OBITUARIES for Thursday, October 24, 2024

ISABEL M. BRAGDON

VASSALBORO – Isabel Mary Bragdon, 77,, passed away on Friday, October 4, 2024, from complications due to the COVID virus. She was born on May 11, 1947, to Roland Patnaude and Dorothy (Peters) Patnaude in Winslow.

She worked for many years at Scott Paper Company, in Winslow. After finishing there, she decided to start a new career of her own and opened a six-bed boarding home for veterans with no family and gave them a homey place to stay. When the state came out with new rules and regulations, the home became more like an institution, and she made the difficult decision to close it. Isabel then went on to work for the Vassalboro Community School as a teacher’s aide where she enjoyed working with the students and teachers alike. Eventually, she decided to retire so she could spend more time with her family and her beloved grandchildren.

Isabel was predeceased by her parents, her older brother John Patnaude, sister-in-law, Nancy Patnaude, niece, Cheryl Richardson, and nephew, John Patnaude.

She is survived by her husband, Peter Bragdon, of Vassalboro; her daughter, Dr. Beth Bragdon and husband Benjamin Reining; grandchildren Makayla and Kaleb Reining, of Quincy, Massachusetts; niece, Cathy Maroney and husband Joe, of Vassalboro; nephew, David Patnaude and wife Barbara, of China; sisters-in-law, Peggy Gallant and husband Terry, of Winslow, and Lois Kvool and husband James, of Las Vegas, Nevada.

There will be no funeral or graveside service.

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.

LINDA T. PAWLICK

OAKLAND – Linda Theresa Pawlick, 73, passed away peacefully at home, on Thursday, October 10, 2024, following a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. She was born on September 21, 1951, in Rumford, the daughter of Robert and Theresa Bernard.

She attended Ricker College in Houlton, where she made lifelong friends who remained close to her heart.

On May 1, 1976, Linda married Ted Pawlick, and together they raised three beautiful daughters.
Linda spent many years working as a teacher at Atwood Tapley Elementary School, in Oakland, where she cared for her students in her motherly way, leaving a lasting impact on many young lives. After retirement, she found joy in working with Atlantic Partners EMS, where she cherished her work family and built lasting friendships.

Linda deeply loved her friends and her community in Oakland, where her bright spirit left a mark. Known for her infectious laughter and her ability to make everyone feel at home, she had a unique way of making people feel loved and comfortable in her presence. Whether she was hosting family gatherings, sharing stories, or just enjoying a quiet moment with loved ones, Linda made every moment feel special. She was never afraid to be herself and always knew how to have fun, making her the life of the party wherever she went.

Linda loved simple joys: reading, doing puzzles, indulging in a good steamed lobster, and spending time by the ocean. She found true happiness in making others happy and will be remembered as an amazing mother, grandmother, wife, and friend who touched the lives of everyone she knew. Her brilliant light and selfless spirit will be missed deeply by all who were lucky enough to know her.

Linda is survived by her husband, Ted; her daughters Jessica Bellingeri and her husband Joe, along with their children Natalie, Abe, Birhan, and Jackson, and Kate Bown and her husband Nate, with their children Silas, Aiden, and Oakley; and Dresden Pawlick.

Linda was predeceased by her parents Robert and Theresa Bernard.

A celebration of life will be held at the MacCrillis-Rousseau Winslow VFW Post #8835, on Sunday, November 3, 2024, from 1 to 4 p.m., where friends and family will gather to honor and remember the incredible woman who brought so much joy into their lives.

Arrangements are in the care of Wheeler Funeral Home, 26 Church St., Oakland, where memories of Linda may be shared, and an online register book can be signed by visiting http://www.wheelerfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Oakland Public Library in Linda’s memory.

PATRICIA C. H. WARD

CHINA – Patricia Constance H. Ward, 97, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 29, 2024, at her Goodwin House residence, in Alexandria, Virginia, where she and her late husband, Cptn. Raymond Edwin Ward (retired), of China Village, lived. She was born April 25, 1927, in London, England, where she later met her husband to be, Raymond, who was stationed there in the U.S. Navy. They were married June 4, 1949, in Sandyway, England.

She is survived by her half-sister Christine Britton who, with her husband John, still resides in England; three children, Susan H., P. Anne, and Michael R. Ward. Sadly, Michael passed away in January 1993; her daughters, Susan H. Swift, of Northampton, Massachusetts, and husband Brian, with daughter Gwenn E. Swift who is engaged to Mike Hensley, and Patricia ‘Anne’ Monrad, of Mooresville, North Carolina, husband Wayne with two sons, Nathaniel with wife Amy, and Ian with wife Rachel; five great-grandchildren. Maddison, Sonya, Ella, Shelby, and Gabriel.

A memorial service will be held at Goodwin House, on Sunday, November 17, 2024, at 3 p.m. A memorial service at China Baptist Church, in China, and burial will be determined at a later date in the summer 2025.

ELLEN S. RICE

FAIRFIELD – Ellen (Siket) Rice, 71, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 7, 2024, at MaineGeneral Long Term Care-Glenridge, Augusta. She was born August 28, 1953, the daughter of Andrew and Lois (Coombs) Siket.

