OBITUARIES for Thursday, October 27, 2022

DAVID R. KING JR.

OAKLAND – David R. King Jr., 86, of Oakland, passed away on Friday, October 7, 2022, at Maine Medical Center, in Portland, following a brief illness. He was born in Oak­land on Nov­ember 12, 1935, the son of Rose (Boulais) and David R. King, Sr.

David attended school in Oakland and graduated from Williams High School in 1954.

He worked at Michaud’s Grocery Store, starting as a bag boy when he was a teenager. The store later became known as Bud’s, which David managed for many years. He later retired from the U.S. Postal Service.

David and his wife, Eardine, belonged to the Heart of Maine Square Dance Club and were avid square and round dancers for more than 40 years. He was a communicant of St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, in Oakland, and was a Eucharistic Minister.

David loved to play cribbage and would play every chance he got.

He was predeceased by his wife, Eardine King (Campbell), his brother Robert King, sisters Bernice King and Lucille Patterson; and daughter-in-law Lisa King (Farmer).

He is survived by his four children, Meliny King, Wann King, Shelly Wood, Lindy Henninger and her husband, Christopher; and seven grandchildren, Samantha Thibodeau (Henninger) and her husband Jonathan, Amanda Henninger, Michael King, David King, Brandon King, Hannah King and Jocelyn King; and seven great-grandchildren.

A memorial service and burial will be held in the Spring.

Arrangements are in the care of Wheeler Funeral Home, 26 Church Street, Oakland, where condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the website at http://www.lawrybrothers.com.

JACQUELINE E. CYRWAY

WATERVILLE – Jacqueline “Jackie” Edith Anne Cyrway, 90, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 10, 2022, at Northern Light Continuing Care Lake­wood, in Waterville. She was born to Alphonse and Emegile (Bolduc) Michaud, in Waterville, on May 11, 1932, and raised by her Aunt Agnes “Caddie” (Bolduc) Cameron and Uncle Frank Cameron.

She attended Waterville schools and worked at Maine’s Best Lobster Pound, Sisters Hospital and C. F. Hathaway Shirt Factory, all in Waterville.

Jackie married Alan Cyrway on August 26, 1950. They resided on Drummond Ave., in Waterville, until 1962 when they built and moved to their family homestead on Benton Ave. in Benton, where they raised their four children; Wayne, Scott, Jay & Pam, and started their own business, Suburban Farm Market and Dairy. The family operated the farm stand serving the surrounding community with fresh vegetables, produce and homemade baked goods. They employed many of the local and neighborhood teenagers and adults who still fondly remember and share memories of working on the farm.

Jackie’s homemade peanut butter balls, bread and strawberry rhubarb jam were a few of the favorite baked goods sold at the market stand. She loved seeing and talking with their customers. Her smile and outgoing personality was always welcoming and inviting to all.

Some of her many talents were quilting, crafts and baking. She was very passionate about her garage sales, always carefully planning her route and hosting her own annual garage sale. She would often be seen cruising around town in her 1979 Pontiac Trans Am, which she proudly drove well into her elderly years.

Jackie and Alan enjoyed traveling to Florida, stopping along the way in the Amish Country and camping with family in Maine. She was a fan of Elvis Presley and enjoyed country music. Her favorite country singer was Loretta Lynn and she loved the song Rose Garden.

She is survived by her three sons, Wayne Cyrway and his wife Cathy, of Benton, Scott Cyrway and his wife Jill, of Albion, Jay Cyrway and his wife Cathy, of Florida; her daughter Pam Cyrway and partner Khristian Clement, of Benton; her grandchildren, Ames (Amy) Cyrway, Jennifer Fontaine, Shawn Cyrway, Jamie Cyrway, Kimberly Ward, Martin Cyrway, Amanda Bolcar, and Megan McCullough; 18 great-grandchildren; her dearest friend Martha Shores and many other special friends.

Jackie was predeceased by her husband Alan, her Aunt Caddie and Uncle Frank, her brothers, Alphonse and Ronald Michaud and her parents.

She loved flowers and the color pink. Her favorite flower was the Forget-Me-Not, not only for the beautiful dainty flower that it is, but also for what the Forget-Me-Not symbolizes, “a testament to your relationships and promises to the other person that you will never forget them in your thoughts.”

A private graveside service and celebration of life will be held at a later date.

