She was predeceased by her brothers Gerard, Lionel, Willie, Charles, and Andre, and her sisters Vivian Gagnon, Mary Ann, and Mary Jane Edmunds.

She is survived by her brother John Dube (Gail), of Jay; her sisters Julienne Shaw (Fred), of Tionesta, Pennsylvania; Claire Edmunds (Arthur), of Philips; Elaine Smith (Maurice), of Detroit; Stella Paquette (Steve), of Wilton; and many nephews and nieces and their children.

A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated May 21, at Notre Dame Church, 116 Silver Street, Waterville. Burial took place at St. Francis Cemetery, Grove Street, in Waterville, immediately following the Mass.

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 for the missions of the Sisters may be made to the Sisters of Saint Joseph, 80 Garland, Road, Winslow ME 04901.

PATRICIA BONNEY

SIDNEY – Patricia “Pat” Bonney (nee Stucky), 72, passed away on Saturday, May 11, 2024, following a long battle with breast cancer. She was born on January 14, 1952, in Forks, Washington.

She had been the executive director of Open Arms Pregnancy Center and formerly Central Maine Pregnancy Support Center for nearly 30 years. She wanted her legacy shared to be that she wanted to save as many babies from being aborted as possible, and be a beacon of light to the women she served. She wanted to take as many with her to heaven.

She was predeceased by her parents Gene and Jean Stucky, and her husband George (Joe) Bonney.

She is survived by her daughter Rachael Searles, her husband, Peter, of Vassalboro; her son Joshua Bonney, of Sidney, his wife, Kristina; two grandsons, Jonah and Shawn Searles; and three granddaughters, Abigail, Chloe, and Emily; two brothers, Larry and David; and her sister Beth; many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life took place at Kennebec Valley Assembly of God, on Saturday, May 18, 2024.

MELVIN G. MATHIEU

WATERVILLE – Melvin George Mathieu, 77, of Waterville, passed away at home, on Sunday, May 12, 2024. He was born on February 20, 1947, in Waterville, to his parents, Lionel George Mathieu and Françoise Aimée (Rodrique) Mathieu.

A second-generation French-Canadian immigrant, Melvin attended Waterville schools, where he played hockey and baseball. He was drafted during the Vietnam War and stationed in Alaska. Upon return from Alaska, he proposed to the love of his life and wife of 54 years, Marcia Marie (King) Mathieu.

The vast majority of Melvin’s career was spent working in the boiler house at Scott Paper Company, in Winslow, and eventually advanced his career to that of pipe fitter. He had an outstanding work ethic and worked well with everyone. When the mill eventually closed, he began commuting to Bath Iron Works to finish his career. Upon retiring, however, he bored quickly and worked as a “cabbie” in Waterville, and volunteered, giving back to the community delivering Meals on Wheels, rain, snow or shine. He made many new friends among the people he regularly visited with meals.

For a man of few words, he was quite social. Melvin loved to fish and hunt, taking several annual trips to Canada with friends. For years, on the weekends, he and Marcia could be found playing cribbage in Waterville leagues and spending time with friends. As a regular at the Forrest J.Paré VFW Post #1285, in Waterville, he spent many a night lighting up the dance floor with anyone (literally) wanting to cut a rug; and if a Tina Turner song came on, look out!

He was an avid sports fan, and loved to watch his favorite teams. Whether it was the Red Sox, Bruins, Sea Dogs, or even Commanders (a/k/a Redskins), getting crushed or winning a championship, he couldn’t get enough of it; and if an Ali/Fraser fight was on, get out of the way and no talking in the TV room. As much as anything, he also loved watching his children and grandchildren play sports. We will miss his swearing at the television and colorful grumblings from the sidelines.

He is survived by his wife, Marcia; their daughter, Renée (Mathieu) Dusch and husband, Jim Dusch; and son, Ryan Mathieu and partner, Heather Orcutt; several grandchildren, Isabel and Zachary Link, Sawyer, Isaac and André Dusch, Liam Mathieu, and a great-granddaughter, Violet Link; sisters, Louise Mathieu, Rita and husband David Card, Jean Mathieu; and brothers Carl and Leo Mathieu.

SHEILA M. BONENFANT

WINSLOW – Sheila Marie (Joseph) (Rancourt) Bonenfant, 84, of Winslow, died January 31, 2024. Mass service was held at Notre Dame-Corpus Christi Parish, 116 Silver Street, Waterville, on May 18.

ALTON ROLLINS

WATERVILLE – A funeral service forAlton Rollins was held on Sat­urday May 18, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 26 Washington Street, Waterville. A committal service was held at Union Cemetery, in Moscow, Maine.

SERVICES

CHARLIE SWEET

Celebration of Life for Charlie (Skip) Sweet will be Saturday, June 8, 2024, at the China Baptist Church, at the causeway, in China. The family will gather from 1 to 3 p.m., to share stories and memories.