OBITUARIES for Thursday, September 25, 2025

SIDNEY L. DuPONT

WATERVILLE and ROME – On Labor Day, September 1, 2025, Sidney Lawrence DuPont passed away at MaineGeneral Medical Center, in Augusta. Sidney was stricken in his sleep at his camp by a blood clot to his heart. Sid was born in Bath, on March 30, 1943, to parents Lawrence J. DuPont and Eleanor Cunningham DuPont.

He was raised in Farmingdale, and graduated from Gardiner High School in 1961 – the last class to do so. He was a graduate of Higgins Classical Institute, in Charleston, in 1962. An avid sportsman and marksman, trained by his grandfather Peter DuPont, Sid was allowed to bring along his deer rifle and hunt in his free time. Next came two years at Wentworth Institute of Technology, in Boston, where he excelled in the study of Electrical Engineering.

On July 1, 1965, Sidney became a member of IBEW Local #1253 and began a happy career lasting 55 years. Sid enjoyed “working with the tools” and supporting his fellow Union brothers and sisters. Together they electrified most of the paper mills in Maine, and an atomic nuclear power plant as well.

After a year’s courtship, Sid married Julie Letourneau on June 17, 1967, and had two sons, Andrew Lawrence, of Litchfield, and Joseph Sidney, of Waterville. Sidney was a man of few words, but he always put his wife and sons first and knew how to sacrifice to provide them with the best education and a warm home. Sid was Julie’s spark for 58 years! He was enormously generous to all.

Sidney enjoyed birdwatching and feeding birds, fishing and hunting, puzzles and making music. He had a knack for remembering lyrics and names of actors. He was also adamant about checking the weather report every day. On occasion, Sid enjoyed a glass of 12-year-old (or older) Scotch – sans ice.

Along with his parents, Sidney was predeceased by his brother, John and his wife Mary Jane; his mother and father-in-law, Lucille and Eugene Letourneau; his brother-in-law, Cyril A. Codere; several aunts, uncles; and cousins.

Besides his wife Julie and two sons, Andrew (and wife Roberta) and Joseph, Mr. DuPont is survived by his sister-in-law, Jeanne Anne Codere; brother-in-law, J. Alfred Letourneau and sister-in law, Lorry; nieces Patty DuPont Kepple (Joseph) and their children Katrina and Joseph; Danielle L. Kane and daughter Katherine; Christina C. Plumer (James) and their son Abram; Julie L. Ayers (Andrew) and their children Emme and Conrad; nephews John DuPont (Stephanie) and children Sarah, Lauren and Logan; William DuPont, Scott Letourneau (Karen); James Letourneau (Jade) and children Daniel and Lydia; Ben Codere (Gabrielle Russell) and their son Lux. Sid was close to his cousins “the Marquis Boys” Roland “Cookie”, Keith, Lynn, and Shawn and Jim DuPont, of Brunswick; grandchildren and great-grandsons, Aimee DuPont and fiancé Dylan Emery and son Preston; Maya DuPont, of Portland; Riley Barth and wife Kayleigh and son Atlas Patrick; Tennyson Martin and partner Kevin Campbell; Noah Barth DuPont and fiancée Shelby Ames.

As per his request, an interment service for Mr. DuPont will be held at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, 78 Grove St., Waterville, on Saturday, October 4, at 11 a.m.

Arrangements are under the direction of Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm St., Waterville.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made if you so desire to St Helena’s Summer Chapel Maintenance Fund, c/o Corpus Christi Parish, 17 South Garrand St., Winslow, ME 04901, or, Sister Servants of the Blessed Sacrament, 101 Silver St., Waterville, ME 04901.

LELAND McCARTHY JR.

MADISON – Leland “Mac” McCarthy Jr., 92, of Madison passed away on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at his home. Leland was born on June 29, 1933, in Skowhegan, son of the late Leland McCarthy Sr. and Lucy (Leclair) McCarthy.

He was educated in the local schools and following graduation he enlisted in the United States Army. After leaving the Army, he worked in a shoe shop and then the Madison Paper Mill until retiring in 1996. When he wasn’t fixing something around the house (or neighborhood!), Mac enjoyed hunting, fishing, watching sports and most importantly spending time with family.

He was predeceased by his parents; and brother, Paul McCarthy.

Mac is survived by his wife of 69 years, Leonie “Ann” (Richard) McCarthy; two daughters, Jane McCarthy and Linda McCarthy Tardiff and her husband Mark; as well as granddaughters Lindsay Hart and her husband Jonathan, Kirstan Tardiff and Tawnia Tardiff and her fiancé Keith; three great-granddaughters, Mackenzie, Avery and Sadie; as well as several nieces and nephews, especially Dale and his wife Alice Arsenault, Pam Brazier, Jean Gonzales, for all of their help.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, October 4, 2025, in Forest Hill Cemetery, at 11 a.m. A reception will follow at the VFW on Preble Avenue, in Madison.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Giberson Funeral Home and Cremation Services. To leave a condolence for the family and to view the online obituary, please visit http://www.gibersonfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Wounded Warrior Project, Make a Wish or St. Jude.

BARBARA E. SMITH

SKOWHEGAN – Barbara E. Smith, 88, passed away Friday, September 5, 2025, at Maine Medical Center, in Portland. Barbara was born April 10, 1937, to Alfred and Beatrice (Duplessie) Therrien, in Skowhegan.

After graduating from Skowhegan High School, she moved to Bar Harbor, to work, then Connecticut, Maryland, and settled in Arizona, where she lived for most of her years. She moved back to Maine nine years ago.

