OBITUARIES for Thursday, September 21, 2023

JOHN M. LESSARD

OAKLAND – John M. Lessard Jr., 42, passed away on Saturday, August 26, 2023. He was born on October 5, 1980, in Waterville, the son of Brenda Houston and John M. Lessard Sr.

John was educated in the Messalonskee School District. He was a gifted and talented athlete. He especially loved baseball. He received the award for Most Valuable Player.

John worked for Sarah Donnell as a carpenter remodeling properties. John loved his group motorcycling trips and he enjoyed a good snowmobile ride in the winter. His favorite fishing place was in Bingham where he also loved to camp. He was adventurous and loved to explore new places.

He was predeceased by his maternal and paternal grandparents; uncle, Dr. Craig Houston, aunts Marie (Lessard) Inglefinger and Elizabeth (Lessard) Lowe; as well as his children’s mother, Nicole Wilkie.

John is survived by his children, Lily and Jonathan Wilkie; sister, Christie Houston and her two sons, Jordan and Colby; aunt, Ann Houston and wife Marion; uncles Bill, John M. Lessard Sr. had a special Mass said for John at the VA Chapel, in West Palm Beach, Florida, on September 7.

There will be a Celebration of Life at the Oakland American Legion on Saturday October 7, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. A graveside service will be held at a later date at Saint Francis Cemeter,y on Grove Street, in Waterville.

The family invites you to visit John’s memorial page at https://dsfuneral.com/obituaries/john-lessard-jr to send condolences, share photos and special memories.

KATHLEEN F. ROWLETTE

ALBION – Kathleen “Kathy” Frances Rowlette, 81, of Albion passed away on Tuesday afternoon, August 29, 2023, at MaineGeneral Medical Center, in Augusta. She was born on May 5, 1942, in Ballybrack Roscrea, Tipperary Ireland. Kathleen was the daughter of John O’Hara and Ellen (Mcloughlin) O’Hara.

She came from Ireland and settled in Brooklyn, New York, where she held various jobs. She met the love of her life Frederick Rowlette, of Drumkeeran Co., Leitrum Ireland. They were married on January 27, 1962, in Brooklyn, New York.

She worked at the C. F. Hathaway Shirt Factory, in Waterville, Webber Steak House, in Fairfieold, Curtain Shop and Profeno Chiropractic, both in Waterville. She also did in-home care until retirement.

She owned and operated Shamrock Kennels with her husband Fred for many years, raising Irish Jack Russell terriers.

Kathy enjoyed the little things in life, watching her hummingbirds and enjoyed her Jack Russell terriers MB and Taffy. She enjoyed going out to eat with her daughter Gerry. She enjoyed God’s word and listening to Irish singer Daniel O’Donnell.

She is survived by her daughter Geraldine Travers and her husband Flint, of Litchfield; two grandchildren, Tanya Fournier and her husband Kyle, of Greene, and Evan Travers and his wife Alicia, of Bowdoin; three great-grandchildren, Charlotte and Caleb, of Greene, and Damon, of Bowdoin; her brothers Mick O’Hara and his wife Marie, and Philip O’Hara and his wife Mary, all of Ireland; and sister-in-law Margaret O’Hara, of Ireland; and many nieces and nephews and relatives in Ireland.

Kathleen was predeceased by her husband Fred; her parents John and Ellen O’Hara; her brothers Charlie O’Hara, Jackie O’Hara and Pat O’Hara; her sister Eileen McMadden and Mary O’Hara and Anne O’Hara, of Ireland; and great-granddaughter, Rylee Mae Travers.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, October 28 at 1 p.m., located at the Puddleduck Cemetery, in Albion, on South Freedom Road.

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.

SUSAN E. BARTSCH

Waterville – Susan Elizabeth (Richards) Bartsch, 81, passed away on Wednesday, August 30, 2023, following a lengthy illness. Susan was born on April 24, 1942, to Freda Margaret (Greene) Richards and Frederick Joseph Richards, at home, in Warren.

