OBITUARIES for Thursday, October 2, 2025

WALLACE LaFOUNTAIN

AUGUSTA – Wallace “Wally” LaFountain, 99, passed away peacefully at the Maine Veterans’ Home, in Augusta, on Friday, September 19, 2025. Born on August 19, 1926, in Windsor, Vermont, Wallace was the fifth child of Ephraim and Flora Thrasher LaFountain.

After graduating high school in 1944, Wally enlisted and proudly served in the U.S. Army’s 28th Infantry Division in the European Theater of World War II. In two campaigns, he earned the Combat Infantry Badge and the Bronze Star among other citations.

Upon discharge from the Army, Wally attended Springfield College, earning his bachelor’s degree in 1950. As a student athlete he played and lettered in football all four years. In the 1990s, he was named to the Springfield College Football “All Decades Team” for the 1940s. More importantly, it was at Springfield that he met and married the love of his life, Audrey Tomah.

Wally’s chosen field was physical education, which led him and his growing family to his first high school football coaching position in Bergenfield, New Jersey; then to Wellsville, New York; and, finally, to Winslow. From 1958 through 1970 he taught and coached at Winslow High School, fielding successful teams in football (State Champions in 1958 and 1960) and baseball – where he coached varsity and also umpired Little League games for ten years. Additionally, he was a high school basketball official for 18 years, and during this time he was also instrumental in bringing the sport of wrestling to Maine high schools, as both an advocate and official for the sport.

He was a charter member and president of the Maine Interscholastic Wrestling Officials Association for 16 years, served on the national rules committee for four years, and was inducted into the Maine Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2012. Wally was co-founder of the Maine-Nebraska Friendship Series – a continuing wrestling/cultural exchange program that he directed for ten years. This groundbreaking program, now in its 40th year, is the longest running sports exchange in the country. ‘Coach’ later moved on to the Maine State Department of Education, all while earning his master’s degree at the University of Maine in 1970. After 16 productive years working in school accreditation across the state, he retired from the Department of Education in 1986. After retirement, Wally still managed to stay involved with Winslow athletics, and he was inducted into the Maine Sports Hall of Fame in 2019.

The most noteworthy of his accomplishments, however, was the family that he created with Audrey. Some of his happiest times were around the dinner table, where meals were never just about good food but about laughter, stories, and being together. Anyone who knew Wally knows that he had a gift for making everyone feel at home, and somehow ordinary evenings turned into the kind of memories that stay with you forever. No matter how full everyone claimed to be, Wally always managed to “push the food down” for dessert with a little Drambuie, turning even a simple sweet treat into a reason to laugh a little longer and stay at the table together.

Wally was predeceased by his wife Audrey; his sister Sylvia, and brothers Richard, Manton and Maurice.

He is survived by his children Sheila LaFountain, Wes LaFountain and wife Jean, Linda LaFountain, David LaFountain and wife Lee Ann, Mark LaFountain and wife Kelly; grandchildren Brian Reynolds, Josh and Jayson Neault, Marie Brace and Beth LaFountain, Caitlin Dixon and Alex LaFountain, Joshua and Jacob Key-Maginnis; and great-grandchildren Damon, Noah, and Kurtis Reynolds; Gwen Brace; Ben, Tyler, and David Fisher; and Audrey Dixon.

A Celebration of Life was held on Monday, September 29, 2025, at the Winslow VFW, 175 Veteran Drive, Winslow. A private burial service will be held at Glenside Cemetery, in Winthrop, where he will be interred alongside his beloved Audrey.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Winslow High School Football Boosters, c/o Winslow High School, 20 Danielson Street, Winslow, ME 04901.

BRUCE A. JOHNSON

UNITY – Bruce Alan Johnson, 77, of Unity and Orland, passed away peacefully at the lake on Thursday, September 11, 2025. He was born in Wales, the eldest child of Alice and Ronald Johnson.

Bruce graduated from the University of Maine-Orono and dedicated more than 45 years to education as a passionate teacher and administrator. He shared his love of science and robotics with generations of students.

