OBITUARIES for Thursday, November 28, 2024

DUANE BICKFORD

FAIRFIELD – Former Fairfield Fire Chief, Duane Maurice Bickford, 66, passed away at home on Fri­day, Nov­em­ber 15, 2024. He was in service to the Fairfield Fire Depart­ment for 32 years, first by volunteer, later full term, and then becoming Fire Chief in 2000 before retiring in 2023. He was also a member of the Maine Fire Chiefs Association as well as serving a term as their President.

His desire to learn and expand his knowledge in his field of work was extensive given the length of courses listed on his resume. Duane used this knowledge to train both new and old recruits at Kennebec Valley Community College. He was greatly involved with creating the fire training center, a project which took years in the making. When he retired, he was voted onto the town council for a brief period of time.

For more information and to read the obituary, see the Veilleux-Redington Lawry Brothers Funeral Home site at http://www.vrlfuneralhome.com.

SEAN A. LAMONTAGNE

OAKLAND – Sean Alexander Lamontagne passed away on Wednesday, November 6, 2024. He was educated in Oakland schools, graduating from Messalonskee High in 2017. Sean was involved in Cub Scouts in Oakland and held multiple jobs in food service over the years.

He was predeceased by his brother Ryan in 2020.

Sean is survived by his parents, Gabriel and Debra Lamontagne, from Oakland; brothers, Joshua, Christopher, Benjamin, and Landon, all from Oakland; sister Micheala-line Lamontagne, from Cornville; nephew Sonny Gabriel Dube, from Oakland; godmother Sister Angela Fortie from Waterville; many cousins, aunts, and uncles.

LISA E. WEST

JEFFERSON – Lisa Elaine (Fisher) West, 61, passed away at her home on Nov. 9, 2024. She was born March 19, 1963, in Augusta, to Beverly Fisher and William Hippler Sr. She was predeceased by her sister Linda, grandmother Rose, her parents and her partner, Mike Tillson. Lisa is survived by her sons, Michael Hix of Jonesborough, Tennessee, Daniel W. West of Jefferson, Brian West of West Gorham; grandchildren, Ethan, Gracie, Ray, Mel, and Bryan. Lisa graduated from Cony High School in 1982. Graveside services will be in the Spring of 2025.

GLADYS BENNER

FAIRFIELD – Gladys Benner, 102, passed away peacefully on the morning of Tuesday, November 12, 2024. Gladys was born in Benton on February 5, 1922, to Almon and Lelia (Clifford) Chamberlain.

When she was 1 ½ years old she went to live with her grandparents, Horace and Edith Clifford, and remained with them throughout her childhood.

On February 5, 1949, she married Harlan “Bud” Benner. Together they raised two children and a granddaughter. They were married for 57 years before Bud’s death in 2006.

Gladys worked in many places, including a creamery, woolen mills and a chair factory. Her last place of employment was Sunset Flowerland and Greenhouse, in Fairfield. She retired early from there to help care for her grandchildren.

Her true calling was that of a caregiver. She cared for neighbors, family and friends and always had her door open to anyone that needed her. She was a shoulder to cry on and a voice of reason.

She attributed her sharp mind and wit to daily games of solitaire and pages of crossword puzzles. She loved her flower garden, birdwatching, political shows and knitting hundreds of pairs of mittens over the years. She made the best molasses cookies and grilled cheese sandwiches.

In May 2019, she received the Boston Post Cane from the town of Fairfield for being the ‘Oldest Resident’.

She was predeceased by her husband, Bud; her sisters Lucille Hamm, Edith Robinson, June Fowler, Helen Gurney, Thelma Amy and Pauline Chamberlain; two brothers, Ernest Chamberlain and Almon Chamberlain Jr.

She is survived by her daughter, Deborah Benner and her partner Fred Rockwell; her son, Darrell Benner; her grandchildren, Pamela Fortin and her husband, Allan, Harlan Benner and his wife, Tanya, Rachel Benner and her partner, John Pierce; her great-grandchildren, Madelyn McKenzie and her husband, Brody, Jackson Fortin, Hannah Benner and Jacob Benner; her two great-great-grandsons, Samuel and Harrison McKenzie; a sister, Christine Ravin; and many nieces, nephews; extended family members.

An informal graveside service/burial was held at Maple Wood Cemetery in Fairfield, November 22, 2024.