Susan graduated from Winslow High School, Class of 1960. After high school, she worked at Eastern Maine General Hospitl, in Bangor, for a brief time before joining the Navy WAVES. She was stationed in Hawaii for several years.

After her enlistment was complete, she returned to Maine and attended the Augusta Maine School of Practical Nursing, later known as KVCC, where she earned her LPN License. She then started working at Thayer Hospital, in Waterville, as a Scrub Nurse in the Operation Room. This was a job she thoroughly enjoyed until her retirement. After retirement, Susan worked at a lawyer’s office and several clinical positions before deciding to completely retire and move to Florida. She enjoyed stock car racing, camping, writing, collecting movies and traveling.

She was predeceased by both parents, her first husband Harry Wilkinson, second husband Richard John Bartsch, and soulmate Wayne Douglas Parker.

Susan is survived by her sons, Vincent Bartsch (Dee), from San Diego, California, and Chris Bartsch Sr. (Connie), from Albion; a grandson Chris Bartsch Jr., from Albion; a granddaughter Jena Walker (Broady); and great-grandchild Noah, from Benton; her brothers, Peter Richards (Nancy), from West Gardiner, and Tom Richards (Linda), from Vassalboro; sister Jane Vigue (Jim), from Winslow; as well as several nieces and nephews.

A committal service with full military honors will be at the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery and a committal service in North New Portland Cemetery at future dates.

The family invites you to visit Susan’s memorial page at https://dsfuneral.com/obituaries/susan-bartsch to share your condolences, photos, and special memories.

WILLIS C. BEAN

Willis C. Bean, 96, passed away on Sunday, September 3, 2023. He was born June 3, 1927, in Rangley where he grew up and went to school.

He started working at the age of 9 at the local golf courses. As he grew older, at 14, began working in the woods with his father. At 18 he joined the United States Marine Corp for duty in World War II, and was stationed in the country of China.

Upon returning home he married Lorraine Campbell and they had two children, Scott and Wileen. Willis started his career in the Maine Forest Service under the guidance of Kenneth Hinckley as a watchman in a fire tower in Kennebago. He moved on to Albany and became a Forest Ranger, then on to Newport. His final move was to Norridgewock when he achieved the promotion of District Forest Ranger. Willis, known as Beanie to so many, retired in 1980.

He married his second wife, known as “his Bride” Charlene, and they were hitched at the hip for 52 years.

Once retired he enjoyed life doing his favorite things. He rebuilt their camp on Ironbound Pond, in Solon, had beautiful vegetable gardens and very manicured lawns. He liked to putter, Beanie, was very meticulous in all he did and was a quiet man with a very dry sense of humor.

After 23 years they moved to Winslow, to be closer to her daughter, Marlene, his girl Friday.

He was predeceased by his parents Enona Anderson and Guy Bean, his siblings Robert, Herbert, Emma, Edgar, Shirley, Mary and Peggy, his first wife Lorraine and daughter Wileen.

Beanie is survived by “His Bride” of 52 years, Charlene H. Bean; his son Scott [wife Carolyn] and children, daughter Saydra and son Shaygan; children of Wileen, son Jeremiah and daughter Ashley. Charlene’s children daughter Marlene [husband Joel Iverson] and son Daniel W. Reed

A gathering for R/R Reminisce /Refreshments will be held Saturday, September 23, 2023, at St. Bridget Community Center, Main St., No. Vassalboro, 1 – 3 p.m. and Burial will be, in Rangeley, on Sunday, September 24.

MICHAEL A. HIGGINS

SOUTH CHINA – Michael A. Higgins, 65, of South China, passed away peacefully at Glenridge Comfort Care, in Augusta, on Wednesday, September 6, 2023, following a brief but valiant battle with cancer. Mike was born towards the end of May 1958, at Thayer Hospital, in Waterville, to Seth and Constance Higgins, of Columbia Falls and Windsor, respectively.

