OBITUARIES for Thursday, October 23, 2025

LYNDA K. KINLEY

FAIRFIELD – Lynda Kathryn Tupper Kinley, 81, of Fairfield, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 21, 2025, at the Maine Veterans Home, in Augusta.

Born in Pictou, Nova Scotia, Lynda graduated from Pictou Academy in 1962, where she was awarded the Gold Medal for the highest academic grade, and achieved the second-highest average on the Provincial Exams. She went on to earn a bachelor’s degree at Acadia University where she also met her partner, Stewart. After raising her three children, she returned to school and earned a second bachelor’s degree in computer science at Thomas College, in Waterville. Her love of knowledge included foreign languages. She mastered both German and Russian and spent time in both countries, experiences that enriched both her teaching and her life.

She built a career dedicated to education, serving as Senior Admissions Director at the University of Maine at Farmington and as an Admissions Counselor at Thomas College and the University of Maine. She also taught English abroad as a UMF exchange faculty member at the Komi Pedagogical Institute, in Syktyvkar, Russia, where her love of languages found a natural place.

A 43-year member of the Waterville Branch of the American Association of University Women, a 20-year member of the Fairfield Budget Committee, and a committed member of the Fairfield Economic Development Council, Lynda was tireless in her service to her community. She was known as an advocate for the underdog, whether in her professional work, community involvement, or personal relationships, she stood firmly for fairness, dignity, and opportunity for all.

Beyond her accomplishments, Lynda was the heart of her family. She was a confident, guide, and unwavering source of strength. She had a sharp mind, a fierce spirit, and the ability to bring clarity and comfort when the world felt uncertain. Her family could always count on her, and her love showed most in her steadfast presence and loyalty.

Lynda was predeceased by her parents Fredrick Alfred Tupper and Eudora Johnston Tupper; and infant sister, Marion.

She is survived by her husband of 60 years, F. Stewart Kinley; daughter, Karen Morin (Alfred); sons Andrew Kinley (Melissa) and Brian Kinley (Annette); grandchildren Kaitlyn Perry (Kyle), Aaron Hayward, Alexander Kinley, Christopher Kinley, Katherine Kinley; and great-grandchild, Reese Perry; her brothers Edwin Tupper, Raymond Tupper, and Douglas Tupper.

A memorial service celebrating her life will be held on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at 11 a.m., at Pleasant Street Methodist Church, in Waterville, followed by a reception.

Veilleux-Redington-Lawry Brothers Funeral Home is assisting in the service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association.

MARK A. MESERVE

WATERVILLE – Mark A. Meserve, 55, of Waterville, passed away on Monday, September 22, 2025, at Maine Medical Center, in Portland, from injuries sustained in an accident. Born in Waterville on January 10, 1970, Mark was the son of the late Robert Meserve and Florence (Bonin) Meserve.

He graduated from Winslow High School in 1988 and later pursued higher education through the University of Maine system. Mark began his professional life in the telecommunications industry and later moved into commercial insurance, while living in Worcester, Massachusetts.

Not one to be confined to a desk, Mark eventually followed his passion for working with his hands, a talent he excelled at. After moving to Long Island, he entered into the HVAC and chimney business. This led him to eventually start his own chimney cleaning and maintenance business, a venture he poured his heart into and took great pride in. His company earned a strong reputation for quality and integrity, something Mark valued deeply.

Though life brought its share of challenges, Mark never let them define him. He kept moving forward, always resilient, always determined. His perseverance and quiet strength were a testament to his will and character.

Mark was previously married to Andrea Polselli, together they had three children: Brendan, Anna, and Luke, all of Long Island, New York. Mark’s children were his greatest blessing, and he never missed an opportunity to speak of them with love and admiration.

In addition to his children, Mark is survived by his brothers, John and his wife Anke, of New York City, Paul and his wife Patricia, of Falmouth, and Matthew, of Winslow; as well as several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his brother Jim.

A private family memorial service will be held at a later date in Westbrook, where Mark will be laid to rest alongside his father, mother, and brother Jim. Condolences and memories can be shared at http://www.dignitymemorial.com.

DONNA HENDERSON
RICHARD HENDERSON

MADISON – Donna Henderson, 83, born April 11, 1942, passed away Satur­day, October 11, 2025.