Services are in the care of Veilleux Redington Lawry Brothers Funeral Home. An online guest book can be signed at vrlfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers please make donations to this cause, as she was proud to donate to them often St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

ELAINE BARRY

FAIRFIELD – Elaine “Diddie” Barry, 85, passed away on Tuesday, November 12, 2024. She was born on September 28, 1939, in New Hampshire, one of three children to Alphonse Charles Alley and Mary Luella (Thurber) Alley.

Diddie made the world’s best apple pie. She had a long, full life and wore many “hats.” Her most prideful hat was her dedication to the Rebekah Assembly of Maine. Diddie committed 50-plus years of service to the Rebekah’s. She had a whirlwind of roles during her time as a Rebekah and retired from the Assembly in the significant position of treasurer. She loved to laugh at the events and hold the attention of the crowd during her speeches at functions.

When Diddie was not traveling around the states with her fellow Rebekah’s she was traveling around the world with her family. She jumped on every opportunity to cruise in style, including memorable cruises to Alaska, Eastern and Western Caribbean, Hawaii, and Canada. The annual cruise photo has become a collection of everyone aging except for Diddie. She always placed herself front and center showing off her voluminous white hair and radiant smile remaining full of life.

She will be remembered for her playfulness, giving, and thoughtful nature, and her zingers served with a smile and an occasional pinch. She remained youthful at heart by wearing her notorious holiday hats and creating her humorous homemade cards. She volunteered at more places than she could count, including at Thayer Hospital within the lab. She always spoke so highly of the people there and fully enjoyed what she did and who she met in her days while volunteering.

She was predeceased by her husband of 45 years Donald Charles Barry, and her son Donald Charles “Skip”.

Diddie is survived by her sister Charlotte, daughter Tammy, and grandson Ridge Barry with his wife Kate.

A celebration of life was held on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at the United Methodist Church, in Fairfield Center.

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

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to your local humane society in memory of Diddie Barry.

ELBRIDGE H. SNOW JR.

AUGUSTA – Elbridge H. Snow, Jr., 82, long time resident of Somerville, passed away unexpectedly at home on Tuesday, November 12, 2024. He was born in Oakland on March 31, 1942, a son of the late Elbridge H. Snow, Sr. and Elsie L. (French) Snow Dority.

He enjoyed hunting, and fishing and spending time with his family.

Elbridge had been employed as a self employed long haul truck driver, E & A Enterprises, and later Crowe Rope, in Winslow.

He was predeceased by his wife, Ann L. (Cutler) Snow; two sisters, Patricia Wood and Sharon Staples; and a son-in-law, Daryn Dyer.

Elbridge is survived by his five children, Susan Sawyer and her partner, Peggy White, Michael Tesseo, Sr. and his wife, Kathy, Rae Murphy, Leslie Dyer, and John Snow and his wife, Kim; 14 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

A graveside service was held on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, in Sand Hill Cemetery, Sand Hill Road, Somerville.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta.

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

ERNEST A. MUNRO

WATERVILLE – Ernest Albert Munro, 66, died Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at MaineGeneral Medical Center, in Augusta. Ernie was born May 7, 1958, in Waterville, the son of Daniel and Irma Munro. He graduated from Waterville Senior High School in 1976 and had recently retired from Core-Mark, in Gardiner, where he was greatly respected by his co-workers and customers.

Ernie will be remembered as a very talented musician, playing drums in a band with some of his closest friends for over 40 years. He had a great sense of humor and could make just about anybody laugh. Known as “Papa Smurf” to his coworkers, Ernie got along with just about everyone, always had a positive outlook and a smile on his face. Ernie was a loving husband and father who cared deeply for his family and pets. He will be missed and remembered by many.

He was predeceased by his father Daniel and mother Irma.

Ernie is survived by his wife, Lori; son, Alex; daughter, Samantha with her fiancé Trevor Luong; three sisters, Diane with husband Jim Plourde, Cheryl Munro, and Kelly Madore; nephews Daniel Couture, Joshua Plourde, Myles Madore, Ethan Madore, and Eric Tarr; and niece, Dareth Plourde.

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

Please visit Ernie’s memorial page at w https://www.svremembrancecenter.com/obituaries/ernest-munro-2024 here condolences, photos, and special memories may be shared.

BARBARA A. McGOWAN

SKOWHEGAN – Barbara A. (Jones) McGowan, 85, died peacefully Saturday, November 16, 2024, at MGMC Comfort Care Unit at Glenridge, following a short illness. Barbara was born March 15, 1939, in Norridgewock, the daughter of Walter E. and Helen B. (Dickinson) Jones.

She attended Norridgewock schools and graduated in 1957 from Skowhegan Area High School.