An avid outdoorsman, Bruce found joy in hiking, hunting, boating, and fishing with his grandkids at the lake. He also loved playing cards with his family and friends, creating memories filled with laughter.

Bruce will be missed by his college sweetheart and wife of 53 years, Janice Mallett Johnson; his son Aaron Johnson and his wife Elaine, of New Hampshire; his daughter Sarah Braddock “Pooh” and her husband Shane; five grandchildren, Ayden and Joseph Johnson, and Elliott, Mira and Archer Braddock.

He will forever be remembered for his wit, warmth, kindness, and the countless lives he touched.

BILLIE J. M. COLE

BENTON – Billie Jo-Anne McLaughlin Cole, 70, of Benton, passed away peacefully on Friday, Sep­tember. 12, 2025, following a lifelong battle with Type 1 Diabetes. Born on January 18, 1955, in Gardiner, Billie was the daughter of Ann C. McLaughlin Nelson Greenleaf and Earl McLaughlin, and stepdaughter of Don Nelson.

She grew up in Gardiner and Benton, enjoying the outdoors, horseback riding, and caring for her father’s racehorses.

Billie married her high school sweetheart, G. Leonard “Lenny” Cole, on October 14, 1972, and shared 52 years together. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother.

She founded Pines Road Nursery School and Daycare, running it for nearly 40 years. “Miss Billie” nurtured countless children, teaching kindness, honesty, and courage, always guided by the school’s motto: “Learn, laugh, and play – but most of all, be kind to one another.”

She is survived by her husband, Lenny; sons Lenny (Michelle) and Billy (Heather); grandchildren, Parker, Payton, Liam, and Avery; siblings Steve, Sherry, Susan (Jim), Peter (Barbie), Mike (Pam), and Mary (Mike); and many nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends.

A celebration of her life will be held later.

In lieu of flowers, her wish was for loved ones to hug each other tightly and express their love.

NANCY P. BARCLAY

OAKLAND – Nancy P. Barclay, 76, passed away peacefully at her home, in Oakland, on Sunday, September 14, 2025. Born on May 25, 1949, in Darby, Pa., to Alfred and Elizabeth (Kelly) Peale, Nancy moved to Maine as a young adult, quickly falling in love with the state’s charm and natural beauty, where she has made her home ever since.

At Nancy’s request, there will be no formal services.

Please see Wheeler Funeral Home website for full obituary.

Arrangements are under the care of Wheeler Funeral Home, 26 Church St., Oakland, ME 04963. An online guess book may be signed and memories shared at https://wheelerfh.com/

DOROTHY R. LEE

ALBION – Dorothy “Dot” Robbins Lee, 95, passed away at Lakewood Continuing Care in Water­ville, on Sat­urday, Sep­tember 20, 2025. She was born on Feb­ruary 2, 1930, in Livermore Falls, the daughter of Ernest and Cora (Merchant) Robbins.

She attended the McDonald Rural School and graduated from Besse High School, in Albion. On October 11, 1947, she married Ralph Lee. They enjoyed 66 years of marriage and raised their two daughters in Albion. Dot was employed for several years at Jim’s Produce Co., in Unity, and then at SAD#49 in 1972 where she worked in food service until her retirement in 1995.

Dot enjoyed taking care of her home. She was a talented seamstress. She knit beautiful sweaters for her daughters and grandchildren and crocheted many doilies and bedspreads. She also enjoyed needlepoint, crossword puzzles and spending time with her family. She and Ralph took many trips with Maine Line Tours, the most memorable being to the dedication of the World War II Memorial, in Washington DC, and a two-week trip in the Canadian Rockies.

Dot was a member and volunteer at the Muskie Center, in Waterville, a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit #14, in Fairfield, and belonged to the Red Hat Society where she had many fun times with that group.

She was predeceased by her husband, Ralph, brothers Ernest Jr (Buddy), Walter and Frank Robbins, sister Winetta Higgins and several half brothers and sisters.