Please visit his Mem­orial Page at https://svremembrancecenter.com/obituaries/donna-richard-henderson-oct-2025 where condolences, photos and special memories may be shared.
MADISON – Richard Henderson, 92, born September 15, 1933, passed away Saturday, October 11, 2025.

Please visit his Memorial Page at https://svremembrance center.com/obituaries/donna-richard-henderson-oct-2025 where condolences, photos and special memories may be shared.

DR. JOHN W. TOWNE

BREMEN – Dr. John William Towne, 89, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at his home, in Bremen. John was born in Waterville on February 27, 1936, to Dr. Charles E. and Loretta D. Towne.

He spent his youth in Maine, developing a love of nature and outdoor pursuits that would stay with him for his entire life. He enjoyed hunting and fishing around the state, particularly at his family’s cabin on Hancock Pond, in North New Portland. When in college, he was asked by the Maine YMCA Camp Director David Dellert to counsel a new Lumberjack Camp that taught camping skills to older boys through extended hiking and canoeing trips in the Maine wilderness, which he did for several years.

He received his BA from Bowdoin College (’58), in Brunswick, and his MD from Boston University (’62, magna cum laude), from which he graduated first in his class and served as President of the AOA Honor Medical Society. He performed his internship at Strong Memorial Hospital, in Rochester, New York (1962-63); and two surgical residencies at Strong Memorial Hospital (1963-64) and University Hospital, in Boston, Masachusetts. (1966-1969). He performed a fellowship in vascular surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital (1969-1970). He became a Diplomate of the American Board of Surgery in 1969 and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons in 1972.

Between his surgical residencies, he enlisted as a captain in the U.S. Air Force where he served as a medical doctor from 1964 to 1966 at the Air Force base hospital Tan Son Nhut, the headquarters of the Second Air Division, in Vietnam. He always spoke fondly of Vietnam and his time in the service.

He met his wife, Connie (Reid), on a weekend ski trip to Waterville Valley, New Hampshire, in 1967. After initially mistaking each other for hapless spinster (her) and married person (him) they began a courtship that quickly turned into engagement and then marriage. They were married on September 2, 1967, in Augusta, and shared a life of adventure and laughter for 52 years.

John and Connie moved back to Maine in 1970, where he established a surgical practice in Waterville, the third generation of Townes to practice medicine there. He had hospital appointments at MaineGeneral Medical Center (Thayer Hospital), in Waterville, where he was the Active Surgical Staff Chairman from 1985 to 1993 and the Chief of Staff from 1993 to 1995, and was on the consulting staff at the Sebasticook Valley Hospital, in Pittsfield, the Togus VA Hospital, in Augusta, and Inland Hospital, in Waterville. Later, he founded and was the president of Maine Vascular Diagnostics, Inc.

He was a member of the American Medical Association, served on the executive committee of the Maine Medical Association and was the president of the Maine Medical Association in 1989-1990. He was a past president of the Kennebec County Medical Society, the Maine Chapter of the American College of Surgeons, and the Maine Vascular Society. He was a founding member of the American Society of General Surgery, and a member of the New England Society for Vascular Surgery, the New England Surgical Society, the Society for Vascular Surgery, and the Eastern Vascular Society.

He had a passion and talent for singing and theater that manifested itself in various ways throughout his life. He loved four-part harmony, was a member of the Kennebec Valley Chordsmen, and sang bass for The Stuffed Shirts, a barbershop quartet that performed and competed in the early 1970s. He was a member of the Titipu Choral Society and had lead roles in many theater productions at the Waterville Opera House over the years. His roles included Dick Deadeye H.M.S. Pinafore, Mikado in Mikado, Merlin in Camelot, and the Pirate King in Pirates of Penzance, among others. He was a choir member at the First Congregational Church of Waterville and the Second Congregational Church of Newcastle. He served on the board of directors for the Waterville Opera House from 1973 to 1983 and from 1999-2005, receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2005.

John and Connie both volunteered in many leadership roles in other community and philanthropic organizations. John was a board member and past vice president of the Maine Children’s Home, board member and past executive committee member of the Waterville Area YMCA, and board member and past president of the Waterville Area Boys’ Club/Girls’ Club. He was the president of the Heritage Circle of the Alfond Youth and Community Center, in Waterville, as well as a Hall of Fame member. He was a member of the Leadership Circle of the United Way of Kennebec Valley and served on fundraising campaigns benefiting the organization. He was a Mason, and a member of the Waterville Lodge #33, A.F. & A.M.