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

In lieu of flowers, those who wish may donate to the Humane Society Waterville Area, at http://www.hswa.org. Jackie was an animal lover and a longtime donor.

SISTER LAURIANNE MICHAUD O.S.U.

WATERVILLE – Sister Laurianne Michaud O.S.U., 97, also known as Sister Eli­zabeth The­rese, died peace­fully on Tuesday, October 11, 2022. Sister was born Au­gust 7, 1925, in Lewiston, to Joseph Michaud and Mary Ann Desilets.

She entered the Ursuline Community in 1942 and professed her vows on January 16, 1947.

Sister Laurianne earned a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts from the College of New Rochelle and a master’s degree in education from Boston College. She also earned certification in theology from Providence College.

She was a K-12 teacher and principal, serving the Waterville, Brunswick, Sanford and Lewiston, communities; Dedham, Springfield, Boston and North Scituate areas of Massachusetts communities; and the Bronx, New York, area. She also served the Ursuline community as Prioress, Treasurer and Provincial Councilor.

Sister Laurianne is survived by a sister, Dolores Michaud Bilodeau and a brother Gerard Michaud and his wife Alice.

She was predeceased by two brothers, Larry Michaud and Raymond Michaud.

A private interment will be held at St. Angela Way Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Veilleux and Redington Funeral Home, 8 Elm St., Waterville.

GARY S. FRENCH

SOUTH CHINA – Gary Steven French, 71, of South China, passed peacefully on Fri­day, Octo­ber 14, 2022, at Maine VA Medical Center Togus. Gary was born in Morrisville, Vermont, February 3, 1951.

He graduated from Harwood High School June 11, 1970, and then entered the U.S. Army that August where he became a nuclear weapons specialist in atomic demolition; arming and disarming bombs during the Vietnam war until 1973.

Upon returning from Germany, he was employed at many types of jobs until he completed the Vermont State apprenticeship with the Construction Training Council and Pizzagalli Construction company on August 31, 1981. He learned carpentry, welding, transit and laser reading, as well as commercial concreate work. In 1982 Gary started his own construction business working for several farms in Central Maine where he made life-long friends.

Gary was a family man who always had something for the kids. He married Marcia Dickey in 1977 but Gary’s most joyous moment in life was the birth of his son, Travis Allan French, in 1979.

In 1986 he began the job of his dreams where he could have his shadow, Travis, with him every day. He started a career with Maersk Inc., as a property manager for a vacation home in South China where a new adventure began. Maintaining the property included carpentry, landscaping, mechanics, hospitality management, forest, and wildlife conservation.

Gary is survived by wife, Marcia; son Travis; daughter-in-law, Danielle DeRocher French; grandson, Wyatt; granddaughter, Clara; sisters Penny Carpenter, Kim Guyette, her husband Bill; brother, Richard Griffin; and many nieces and nephews.

There will be a celebration to share memories on Saturday, November 12, at the Waterville Elks Lodge #905, at 1 p.m. There will be snacks, stories, and cash bar.

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

In lieu of flowers, please come share your memories.

MALCOLM S. OLIVER

JEFFERSON – Malcolm Sewall Oliver, 82, passed away at his home in Jefferson on Saturday, October 15, 2022. Malcolm was born June 30, 1940, in Damariscotta Mills, the son of William Joshua Oliver and Minnie Reeves Oliver. He grew up in Newcastle and attended Franklin Grammar School and Lincoln Academy.

In the summer of 1958 at the age of 18, Malcolm enlisted in the U.S. Navy. After graduating from Boot Camp, in Great Lakes, Illinois, he was assigned to B Division aboard the Aircraft Carrier U.S.S. Forrestal where he served his entire active duty. In the summer of 1962 he was released from active duty with a rate BT 3.

Malcolm returned home to work a local pizza shop until the fall when he began working at the Lincoln County News. He left the Lincoln County News in 1968 and began working at the Kennebec Journal Printing. He worked for the Kennebec Journal for ten years working his way up the ladder to the position of production manager. He decided to establish his own business, Oliver’s Print Shop, in the fall of 1977. He managed his shop for 17 years until he retired.

Malcolm was a member of the Damariscotta United Methodist Church, and past president of the Damariscotta-Newcastle Rotary Club. Malcolm was awarded the Paul Harris Fellow by fellow Rotarians for his dedication and outstanding service to the community. He was a lifetime member of the Wells-Hussey American Legion Post #42, and a life member of the U.S.S. Forrestal Reunion Association.