After graduation she was employed at F.W. Woolworth, in Skowhegan, until the store closed in 1997. On November 23, 1963, she married Brian L. McGowan, and they were married for nearly 60 years until his death on June 9, 2023.

Barbara loved spending time with her family. Her grandchildren and great-grandchild were very special to her. Her favorite pastime was working in her flower gardens, which were the envy of the neighborhood.

She was preceded in death by both her parents, her husband Brian, and her three brothers: twins Robert and Roland Jones, as well as Leon Jones.

Barbara is survived by her three children, Karyn (Eric) Sylvain of Norridgewock; Terri (Dave) Goodridge of Cornville; and Darren (Karen) McGowan of Enfield, N.H.; three grandchildren, Lauren (Erik) Heitman, Jacob Sylvain, and Ashlyn McGowan; one great-granddaughter Sienna Sylvain; and her twin sister Bernice Chase of Skowhegan.

At Barbara’s request, there will be no visiting hours or service.

Please visit Barbara’s memorial page at https://www.svremembrancecenter.com/obituaries/barbara-mcgowan where condolences, photos, and special memories may be shared.

MYRON R. WHITAKER

CLINTON – Myron “Butch” Rex Whittaker, 82, passed away at Northern Light Inland Hospital, in Waterville, on Tuesday, November 12, 2024. Butch was born in Hartford, Connecticut, on October 20, 1942, the son of Harry and Charlene (Cookson) Whittaker.

Over the years, Butch worked for DeCosta, C&D Builders, Ski Land Woolen Mill, in Clinton, and Keyes Fibre Company (now Huhtamaki), in Waterville, from which he retired after 27 years of dedicated service. He also served as a volunteer firefighter for the Clinton Fire Department in the past.

He was a member of the Town and Country Trail Riders Snowmobile Club, in Clinton, and enjoyed many outdoor activities including snowmobile, hunting, ice fishing, golfing, and camping. Butch was also a big fan of old westerns and could be seen outside the garage on a nice day watching “Bang, Bang, Shoot ‘em up” movies.

Butch’s love of the outdoors was evident in the fact that he could always be seen outside his home working on one project or another or sitting having conversations with family or friends. If he was not in his dooryard, Butch was likely being dragged around by his best friend and the love of his life, his late wife Theresa, to yard sales while she searched for deals. He was willing to go with her at all hours, day, or night. He also spent a lot of time helping Theresa maintain their beautifully decorated yard and waving to the many friends who would blow their horns on the way by. Together, they were town icons, and going to the post office will never be the same for many Clinton residents.

He was predeceased by his wife Theresa (Proctor) Whittaker; son, Allen Rex Whittaker; parents Harry and Charlene (Cookson) Whittaker; and sisters, Cindy Preble, Myrtle Snowman, and Nancy Locke.

Butch is survived by his son Kevine and wife Kelly, of Clinton; daughter Kim Holt, of Clinton; his grandson John T. Holt, Jr. and companion Sam Vanhout, of Fairfield.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, December 21, 2004, from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., upstairs at the Elks Lodge, 76 Industrial St., in Waterville.

Please visit Butch’s memorial page at https://svremembrancecenter.com/obituaries/myron-whittaker where condolences, photos, and special memories may be shared.

JOSHUA C. BRETON

VASSALBORO – Joshua C. Breton, “Captain Josh”, 40, of Vassalboro, passed away peacefully, at Andwell Hospice House, in Auburn on Saturday, November 16, 2024, of cancer. He was born on December 1, 1983, in Waterville, the son of Carol Axtell and Raymond Breton.

Josh’s passion through life was the Titanic, drawing and dreams of building and traveling the world. He enjoyed making candles and selling them at the craft fairs. Josh loved the opportunity to dress up and celebrate holidays at the Haunted House at the Mill: Captain Smith, the Grim Reaper, the Phantom of the Opera, or a pirate for Halloween; Santa for Christmas; and the Easter Bunny for Easter.

Josh loved his trips to Hollywood Slots, in Bangor, where he would play the penny slots and spend time with family and friends. Another love of his was Thai food and over the years became friends with Daniel and Sourasay, owners of the Asian Café, in Winslow. He loved to cook, eat lobster and dance.

He had great faith which sustained him thru life. He enjoyed Christian music and attended concerts by Mercy Me, Toby Mac, Austin French, and Meaghan Wood. He loved going to Ogunquit and Popham beaches to build sandcastles. He recently was able to join the Captain Sean of the Islesboro Ferry for a voyage in Lincolnville. Josh had a big heart, great smile and strong will.

