OBITUARIES for Thursday, May 8, 2025

JAMES W. BARNETT

WATERVILLE – James “Jim” William Barnett, 87, passed away on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, following a courageous battle with cancer. James was born November 12, 1937, in Waterville.

After graduating from North Quincy High School, James proudly enrolled in the U.S. Army to serve his country where he was stationed in Germany. James met the love of his life, Elizabeth “Liz” McNally Barnett, who he married in 1965 and they moved back to Maine to begin their life and start a family. They were blessed with three sons, James “Jay” John, Bryan Keith and Sean Patrick.

James worked at the Wyandotte and Keyes Fibre Co. (now Huhtamaki) as an electrician. James also worked for the family motel “The College Inn”, and later retired from Waterville Housing Authority.

James had many hobbies. He spent his days tinkering on many projects with son, Sean, and fishing with Sean and daughter-in-law, Dawn Marie. James enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.

James was predeceased by his parents James P. Barnett and Lilian V. George P. Barnett, of Houston, Texas; brother, Paul Barnett, of Brockton, Massachusetts.

He leaves behind two sisters, Virginia “Ginny” Muir, of Salem New Hampshire, Rebecca “Becky” Tomasevich, of Winslow; his sons James J. Barnett, of Vassalboro, Bryan K. Barnett, of Waterville, Sean P. Barnett; daughter-in-law, Dawn Grimshaw, of Waterville; his five grandchildren, Tiffany Bernatchez, of Hinckley, Amanda “Barnett” McCann and her husband Nicholas McCann, of Waterville, Justin Barnett, of Winslow, Mariah “Barnett” Crommett and husband Jed Crommett, of Winslow, and Alyssa Hallee, of Illinois; his two great-granddaughters, Aria and Aubrey; and several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held at the Best Western banquet hall, Saturday, May 17, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

RICHARD A. FRAZIER

MADISON – Richard Alden Frazier, 90, of Madison, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 21, 2025. Born in Anson on July 19, 1934, he was the son of Clifford and Mildred (Jeffreys) Frazier.

Richard grew up in Anson where he attended school.

He entered the U.S.Army in 1955, and was very proud to serve his country. That same year he met the love of his life, Shirley Gordon. They were married in Madison on June 20, 1959 and raised their family there. They shared 67 years together until his passing.

Richard was a devoted, loving husband, father and grandfather. He loved and lived for his family. He was very proud and bragged about them often.

He had many jobs throughout his life, but it was working in road construction as a Grader Operator building roads, that he found his niche, retiring in 1998. Two years after he retired, he went back to work part time, until retiring for good in 2010.

He was predeceased by his parents; daughter, Michelle Demchak, siblings, Tilly, Josie, Ruth, Gertrude, Ronald and Percy; in-laws Elwood and Catherine Gordon; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Delina and Howard Wacome.

Richard is survived by his wife, Shirley; daughter, Lori (Amando) Christopher, and son-in-law George Demchak; grandchildren Lindsey Caldwell, of Old Orchard Beach, Lexie (Eric) Collette, of Hollis, Kyle Demchak, of Madison, Olivia (Ben) Salley, of Smithfield, and Kyle Christopher, of Madison; great-grandchildren Braelyn, Rowan, Eleanor, Madelyn, Colton, Oakley and Greyson; many nieces and nephews; nephews Paul and Clifford Frazier, and Roland “Pee-Wee” Douglas; brother-in-law, Elwood (Rita) Gordon; sisters-in-law Celina (Daniel) Emery, and Barbara (Joel) Kelley.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at 11 a.m., at Forest Hill Cemetery, 229 Upper Park St., in Madison. A luncheon to celebrate his life will be held at the VFW, in Madison, following the services.

Arrangements are under the care of Giberson’s Funeral Home in Madison.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Dad’s name may be sent to Somerset Humane Society, P.O. Box 453, Skowhegan, ME 04976.

RENE A. BURDET

BELGRADE – René A. Burdet, 98, died peacefully at home on Thursday, April 24, 2025. René was born on March 29, 1927, in Lake Placid, New York, to parents, William Burdet and Ruby Burdet-Sissons.

His father was from Switzerland and Holland (the Netherlands) and his mother from Canada, so they moved frequently when he was young. René attended many primary and secondary schools in Scotland, Switzerland, Holland and Canada before returning to Lake Placid, New York, during high school.