Ellen was a 1971 graduate of Lawrence High School, in Fairfield.

While working full time and raising her children, Ellen attended additional nursing classes at University of Maine, Augusta. Although fearful of any questions requiring math, she studied extra hard to be sure to pass the licensing requirements for nursing. Her life was devoted to family and healthcare. After 40-plus years of nursing she retired from Mid-Maine Medical Center (now MaineGeneral Medical Center).

For much of her life, she resided at Montcalm Steet, in Fairfield. Ellen loved animals and throughout her life cared for many pets. On August 8, 1980, Ellen married William Rice, and they raised two children, son Daniel and daughter Katherine.

She was predeceased by her parents, son Daniel Rice, brother Andrew G. Siket and sister-in-law Sylvia Siket.

She is survived by husband William Rice, of Waterville; daughter Katherine Rice, of Portland; stepsons Adam Rice and his wife Kimberly, of Texas, Jason Rice and his wife Catherine, of California; mother in-law Evelyn Rice, of New Hampshire; granddaughter Paige Reynolds, of Fairfield; brother Steve Siket, of South Portland; and sister in-law Sheryl Siket, of North Carolina.

There will be a memorial gathering on Monday, October 28, 2024, from 1 – 3 p.m., at Veilleux-Remington-Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, 8 Elm Street, Waterville. A private burial will occur at a later date at St. Sebastian Cemetery, in Madison.

Arrangements are in the care of Veilleux-Redington-Lawry Bros., 8 Elm Street, Waterville, where memories of Ellen may be shared, and an online register book can be signed by visiting http://www.vrlfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Humane Society Waterville Area, 100 Webb Road, Waterville, Maine.

CARLENE F. BESSEY

CLINTON – Carlene F. Bessey, 85, passed away Tuesday, October 8, 2024. She was born July 23, 1939, in Thorndike, to Mary (Bellows) Bessey and Edward Bessey.

They moved to Clinton in 1942. She graduated from Clinton High School, class of 1957 and also from Victor Temporaries Computer School in 1967.

Carlene worked at Harris Bakery, in Waterville, and retired from Ethan Allen, Inc., in Burnham, due to health problems after 25 years of service.

Carlene loved the outdoors; camping, fishing and hunting with her Dad at his old stomping grounds. She enjoyed all wildlife, especially the birds, the deer that she fed, watched, and learned their behaviors, and caring for “her” alpacas at Northern Solstice. She loved watching sports, especially the University of Maine women’s basketball team. She loved her family and friends very much.

She was happiest when traveling with friends and loved to plan for her next adventures. She traveled and camped out in many parts of the United States and Eastern Canada, with Phyl and other friends.

She is survived by her sister, Camilla Charrier; niece, Mary Bernatchez (Glenn); nephew, Mark McKenney (Bonnie Joyce); great-nieces, Alexa Holmes (Orlando), Angel Reed (Jared Martin); great-nephews, Kevin McKenney (Anna), Chris McKenney and Zach Bernatchez; great-great nieces, Memphis, Cara and Austyn; great-great nephews, Gage, Grant, Jaxxson, Colten, Hunter, Kane and Jameson; her Charrier nieces, nephews, and their families, Benny (Sharon), David, Wayne (Darlene), Mary, Valerie (Todd), Dawn (Tim), Tiger, Jean and Lisa.

Carlene was predeceased by her parents, life partner Rev. Phyllis C. Dodd, niece, Deb Noonan.

A private graveside service will be held.

Donations may be made in her memory to the Humane Society WatervilleArea, 100 WebbRd., Waterville, ME 04901.

VIOLETTE R. HUARD

WINSLOW – Violette Rodrigue Huard, 85, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, October 13, 2024, at home. Violette was born on August 3, 1939, in Lac Megantic, Québec, Canada, the daughter of Delphis and Cecile (Dostie) Rodrigue.

Violette married the love of her life, Fernand, in 1965 and together they made a home in California and Winslow, where they raised their three children, with Maine being the final home for the last 40 years. Violette worked for many years at the C. F. Hathaway Shirt Factory, in Waterville, where she held numerous jobs.

Violette lived a very simple life. She enjoyed staying home, where it was her domain, reading, watching TV or simply just sitting on the porch and watching the cars go by. Most of all, she loved it when company would arrive. She never passed up a chance to chit chat with her children, or grandchildren and especially her great-grandson. She also enjoyed her yearly trip to Canada to visit family with her daughter. She was very religious. She never swore and she always prayed. Her rosary was always nearby. She never complained and most of all, she never gossiped.

She was predeceased by her parents and seven siblings.

She is survived by seven siblings, whom all live, in Lac Megantic, Québec, Canada; her three children, Edward and his wife Jessica, Daniel and his wife Jill, Susane and her husband Edward Cochrane; grandchildren, Brian Chapman, Kathleen Huard, Lisa Huard; great-grandson Jack Gilbert.

There was a funeral service at Veilleux-Redington-Lawry Bros. Funeral Home, on Tuesday, October 22, 2024. Committal followed at St. Francis Cemetery, in Waterville, next to her husband.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Meals on Wheels.

