OBITUARIES for Thursday, October 26, 2023

EDWARD N. TANSEY

WINSLOW – Edward Nelson Tansey, 79, of Winslow, passed away on Sunday, September 24, 2023. He was born, in Boston, Massachusetts, on June 11, 1944.

As a youth, Ed enjoyed sports and outdoor activities, and achieved the Eagle Scout rank in the Boy Scouts. He attended the University of Maine, Orono, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology. While in college, Ed participated in the ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corp.) program, and entered the United States Army Officer Candidate School upon graduation. After two years of active duty, he transitioned to the U.S. Army reserves where he eventually attained the rank of lieutenant colonel.

Professionally, Ed was a guidance counselor, teacher, and swim coach for Lawrence High School, in Fairfield, where he worked for 32 years. In addition to this, he was a national champion bowler and excelled at golf and softball – especially as a lefty.

Ed and his wife Darlene loved wintering in Florida, where they enjoyed the beaches, theaters, and dancing the night away. He thought he was too young for a golf cart, he always used his bicycle.

Ed is survived by his wife, Darlene Caron Tansey; his children Lisa S. Tansey, Heather L. Hatch, and grandson Matthew Hatch; his step-son Shane A. Gagne and grandsons Parker and Kyle Gagne; step-daughter Tara L. Bradstreet and her husband Dan, her children Justin Martin and wife Maddy, Nathan Martin and wife Haley; and his granddaughter Arianna Bradstreet; his sisters Barbara J. Poulin, and Marilyn T. Hamm and her partner Peter Bland; and brother J. Alden Tansey and his wife Darla; .

Ed was predeceased by his parents Edward Eugene Bevan Tansey and Elizabeth Nelson Alden Tansey, and nephew Michael Tansey.

Interment will be at the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, in Augusta, in the spring.

Arrangements are in the care of Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, 107 Main Street, Fairfield where memories may be shared, and an online register book signed by visiting http://www.lawrybrothers.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Avenue, Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601, or act.alz.org.

LORI A. CAYFORD

WATERVILLE – Lori Ann Cayford, 51, passed away on Wednesday, September 27, 2023, following a brief illness. Lori was born in Waterville to Vance A. Cayford Sr. and Nancy A. Dubois Cayford.

Lori worked at Thayer Hospital and Fireside Inn and Suites, both in Waterville.

Lori had an infectious smile, loved kids and animals and traveling with her mom and stepfather, Dan, especially to the coast, Las Vegas and Oxford/ Foxwoods. We will miss her teasing and kidding and the twinkle in her eyes that came with that.

Lori is survived by her mother, Nancy Cayford, stepfather Daniel Pooler Jr.; father, Vance A. Cayford Sr., and stepmother, Karen Pressey Cayford, as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Lori was predeceased by her grandparents Ivan and Evelyn Cayford, Wallace and Shirley Dubois, Lynn and Pauline Pressey, her brother Vance A. Cayford, Jr., her uncle Tim Dubois, and aunts Susan Moffett and Linda Nivison.

A celebration of life will be held at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery on Saturday, November 4, 2023 at 10:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers donations in Lori’s memory may be made to MaineGeneral Hospice, 10 Water Street, 3rd Floor, Waterville ME 04901.

GERARD J. BECHARD JR.

SIDNEY – Gerard (Tiny) Joseph Bechard Jr., 74, passed away peacefully at home following a long two years, on Tues­day, September 26, 2023. He was born in Waterville on January 12, 1949, the son of Gerard Bechard Sr. and Theresa Bechard.

He graduated from Williams High School, in Oakland, in 1968, with a scholarship to Votech Institute Massachusetts as a machinist.

He loved sports, played football, was a fantastic ice hockey player. For years, he did Judo, scuba diving, fresh and deep sea fishing, hunting, shooting range, rode his Harley, was a UBM representative, loved dogs, farming and haying for his folks, Theresa and Gerard Sr.