Of the five babies born to Bud and Connie, Mike topped the charts, weighing in at 10 pounds, 3 ounces, yet he grew up to be the smallest of the five. What he may have lacked in physique, he made up for in heart, being adored by all of his siblings and by being a favorite uncle to his nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Mike was a man who exuded joy, his genuine smile was infectious, and his unmistakable laugh could brighten anyone’s day. He attended China Elementary and Erskine Academy, in South China, graduating in 1976.

Mike was a man with skillful hands, and he learned carpentry at an early age, working side by side with his grandfather, Vernon Boynton, on multiple projects. He was a dedicated worker and handyman. For many years, he was a commercial painter. Before that, he worked various jobs, including vinyl siding installation, prep cook and dishwasher, and clerk at a plumbing supply store.

He loved watching all sports, especially the New England teams: Red Sox, Patriots, Bruins and Celtics. Although he didn’t have children of his own, Mike was a beloved family man, cheering on his nieces and nephews as they played various sports. He was an avid hunter and fisherman; he particularly enjoyed ice-fishing on China Lake. Mike loved playing cards. He was very successful in Texas Hold’em tournaments. It was hard to beat him at a game of cribbage and he cut his teeth on “63” and Spades. There were many a family gathering that included a family game of scat or the occasional competitive round of cribbage, even games between him and some of the youngest Higgins descendants.

Mike was predeceased by his mother, Constance, his father Seth, also known as Bud, and his younger brother, Jonathan.

He is survived by his brother Seth, also known as Bill; his sister Lucinda, also known as Cindy, her husband Scott; his brother Joel and his wife Trish; many nieces and nephews, and the great-nieces and great-nephews.

For Mike’s family and friends, there will be a private celebration of his life with the date, time, and place yet to be determined. It will be a chance to gather in remembrance and perhaps play a game of cards or two in honor of Mike’s life.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant Street, Augusta. Condolences, photos or stories may be shared by visiting http://www.PlummerFH.com.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Harold Alfond Center for Cancer Care, in Augusta.

GERALD “RAY” COTE

OAKLAND – Gerald “Ray” Côté Jr., of Oakland, passed away on Friday September 8, 2023, at Alfond Center for Health, in Augusta, following a courageous battle with cancer.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m., Friday, September 22, 2023, at Notre Dame Catholic Church, 116 Silver Street, Waterville. Burial will follow in Saint Francis Catholic Cemetery, Grove Street, Waterville.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm Street, Waterville. An online guestbook may be signed, condolences and memories shared at http://www.gallantfh.com.

CALLUM J. HALL

OAKLAND – Callum Joshua Hall, 5 months, passed away Friday September 8, 2023, at Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital. Callum was born April 5, 2023, in Augusta, to Ellie (Mori­sette) Hall and Joshua Hall.

Cal was a ray of sunshine in the lives of all who knew him. He radiated joy even at such a young age. He was a happy baby who smiled easily. Cal especially loved bath time, being outside, using his newly-discovered voice and his Merlin’s Magic Sleep Suit. He also loved watching the family dogs Penny and Boone playing.

Callum is survived by his parents, Ellie and Joshua Hall; grandparents, Mark and Terry Morisette, Dean and Linda Hall, Lisa Ravelo; uncles, Chad Morisette, Jacob Hall; aunt, Samantha Rezk and husband Alexander; great-grandparents, David Noel, Warren and Linda Hall.

Callum was predeceased by great-grandmother, Donna Noel

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, September 21, at Notre Dame Catholic Church, 116 Silver St., Waterville. Burial will follow at Saint Francis Catholic Cemetery, Grove Street, Waterville.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm Street, Waterville, Maine. An online guestbook may be signed, condolences and memories shared at http://www.gallantfh.com.