She is survived by her daughters Bonnie Williams (John), of Byron, Georgia, and Rhonda Miller, of Winslow, ME; four grandchildren Toby Smith (Winnie), Garrett Gustafson (Danielle), Molly Warmelink (Mike) and Katie Haley; five great-grandchildren, Hunter and Rebecca Smith, Michael Warmelink, Ella and Hannah Gustafson; and great-great-granddaughter, Skylar Smith; sisters Hilda Gay and Patricia Fogg (Blaine); and many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her former son-in-law Gary Gustafson and wife, Linda.

A private graveside service for family was held at the Veterans Cemetery, on the Mt. Vernon Road, in Augusta, Monday September 29, 2025.

Arrangements are in the care of Veilleux, Redington and Lawry Brothers Funeral Home 8 Elm St, Waterville, where condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the website at https://www.vrlfuneralhome.co/.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the China Baptist Church, 36 Causeway Rd, China, Maine 04358.

ORA P. RAND

ALBION – Ora P. Rand, 92, of Albion, died peacefully at the home of her son, on Saturday, September 20, 2025. Ora was born in Massachusetts and moved to Maine with her family at a very early age.

She grew up on the family farm in Unity, attended local schools there through the eighth grade. Several years later she worked in Connecticut as a nanny before coming back to Maine where she was offered the opportunity to attend Thomas College, in Waterville, “if she could keep up the work”. She exceeded expectations and graduated with a business degree. Later in life, she went back to Thomas and took classes at night earning an associate’s degree in 1980.

In 1954, she met and soon married John Rand. They moved to Albion where she would spend the next 70 years of her life. She was the bookkeeper for John’s business, C. N. Chalmers, Inc., and later worked for several heavy equipment rental companies in the Waterville area doing counter work and accounts payable until her retirement. Following her retirement, Ora was an active volunteer for many years at Thayer Hospital, in Waterville.

During the years that Ora’s children were growing up she was active in the local PTA, Cub Scouts, and the local church. She later became a member of the East Benton Christian Church. Her greatest joy was her family. To every member of the family, including grandchildren and great-grandchildren, she was “Ma”.

Ora was predeceased by her husband, John Rand; her parents, Lillian and Harold Plumley; her brothers Fred and Harold Plumley and sister, Annie Intrieri.

She is survived by her children, Vera and her partner Steve Magyar, and Clarence and his wife Kim; as well as her grandchildren Jake (Rebecca) Rand, Lee (Soletia) Rand, Neal (MacKenzie) Young, and Stephen (Amy) Young; and great-grandchildren Anna, Kamran, Devan, Ryleigh, Tanner, Margaret, Justin, and Mya; her sister, Freda Plumley; and several nieces and nephews.

At Ora’s request, there will be no funeral. A committal service will be held November 1, 2025, at the Whitaker Cemetery, on the Benton Road, in Albion, at 2 p.m. A reception for family and friends will be held immediately following at the East Benton Christian Church.

Donations in Ora’s memory can be made to the East Benton Christian Church, F/B/O the Lucas and Beckah Grudda Missionary Fund, 500 East Benton Rd., Benton, ME 04901.

FREDA M. JEWELL

SKOWHEGAN – Freda Mae Jewell, 98, passed quietly at Woodlands Memory Care, in Waterville, on Tuesday, September 23, 2025. Freda was born in Canaan on April 2, 1927, the daughter of William Pottle and Imogene (Mclaughlin) Pottle.

She attended grade school in Canaan and graduated from Skowhegan Area High School, class of 1944. After graduation she married Sheridan Jewell.

Throughout her lifetime Freda held many jobs. Starting at an early age working on the farm, as a cafeteria cook in Canaan, Oak Pond Restaurant, “Spinner” at Maine Spinning, Dexter Shoe, all these and more while raising a family. She was a member of Canaan Union Church where she sang in the choir, which gave her great enjoyment.

During her retirement she became interested in needlepoint. Many ribbons from the Skowhegan State Fair proved that she became very skilled, to the point of being called professional. Her family and friends do and will treasure the fruits of her labor.