He had a very fulfilling life. He was a machine parts fabricator for Edwards Mill, in Augusta, the state of Maine, and Bath Iron Works, drove a snowplow for the Maine Department of Transportation and the town of Sidney, drove class 2 school and tour buses, was a welder, member and bartender for Le Club Calumet, in Augusta, was Eagles Club president and vice president, in Augusta, belonged to the Maine State Employees Association and SEIU union representative, Chelsea substitute teacher, was on the Sidney Fire Department and planning board, and more.

Gerard owned a seafood store and large apartment building with his son, Gerard III.

He considered everyone a friend, and many in all walks of life, like Gov. John McKernan, U.S. Senator Olympia Snowe, Malcolm Forbes, Willie G. Davidson, and many policemen.

Gerard is survived by his wife of 49 years, Ernestine (Tina) Bechard); his son, Gerard Bechard III; grandson Gerard (Jake) Bechard IV; a sister Anita Breton and husband James Breton; sisters-in-law Nancy Davis, Mary Copage Colfer and Aurora Carreia; brothers-in-law Brian Squires and wife Carol, Dick Colfer and wife Mary, Mark Colfer and wife Brenda; cousins Roger and Maddie, and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the VFW Post #887, 509 Leighton Rd., Augusta, on Saturday, November 18, from 4 – 5:30 p.m., 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. potluck supper, 6:30 – 11 p.m., live band and silent auction, plus a 50/50 raffle.

MARIE A. PELOTTE

WINSLOW – Marie A. Pelotte, 100, of Winslow, died peacefully on Friday, September 29, 2023, at Oak Grove Center, in Waterville. She was born in Fort Kent on May 17, 1923, the first daughter born to Alphie Hebert and Isabelle (Dufour) Hebert.

Marie loved fishing and hunting. She loved foraging for berries and fiddleheads and she excelled at Beano and gambling, and she always won. She loved and adored her family and couldn’t wait to get her hands on the “babies” that would emerge throughout the years in her family. She was kind and loving and enjoyed spending her summers at Moosehead Lake having fish fries.

Marie was a homemaker and also worked for prominent families in the community. She also assisted with child rearing for these families. She love to cross stitch and make quilts. Many of her quilts were donated to the Waterville Homeless Shelter, and were known as Mémère’s blankets. She kept busy in her earlier years with frequent garage sales and getting a bargain anywhere she could.

Marie was predeceased by her husband, Adelard J. Pelotte; her parents; her two children, infant son, baby Gerald and daughter, Elena Giroux; several brothers and sisters; her granddaughter, Tina Pelotte Libby; and great-grandson, Joseph W. Violette II.

Marie is survived by a son, Thomas Pelotte (Claire), of Benton; granddaughter, Kathy Violette, of Winslow, with whom she made her home, and four more grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; several great-great-grandchildren; her brother, Robert Hebert, of California, and her sister, Jane Poulin, (Charles), of Waterville; and several nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Tuesday, October 24, at St. John Church, in Winslow, followed by burial at Saint Francis Cemetery, on Grove Street, in Waterville.

CLARENCE G. BUTLER

WATERVILLE – Clarence “Ken” G. Butler, 93, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 6, 2023. He was born October 22, 1929, in Oakland, to Nellie and Clarence Butler Sr.

Ken was raised by his mother and stepfather, Frank Kenniston. Frank gave him the nick-name “Ken” which stayed with him for life. He attended schools in Oakland and enlisted in the U.S. Army at 17, spending time in Germany during the war. Ken took classes at the University of Maine in Farmington when he returned to civilian life.

He was a long-time member of the Newhall Street Second Baptist Church, in Fairfield, for many years. He was a deacon and trustee of the church and he and his wife also sang in the choir.

Ken was an extremely hard worker, holding many jobs over the years. Back in his youth, he worked at the Oakland Axe Shop. He also drove truck, yellow cab, and a school bus. He was employed by Harris Bakery, Redman’s pet care, and taught driver’s education. He retired in 1995 from security at Thomas College, in Waterville.