He loved skiing, serving on the ski patrol at Big Moose (a.k.a. Squaw) Mountain, in the 1970s. He and Connie were members of the Washingtonians Ski Club for over 35 years, John serving as a trip leader for many years. He was also an avid tennis player for many decades, as well as a SCUBA diver. Later in life, as he slowed down, he was an avid reader, bird watcher, and bridge player. He was a member of the Long Cove Point Association and the Cabadetis Boat Club. He enjoyed the company of his family and friends and kept his quick wit and sense of humor until the end of his life.

John was predeceased by his wife, Connie; and his sister, Mary Sondergeld.

He is survived by two children, his daughter, Allison DiMatteo (and husband Chris), of Saco, and his son, Nathan Towne (and husband Mark Simpson), of Waterville; and two grandchildren, Anna and Simon DiMatteo.

A memorial service for John will be held on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 11 a.m., at the Second Congregational Church of Newcastle.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta, ME 04543. Condolences, and messages for his family, may be expressed by visiting: http://www.StrongHancock.com.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alfond Youth and Community Center.

RICHARD M. FARRAR

UNITY – Richard Merle Farrar, 87, of Unity, passed away peacefully at his family home on Thursday, October 2, 2025. Born in Brockton, Massachusetts, on January 8, 1938, Richard lived a long and full life centered on family, hard work, and community.

A proud Marine Corps veteran, Richard carried the values of service, discipline, and dedication throughout his life. After his time in the Marines, he found his calling in cultivating life and beauty from the soil. In 1981, he founded Green Thumb Greenhouse, in Unity, which he ran with pride and care for over four decades before retiring in 2024. His greenhouse became a beloved part of the community; a place where friends gathered, flowers bloomed, and his steady presence was always felt.

Beyond his work, Richard had a lifelong passion for horses, watching wrestling, football, basketball, and NASCAR. Whether cheering on a game or spending time around his horses, he found joy in the simple things that brought people together.

Richard will be remembered for his strong work ethic, gentle humor, and deep devotion to his family. His legacy will continue to grow, much like the countless plants he nurtured over the years.
Richard was predeceased by his wife, Edna; his daughter, Cynthia Boivin; and his parents, Merle and Flora Farrar.

He is survived by his children, Richard “Butch” Farrar, Hope Hitchcock, and Alice Margolies, as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at 2 p.m., at the Unity American Legion.

GEORGE A. SAVAGE

SIDNEY – George A. Savage passed away on Saturday, October 4, 2025.

A Celebration of Life was held on Oct. 18 at 10 a.m. at the Sidney Second Baptist Church, 3022 West River Rd. in Sidney.

Please visit George’s memorial page at: https://directcremationofmaine.com/tribute/details/21105/George-Savage.

LEO J. DUQUETTE

WINSLOW – Lionel “Leo” J. Duquette, 103, of Winslow, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 9, 2025, following a long and remarkable life defined by faith, service, and love. Born on January 29, 1922, in Lac-Mégantic, Québec, Canada, Lionel was the son of Alphonse and Alice (Roy) Duquette.

Though born while his mother was visiting family in Canada, he grew up in Jackman where his parents ran the Puritan Restaurant and where his lifelong values of hard work and kindness were shaped.

After graduating from Jackman High School, Lionel worked at a shipyard before enlisting in the United States Army on December 18, 1942. Serving with the Army’s Coast Artillery Corps, he was later attached to the 111th Field Artillery’s Headquarters Division, seeing overseas service in England and Germany. He was honorably discharged in 1946 with the rank of corporal, earning the Good Conduct Medal, American Theater Campaign Ribbon, European African Middle Eastern Campaign Ribbon, and the World War II Victory Medal.

Following his military service, Lionel returned home and built a life rooted in family and community. He operated a shingle mill in Pittsfield before settling in Winslow, where he worked for Scott Paper Company for 35 years. He was a proud member of both the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion posts, in Winslow and Waterville, respectively.

Leo was blessed to experience love twice in his lifetime – first with Wilma Quirion, with whom he raised two children, Sheila and Danny, and later with Marie Jane Boulette, who brought renewed companionship and joy to his life.