He was predeceased by his brothers, James Reeves and Landon Oliver; sister, Katherine Emerson.

He is survived by his wife, Beth Oliver, of Jefferson; sons, Leon Oliver and his wife Alicia, of Damariscotta, and Allen Oliver and his wife Annett,e of Farmingdale; step-sons, Stephen Plummer and his wife Lisa, of Augusta, and Jeffrey Plummer and his wife Angela, of Palermo; step-daughter, Karen Mason and her husband Mark, of South China; daughter, Jane; and sister-in-law, Joanne Oliver, of Walpole; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews.

A private family graveside will be held the Maine Veteran’s Cemetery, in Augusta, with military honors.

Arrangements are entrusted to Hall Funeral Home and Crematory, 949 Main Street, Waldoboro.

Condolences may be shared with the family at http://www.hallfuneralhomes.com.

DARLENE D. BELL

WHITEFIELD – Darlene D. (Atkinson) “Dutchy” Bell, 70, passed away on Sunday, October 16, 2022, at home, following a long and brave fight with a debilitating disease. She was the wife of James N. Bell with whom she shared 49 years of marriage. Dutchy was born October 30, 1951, in Gardiner, the daughter of the late Richard “Dick” and Dorothy (Perkins) Atkinson.

Dutchy grew up in Dresden and graduated from Wiscasset High School, class of 1970. She went on to further her education and graduated with a BS in child development in 1974 from the University of Maine at Orono.

Dutchy was a fourth or fifth grade teacher depending on the size of her class in the Wiscasset school system for 39 years until her retirement in 2015.

She was a member of the National Education Association. She had a love for the outdoors, she especially loved kayaking with Jim and her friends. She also enjoyed spending time with her family at their camp in Liberty and playing golf with Jim.

In addition to her husband Jim, Dutchy is survived by her daughter Heather Bell, of New Orleans, Louisiana; her son Mark Bell and his significant other Mende, of Naples, Florida; her brothers Dennis Atkinson, of Hudson, Dean Atkinson and his wife Louise, of West Gardiner and Donny Atkinson and his wife Gail, of South China; many nieces and nephews.

Dutchy’s graveside service was held in the Forest Hill Cemetery, Route 128, Dresden, Saturday, October 22, 2022.

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

In lieu of flowers donations in Dutchy’s name may be made to the Jason Spinney Memorial Fund c/o Boothbay Region Student Aide Fund, P.O. Box 293, Boothbay Harbor, ME, 04538.

SCOTT A. HIGGINS SR.

SOMERVILLE – Scott Alan Higgins Sr., 61, passed away unexpectedly of natural causes, on Monday, October 17, 2022. He was born on February 26, 1961, the only child of Scott K. and Beatrice (Beaudoin) Higgins.

Scott grew up in Winthrop and was a graduate of Winthrop High School in the class of 1979. Influenced by his father’s career, Scott was deeply interested in aeronautics and attended college at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, in Florida. Following his return to Maine, Scott married Kathryn Pond on September 10, 1983, and the two settled in Winthrop. Scott was employed at Dave’s Appliance until 1988, when he ventured out on his own and began Higgins Appliance Service, in Windsor. Scott was a jack of all trades and could fix anything. In addition to owning his own business, Scott was also a bus driver for the Jefferson Village School for the past 23 years.

A dedicated member of the community, Scott has been a firefighter for over 40 years. In his younger days, he was a member of the Winthrop Fire Department, later becoming involved with the Coopers Mills Fire Department and lastly the Whitefield Fire Department where he retired as fire chief in November 2021.

Although he carried many titles, being a family man was his true vocation. A loving husband, reliable father, and devoted “Grandpa” or “Grumpa” to his 14 grandchildren, family was very important to Scott. His favorite pastimes include boating and tubing on the lake, fishing, golfing, and just simply enjoying the Maine outdoors. He was a natural grill master and was most comfortable during summer barbeques with a cold beer in his hand, tending to the grill.

He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Kathy Higgins; his children, Ernie Schmitt Jr., Many DeRaps and her husband, Gabe, Scott A. Higgins Jr., Jessica Anne Brann and her husband Nathan, and Ashley Curtis and her husband, Reuben; grandchildren, Lily Cadle and her husband, Eric, Allythia, Sophia, Mahalah, Elise, Riella, Serenity, Paisley DeRaps, Jackson Higgins, Natalie and Kaleb Brann, Felicity, Oliver, and Seth Curtis.