The most defining moment of his childhood came at 13, when he and his family had to flee their home in Holland after Nazi Germany invaded in 1940. He always recalled the harrowing night the bombing started. They had many near-death experiences during their attempts to escape back to North America, which took many months.

At 17 years old (1944), René joined the U.S. Navy in order to help with the war effort. There, he found his great love of aviation. He was an avid private pilot for the rest of his life and spent many happy hours soaring through the sky and “buzzing” friends’ and neighbors’ houses in his beloved 1957 Tri-Pacer airplane.

René held many jobs and mastered many occupations throughout his life. He sold cars for General Motors in the 1950s, he founded and operated his own residential building and design company, Burdet Built, in Connecticut, through the 1960s and early 1970s, which segued into real estate development and large-scale project management in the 1980s and 1990s, in Maine. He finally retired in 2001 at the age of 74.

René had many passions and hobbies in addition to flying. He was a voracious skier and a proud member of the Professional Ski Instructors of America for over 50 years. He even founded The Burdet Ski School, in Connecticut, in the 1960s. He very much loved teaching others the finer points of skiing and watching them learn to enjoy the mountains and ski culture as much as he did. Nobody loved an apres-ski “Safety Meeting” more than René!

René was also an avid wood-worker, designer and builder right up until he died. He spent much of his spare time working in his woodshop on various passion projects, gifts, children’s toys and furniture, boats, home improvement projects and anything else he could think of. He was always problem-solving and tinkering in his head and in his shop. This was a hobby he loved sharing with others in his life, teaching his children/grandchildren and collaborating with other craftsmen whenever possible.

René was always very passionate about volunteerism and giving back to his community. He was a dedicated member of Rotary Club International for over 60 years, volunteering thousands of hours to many local causes. Perhaps his very favorite volunteer position was with the Maine Adaptive Ski Program, at Sunday River, and Sugarloaf ski areas, where his unique skill-set led him to teach blind and visually-impaired students how to ski. He also volunteered with various building committees, public trail committees, recycling committees and youth organizations throughout his life.

René valued his family and friends above all else and is survived by his wife of 50 years, Katharina Burdet; his four children and their spouses, William and Ann Burdet, René André and Janet Burdet, Toby Burdet and Melanie Morin, and Simone Burdet and Tobey Moulton; his nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be planned in the near future.

More information and pictures remembering Rene’s life can be found online at http://www.directcremationofmaine.com.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in René Burdet’s honor to Maine Adaptive Sports and Recreation (maineadaptive.org).

STEPHEN M. KOLLER

CLINTON – Stephen M. Koller, 55, passed away unexpectedly at home, on Saturday, April 26, 2025. He was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut, on November 12, 1969, to Charles and Janet (Collins) Koller.

The family moved to Maine and settled in Clinton in 1983. Steve attended Lawrence High School, in Fairfield, where he graduated, class of 1987.

After graduating high school Steve worked a few different jobs before establishing his career at Power’s Auto Center, in Clinton. There he worked as a very skilled mechanic working on anything that rolled into the garage. There wasn’t anything that Steve couldn’t fix. Susan and Mike Power’s started as employers but became more like family throughout his 27 years there.

Steve was always a family man and enjoyed sharing the stories of holidays at his grandparent’s house in Connecticut as well as the family in Maine.

Steve’s hobbies were gardening, playing his guitar, working out, cooking, and spending time with his family; especially his son Stephen and wife Monica and their son, his first grandson, Jonathan. Stephen was his pride and very best friend. His proudest moment was when he found out and got to meet his grandson Jonathan. He let it be known just how proud he was to earn the title “Grandpa”.

Steve is survived by his son Stephen Koller and wife Monica, of Clinton; mother of his son and friend, Bonnie Koller; his grandson Jonathan Koller; stepson Richard Dyer, of Unity; brother Richard Koller, of Clinton; sister Sandra McCausland and husband Craig, of Vassalboro; niece Courtney Koller; nephew Dylan McCausland and wife Keana; nephew Chase McCausland.

Steve was predeceased by his parents and grandparents.

There will be a private celebration of life announced by the family at a later date. There will be no visitation or funeral services.