Ken was predeceased by one son, Derril Butler, as well as stepchildren Darlene Nicholas and Daniel Sawtelle.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Barbara Butler; sons Craig, Eric, Jeff and Ben Butler; a daughter, Michelle Waters; stepsons Dana Sawtelle and his wife April, Daryl Sawtelle with his wife Tina, and Donald Welch with his wife Kristina; also including many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Please visit Ken’s memorial page at https://dsfuneral.com/obituaries/clarence-g-butler-jr-2023 to share condolences, photos, and special memories.

JAMES E. DODGE

WINDSOR – James E. Dodge, 72, of Windsor, passed peacefully at the Comfort Care/Hospice Unit at Glenridge, on Tuesday, October 10, 2023, following a battle with Fronto­temporal Dementia and a sudden diagnosis of colon cancer.

Jim was born on November 10, 1950, to the late Dorothy and Erskine Dodge and grew up in Farmingdale. In 1969 he graduated from Hall-Dale High School. He continued his education and graduated from Unity College in 1973. James went on to teach Earth Science at Cony High School, in Augusta, for 36 years from 1973-2009. He started soccer as a club sport and coached the Rifle Club in his earlier years. Jim and Sue were married in June 1974. They moved to Windsor where he built their forever home and raised their three children.

James was a man who never stopped working, from running Windsor Video out of their home in the late ‘80s, working at Western Tool after school with Jason, farming, cutting wood down back, milling lumber, haying, hunting, rebuilding antique cars with Josh, creating amazing woodwork pieces for all, taking care of Sue’s “L” shaped pool for Katie’s daycare kids, growing an enormous garden, and golfing at Natanis Golf Course, in Vassalboro. James was very skilled at whatever he did. Although his facial expressions didn’t always show it, he was a caring man underneath.

Jim was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia. At this time he loved telling jokes and still remembered everyone. He spent any time he could with his six grandchildren. In his last year, he and Sue were able to drive to Florida where they vacationed for two months. Jim loved taking videos with his camera and collecting shells on the beach. His days back home were spent filling picture frames, albums, and walls with photos. He called it his scrapbooking. He loved giving his photos to people with his famous handwritten Post-it notes. Reminiscing with family through his home videos was a daily activity. Each day he would awake and ask “Susie, where are we going today?” hoping for a shopping trip to Sam’s Club, Walmart, or Marden’s.

Jim will be remembered by his “high school sweetheart” and wife of 49 years, Susan (Wallace) Dodge; his three children and their families, son Joshua Dodge (wife Rena children Dylan and Addison Dodge of Vassalboro), daughter Katie (Dodge) Bailey (husband Chad, children, Duncan and Delia Bailey of China), son Jason Dodge (wife Megan twin boys Charles and Sawyer Dodge-Michigan); his sisters, Kitty Carrier (husband Roger) and Bonnie Squiers (husband Tom) and many sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, and nephews.

A graveside service was held on Friday, October 20, at Rest Haven Cemetery, in Windsor. A celebration of life followed at Le Club Calumet, in Augusta, on Friday, October 20.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at Directcremationofmaine.com.

KYLEE A. TURCOTTE

LISBON FALLS / WINSLOW – Kylee Ann Turcotte, 30, passed tragically on Friday, October 6, 2023. Kylee was born February 23, 1993, in Waterville, daughter of Michael and Susan Ri­singer, of Winslow.

She graduated from Winslow High School (2011) where she loved being part of the basketball and softball teams. She was someone who always put her nose to the grind to reach success. She graduated from Thomas College (2015), in Waterville, where she earned her master’s degree in accounting.

In 2014, Kylee met Adam Turcotte, of Lisbon, at FHC, Inc., of Bowdoin, where Kylee was on an internship. Kylee and Adam married October 15, 2016, bought their first home, adopted their chocolate lab Zeus, and then became parents of a handsome little boy, Xavier, within 15 months. For the past seven years, she was employed as Controller for Precast of Maine (Division of Crooker Construction), in Topsham.