RICHARD L. LeCLAIR

CLINTON – Richard “Dick” Leo LeClair, 68, of Clinton, passed away on Friday, September 8, 2023. Dick was born in Waterville, on September 22, 1954, to Leo Dorian and Laurence E. LeClair.

Dick graduated from Lawrence High School, in Fairfield, in 1973. He continued to devote over 20 years to coaching and inspiring many people. He was employed at Scott Paper Co., in Winslow, for over 22 years until its closure, he then took a position as a pipefitter/welder at Huhtamaki, in Waterville, for over 20 years until his retirement.

In his retirement years, he and his wife, Linda, enjoyed many adventures, especially in Brighton Plantation with their extended family. Dick was known for his selfless nature always lending a hand to family and friends. He could be counted on for his hard work and compassion towards everyone. Dick’s favorite time of year was Christmas and being “Mr. Santa” for his children and grandchildren; whom he was immensely proud of each and every one.

He was predeceased by both his parents; and his sisters Lucille McCannon and Lorette Martin.

Dick is survived by his wife, Linda; his sons Corey and Adam; daughter, Sarah and bonus daughter, Shelly; grandchildren, Trey, Bronson, Jack, Finn, Elijah, and Isaiah; sisters Jerry Shirley, Leona Moses, and Louise Grenier; as well as many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 23, at the Waterville Elks Lodge, at 76 Industrial St., Waterville, from noon to 4 p.m. Family and friends are welcome to come and share stories of Dicks’s life.

The family invites you to visit Dick’s Memorial page at https://dsfuneral.com/obituaries/richard-leclair to share condolences, photos, and special memories.

RUTH A. BOURQUE

WATERVILLE – Ruth Annette Bourque, 93, passed away on Sujnday, September 10, 2023, at MaineGeneral Medical Center, just days shy of her 94th birthday. Ruth was born in Waterville on September 23, 1929, daughter of Odilon A. Mathieu and Laura (Michaud) Mathieu.

She was educated in Waterville schools and later married Raymond L. “John” Bourque, on May 29, 1954. They were married for 63 years.

Ruth was a homemaker, an avid reader, an excellent cook (known for her baking powder biscuits, a good batch of spaghetti, tourtière pie and her chocolate fudge), loving mother and known fondly as “Mémère” to her two granddaughters and “Mémère Ruth” to her three great-granddaughters. She loved spending time with family, always enjoyed going to school events and games for her granddaughters, playing cards (she always won!), recalling old stories, and spoiling her grandchildren and granddogs over the years.

She loved to take day trips to various places in Maine – grabbing a crabmeat roll in Belfast and visiting other coastal Maine towns were among her favorites. Her joy for discount shopping was ever present – she loved a great trip to Reny’s or the dollar store! She always had a way of keeping her family and friends in stitches whenever they all got together for family events – she was often the life of the party and loved playing the role of “entertainer”.

She is survived by her son-in-law Roger G. Gagne, of Winslow; granddaughters Shelley (Gagne) Glidden and her husband John Glidden, of South Portland, Katie (Gagne) Callow and her husband Brad Callow, of Weston, Massachusetts; and her great-granddaughters, Madison, Taylor and Blake Callow, to whom she would sing many old-time songs; her nieces Dianna Giguere, of Waterville, and Juanita Bragdon, of Brewer.

Ruth was predeceased by her husband Raymond, daughter Debby (Bourque) Gagne, sister Pauline (Mathieu) Picard and many sisters- and brothers-in-law.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. John the Baptist Church, 26 Monument Street, Winslow, at 9 a.m., on Ruth’s birthday, Saturday September 23, followed by a family burial at St. Francis Cemetery, in Waterville, and reception at St. John’s hall. An online guestbook may be signed, condolences and memories shared at http://www.gallantfh.com.

In lieu of flowers and in support of her love for animals, donations may be made to: Old Dogs New Digs (https://www.olddogsnewdigs.com/support-us/), in her memory.

