OBITUARIES for Thursday, November 13, 2025

STERLING T. DAVENPORT

SIDNEY – Sterling Thomas Davenport, 83, passed away on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, following a long battle with diabetic kidney disease. He was born July 20, 1942, to Loomis and Alice (Moran) Davenport in Fort Fairfield.

Sterling was a proud veteran of the U.S. Navy, where he learned to type code and earned Top Secret clearance while stationed at NAVCOM in the Philippines. After the Navy, he pursued a career as an X-ray technician and started working at Thayer Hospital, in Waterville, where he proudly worked for 35 years. It was there he met the love of his life, Emily Soule, and they married on July 25, 1975. He became an instant father to her six-year-old daughter, Amber, and had a son, Alexander, two years later, completing their family.

Sterling loved reading about history and astronomy, building models, and collecting stamps, coins and war books.

He was predeceased by his sisters Greta Fasching and Elva LaPointe; his wife of 39 years, Emily; and his son, Alex.

He is survived by his daughter, Amber Schmitt and spouse, Eric; grandchildren Madeline, Jordan and Kieran; his sister, Maxine Morrisette; his niece, Sharon Carter and spouse Henry and their family.

Sterling will rest next to his wife in Lewis Cemetery, in Oakland.

Services are under the care of Wheeler Funeral Home, 26 Church St., Oakland. An online guestbook may be signed and memories shared at http://www.wheelerfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to make a charitable contribution to an organization to the American Legion.

KATHERINE L. HASKELL

WEEKS MILLS – Katherine (Kathy) Lorraine Haskell, 71, of Weeks Mills, passed away on Wednesday, October 29, 2025. Kathy was born on October 9, 1954, the daughter of Ada Frances (Sullivan) Davis and was born and raised in Pittston.

She married the love of her life, Gary Haskell, in 1971 and together they raised four children in Weeks Mills. She had a compassionate soul and a generous heart. Throughout her life, she touched many lives with her warmth and unwavering support. She was the glue that held our family together, always putting others before herself and offering guidance with gentle wisdom. She gave her love so freely.

Her unconditional love was evident in the way she took care of her family. She was forever on the sports fields, at school events or anything in which her family was involved. Many considered her a second mom, her door was always open to anyone who needed a place to stay. Always, extremely protective of her tribe, Kathy would never back down if you hurt one of her cubs, in any way.

She was a lover of all holidays, especially Christmas. If there was an occasion to celebrate, she was on board, always wearing colorful outfits to match the occasion. Her effervescence for life was matched by none. She always had a smile or warm hug for those that she loved.

She loved to cook, no one ever left her house hungry. While raising her children, she often fed the neighborhood. She was known for her spaghetti sauce and yeast rolls. Kathy had a beautiful singing voice and loved to perform karaoke, every chance she got. Many accolades were given to her at each performance. Her family loved to hear her sing Where the Boys Are and Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow.

She is survived by her husband, Gary; her children Melissa L Haskell Klette and her husband, David, James L Haskell, Bradley L. Haskell, Tanya L. Haskell; her grandchildren Autumn and her husband Chad Landry, Baylee Sleeper, Brooke Haskell, Cameron Ayres and his wife Ashley, Larissa Haskell, Saphira Haskell, Amaya Haskell and Brennan Haskell; great-grandchildren Jameson Sleeper, Oaklyn and Atlas Ayres; her siblings Arthur Davis, of Pittston, Dixie Dolley, of Chelsea, ME and Diane Werber of China; and many nieces, nephews, cousins. She was predeceased by her mother, Ada Frances Davis, brothers Ronald and David Davis, and sister, Linda Lawrence.

Later in life, Kathy started her search to discover who her father was through Ancestry research and discovered her biological father was Wesley Cray Jr., who passed before she was able to meet him. She also discovered she had seven more siblings in her quest. Unfortunately, she was only able to meet three of them before she passed and is survived by Leon Cray, Nettie Page, and Sonya Lilly, her sister Ethel, is predeceased.

A service to celebrate her life will be held on Sunday, November 16, 2025, at the Boynton-Webber American Legion Hall, 79 Legion Memorial Dr., South China.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in her honor to Kora Shriners’ Hospital.

JEAN A. LEE

OAKLAND – Jean Anna Lee, 87, passed away at MaineGeneral Medical Center, in Augusta, on Friday, October 31, 2025. Jean was born in Waterville, daughter to Leigh (Ramsdell) and Ada Spaulding, on June 27, 1938.

Jean cherished spending time with family and friends, camping, traveling, gardening, and the love of Halloween year-round with her epic Halloween parties. Jean also adored her cats, whether they were in her home, or the neighborhood, she cared for them all.

She was predeceased by her daughter, Becky, son, Glendon Lessard, daughter-in-law, June Carpenter and son-in-law, David Meader.