Kylee was beautiful, caring and loving. Her family and friends will remember Kylee for her amazing work ethic, her beautiful smile and her passion for making a difference in the lives of others no matter the cause. She enjoyed scrapbooking, couponing, running, and going to the gym.

Kylee was the brightest light to others and she now lives in their hearts. Kylee made an instant impact on everyone she met and on thousands who never will.

In addition to her parents, Kylee is survived by her handsome little boy, Xavier; husband, Adam Turcotte; his sister Jill Risinger; by in-laws Darlene Culbert (Pat) and Paul Turcotte; many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 28, at 1 p.m. at FHC, 1201 Main St., Bowdoin.

Arrangements are in the care of Staples Funeral Home, 53 Brunswick Ave., Gardiner, where memories, condolences and photos may be shared with the family at http://www.staplesfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to a fund for her son Xavier Turcotte, c/o Lisbon Comm. F.C.U., P.O. Box 878, Lisbon ME 04250-0878

DALE R. COLLIER

OAKLAND – Dale R. Collier, 88, passed away on Thursday, October 12, 2023. Dale was born on April 19, 1935, son to Glendoris (Nadeau) and Victor H Collier.

Dale was brought up in Oakland and raised his family in Belgrade, close to his childhood roots. He married his bride, Bernadette Busby, in 1958. They celebrated their 65th anniversary on October 4, 2023.

Dale joined the U.S. Army just out of high school and was eager to support his country. He was a member of the American Legion, Waterville Elks, and a proud U.S. Veteran. Dale was a great enthusiast for all sport venues, participating in his youth as well as a spectator in his later years.

He was predeceased by both parents and his oldest son Lucky.

Dale is survived by his daughter Kellie with Max; son Jack with Annie; grandchildren, Joshua, Madisyn, Sydni, Caitie; great-grandson Brody; brother David with Bonnie; many nephews, nieces, and cousins.

A celebration of life will be held at the Elks, 76 Industrial Street, Waterville, Fridasy, November 10, from 1 – 4 p.m.

Dale will be buried at the Collier family cemetery at a future date to be announced.

Please visit Dale’s memorial page at https://dsfuneral.com/obituaries/dale-collier-2023 to share condolences, photos, and special memories.

NANCY VanDERVEER

WINSLOW – Nancy VanDerveer, 79, passed away peacefully on Saturday October 14, 2023. She was born in Waterville on May 26, 1944, the daughter of the late Leonel J. and Andrea (Talbot) Fortin.

Nancy graduated from Mount Merici Academy, in Waterville, in 1962. On September 7, 1968, she married the love of her life, James VanDerveer. Together they made their home in Winslow with their two children Holly and Scott. Nancy worked for Central Maine Power Co. until her retirement. She and Jim enjoyed rides to the coast, a good lobster roll, spending quality time at the Samoset Resort, in Rockport, and spending countless hours with their grandchildren.

Nancy was a woman of strong faith and a was a lifelong communicant of St. John the Baptist Church, in Winslow. She was an avid QVC client and faithful to many news programs, with CNN being her favorite.

She was very soft spoken and kind hearted. Her Lakewood family said she always had a beautiful smile on her face. After Jim’s passing you could always find her son Scott by her side whether they were getting ice cream, groceries, going to Mass or visiting family. They shared a very special bond.

Along with her parents Nancy was predeceased by her husband Jim, her sister Louisette (Lou) Roy and her brother Reggie Fortin; brothers-in-law Robert Roy, Ron LaPlante, and Carl Vanderveer.

