OBITUARIES for Thursday, October 20, 2022

KENNETH M. DOUIN

SIDNEY –Kenneth M. Douin, 69, of Augusta and Sidney, died on Thursday, September 15, 2022, following a brave struggle with Alz­heimer’s Di­sease. He was born on Dec­ember 27, 1952, in Au­gusta, the son of Benoit and Cecile Douin.

He was educated in Augusta schools and graduated from Cony High School.

Ken spoke of his parents with love and gratitude saying he would never change anything about his childhood. He was brought up to contribute, to work hard, and appreciate life. At nine years old, he worked delivering milk and shared a massive paper route with his brother. He helped his father maintain the family garden. Ken worked alongside his parents on their home and apartments on Penobscot Street. Small in stature, Ken was mighty in spirit and determination.

Trying to find his way, Ken worked at 15 years old for the city of Augusta mowing the grass at city cemeteries. Ken was shy and never wanted to draw attention. He loved to tell the story of falling through a grave and coffin at the back of the cemetery. Seeing a skeleton, feeling scared and embarrassed, he ran a fast as he could to the sidewalk causing great laughter among coworkers. Feather white and shaking, Ken walked home early that day.

Ken began to realize he had some skill working with his hands. He worked for McKee Construction, meeting on the job, a wonderful master carpenter and mentor, Delbert Plaisted. They became fast friends, continuing with their friendship until Del’s death in 2019. Ken built Del’s last home in Belgrade. During Ken’s employment, he began working “side jobs”. He used this experience to develop his own building and remodeling business. His work was solid, creative, and beautiful. Ken’s last employment was with the YMCA in Manchester.

During his business days, he hired an old friend, Richard Dudley and nephews Scott and Jason Douin. This crew was filled with singing, bad jokes, and made up lyrics to hymns. “Drop kick me Jesus through the goalpost of life,” a group favorite.

Capable of great love and tenderness, Ken cared deeply for his sweetheart, Louise Earle. Her son, Jay Barrett and his daughter Natalea, were part of his heart. Natalea was his granddaughter. His “chickadee”. His partner on the four-wheeler and in the pool.

Ken was predeceased by his parents, and his sister, Irene, who died some time ago. Ken mourned her passing for the rest of his life.

Ken is survived by siblings, Dom, of Augusta and Jackie, of Vassalboro, and nephews Scott and Jason Douin and C. J. Roy; a niece Danielle Sirois and her son; his partner, Louise Earle.

No services are planned at this time.

LINDA K. WALLS

CHELSEA – On Monday, September 26, 2022, Linda K. Walls, 76, passed away in Augusta. Linda was born in Portland in the fall of 1943, daughter of the late Wallace and Catherine (Crocker) Francis.

She attended Portland High School and she received an associate degree from the University of Southern Maine. Linda worked at the Finance Authority of Maine for many years, moving into a well-earned retirement in February 2022.

Linda was a truly generous and hardworking woman who blazed her own path. She spent much of her time caring for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and gardening in her large perennial flower beds. Linda loved reading, her daily crossword puzzles, writing poetry, and attending church where she volunteered as a Sunday school teacher. Linda‘s kindness, sharp wit, and pragmatic optimism will be deeply missed.

Linda is survived by her son, Charles and wife, Nancy; brother, Wallace Francis and wife, Michelle; sister, Cheryll and husband, Ron; half-sister, Delores Dow and husband, Neal; her grandchildren, Christopher and wife Jessie, Cheri and partner Curtis, Danica and husband Matt, Cassandra and husband André, and Camille; great-grandchildren Ty, Syiah, Kayanne, Avelina, and Scarlett; as well as many nieces, and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Nanette; her mother, Kay, and father, Wallace.

A memorial service is being held on Saturday, October 22, at 11 a.m., at Fellowship Baptist Church, 237 Eastern Ave., Augusta. Interment will take place at Evergreen Cemetery, in Portland, on Monday, October 24, at 11 a.m.

Arrangements are in the care of Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta, ME 04330.

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

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Fellowship Baptist Church.

PATSY A. VENEZIANO

WINSLOW – Patsy Ann (Violette) Veneziano, 75, of Winslow passed away on Tuesday, September 27, 2022, at home. She was born in Waterville on December 6, 1946, a daughter of Harvey and Ruth (Oliver) Violette.

She graduated from Waterville schools.

Patsy worked in banking as a teller, as an office clerk for GHM Insurance Agency, in Waterville, and Miles Carpenter Insurance Agency, in Skowhegan, as well as an office secretary at the former law firm of Daviau, Jabar and Batten, in Waterville. She could be described as very friendly and outgoing. She enjoyed engaging in conversations, sharing stories and experiences as well as her advice.