Jean is survived by her daughters, Ada Moore with her husband Jeff, Tina McLellan with her husband Frank, Tammy Monk with her partner Wally Belanger, Heidi with her husband Toby Loder and stepdaughter Barbette with her husband Ronald Chase; sons Joe Poulin and Danny Poulin with his wife Heather, Art Carpenter with his partner Heidi Tibbets; sister, Jenny Lesniewki; 10 grandchildren, Sara Moore, Leif Butler, Tyler McLellan, Paige Belanger, Brooke Lavoie, Brian Monk, Aren Carpenter, Kalianna Casillan, Daylon Carpenter and Isaiah Weston; several great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 100 McLellan Rd., in Sidney, on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at 1 p.m., for family and friends.

Please join Jean’s memorial page at https://svremembrancecenter.com/obituaries/jean-lee-2025 where condolences, photos, and special memories may be shared.

JOHN DEASY

CHINA – John Deasy, 87, died unexpectedly, at home, on Saturday, November 1, 2025. He was born in Rochester, New York, on March 6, 1938, a son of the late Robert and Charlotte (Bristol) Deasy.

He was a graduate of Cathedral High School and earned his associates degree from Northeastern University.

John married his beloved Christine Stramski in 1959. They had two daughters, Jacqueline and Joanne. The family moved to Maine in 1973 where John worked for many years in management at Central Maine Power Co.

John was a talented pianist and enjoyed woodworking. A great handyman, there was nothing he couldn’t fix or repair. He was a diehard fan of the Boston sports teams.

John was predeceased by a brother, Francis Deasy and his four sisters, Elizabeth Augello, Marie Deasy, Jane Hooben and Rosemary Stevens.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years Christine (Stramski) Deasy, of China; two daughters, Jacqueline Deasy, of New Gloucester, and Joanne Preble and her husband Jeffrey “Pete”, of Turner; two brothers, Richard Deasy, of Columbia, South Carolina, and Patrick Deasy, of Cumberland, Maryland; three grandchildren, Sara Wade and husband Jacob Wade, Kimberly Bright and husband Timothy Bright, and Ian Sansouci; four great-grandchildren, Forrest and River Wade and Chloe and Jameson Bright; and several nieces, and nephews.

A gathering of family and friends was held on Monday, November 10, at Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta. A private burial will be held at China Village Cemetery Extension, Neck Road, China.

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

CAROLYN J. WORTHEN

WATERVILLE – Carolyn Jean (West) Worthen, 46, passed away following a long battle with cancer on Saturday, November 2, 2025. She was born on December 11, 1978, in Boston, Massachusetts, the daughter of Hartley and Roberta West, of Ocala, Florida.

Carolyn was a graduate of Foxcroft Academy. She then attended Beal College, in Bangor, where she received a degree in Law, after which she continued on to receive two more degrees from the University of Maine in Mental Health and Social Work. Carolyn worked in this field, helping people to achieve their goals and protecting their rights.

She is survived by her long-time domestic partner Billy Davis, of Waterville; three children, Brian Worthen, Kara Worthern and partner Jeremy McInnis II, and Carter Worthen, all of Waterville; stepdaughters Zoie and Zoria Davis, of Morgantown, Kentucky; an adopted daughter Brook Churchill, of Maine; and grandchildren Nova, Jeremy III, and Brian Jr., all of Waterville; a sister Jolene Ensey, of Newport, North Carolina; a brother Mathew West, of Waterville.

Burial took place on Friday, November 7, 2025, at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, 78 Grove Street, Waterville.

An online guestbook may be signed; condolences and memories shared at http://www.gallantfh.com. The service was recorded for those unable to attend.

SHIRLEY B. BRAGG

WATERVILLE – Shirley Beryl (Spencer) Bragg, 88, passed away on Mon­day, Nov­ember 3, 2025. She was born on September 13, 1937, in Springfield, Massachusetts, to Norman R. Spencer and Beryl M. (Smith) Spencer.

Shirley graduated from Millis High School in 1955 as co-valedictorian. She married Harland W. Bragg, of Sidney, in 1960, and they recently celebrated 65 years of marriage. They were the proud parents of Jeffrey, Pamela, Kenneth, and Mary.

The main focus of Shirley’s life was her faith and trust in Jesus, her church, her family, and their farm. She also enjoyed counseling where she facilitated healing for wounded people and leisure time riding horses. She had great fun taking courses at UMA and studying Christian counseling at Emerge and Spirit of Fire. Playing hymns on the piano and creative projects, including stained glass pieces she created for all her children and grandchildren, were a treasured pastime.

Other highlights were trips to Tanzania, Israel, Hawaii, and Alaska, several cruises, and many Christian conferences with Harland by her side. Shirley’s favorite place in the world was a campsite beside the Kennebec River on the family farm where she and Harland spent many treasured hours. Her special friend, CNLB, brought much healing to her life.

Always detail oriented, Shirley wrote her own obituary, but her family would like to add that she was a one-in-a-million Mom, Grammie, and Great-Grammie, and her unconditional love, strength through trials, and faith in the Lord set a stellar example of how to live life this side of Heaven. She will be greatly missed.