Leo’s gentle spirit, sharp wit, and love of simple pleasures, whether doing his daily Sudoku puzzle, fishing, or playing a game of checkers, were constants throughout his life. Many tried and failed to best him, but all who played enjoyed the time spent with him even more than the game, itself. I bet he’s in Heaven right now enjoying a game of checkers with his longtime friend, Leo Paradis. His strong faith in God guided him throughout his 103 years, and his quiet strength and humility left a lasting example for generations to follow. He remained devoted to his faith until the very end, having attended mass just a few days before his passing.

Leo was predeceased by his wife, Marie Jane; his parents, Alphonse and Alice Duquette; and his siblings, Henry Duquette, Lucia Nadeau, Rita Fortier, and Anita Owens; son-in-law, Bruce Pomerleau; and granddaughter, Holly Benson.

He is survived by his brother, Lawrence Duquette, of Jackman; children, Sheila Lord and her husband Roy, of Winslow, Daniel Duquette and his wife Elizabeth, of Tucson, Arizona; stepchildren, Colette McLaughlin, of Winchester, Massachusetts, Dennis Boulette, of St. Romuald, Québec, Gerald Boulette, of West Buxton; grandchildren, Bridget Wing and her husband Randy, of St. Albans, Cathy Dumont, of Fairfield, Kimberly Whitley and her husband Paul, of Gardiner, Shelly Pomerleau, of Orlando, Florida, Alex Duquette and his wife Setareh, of Tucson, Arizona, and Benjamin Duquette, of Phoenix, Arizona; great-grandchildren, Jed Crommett and his wife Mariah, of Winslow, Jordan Dumont, of Fairfield, Erica Dumont,and her fiancé Jeremy Kelsey, of Winslow, Kasandra Dumont and her partner Deklan Thurston, of Old Town, and Brooke Wing and her fiancé Jacob Crocker, of Dover-Foxcroft, Ella Duquette and Ethan Duquette, of Tucson, Arizona; great-great-grandchildren, Aubrey Crommett and Kennedy Kelsey, both of Winslow; and many nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated, at 10 a.m., on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 26 Monument St., Winslow. A Mass of Christian Burial will be followed by a reception.

Arrangements are 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.

Those wishing to honor Leo’s life may do so through a donation in his memory to the Kora Shrine Club, 36 Cornell St., South Portland, ME 04106.

GLORIA M. BRETON

BENTON – Gloria Marie Breton, 83, passed away on Thursday, October 9, 2025, following a long illness. Gloria was born to Mary and Lucien LaCroix on July 11, 1942, in Waterville.

Growing up in a busy household as the oldest of four siblings, she learned to help out wherever needed from an early age. This trait was how she evolved into a caring and giving individual, always putting everyone else’s needs first before her own. Gloria loved projects and helping anyone, whether sewing curtains, making last-minute alterations to a dress, or quilting a new blanket. Gloria also spent her time volunteering to help others. She was a Girl Scout leader, a Waterville Hospice volunteer, a catechism teacher, and a Eucharistic Minister at Notre Dame Catholic Church.

Gloria graduated from Waterville High School in 1960. She married David Breton in 1961, sharing 64 years of marriage together. They established their home in Winslow and then moved to Waterville where they raised their daughters. Gloria was active with her daughters, driving them to sporting events and dance classes, and was always willing to host overnight slumber parties. She was always there for them, no matter what they needed.

Her career in hospitality started early. She enjoyed working with people and providing the best service to customers. She worked for over 23 years at the Fenway-Howard Johnson’s Hotel, in Waterville, as the restaurant/banquet manager, and also at the Holiday Inn, in Waterville, for over 20 years. She was dedicated to her work, always making sure that every detail was perfect. She received several awards throughout her career. Gloria finally retired in 2013 but continued to help wherever she was needed.

Gloria and David relocated to Florida in the winter, where they found a wonderful community at Center Crest, in Davenport. There, they enjoyed retirement with their siblings, taking advantage of all the activities the community had to offer. Not being able to stay idle for long, she started volunteering with the social club, organizing dances, yard sales, and holiday celebrations.

She would never pass up a Mardens’ run with her daughter, a lunch with her sister to watch their stories together, playing cards with her friends and getting together with all of her siblings for porch pizza parties.