Joshua is survived by his parents, Carol Axtell and her partner Thomas Hilton, of Oakland, and Raymond Breton, of Vassalboro; his brother Isaac, his wife Mari and their children Luna and Frank, of Sidney; grandparents, Frank and Gabrielle Axtell, of Vassalboro; his maternal aunt Evelyn, her husband Willie Hornberger; aunt Ruth and her children Eliot and Gabriel; cousins Andrew and Edward Gillie; Thomas Hilton’s children Shannon and Ben Hilton; his paternal uncle Donald and his wife Lisa Breton and their children Justin and Jessica; uncle Richard and his son Anthony; aunt Yvette and her husband Paul LaChance and their children Nicole, Ryan, Nikki, and Lyndsey; uncle Paul and his daughter Amy; and great aunt Marie Beth Hutchinson.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Jean and Lucille Breton and Aunt Mona Axtell Gillie.

A celebration of Joshua’s life was held on September 22, 2024. He touched many hearts thru his life and was able to connect with many of those he loved and who loved him before he passed.

There will be no visiting hours. A private graveside service to be determined at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Joshua’s name to: Andwell Hospice House at 236 Stetson Rd, Auburn, ME 04210, Maine Behavioral Health at 165 Lancaster St, Portland, ME 04101, or Kennebec Behavioral Health, at 67 Eustis Parkway, Waterville, ME 04901.

LORRAINE R. ALMEIDA

MADISON – Lorraine Rose (Gatti) Almeida, 72, of Madison, passed away peacefully in Skowhegan, on Saturday, November 16, 2024. Lorraine was born on February 6, 1952, in Waltham, Massachusetts, the daughter to Daniel and Teresa (colobuffalo) Gatti.

She received her education in Waltham public schools, earning her GED. She was a homemaker and also worked at Hartland Tannery, along with challenged adults at various group homes and Tissues Nursing Home, in St. Albans.

Lorraine will be remembered for being feisty, kind-hearted, and devoted to her loved ones, who would always go out of her way to help family members and friends in need, always putting her son and daughter before herself. She loved listening to Elvis, cooking Italian food, ceramics and various arts and crafts, relaxing in her recliner watching her favorite shows and doing word searches, and most of all spending time with her grandchildren and making memories with her family.

Down memory lane, Lorraine and Edward were members of UBM and Lorraine loved to ride on the back of her husband’s Harley-Davidson, attend UBM parties, and being part of UBM charities, and made some lifelong friends along the way. She loved taking trips to Massachusetts to visit family and friends.

She is survived by her son Edward Almeida Jr and wife, Jody, of Vassalboro; and daughter Jessica Almeida-Daubenberger and husband, Scott, of Madison; her grandchildren Derek Cookson and wife, Megan, of Madison, Sara Cookson, of Madison, Emily Almeida, of Vassalboro, great-granddaughter Emma Johnson, of Madison; brother-in-law Robert Dansereau, of Massachusett; sister-in-law Bernadine Hewins, and her partner Ralph, of Fairfield; several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Lorraine was predeceased by her husband of 44 years, Edward “Buffalo” Almeida, Sr., parents Daniel and Teresa; sisters, Helen (Gatti) Dansereau, MaryAnn Gatti, Donata (Gatti) Szavotsky; brothers Daniel and wife Jean Gatti, Joseph and wife Ellie Gatti, Louis and wife Phyllis Gatti, Lawrence and wife Lynn Gatti. The interment will be held in the Spring of 2025. Specifics to be determined and announced at a later time.

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

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to the Alzheimer’s Association.

PAMELA C. WILDER

SKOWHEGAN – Pamela C. Wilder, 72, passed away on Thursday, October 24, 2024. She was born on April 9, 1952, to Frances and Harold Pottl,e of Skowhegan.

After schooling in Skowhegan she married her best friend, Alan B. Wilder in November 1974. Shortly after marrying Pam and Alan created a beautiful family with the addition of Alison and Brock Wilder.

Pam devoted her early adult years to managing the family – working at home as a seamstress, selling Tupperware and when the children were school aged, she worked for the Colby Art Department for 15-plus years. She was an avid learner always looking to learn new hobbies from music to stained glass to knitting and many more.

Pam was kind, compassionate, loving, thoughtful, strong and accommodating to friends and family and strangers as well. Her colleagues knew her as a hard worker, dedicated to her staff and students by going above and beyond the call of duty. She most cherished title and role was as Mémère to Jaxson O’Boyle, Grayson Wilder, Luke VanDerburgh and Evelyn Wilder. She was the whole world to them and they are so grateful to have had her loving them.