She found enjoyment in listening to music, reading, kayaking, taking trips to the ocean, sailing and flying as co-pilot to her life partner Jack. Spending time with friends and family, taking annual shopping trips to New Hampshire with a few of her closest friends and cheering on the New England Patriots were things in which she found great pleasure. She was an animal lover and her dogs and cats were very special to her. She was a devoted and faithful Catholic.

Patsy was predeceased by her father, Harvey Violette, of Oakland in 2017, her mother, Ruth (Oliver) Violette, of Waterville, in 1971; her brother, Larry Violette, of Oakland, in 2010; her step-mother, Albertine (Dunton) Violette in 2016; and her late husband of 26 years, David Veneziano, in 2000.

Patsy is survived by her life partner, Jack Pickett; her children, Jody Veneziano and her partner, Megan Alexander, of Augusta, Jill MacDonald, of Waterville and James Veneziano and his wife, Kaitlyn, of China; her brother, Donald Violette and his wife, Janie, of Waterville; her sister, Sandy Violette and her husband, Dave, of Winslow; cousin, Betty Ann Merrill, of Maryland; grandchildren Tyler and Lauren MacDonald, Anthony and Eliana Veneziano; as well as six nieces and a nephew.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday October 22, at 11 a.m., at Notre Dame Church, 116 Silver St., Waterville, with burial to follow at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, 78 Grove St., Waterville.

A gathering will take place after the burial at O’Brien’s Irish Restaurant, 375 Main St., Waterville.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at http://www.VeilleuxFuneralHome.com for the Veneziano family.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to The American Cancer Society (https://www.cancer.org/involved/donate.html), or The Humane Society Waterville Area, 100 Webb Rd., Waterville, ME 04901.

KATHLEEN A GEROUX

JEFFERSON – Kathleen Ann Geroux, 77, of Jefferson, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, September 29, 2022, at Lincoln Health. She was born in Gardiner on March 23, 1945, the daughter of Stanley and Goldie (Boynton) Cunningham, of Chelsea. She attended local schools. She married the love of her life of 53 years, Romeo James Geroux, of Jefferson, on July 3, 1964, in Augusta. She was a homemaker raising their two children, Tracey and Jamie.

As the kids grew older she worked many years by her husband’s side coon hunting, worm digging and elver fishing. After his passing in 2017 she spent a lot of time with family including her brother, Roger and sisters, Charlene and Lynnette. She loved puzzle books and playing board games.

She was predeceased by her parents, husband, Romeo “Jim” Geroux and brother, Dewayne.

She is survived by daughter, Tracey Geroux Gervais and husband Glenn, of Jefferson; son, Romeo “Jamie” Geroux II and partner Holly Jo Kirkpatrick, of Jefferson; five grandchildren, Derek, Cody, Tyler, Kaleigh and Arianna; great-grandchild, Wyatt; brothers, Ron Cunningham and wife Jeanne, of Pittston, Carroll Cunningham and wife Patsy, of Jefferson, Roger Cunningham, of Windsor, Rodney Cunningham and wife Leda, of Windsor, Charlene Cunningham and partner Jimmy Raymond, of Windsor, Lynnette Bailey, and husband Gary, of Waterville; and many nieces, nephews and in-laws.

There will be no services, per Kathy’s request. A private burial will be held at Trask Lawn Cemetery.

APRIL J. NORED

CHINA – April Jane (Spencer) Nored, 56, of China, passed away on Saturday, October 1, 2022, following a brave and fierce fight against aggressive late-stage cancer this year.

April grew up the second of five children in Chelsea. April’s sense of humor and quick wit were evident even as a little girl. She had a laugh that made you laugh along with her even if you didn’t hear the punchline. Her beauty was ageless and still got her carded when she picked up a box of her favorite Pinot Grigio. You could find her offering interior design advice to friends and family, helping clients find their dream homes across Maine, hanging out on China Lake with her husband Eric, or teaching her deaf dog sign language. Yes, really.

Her children were her greatest source of pride and happiness. She always supported and celebrated anything they wanted to pursue and would do anything to help them achieve it. Her only rules were to take no crap from anyone and let her know when they got home safe.

As her kids grew up and got married, April wanted nothing more than to be a grandmother. April got her wish this year, welcoming her grandson Jack Nicholas Kevin in June and granddaughter Clara April just three weeks before she passed. One day when they are old enough Jack and Clara will learn just how hard their “Glamma” fought to meet them and hold them in her arms. Her grandchildren kept her going through the darkest and most challenging days of her illness.

April is survived by her husband Eric Nored; children Kylie Low, Nicholas Keene, Hanna Hickey and their spouses; stepson Myles Nored; grandchildren Jack and Clara; parents Dick and Jane Condon; siblings Angela Lyon, Dick Condon, Roxanne Condon, and Roberta DuPont; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws.