MARION E. DeROSIER

WEEKS MILLS—Marion Elsie DeRosier, 60, died at home on Saturdasy, September 9, 2023. She was born October 30, 1962, a daughter of Darrell A. Willey Sr., and Betty E. (Haskell) Keene.

Marion grew up in Weeks Mills and attended school locally. On May 5, 1990, she married Freeman F. DeRosier and the two settled in Weeks Mills. Marion worked for the Kennebec Journal, in Augusta, and earned her CNA license, working for a nursing home before returning to the Kennebec Journal.

Marion enjoyed spending time with her family, doing puzzles and playing cards. She also enjoyed going to car shows and trips to the ocean. Her favorite time of year was the holiday season and Marion did not lack Christmas spirit; she loved sending cards, listening to Christmas music, and watching all of the Christmas movies. She also had a gift for remembering people’s birthdays and never missed sending a card.

She was predeceased by her parents; her brother, Darryl Willey Jr., and her baby sister, Pamela Jean Willey.

She is survived by her husband, Freeman F. DeRosier; her children, Scott Willey, Kay-Lynn DeRosier, Vickie DeRosier, Debbie DeRosier, and Jason DeRosier; grandchildren, Mara Nickerson, Christopher Winchenbach, Jocelyn Willey, Justin Wydner, Christina Darity, Leslie Leon, and Christopher DeRosier; many great-grandchidlren; sisters, Brenda Willey and Darlene Jackson.

No public services are being held. Arrangements have been entrusted to Plummer Funeral Home, 983 Ridge Rd., Windsor, ME 04363.

PAMMY ROBINSON

WINDSOR – Pammy “Mimi” or “Pamky” Robinson, 52, of Windsor, passed away unexpectedly at her home, after battling with many health problems, on Saturday, , September 9, 2023. She was born in Augusta on January 12, 1972, a daughter of Ralph and Karolyne (York) Rideout and attended Cony High School.

Pammy held employment at Mount St. Joseph’s, in Waterville, Maine Veterans Home, in Augusta, Motivational Services, and Rebecca’s Restaurant, in Augusta, throughout the years, Caire Home Healthcare being her present place of employment.

Pammy loved camping, four wheeling, the mud runs watching her brother Bill race, watching her grandchildren play sports, random no destination drives with her partner of eight years, Douglas Hamm. She will be remembered for her contagious laugh, sense of adventure, and her spunky soul. Her selflessness and endless love is to never be forgotten.

She was predeceased by her daughter Ashley Rideout, who passed away on October 18, 2015.

She is survived by her children, Katie Robinson and fiancé Jason Thomas, and Robert Robinson, III, all of China; seven grandchildren, Harper Jackson, Lauren Bolduc, Kevin Robinson, Kiara Robinson, Nathan Robinson, Kayson Thomas, and Raelynn Thomas; her siblings, Joanne Leach, Tammy Rideout, Bill Rideout, and lots of close nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, September 23, 2023, from 1 to 5 p.m., at The Windsor Town Office, 523 Ridge Rd., Windsor, ME 04363.

Arrangements are in the care of Plummer Funeral Home, 983 Ridge Rd., Windsor, ME 04363. Condolences, stories and photos may be shared by visiting http://www.plummerfh.com.

SR. ALINE ROY

WATERVILLE – Sr. Aline Roy, 89, known to some as Sr. Christine Marie, died at Mount Joseph, Waterville, on Thursday,, September 14, 2023. Sixty-eight of those years she lived as a Sister of St. Joseph of Lyon. She was born the 12th of 13 children to Philippe and Eugenie Roy, of St. Georges, Québec, Canada, on June 5, 1934.

She recalled her parents as ‘people who taught religious values through example rather than words and this left its mark on how she lived her life and faith.

After graduating from Sacred Heart Academy, in Jackman, in 1953, and inspired by the example of her older sister Marcelle, she entered the novitiate of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Lyon, in Auburn, making her first vows in August of 1955.