Gloria leaves behind her three daughters, Celeste (Dan) Mallett, Nicole (Mark) Strout, and Laura Magosi-Wilson; her grandchildren, Jenn, Chris, Jessica, Sara, and Jordyn; her siblings, Roland (Judy) LaCroix, Dotti Carr, and Lucien (Barbara) LaCroix; sister-in-law Loretta (Frank) Hawes; and a niece, Tammy Pinnette.

She was predeceased by her husband, David, in May 2025, as well as Lucien and Mary LaCroix, Norman and Cleo Breton, and her brothers-in-law, Brad Carr and Roger Breton.

There will be a funeral Mass at Notre Dame Church, 126 Silver St., in Waterville, on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 11 a.m., with a graveside service following. The family will celebrate David and Gloria at a reception afterward at Best Western in Waterville.

DAISY E. SMITH

WATERVILLE – Daisy E. Smith, 95, passed away on Saturday, October 11, 2025. Daisy was born at home in Webster Plantation, on December 10, 1939, to Vinal Howard Worster and Viola Esther Cole Worster.

She was predeceased by both her parents; her sisters Janette Stetson, of Kettering, Ohio, and Joyce Dupont, of Gardiner; a nephew, Scott Dupont, of New Hampton, New Hampshire.

She is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law Kimberly and Gerard Austin, of Solon, Robin and Raymond Guerin, of Concord, New Hampshire; her son, Phillip O. Smith, of Oakland; seven grandchildren, Danielle Schryver, Stephanie Culver, Sarah Ketch, Connor Smith, all of Oakland, Jennifer Weston, of Douglas Massachusetts, Beth Bennett, of Nashua New Hampshire, and Megan Grover, of Knoxville Tennessee; 14 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren; a niece, Jennifer Maschino, of Gardiner; and a nephew, Rick Dupont, of Litchfield.

Prior to her retirement in 2006, Daisy worked as a medical records associate at Acadia Hospital, in Bangor. She also worked as a medical secretary in various outpatient departments including FMI in Augusta, Augusta General Hospital Imaging, Osteopathic Hospital, in Portland, and Waterville.

To honor Daisy’s wishes, there will be no public service. A private family gathering is planned to celebrate her life.

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.

If you wish, we invite you to donate to any animal shelter in her memory.

BEVERLY M. CHARRIER

WATERVILLE – Beverly M. Charrier, 78, passed away peacefully with family by her side in Brunswick, on Wednesday, October 15, 2025. Beverly was born on February 27, 1947, to parents Evelyn (Bigelow) and Louis Laney.

She graduated from Skowhegan High School in 1965 and went on to Thomas College, in Waterville, and graduated as a paralegal. She married the love of her life, Bruce Charrier in 1968. Bruce passed away in 2019. They celebrated 51 years together.

Beverly worked as a cashier for Sampson Super Market and Shaw’s Super Market, both in Waterville, for many years. She enjoyed volunteering in Waterville schools. She loved being a home maker and caring for her children.

Beverly enjoyed watching her children’s and grandchildren’s many sporting events and she loved to help out in the concessions stands for hockey, football, baseball, and soccer. She always opened her house and shared snacks not just for her children and grandchildren, but for all of their friends and teammates. Beverly and Bruce dedicated themselves to their three sons. Beverly would wake up at 4 a.m. to have her boys at the ice rink for a 5 a.m. hockey game or be at the South End outdoor ice rink in negative degree weather. During the summertime, she would be at the baseball fields during the hottest days for practices and games. Both Beverly and Bruce were the first people to sporting events to support their family members, no matter the weather. Beverly was proud to be a mother and always had unconditional love for her family. Family always came first. She also enjoyed a good laugh or a good joke.

She is survived by her three sons, Christopher Charrier and wife Bridget, of Oakland, James Charrier and wife Rachel, of Dartmouth, Massachusetts, and Brian Charrier and wife Rebecca, of Brunswick; two sisters Angie Garcelon and husband Phil, of Arizona, Sandra Hubbard and husband Bruce, of Monmouth; sister-in-law Ruby Zwijack and husband Frank, from Wisconsin; six grandchildren Jessica, Megan, Kira, Katherine, J.T., Lukas and her three nieces.

A graveside service will take place on Saturday October 25, 2025, at 11 a.m., at Calvary Cemetery, on North Avenue, in Skowhegan.

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