Freda was predeceased by her husband, Sheridan Jewell; son-in-law, Lewis Hayden; her parents; and 11 siblings. She was the fourth born and the twelvth to have passed.

“Nana” is survived by her four children, Diane (Jewell) Hayden with her husband Lewis, of Skowhegan, Dennis Jewell with his wife Jane Dionne, of Cornville, Vaughn Jewell, of Madison, and Vance Jewell, of Cornville; grandchildren Brett and Susan Hayden, Nathan and Nicholas Jewell, Raphael and Hanna Jewell; great-grandchildren Colin, Leah, Benjamin, Bryce, Clara, Annie, and Tim; and great-great-grandchildren Joel, Gabriel, Hayden, Wyatt, and Walter.

A private burial service will be held at a later date at Fairview Cemetery, Canaan.

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

CATHY WHITAKER

CHINA – Cathy Whitaker, 67, passed away as the result of an automobile accident.

Born on Halloween Day, October 31, 1957, Cathy delighted in her “good witch” spirit (favorite movie: “The Wizard of Oz”) and carried a little magic wherever she went. The oldest of seven, “big sister” would always laugh about being the shortest of the bunch. Cathy was never afraid to be her own special self – when the world swooned for the Beatles, she loved the Monkees, when you suggested she read something other than scary novels she’d scoff at you – she considered Stephen King the only author worthy of her time.

Some people are gym rats; Cathy was a pool rat. From childhood swim meets to recent mornings at the Augusta YMCA, she tried to get in the water every day. Her friends at the Y were a second family. In earlier years, Winters found her on the slopes. She was a longtime skier and member of the Lost Valley Ski School who taught many of her nieces and nephews to race down the hill with abandon.

Cathy’s hands were always busy making something beautiful. A master of hand-hooked rugs, she created heirlooms and generously made sure everyone in the family had one of her treasures. Many family members were married with one under their feet. Each year, at the Common Ground Country Fair, she’d give demonstrations for the crowds. When asked what she did, with a twinkle, she’d say: “I’m a hooker!”

Every late spring Cathy would call everyone in the family to remind them that strawberry picking season was close at hand. She’d get everyone out in the fields picking her favorite fruit. She could often reminded all that the little things like homemade jam shared with family were what life is about.

Cathy was a person who worked to live, but she also had a long career dedicated to serving others. She spent 25 years in the kitchen at Augusta General Hospital, then became a CNA, providing home care to clients with special needs. She never looked down on anyone and was always willing to help those in need.

She met her husband, Harold Whitaker, later in life; they made up for lost time with lots of laughter, joyful fireworks displays in their backyard, and watching old TV favorites like The Waltons and Little House on the Prairie. A wonderful aunt to many, and an amazing cat mom to her beloved Sammy. Cathy will be missed in so many ways, and family gatherings won’t be the same without her legendary chocolate chip cookies.

Cathy was predeceased by her husband, Harold.

She is survived by her parents, Jacquelyn and Richard Coleman; her siblings Mary (Tim) Bernard, John (Linda) Coleman, Tom Coleman, Joe (Janet) Coleman, Jacquelyn Sandone, and David (Natalie) Coleman; her many beloved nieces and nephews, Kate (Justin) Melcher; David and Anna Bernard; Erin, Hanson and Samuel (Cam) Coleman; Chase Coleman; Joseph Coleman; Jack and Mary Sandone; Ella, and Harry Coleman; and one grandnephew, Rory Coleman.

A private family service is planned.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift in Cathy’s memory to the Augusta YMCA

Others Departed

KEVIN E. BRANN

ZEPHYRHILLS, Florida – Kevin E. Brann passed away on Monday, September 8, 2025, in Zephyrhills, Florida, where he had lived since 2010. Before then, he was a resident of Windsor and surrounding towns.

Kevin was born to Ernest and Barbara Brann on August 2, 1965. He graduated from Cony High School, in Augusta, in 1985, and worked as a carpenter for his entire life.

Kevin was predeceased by both his parents in 2004.