He was predeceased by his parents.

A fireman’s service was held on Sunday, October 23, 2022.

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

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Whitefield Fire Department, 36 Town House Rd. Whitefield, ME 04353.

PATRICIA A. VIOLETTE

CLINTON – Patricia Ann Violette, 78, passed away peacefully at home Monday, October 17, 2022. She was born in Brockton, Massachusetts, on October 20, 1943, the daughter of Melvin Willis Chase and Della Mae (Hollis) Chase.

She attended Dennis Yarmouth Regional High School, graduating in 1962 where she went on to Cape Cod Community College, graduating in 1964.

Patricia was a doting mother and homemaker. She was known as Nana to just about all that knew her. She was involved with the Central Maine ATV club and the Messalonskee Trail Riders. She was a gifted quilt maker and belonged to several quilting clubs.

She was predeceased by her parents, her husband David, and her brother David Chase.

She is survived by her son Richard McFarland and his wife Valerie, of Clinton; daughter Lori-Jeanne McFarland, of Clinton; and grandchildren Joshua, Mollie, Jacob, and Layla; stepchildren David Violette Jr. and wife Rebecca, Russell Violette and wife Lisa, Tonya Logan and husband Tim; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A graveside celebration of life was held at Lewis Cemetery on Saturday, October 22, 2022.

Arrangements are under the care of Wheeler Funeral Home 26 Church Street, Oakland where condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the website at http://www.lawrybrothers.com.

PHILIP L. ALEXANDER SR.

CHELSEA – Philip Lincoln Alexander Sr., 94, of Chelsea, died Wed­nesday, Octo­ber 19, 2022, at his home. Philip was born a twin in a Dresden farmhouse on January 23, 1928, to Leonard E. F. and Nettie (Call) Alexander.

With neither twin expected to live, their mother was advised by the doctor not to bother to name them; but God had other plans for these two boys. They were so small that she placed them together in a shoe box and put them near the wood stove to keep them warm. Philip and Alan both survived and were two of the four boys born to Leonard and Nettie.

Philip graduated from Bridge Academy in June 1947 and then went to work for J. F. Hodgkins as a machinist. He worked there for over six years before going to work for Central Maine Power Company in mid April 1954 as a lineman.

During this same time he was also a member of the Maine National Guard, in Gardiner. He joined the Guard early in 1948 and remained a member for nearly 15 years, moving up through the enlisted ranks. Early in 1957 he was commissioned a second lieutenant and was subsequently promoted to first lieutenant; the grade he held until his resignation in 1962.

On May 19, 1951, Philip and Doris Blodgett were married at Christ Church Episcopal, in Gardiner. For a short time they resided in Pittston, which is where Doris was born and raised. In the late winter of 1956, they bought the Mason farm property on Route 9, in Chelsea. By April, construction of the new home had started. With the help of family and friends they were able to move in by February of 1957.

In September of that same year, their first daughter, Marion, was born. Four years later a second daughter, Nettie-Mae, was born. Their last child, a son, Philip Jr., was born five years later in 1966.

During the time that the children were growing up, Philip was active in town affairs, serving on both the school board and the budget committee. He took courses to become a certified electronics technician, getting his diploma in October 1961. He remained an active member of the Maine Electronics Association until 1978. During this time he enjoyed repairing radios and televisions and even did some of the more extensive repair work for the Frank X. Pomerleau furniture store, in Augusta. He continued his work at CMP, eventually transferring from the line department to the Computer Center as a computer operator. He retired from there on June 30, 1991, bringing his total service to 37 years. After his retirement he taught adult ed machine tool at VoTech for several semesters.

The important things to Phil were God, family and the farm. Being a man of strong faith, he was an active member of the Randolph United Methodist Church for over 60 years. He taught Sunday school, served on many committees, and was lay leader for much of that time. There was an open door policy at Phil and Doris’s where everyone was always welcome. For many of their nieces and nephews it was a second home. He took great pride in maintaining the property and for years mowed his acres of hayfield with the old farm tractor, a job he estimated took him about 40 hours to complete. He enjoyed growing his own vegetables and each summer maintained an impeccable, weed free garden. He once joked that after retirement he didn’t get any vacation or holidays off anymore.