In over 60 years of active ministry, she served not only all over Maine, but around the world as well. She taught school or worked in religious education or pastoral care at St. Rose of Lima, Chisholm; Sacred Heart, Auburn; Holy Family, Lewiston; St. Mary of Lourdes, Lincoln; St. Anne, Danforth; St. Margaret, Old Orchard Beach; St. Francis of Assisi, Belfast; St John the Baptist, Winslow; St. Agnes, Pittsfield; St. James, Baileyville; and St. Kateri, Calais.

In the 1960s, feeling personally challenged by the civil rights movement, she transferred to Benin, Africa, where for nine years she provided religious and vocational education and did pastoral ministry. In the 1990s, with attention on the rights and realities of immigrants, she spent three years serving immigrants and visiting female prisoners in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, and Laredo, Texas.

Her last place of active ministry was in Down East Maine. She visited the sick and shut-ins, provided religious education to Passamaquoddy children, and was involved in local interfaith anti-poverty efforts. She was well known in many parishes for the creative and meaningful ‘Living Stations of the Cross’ she organized each Palm Sunday. It thus seems fitting that she died on the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross.

A funeral Mass was celebrated on Wednesday, September 20, at Notre Dame Church, 116 Silver St., Waterville. She will be buried at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, Waterville.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm Street, Waterville. An online guestbook may be signed, condolences and memories shared at http://www.gallantfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations for the ministry of the sisters may be made to the Sisters of Saint Joseph, 80 Garland Rd., Winslow ME 04901.

MARY A. BOUCHARD

OAKLAND – Mary Anita Bouchard, 81, passed away from Alzhiemers, at Bedside Manner. She was born at Thayer Hospital on July 24, 1942, to Donald and Ida (Pooler) Gleason.

Mary graduated from Williams High School, in Oakland, in 1959. She married the love of her life, Richard Bouchard, on September 24, 1960. The two of them would have been celebrating 63 years together this year. Mary spent most of her days caring for children at her in-home daycare for 30 plus years. After her years of providing childcare she was employed at Wheeler’s Funeral Home. She enjoyed her time there working for Dick and Jeannine Lord.

Not only was Mary a devoted mother to her own four children, she loved spending time with her many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and daycare kids. Holidays were always made special with her home cooked meals and special treats as everyone knew they were made with love.

Mary had many passions which included, sewing clothes, making quilts, gardening, canning, and yard saling. She loved to dance, listen to country music and to go rollerskating. Mary also had a love of the outdoors where she was fond of berry picking, hiking, taking daily walks, snowshoeing, fishing and feeding the neighborhood deer. Many memories were made at the family camp in Kingsbury exploring on the side by sides with her husband and her brother-in-law, George. Mary was always excited to cheer on her grandchildren at sporting events and all their other endeavors.

Her beautiful life will forever be cherished in the lives of her husband, Richard Bouchard and their children, Sonya and Micheal Lachance, of Oakland, Scott and Jennifer Bouchard, of Clinton, Sherri Bouchard and partner Stephen Mills, of Oakland, Shawn and Marie Bouchard, of Clinton.

Mary is also survived by her brother, Guy Gleason, of Oakland, and his daughter, Heidi Gleason and husband Denis Pilla, of Oakland; many grandchildren, Tobey Lachance and partner Tiffany, of Oakland, Jamin LaChance, of Oakland, Kelsey and Andrew Lovley, of Benton, Kasey and Matthew Fish, of Skowhegan, Bryant and Kaitlin Higgins, of Benton, Megan Bouchard and partner Dylan Costigan, of Fairfield, Jacob MacDonald, of Oakland, Sydney Bouchard, of Clinton, and Hope Bouchard, of Clinton; nine great-grandchildren; great-nieces, Brandi Sylvain and Dawn Hanna and their families.

Please join the family at Richard and Mary’s home, at 119 Summer Street, Oakland, for her celebration of life on Sunday, September 24, 2023, at noon.

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.