Shirley is survived by her husband, Harland; son, Jeffrey and wife Kathy Bragg, daughter, Pamela and husband Peter Schutte, son, Kenneth, and daughter, Mary and husband Travis Manley, all of Sidney; 11 grandchildren, Kara, Jacob, Michael, Corinne, Caleb, Ross, Austen, Isaac, Kristin, Anna, and Emma; 24 great-grandchildren with one more due in January; her sister, Beverly McKenna, of New Jersey; many nieces and nephews; and cousin, Norman W. Spencer, of Massachusetts.

Shirley was predeceased by her parents; and her stepbrother, David Hurd, of Massachusetts.

A private family gathering will take place this month. A memorial service will be announced at a later date with burial at Springer Cemetery, in Sidney.

Arrangements 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, Shirley would like to direct your gifts to Centerpoint Community Church, 155 West River Rd., Waterville, ME 04901.

VIRGINIA L. SCOFIELD

VASSALBORO – Virginia “Ginny” L. Scofield, 68, of Vassalboro, passed away peacefully at MaineGeneral Medical Center, in Augusta on Tuesday, November 4, 2025.

A time of visitation will be held on Thursday, November 13, from 5 to 7 p.m., at Hall Funeral Home, 949 Main St., Waldoboro. A funeral service will be held on Friday, November 14, at 11 a.m., at Hall Funeral Home, Waldoboro.

To read Ginny’s full obituary please visit her Book of Memories at http://www.hallfuneralhomes.com.

NORMAN I. STRAFFIN

WATERVILLE – Norman Ives Straffin, 79, of Waterville, passed away unexpectedly on September 23, 2025, of cancer. He was born in Brockton, Massachusetts, on October 8, 1945, the son of Elton and Bernice (Ives) Straffin.

Norman was a Mayflower descendant and belonged to the Massachusetts Society of Mayflower Descendants. Norman attended schools in Brockton and graduated from Wentworth Institute and Northeastern University. Norman was a component engineer for Raytheon Co., in Foxboro, Massachusetts, and a member of the IEEE, Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers.

Later, Norm opened Straffin’s Coffee Shop where he met Margaret “Marge” Doherty, his wife of 46 years. Then, Norman and Marge opened the popular Bostonian Restaurant, in Hemet, California, later re-built to become Frog’s. Norm and Marge resided at their Hemet mountain home that he built. Norm obtained his general contractors license and started the Straffin Development Co. and was a home builder in the Palm Springs/Coachella Valley area. Norm was the exclusive builder for the Secret Service agents for President Gerald Ford, in Rancho Mirage, Caliornia. He later obtained his California real estate broker’s license and with Marge, formed the Inland Cities Mortgage Co., providing buyers with in-house financing.

In 2004, Norm and Marge settled in Maine, a state they long cherished. He was a member of the Capital Area Housing Association, and acquired rental properties throughout the Kennebec and Androscoggin counties. He also did inspections for Underwriter’s Inspection Services.

Norman was an avid hiker, cyclist, and member of the Wiscasset Yacht Club. He was playful (a big kid, really), fun-loving, generous, patriotic, and compassionate, and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

He was predeceased by his parents; brother, Vernon; first wife, Carol Straffin, second wife, Margaret Straffin; and his best buddy, Greg Rackliff.

He is survived by his daughter, Leah Hart, son-in-law Robert Rose, and grandchildren Taylor and Thomas Hart; his sister, Pauline Straffin; his nephews Wayne Straffin, and Mark Straffin and wife Candace; and several other nephews and nieces; his fiancée, Barbara Aronie-McPherson, the “love of his life.”

Donations in Norm’s memory can be made to either of his favorite charities, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis TN 38105 or Tunnels to Towers, 2361 Hylan Blvd., Staten Island, NY 103067.

PETER VAN DEETS

UNITY – Peter Van Deets, 80, of Unity, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 26, 2025. He was born August 17, 1945, son of Neil E. and Dorothy I. Van Deets.

Peter lived in Unity and attended schools until 1945. The family moved to Indian Pond Township where his father worked at Harris Station Dam (Central Maine Power Co.). A small community consisting of six houses, 20 miles from the nearest town of West Forks, where Peter attended elementary schools. He attended high school at Higgins Classical Institute, a boarding school in Charleston.

During the summer months Peter worked for the “Log Drive” towing logs the length of Indian Pond (nine miles) to Harris Dam where the logs were sent down a sluice to the Kennebec River and beyond.

After graduation from Higgins, Peter lived with his aunt, Bernice, and uncle, Clayton Hall, while attending and graduating from Husson College, in Bangor. He then worked for C. F. Hathaway Shirt Factory, in Waterville, where he met his life partner, Sandra Paradis, and her daughter, Laura and granddaughter, Skylar. He also worked several years at L.L.Bean, in Freeport.

Peter loved the stock car races, in Unity, and attended them every Sunday with his parents and sister, Joanne. He then discovered NASCAR! He and Sandra traveled throughout New England and the East Coast going to the races.

Peter was predeceased by his parents; and life partner, Sandra Paradis.

He is survived by a sister, Joanne; nieces Cara Cameron and Carmen Hincks, nephews Justin Hincks, Grady and Evan Cameron; several cousins; and special friends Sue Lombard and Betty Curtis.

A small memorial gathering is planned at the Unity Pond Cemetery at the time of the burial.