There are no planned services.

RICHARD A. JUDKINS

BANGOR – Richard Allen Judkins, 85, of Bangor, and former longtime resident of Merrimack, N.H., passed away peacefully on Monday, September 22, 2025. He was born in Augusta, on June 28, 1940, son of the late Frederick and Mildred (Bullock) Judkins.

Raised in Vassalboro, he was a graduate of Erskine Academy,in South China. After high school, Richard enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served from 1959 to 1968 before his honorable discharge at the rank of Sergeant. He then went on to a long career with Lockheed Martin as an Electronics Engineer until his retirement. He was a longtime member and elder of Christ Presbyterian Church in Nashua, N.H., and the Pilgrim Orthodox Presbyterian Church, in Bangor.

Richard was pre-deceased by his wife of 39 years, Diana (Quinnam) Judkins in 2004; his daughter, Tara and her husband James Potts; three grandchildren, Kelvin Dennis, Joshua and Kel Rockymore; two siblings, Nancy and her husband Dick Doane and Dale Judkins and his wife Hisako along with several nieces and nephews.

A service to be held at Rivet Funeral Home, 425 Daniel Webster Highway, Merrimack, N.H., on Friday, Oct. 3, 2025 from 10 a.m. – 12 noon. Burial with military honors will follow at Last Rest Cemetery.

Kindly visit rivetfuneralhome.com to leave an online condolence for the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Richard’s memory can be made to The Center for Dementia Research.

STEVEN D. UHLMAN

RIVERVIEW, Florida – Steven Douglas Uhlman, 55, of Riverview, Florida, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, from natural causes. Born on October 15, 1969, Steven was known for his vibrant personality, quick humor, and kind spirit, making him a cherished presence in the lives of many.

Steven had a successful career as a Senior Engineer with Dell EMC, where he applied his keen intellect, sharp analytical mind, and remarkable problem-solving skills. His colleagues and friends respected his ability to see solutions clearly and lead with both intelligence and integrity.

Outside of work, Steven found joy in the outdoors and creativity in his artistry. He was passionate about fishing, taking countless trips with friends and family. Steve, like his father, enjoyed making stained-glass art. He was also talented in lapidary and jewelry making, both hobbies that reflected his deep love for both nature and craftsmanship.

Steven was adored by his nieces and great-nieces, as well as his great-nephews, with whom he always shared laughter and adventure. His sense of fun, loyalty, and creativity made him a favorite uncle.

He is survived by his sisters, Ruthanne Scarduzio (Robert) and Stephanie Uhlman Pike (Chris); his brother, Wes Uhlman; twin nieces, Stephanie and Kimberly (John); great-niece, Isabella; and great-nephews, Christian, Gabriel, Jax, Luca, and Beckett; his girlfriend, Jill Astood, Sonia & Ernie Taylor, and many other family members and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dorothy and Steven Uhlman.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, October 3, 2025, at noon, at Sun City Center United Methodist Church, 1210 Del Webb Blvd W, Sun City Center, FL 33573.

Services

MARY A. FRENCH

SOMERVILLE – Mary Anita French, 82, of Somerville, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at Cove’s Edge, in Damariscotta.

Born September 8, 1943, in Gardiner, she was the wife to the late Merle Leroy French, with whom she shared 57 years of marriage. Together they raised eight children and built a large, loving family of more than 40 grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Mary was a faithful member of South Somerville Baptist Church and known for her generosity, faith, and love of family.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, October 25, 2025, at 11 a.m., at South Somerville Baptist Church.

JEANNIINE L. ROY

WATERVILLE – Jeannine “Jeanne” L. Roy, 92, passed away on Tuesday, September 23, 2025. A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m., on Friday, October 17, 2025, at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, 78 Grove Street, Waterville.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm Street, Waterville. A full obituary and online guestbook may be found at http://www.gallantfh.com.

Correction

SANFORD C. AVERY

ATHENS – Sanford Charles Avery, 77, born June 16, 1948, passed away Monday, September 15, 2025.