STEPHEN F. KILLAM

WATERVILLE – Stephen Francis Killam Jr., 47, unexpectedly passed away early in the morning on Tuesday, October 15, 2024. Stephen was born June 10, 1977, in Waterville, the oldest of five children.

Stephen was known to have a very big heart, loved being with his family and friends, and would always offer to lend a hand to those in need.

Visiting hours will be Oct, 24, from 6 – 8 p.m. at Veilleux-Redington- Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, 8 Elm St., Waterville. A graveside service will take place Oct. 25, at 2 p.m., South Freedom Rd, Maple Grove Cemetery, Albion.

Please visit http://www.vrlfuneralhome.com to view the entire obituary and to sign the guest book.

CHAD D. CROMMETT

VASSALBORO– Chad Dewitt Crommett, 57, passed away peacefully in his long time family home on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, following a long and hard fought battle with cancer. He was born June 1, 1967, the son of Candace (Hall) and Herbert Crommett.

Chad spent most of his life working in the construction industry and as a carpenter working for himself. One of his greatest accomplishments was becoming a Registered Maine Guide and being able to work with his brother Shane at 15 Mile Stream Lodge and Outfitters.

Chad loved being outside, hunting, fishing, softball, cornhole, watching sporting events, snowboarding, attending rock concerts, camping with friends, and most of all just spending time with his family and friends.

Chad was predeceased by his parents Herb and Candace Crommett.

He is survived by his son Patrick Crommett and wife Tiffani, of Vassalboro; two grandchildren Braiden and Tarynn Crommett; his brother Shane Crommett and wife Rachel, of The West Forks; step-mother Pam Powell, of Windsor; nieces Kelley Crommett along with her partner Lucas and three children Wyatt, Walker, and Lilah, all of Vassalboro; Sarah Johnson and husband Sam, of Portland; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A graveside service will be held on Sunday, October 27, 2024, at 2 p.m., at the Crommett/Hall Family Cemetery, 330 Quimby Road, in Albion, ME 04910. A celebration of life will follow at the Albion Town Hall (Besse Building), at 22 Main St., in Albion.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Plummer Funeral Home, 983 Ridge Road, Windsor, ME 04363. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared by visiting www.plummerfh.com.

SHELLEY PUSHARD

WINDSOR – Shelley Pushard recently passed away of breast cancer that had metastasized throughout her body, especially the liver. She had previously beaten ovarian cancer. Shelly was born on March 21, 1958, in Waterville.

This is her husband Scott who is writing this. One of the advantages of our journey was knowing roughly how much longer we had together. We got to tell each other everything we wanted to. She had time to tell me what she wanted for her obituary and what people she wanted to thank.

She lived in Hardwick, Massachusetts, from age four to 17. She attended Quabbin Reginal High, in Barre, Massachusetts, before returning to Maine for good. She had two boys, Wayne Goodrich Jr., and Rick Podkowka. She would always pull out pictures of them to show or tell people what they were doing. She was so proud of the men they had become.

Shelly had many jobs in her life and on one of them is where we met. We dated for five years before marrying in 2006. She was as beautiful in her final days as she was the first time I saw her. Shelly so wanted to pass at home but things didn’t work out that way. She passed away at Maine Medical Center, in Portland.

Our very first date was near Maine Med at the 3.5-mile walk you can do around the water. We would go there a lot over the years and in her final days one of her rooms overlooked our spot. So, she passed near a special place to us.

Some of the things Shelley enjoyed doing over the years were dancing, camping, trips with Rick and Heather, a trip to Las Vegas, Nevada, with friends Joe and Michele, bonfires, walking, bingo at Fox Woods, zoos, aquariums, trips to North Conway, New Hampshire, fishing, ID TU especially Dr. G and Joe Kenda, Sopranos, and she loved her scratch tickets. She loved to travel but as her cancer spread over the years she loved to stay home.

She would sit outside for hours each day watching me work and looking at wildlife, but she loved the four gardens we had made over the years best. We had stone animals and decorations in them all and they all had a lot of lights in them as well. She would sit on her swing and watch the lights at night for hours. We would sit and talk out there often, rarely ever talking about cancer or death. We always, through the long fight, would take it day by day and laugh as much as possible. She loved to pull pranks like throwing cold water on me in the shower or trying to scare me, but I couldn’t do it back, of course.

Shelly was a beautiful woman who never needed make-up to look good, but she loved to dress up and look good and wear lots of jewelry. She was an amazing woman who never lost her sense of humor or will to live. Throughout her cancer journey, she showed me and everyone she knew never give up no matter what cards you are dealt. She showed incredible perseverance through all the treatments, bad and good news, medications, and surgeries along the way. She did it all with such determination. She wanted to thank the Pushard Family for making her feel like a real family member. You all always made her feel so loved throughout our 24 years together.

She was predeceased by parents, Helen and Bob Nason; son, Wayne Goodrich Jr.; sisters, Sandra Hartly, Sharon Pooler, Ella Johnson, and Verna Williams; and stepbrother, Alan Nason.

She is survived by husband, Scott; her son, Rick Podkowka and his wife Heather, and many more relatives, and in-laws.