Pam was predeceased by her parents Harold/Fred and Frances Pottle.

She is survived by her husband and best friend of 50-plus years, Alan; her daughter Alison and her son Luke (Luke’s dad, Chuck); her son Brock, and wife Heather; her brothers Harold (sister-in-law Rhonda) and Bill Pottle.

Pam lived with stage four ovarian cancer for a courageous 3.5 years and fought hard to stay earthside as long as she could. The end came faster than anticipated, after celebrating 50 years of marriage with Alan on October 20, 2024.

A celebration of her life will be announced in the spring of 2025.

DAVID T. ROPER

WHITEFIELD – David Thomas Roper, 77, passed away recently. David was born May 7, 1947, at Maud Boyd’s place, in Pittston, to Thomas and Ruth Graffam Roper.

After graduating from Gardiner Area High School, David met his future bride, Karen, at a Baptist Youth Fellowship meeting. Their fast friendship led to a 55-year marriage. David and Karen raised three daughters in the house he built in Whitefield.

David dedicated 32 years of service to the Maine Department of Transportation while also actively contributing to his community. He served on the board of selectmen, budget committee, and as a member of the Whitefield Lions Club. Dave also impacted the lives of the many children he coached in basketball and softball.

A man of many talents, David had a gift for building and creating. Whether it was toyboxes for his grandchildren or a family camp on West Grand Lake, his craftsmanship left lasting impressions.

David also shared a special bond with his cousin George Hall, whom he considered a younger brother. The two formed lifelong memories through their many shared projects and adventures. David was also a talented storyteller, always ready to share wisdom and humor with his family and friends.

After retiring, David and Karen pursued their love of travel, exploring destinations near and far. A meticulously planned trip out west and annual escapes to Anna Maria Island, Florida, were among their favorites. They also enjoyed several trips with their favorite travel buddies, Daniel and Betty Bailey.

David was predeceased by his parents, Thomas and Ruth Graffam Roper.

He is survived by his wife, Karen; three daughters and their husbands, Becky and Brent Hallowell, Amy and Peter Bourgeois, and Shelly and Thomas Folsom; eight grandchildren, Sam True, Nathan True, Mark Folsom, Carson Hallowell, Adam Folsom, David Bourgeois, Julia Bourgeois and Elizabeth Folsom; his brother Robert Roper (Ellen Krasney); sister-in-law, Sue Markatine (Michael “Jim” Bilinsky); sister-in-law Jo-Ann Fortin (Daniel); niece Megan Berman (Brian); great-nieces Lily and Elyse Berman; and godchildren Douglas and Susan Bailey.

Visiting hours will be held at Staples Funeral Home, 53 Brunswick Ave., Gardiner, Maine on Friday, November 29, 2024, from 3 – 5 p.m.

A celebration of David’s life will be held at The First Baptist Church, 47 Church Street, Gardiner, ME on Saturday, November 30, 2024, at 11 a.m. Memories, condolences and photos may be shared with the family on the Staples Funeral Home website http://www.StaplesFuneralHome.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the First Baptist Church Stained Glass Window Fund, at 47 Church Street, Gardiner ME, 04345, or at fbcgardiner.org.

OTHERS DEPARTED

CHARLENE E. POULIN

BERWICK – Charlene Elizabeth Poulin, 87, passed away on Friday, November 1, 2024, in Sanford. She was born on October 13, 1937, in Waterville, the daughter of Gerald and Ruth (Kilgore) Dostie and was one of eight children.

Charlene worked for Hillman’s Bakery, in Fairfield, and at Marden’s Discount Retail stores, in Waterville and Sanford.

She is survived by her children, Michael Poulin (wife Erica), Christine Oliver (husband Chris) John Poulin (wife Cindy), Margaret Blood, Robert Poulin (wife Sandra), Paul Poulin (husband Jay Cummings); her sister, Geraldine Turner.

Visiting hours will be held on Saturday November 16, 2024, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Bibber Memorial Chapel, 62 Cemetery Road, Berwick, immediately followed by a memorial service at the fneral home. A private interment will be held at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, in Waterville, at a later date to be determined.

To share a memory or leave a message of condolence, please visit Charlene’s Book of Memories Page at http://www.bibberfuneral.com Arrangements are in care of Bibber Memorial Chapel, 62 Cemetery Road, Berwick, ME 03901.

In lieu of flowers, friends and family may send donations to the Alzheimer’s Association (Maine Chapter) Home Office, 225 N. Michigan Ave. Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601 or via their website at https://www.alz.org/maine.