A celebration of April Nored’s life was held on Sunday, October 16, Augusta Elks Lodge.

Arrangements are entrusted with Staples Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 53 Brunswick Ave., 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, donations can be made to the Underhound Railroad dog rescue organization in April’s name at underhoundrailroad.org.

DOLORES C. DOODY

WATERVILLE – Dolores “Dee” Cashman Doody, 89, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Thursday, October 6, 2022. Dee was born on June 10, 1933, to John and Bertha Cashman, the youngest of seven children.

She was a longtime resident of Fairfield.

She lived briefly in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, as a child during World War II and the last few years in Waterville. She graduated from Lawrence High school, in Fairfield, in 1951, worked briefly at the Fairfield Creamery and then began a 39-year career at Keyes Fibre Co. (Huhtamaki), in Waterville, retiring in 1992. She enjoyed her time away from work for seven years before beginning her favorite employment as a bus monitor in SAD #49.

In August 1952 she married her one and only love, James (Big Jim) Doody and they enjoyed nearly 33 years together until his death. Her favorite pastime was listening to him play his guitar, especially at camp on Unity Pond where family and friends often gathered. After his passing, she enjoyed playing the slots, family gatherings, the Friday morning “breakfast group” and the Dunkin’ coffee group.

Dee was predeceased by all her siblings, brothers Alton, Jack, and Ken Cashman, sisters Marie Lachance, Elaine Greene, and Gloria Clukey, a granddaughter, Autumn, and nearly all her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

She is survived by three sons and a daughter, James B. and his wife Rhonda, Kevin and Loretta, Sonja Morin and Tim, and Ron and his wife Ann; grandchildren Josh and Tyson Doody, Zachary and Anisa Doody, Dan and Katrina Parks, and Ryan and Paige Doody; many great- grandchildren.

There will be a graveside service and celebration of life on what would have been her 90th birthday, June 10, 2023.

FREDERICK M. POOLER

VASSALBORO – Frederick “Rick” M. Pooler, 62, passed away Saturday, October 8, 2022, at his home. He was born Nov­em­ber 26, 1959, in Augusta, the son of Edgar F. Sr. and Kathe­rine E. (Hunt­er) Pooler.

He attended Waterville High School, then entered the military, earned his GED and proudly served his country in the United States Army until his honorable discharge. On August 29, 1992, he married Sharon Pooler, in Vassalboro.

He was employed at Oakhust Dairy, Colonial Distributers, and worked five years for the railroad. Most recently, he worked at Kris-Way Truck Leasing for 16 years. He was a member of the National Rifle Association.

Rick enjoyed spending time with his mom, drinking coffee and playing cribbage, spending holidays with his family and friends. He loved playing scratch tickets and collecting sports cards. His dog, Harley, was very special to him.

He is survived by his mother, Katherine E. Pooler, of Vasalboro; brother, Edgar Pooler Jr. and wife Judy, of Fairfield; sisters, Laurie Connelly and husband Tim, of Vassalboro, Bridget Hutchison and husband Brian, of Unity, Merlene Williamson and husband Glen, of Whitefield; step-daughter, Beth Kern and husband Mark, of Minnesota; three step-grandchildren and one great-granddaughter, of Minnesota; nieces and nephews, Tommy, Josh, Tony, Katie and Joe; aunt, Joanne Connor of Gardiner; sister-in-law, Shelley Pushard; brother-in-law, Robert Nason Jr.

He was predeceased by his wife, Sharon Pooler, in October 2021; father, Edgar Pooler Sr., in 2012; brother, Rodney Pooler, in 1982.

A graveside service will be held Sunday, October 30, 2022, at 2 p.m., at the Vassalboro Village Cemetery, Vassalboro. Reception to follow at 65 Katie Drive, Vassalboro.

Arrangements under the direction and care of Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service, 445 Waterville Road, Skowhegan ME 04976.

In lieu of flowers, friends wishing may make donations in Rick’s memory to Humane Society Waterville Area, 100 Webb Road, Waterville ME 04901.

PAULA A. COLE

WINSLOW – Paula A. Cole, 63, passed away at her home on Sunday, October 9, 2022. Paula was born on April 25, 1959, at the Sisters Hospital, in Waterville.

Paula attended high school in Skowhegan and graduated from Winslow High School in 1977. She worked in several departments at MaineGeneral Health for 41 years, starting in 1981. Most notably, her time at the former Adolescent Center of which she always spoke fondly. She was an animal lover in the highest respect and always had cats and dogs by her side. She loved the ocean in southern Maine and spent many family vacations there. She recently vacationed in the Wells area with her sister.