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

BEVERLY MAIRS

SOUTH CHINA—Beverly Mairs, 73, passed away Monday, April 28, 2025, peacefully in the comfort of her home. She was born on December 8, 1951, a daughter of Albert and Evelyn Althenn.

Beverly grew up in South China and naturally enjoyed time spent sailing on the lake. A graduate of Erskine Academy, in South China, she went on to earn an associate degree and her credentials to become a mental health aid. For 25 years, she worked at AMHI (Augusta Mental Health Institution) , later known as Riverview Psychiatric Center, in Augusta, caring for the mentally ill patients. Although a challenging job a times, Beverly found her work to be very fulfilling.

Beverly was an animal lover her whole life; from having a pony as a little girl to her beloved cat Kit-Kat, she cared for all animals deeply. She enjoyed listening to music, especially Joni Mitchell and Green Day.

Beverly will be remembered as a kind soul who loved to help others.

She was predeceased by her parents and her daughter Suzanne Wood.

Beverly is survived by her son, Peter Mairs; and her son in law, Tom Wood.

No services are being held at this time. Arrangements have been entrusted to Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta, ME 04330.

LILLIAN MARTIN

WATERVILLE – Lillian Martin, passed away on Thursday May 1, 2025. She was born in Oakland, the third of five children of Donat and Florina (Bourassa) Rossignol. On October 15, 1949, she married Gerard R. Martin. Together they raised five children.

She was educated at Mount Merici Academy, in Waterville, and graduated from Williams High School, in Oakland, the class of 1946. She was employed at New England Tel & Tel, C & C Market (Chick’s Store), in Fairfield, and Sampson’s/Future Foods Supermarkets, in Fairfield.

She greatly enjoyed square dancing with the Heart of Maine and Central Maine clubs. She loved to cook and bake and share with neighbors, family and friends. She was very close to all the generations in her family. She enjoyed traveling, walking, gardening, and country and blue grass music. She was well known for never missing a birthday, holiday or special occasion with greeting cards.

She was predeceased by her parents; former husband, Gerard; and sons-in-law Ronald Pinkham, Steven Henry and Gary Freeman; as well as her brothers Gerald Rossignol and Maurice Rossignol.

She is survived by her children, Linda Freeman and son, Zack Freeman, of South Lake Tahoe, California, Donald Martin, of Waterville, Stephen Martin and Derek Moran, both of Augusta; Brenda and husband, Steve Roy, of Waterville, and their daughter Erica and husband Ned Ervin, their sons Henry and Eddie, and daughter, Allison and husband Stephen Mullins, and their daughter, Monroe Lillian, and new baby girl arriving soon; and Gail and her husband, Kenneth Wood, their daughter, Tiffany and husband Dwayne Judkins, along with their children, Logan, Kristina, Morgan, and Luke David; by step-grandson, Jason and his wife, Christina Wood, and their daughter, Mia Patricia Wood; siblings Roland Rossigno, of Oakland, and Jeannette Colford, of Augusta; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A funeral service was held on Tuesday, May 6, at Notre Dame Church, 116 Silver St., Waterville.

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

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, in her name.

DAWN P. HODSON

NORTH MONMOUTH – Dawn P. Hodson, 65, of North Monmouth died on the morning of Sunday, May 4, 2025, in her home. Dawn was born on July 21, 1959, in Waterville, to Donald and Christa Pauley, of South China.

She was a graduate of Erskine Academy, in South China, class of 1977.

Dawn was the principal owner of Ed Hodsdon Masonry for nearly 30 years. Ed says she was the backbone of the business and his steady right hand. She was loved by everybody in both personal and business life. She could light up a room with her laugh and great smile and she was always “Daddy’s little girl”.

She was predeceased by her mother, Christa and her older brother, Raymond.

She is survived by her father Donald; her husband Edwin; her son Jacob; her in-laws, Ron and Joan Hodsdon; brothers-in-law Larry and Jeff Hodsdon; sister-in-law Barby Derbyshire; numerous nieces and nephews.

A period of visitation will be held on Saturday, May 10, 2025, from 2 – 4 p.m., at Plummer Funeral Home, 983 Ridge Road, Windsor, ME 04363, where a memorial service will begin at 4 p.m.

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

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Dawn’s memory may be made to Turtle Mountain Animal Rescue, P.O. Box 896, Rolla, North Dakota 58367.