Phil always said, ‘I try to live my life the way God wants me to’, and right up until the day before he died, he told us to ‘just do the best you can’, all words that he lived by. Indeed, we are all better people for having known such a great man.

Phil is survived by his daughters Marion and Nettie-Mae, and son, Philip Jr., all of Chelsea; his sisters-in-law, Edith Alexander, of Monmouth, Marjorie Alexander, of Hallowell, Norma (Tootie) Blodgett, of Pittston, Deidre Blodgett, of Sebring, Florida. and Marie Bronn, of Chelsea; many nieces, nephews.

At Philip’s request there will be no visitation or services. Burial will be at the family cemetery in Chelsea.

Arrangements are entrusted with Staple’s Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 53 Brunswick Ave., Gardiner, ME 04345.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the Staples Funeral Home website, http://www.staplesfuneralhome.com.

Donations may be made to the Randolph United Methodist Church, 16 Asbury St., Randolph, ME 04346.

THERESA FORTIN

WINSLOW – Theresa “Blanche” Fortin, 92, passed away peacefully Saturday October 22, 2022, at Woodlands, in Waterville. Theresa was born in St. Agatha on March 3, 1930, the daughter of Bartholemi and Edna (Cyr) Daigle.

She attended St. Agatha schools and moved at an early age to Waterville. From school she worked for many years managing a bookstore.

Blanche attended St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, in Winslow. She loved to knit, put together jigsaw puzzles, and play bingo. She loved spending time with her good friends Theresa Aucion and Nin.

Blanche was predeceased by her husband, August Fortin; her parents Bartholomew and Edna; her daughter Gail F. Nixon; and 12 siblings, Valerien Daigle, Irene Daigle, Louis Daigle, Joseph (Edwin) Daigle, Annette Daigle, Aldric Daigle, Josephine (Alphena) Daigle, Simone Daigle, Evangeline Daigle, Lucien Daigle, Leo Daigle, and Carmen Daigle.

She is survived by her children, Wayne Fortin, of Oakland, Dale Fortin and his wife Mary, of Winslow, Karen Denis, of Winslow; grandchildren Mistie Grant and her husband Joe, Jacob Denis and his girlfriend Savannah, Jamie Denis and her boyfriend A.J, Justin Fortin and his wife Katie, Shawn Fortin and his wife Katie, Chad Fortin, Jeremy Fortin and his girlfriend Stephanie, and Robert MacDonald and his wife Ashley; several great- grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, in Winslow, on Wednesday, October 26, 2022, followed by committal prayers at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, in Waterville.

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

LEO GIGUERE

WATERVILLE – Leo Giguere, 88, passed away recently. He was born in Waterville, the son of Corinne and Leo Giguere.

Leo enjoyed a simple but very rich life with his family. He enjoyed puttering in his vegetable garden and friendly conversations with dear neighbors kind enough to stop in to check on him. He worked for many years at the Ralston Purina Poultry Packing Co., in Winslow, as well as Harris Bakery, in Waterville. In his younger years he enjoyed fishing, hunting, weekend card games and family trips to Canada.

Later in life, Leo sought great joy in caring for his cat Shelby, keeping his feeders well stocked, a hot cup of coffee and scratching lottery tickets. Above all else, he cherished time with his family. He spoke with great pride about the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren. He greeted each of his daughters at the door with a “Hi girl, how are you doing today?” and the twinkle in his eye sparkled with the visit of each grandchild or great-grandchild. His family brought him endless joy.

Leo was predeceased by his parents, his older sister, Rose May Giguere, and the true love of his life, his wife Jacqueline Giguere.

He is survived by his children, Elaine and Jeff Breton, Donna Boudreau, Diane and David Hall, Pamela and Sydney Mayhew; grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Zachary, Sarah, Jacob, Nathan, Taijae, Abby, Alaina, Logan and Zayan.

Leo’s life was celebrated at a graveside ceremony for family and friends who have supported him over the years, on Friday, October 21, 2022, at Pine Grove Cemetery, Grove Street, in Waterville.

Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Veilleux and Redington Funeral Home, please visit http://www.VeilleuxFuneralHome.com to share your memories and condolences with Leo’s family.

In lieu of flowers, Leo’s family would encourage those who wish to donate in his honor to give to the Humane Society Waterville Area, 100 Webb Rd., Waterville ME 04901.