Paula is survived by her husband, Shane Cole, of Winslow; two sons, Alex Johnson, of Vassalboro, and Robert Johnson, of Fairfield; grandson Alexander Johnson, of Fairfield; sister Carla Jenness, of Portland; daughter-in-law Amanda Johnson, of Vassalboro; brothers-in-law Scott Cole, Stewart Cole, Saul Cole, Seth Cole; sisters-in-law Sonya Cole, Shelly Cole; and mother-in-law Sue Cole.

Paula was predeceased by her parents, Robert and Mary Jenness, of Winslow, aunts Teresa and Franca Megazzini, of Waterville, and father-in-law Steven Cole.

A graveside service will be at Saint Francis Cemetery, 78 Grove St., Waterville, Friday, October 21, 2022, at noon.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Veilleux and Redington Funeral home.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at http://www.VeilleuxFuneralHome.com for the Cole family.

In lieu of flowers and cards, Paula would want donations made to the Somerset Animal Shelter, 123 Middle Rd., Skowhegan, ME 04976.

DOUGLAS E. MORSE

OAKLAND – Douglas E. Morse, 62, known to those closest to him as “Popeye”, passed away on Friday, October 14, 2022, following a valiant and courageous fight with pancreatic cancer. Doug was born in San Antonio, Texas, on July 28, 1960, a son of Chester Morse, Sr. and Dianne Vicnaire Goodwin.

Living up to the creed that everything is bigger in Texas, Doug lived a big life filled with taking chances, laughing often, and adventures. He liked a good dare and would try anything once. From white water rafting, to skydiving, and piloting planes, he believed in embracing life. His daughters looked forward to his visits to San Diego, California, where he would join them in Tomato Battles, Mud Runs, rock climbing, surfing, and horseback riding the Hollywood Hills. He preferred to be outside and enjoyed hiking and parasailing. He was a dreamer who taught his girls and grandchildren that anything was possible, if they just believe. Doug had a childlike energy that drew people to him and embodied the motto “you don’t stop playing because you grow old, you grow old because you stop playing.”

Doug also was an avid sports fan with his favorite team and sport being whatever his children and grandchildren were playing at the time. If he wasn’t coaching their team, he was sitting with the crowd cheering them on.

After graduating from Nokomis High School, in Newport, Doug spent his career in various professions. He loved to meet people, developed friendships easily, and could sell anything. He also had an entrepreneurial spirit. In 2020, he and his now wife, Kait, established Integrity Pest Solutions. He worked endless hours to grow the company and is thankful to his wife and customers for their success over the past two years.

He is survived by his wife, Kait; his children Heather, Beth, D.J. and James; grandchildren Roberta, Summer, Ashton, Kaleb, Aiden, Luke, Gabe, and Charlotte; one great-grandson, Mason; father, Chester, Sr.; siblings Chester, Jr. and wife Anita, Ray-Allen and wife Kristina, Debra and husband Robert, Ricky and wife Vicki, and Cindy and companion Yves; his first wife and mother to his three girls, Cheryl; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his mother, Dianne, and his stepdad, Robert.

A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m., Thursday, October 20, at Shorey-Nichols Funeral Home, in Pittsfield, with long time family friend and pastor, Pastor Peter Campbell officiating. A committal will follow at the Pine Grove Cemetery, Hartland. A potluck celebration of his life will follow at the St. Albans Community Center. All are welcome.

To leave a message of kindness or to share a memory, please visit http://www.shoreynichols.com.

Care has been provided by Shorey-Nichols Funeral Home, Pittsfield.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to be made in Doug’s honor to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network- http://www.pancan.org.

OTHERS DEPARTED

LUCILLE L. McCANNON

SWAMPSCOTT, Massachusetts – Lucille LeClair McCannon, 77, of Swamp­scott, Massa­chusetts, passed away unexpectedly Sunday, October 16, 2022, at NSMC-Salem Hospital. Lucille was born in Waterville, on November 14, 1944, daughter of the late Leo and Laurence (Maheu) LeClair. She was raised and educated in Fairfield, graduating from Lawrence High School then moving to Massachusetts shortly thereafter.

She went on to work as a branch manager for Salem Five Bank, then later on as a sales representative for Eastern Bank. She was a communicant of St. John the Evangelist Church, in Swampscott, where she taught CCD for 20 years.

CATHERINE E. LEONARD

RYE, New Hampshire – Catherine Elizabeth Cahill Leonard “Kay”, 83, formerly of Wells and Waterville, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 15, 2022.

Kay retired from the Waterville School Department where she was an AP/AR Specialist for many years working with a wonderful group of people who she enjoyed so much. Kay was very active in her kids’ school activities, social clubs and her church. Kay and Tom lived a number of places but spent the majority of their lives in the Waterville/Winslow, area until they retired to Wells, and Jekyll Island, Georgia.