Nancy is survived by her son Scott, of Winslow; her daughter Holly (James) Anderson, of Vassalboro and her granddaughters Rachel, Lauren, Tori and Kara and great granddaughter Elainna Linnell; her sister Jeanne LaPlante and her companion Chuck Perkins, of Waterville; her brother Michael Fortin and his wife Jill,of Winslow; sister-in-law Joan Gould, of Littleton New Hampshire, and several nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. John the Baptist Church, 26 Monument Street, Winslow, at 9 a.m., Friday, October 27, 2023. Burial will immediately follow at Saint Francis Cemetery, on Grove Street, in Waterville.

Please visit http://www.VeilleuxFuneralHome.com to share your condolences and memories with Nancy’s family.

In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation in Nancy’s name to Spectrum Generations/Muskie Center, 39 Gold St., Waterville, ME 04901.

KATHY ROWLETTE

ALBION – Kathy Rowlette, 81, of Albion, passed away on Tuesday, August 29, 2023.

A graveside service for Kathy and her husband Fred, who passed away January 23, 2022, will take place at Puddledock Cemetery, on the South Freedom Road, in Albion, on Saturday, October 28, 2023, at 1 p.m.

Following the service, the family invites guests to the Bessey building, on Main Street, in Albion, for a luncheon, where they will have a Celebration of Life and share memories of Kathy.

SAMUEL N. GODDARD

WATERVILLE – Samuel Nevers Goddard was born in Waterville in what was known as Thayer Hospital on August 25, 1938.

Sam had a good life; born to educated/ professional parents. He attended Waterville Public Schools, graduated from Waterville High School in 1956. In high school, he was part of the prestigious “Club 56”. He graduated from Maine Central Institute (MCI), in Pittsfield, in 1957, and from the University of Maine at Orono in 1961, with a science degree of entomology.

In 1961, Sam married his high school sweetheart, Jeannette Bard. Shortly after their marriage, Sam proudly served in the U.S. Army as a medical specialist. At Fort Sam Houston, in San Antonio Texas, he was part of a M-A-S-H Unit; he taught biology and worked in the hospital treating burn victims; he was later transferred to Fort Devons, Massachusetts, where he worked as a game warden.

Sam was decorated with various medals, including “Expert” in markmanship.

Discharged from the Army, he joined the family insurance business (then known as L.O. Tebbetts) He was instrumental in the merger of that family business with another Waterville insurance agency (J. B. Friel Co); it then became known as Goddard-Hodgdon-Mitchell (now known as GHM Agency). He served GHM Agency as its president, and was the designated broker for their real estate division. Retired from GHM in 2001, and became a “gentlemen farmer” in his country home of China Village.

Sam enjoyed hunting and fishing, locally, throughout the country and internationally; he valued the friendships of his long-time (some life-long) friends.

Restoration of his 1925 Pierce Arrow became a fun and challenging hobby for him; parades, conventions and met many new friends.

Sam had a lifelong interest in volunteerism. Shortly after his discharge from the military, he co-started and was troop leader for Boy Scouts of America at the First Baptist Church,, in China. Among the many volunteer functions, he served as Assessment Review chairman, for the city of Waterville; Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Moderator for First Baptist Church; Chairman of Waterville Osteopathic Hospital (now Northern Light Inland Hospital) New Horizon; Chairman of Foundation Board and Finance Committee for Kennebec Behavioral Agency, and took pride in the 40 years of service to the agency. He was proud of his Scottish heritage of the Colquhoun clan.

Sam was a 50-year member of the Waterville Rotary Club, and served as its treasurer and president in 1964 and was awarded the coveted “Paul Harris Fellow”. Sam was a charter member of the China Historical Society. He is named in the “Outstanding Young Men of America” (1971).

Sam was predeceased by parents G. Cecil and Clara “Pat” Nevers Goddard; and niece Julie Smith.

He is survived by his wife, Jan; daughters Suzanne, of China Village, Rebecca (David) Bean, of Williamsburg, Virginia; sisters Jacqueline Black, of China Village, Melissa Ayer, of New Jersey; nephew James Smith, and niece, Joanna Bearce.

At his request, there will be no funeral; a private burial will take place at a later date.