SERVICES

ALAN YOUNG

Family and friends are invited to attend a graveside service for Alan Young that will be held 11 a.m., on Friday, June 6, 2025, at the China Village Extension, 148 Neck Road, China Maine 03358. “Though you may be gone, your spirit lives on in the hearts of those who loved you.” Let’s honor and celebrate Alan by sharing personal stories and memories of him on this day.

JUDI S. MARTIN

JEFFERSON – Judi Spears Toman Martin, 71, of Jefferson, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 11, 2025.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, May 9, 2025, at 2 p.m., at Highland Cemetery, Route 126, Jefferson.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta, ME 04330. To view Judi’s full obituary or share condolences please visit http://www.plummerfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, a donation in Judi’s name may be made to the Jefferson Area Community Food Pantry, P.O. Box 208, Jefferson, ME 04348.

Others Departed

DONALD P. COTE

VASSALBORO – Donald Patrick Cote, 87, of Vassalboro, died unexpectedly following a short illness, on December 22, 2024, at the Augusta Center for Health & Rehabilitation. He was born in Augusta, on August 15, 1937, the eldest son of Eugene Charles Cote and Alice Antoinette (Rodrigue) Cote.

Don grew up in Augusta, attended school there and subsequently served in the Naval Reserves from February 1955 – February 1963. He met Carleen Sirois at the local Dairy Joy when they were teenagers and after seven years of dating, they married on February 20, 1960. They continued to live in Augusta for the first four years of their marriage, then purchased land in Vassalboro and built their home.

Don was a hard worker all his life, beginning in high school when his first job was for Ken Barden, Manager at the Beacon Feed Store. He later worked as a foreman in beverage manufacturing, 21 years at Coca Cola, followed by 20 years at North Center Food Service.

His strong work ethic was recognized several times: Ten Years of Perfect Attendance (1987); Employee of the Month (April 1991); Total Quality Management (April 1994); Total Quality Team Training (April 1995); and upon retirement, a Dedicated Years of Service 4/18/77 – 5/30/97 plaque, along with an engraved watch and a monetary donation from employees and North Center to help him build a flight pen for injured birds at his and Carleen’s Duck Pond Wildlife Rehabilitation Center (currently known as the “Wildlife Care Center”).

As a young man, Don enjoyed boating, fishing, and trapping, but his boyhood dream of raising exotic waterfowl was finally realized after he and Carleen were able to improve the pond area on their property. In 1964, the first critter that needed caring for was a baby black duck, which led to their decision to shift their focus to wildlife rehabilitation. After obtaining the required federal and state licenses, their lives were committed to caring for injured, abandoned, or starving wildlife 24/7. The Cotes had no children of their own, but rescued literally thousands of fur and feather babies, nurturing them back to health for release or at the least, providing comfort during their final hours. Out of the various species cared for over the past 60 years, Don’s favorites were foxes and fawns.

It’s no surprise he was a member and supporter of several wildlife, waterfowl and environmental organizations, including Northeastern Avicultural Society, American Pheasant & Waterfowl Society, Cathedral Pines Wild Waterfowl Propagation Trust & Nature Center, Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine, and Maine Trappers Association. His commitment and hard work carried over into “retirement” and he was duly recognized, including three Certificates of Appreciation from the Canadian Wildlife Service for reporting banded ducks; several Outstanding Game Bird Propagation awards (1973-1980) from the American Game Bird Breeders’ Cooperative Federation; and most recently, Natural Resources Council of Maine People’s Choice Finalist (2019).

In addition, the renamed “Duck Pond Wildlife Care Center” received a Spirit of America Recognition for 50 years (2015), Legacy Leadership to Safeguard the Environment for Future Generations from the Natural Resources Defense Council (2012), and Hometown Heroes Award from Modern Woodmen of America (2008).

Don was predeceased by his wife Carleen, his parents, and brother Kenneth.

He is survived by his brother Dana, of Standish; nephew “Little” Dana, wife Lisa and son Lucas; several cousins; and many long-time special friends and volunteers from the Wildlife Care Center.

There are no planned visiting hours, but a celebration of life for Don and Carleen will be held this summer for people to share favorite memories and stories; an announcement with details will be provided by Plummer Funeral Home. A final Critter Chatter column will be published in memory of the Cotes and the undeniable legacy their work and spirit have given to us.