Barbara enjoyed traveling and took advantage of any opportunity that became available.

Barbara had a true giving, serving and loving heart. She loved the Lord and wanted others to know Him.

She had been dealing with many health issues for the last few years.

She was predeceased by her parents; grandmother Josephine Duplessie; brothers Walter, Ernest and Raymond, sisters Lucille Clement, Clara, Blanche Clark; and a very precious granddaughter Shira.

She is survived by two sons, Greg and wife Cheryl, of Mesa, Arizona, and Glen, of Mesa, Arizona; sister Gloria Hughes, of Oakland, brother Richard “Dickie” Therrien, of Skowhegan, sister-in-law Carol Therrien, of Skowhegan; a granddaughter Stephanie Pilcher, of New Hampshire; and other grandchildren, nephews and nieces.

At Barbara’s request there will no services.

JAMES G. SEAMANS

BENTON – James G. Seamans, 72, of Benton, died Thursday, September 11, 2025, at his home following a long illness. He was born April 22, 1953, in Dover Foxcroft, son of Earl and Edna Seamans. James grew up in Athens.

After graduating from Madison High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, where he spent the next eight years in New Hampshire, Colorado, Texas, California, and Rota, Spain. He later bought a home in Florida. He worked for the U.S. Postal Service for several years, and many years as a computer programmer.

After moving back to Maine, he owned and operated a coin store in Benton. To satisfy his religious calling, he became an ordained minister in 2015. As a member of the American Legion, Post #14, James served as their Chaplain for the last several years. James loved reading, music, gardening, and recently cruises.

He was predeceased by his father, Earl Seamans, and mother, Edna Seamans.

He is survived by siblings, Eddie Seamans, Christie Elliott, Earlene, and husband James Margetts, Keith Seamans and partner, John Bray, and Steven and wife Cheryl Seamans; nephews, Chris, Michael, and Andrew Taylor; neices, Roseann, Debi, and Carol Elliott, Sarah OBare, and Hannah Rodriquez.

There was a graveside service on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at the VA Cemetery, 143 Blue Star Ave., Augusta, followed by a celebration of James’ life.

PRISCILLA I. PACKARD

WASHINGTON – Priscilla Irene Packard, 90, of Washington, passed away on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at the Sussman House, in Rockport. Priscilla was born March 5, 1935, in Washington to John A. Babb and Alma I. Safford Babb.

Priscilla attended Washington schools and later Erskine Academy, in South China.

Priscilla’s life was her children and she found many ways to support them. Priscilla worked at G.T.E. Sylvania, in Waldoboro, for 35 years. Following her retirement, she was rehired by OSRAM and worked for the company for seven more years. She raised 36,000 broilers every eight weeks for Lipman Poultry, raised squash for One Pie brand, in Waldoboro, and raised dried beans for resale. Priscilla also raised produce in her garden for canning for her family. After retiring from OSRAM, she worked nights at the Washington Manor.

Priscilla had a large property where she grew not only produce, but flowers. She loved caring for her property and enjoyed bird watching and other wildlife. She could often be seen on her tractor as she kept up with the many jobs around the farm.

Priscilla was a member of the Evening Star Grange #183, in Washington. There was no end to her energy when it came to supporting the grange. She loved volunteering. She could often be seen walking the roads of Washington to collect bottles for the Grange so they could donate to the local animal shelter or food pantry.

She was a member of the Ladies Guild and helped with their annual Strawberry Festival. She also volunteered at the Lobster Festival, in Rockland, as an officiant.

Priscilla was recognized by the Knox County Commissioners for her dedicated service for the Town of Washington and received the 2016 Spirit of America Unsung Hero Award for her outstanding community support for the Town of Washington.

She was predeceased by her husband, William B. Packard; sons, Randall J. Packard and Raymond S. Packard; sister, JoAnne P. Boulduc; brother, John F. Babb; and granddaughter, Andrea Packard.

She is survived by her son, Richard A. Packard and his wife Tin,a of Sidney; daughter, Laurie L. Packard, of Washington; sisters, Judy Oxton, Linda Baldwin, Nancy Weymouth, and Peggy Sleeper; grandchildren, Troy Packard, Jeffrey Packard, Racheal Packard, Raymond Packard; great-grandchild, Jasmine Packard.

A celebration of Priscilla’s life will be held at the Washington Grange, on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at 1 p.m.

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.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Priscilla’s memory to a local animal shelter or the Evening Star Grange #183. The Grange needs to rebuild the wheelchair ramp and will be dedicating it to Priscilla for her lifelong service.

Donations to the Evening Star Grange #183 can be made co Mildred Melgard, 81 Sprague Rd, Washington, Maine 04574.

JEAN E. McKEEN

Albion – Jean E. McKeen, 84, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 13, 2025. She was born on May 24, 1941, the daughter of Philip and Gertrude (Pushard) French.

Jean met and married the love of her life, David McKeen, and together they built a beautiful life on their family farm, Silver Maple Farm, first in Harrison, then moved to Albion in 1973. David passed when Jean was 39, but kept the farm going while raising her family, she even went back to night school and received her high school diploma in 1983.

She was a devoted church member and Sunday School teacher for many years, continuing until just a year ago. Her faith was a cornerstone of her life, and she touched many hearts through her quiet strength and gentle guidance. In her quiet moments, Jean found joy in knitting, reading and traveling with one of her children or grandchildren. Her warmth, wisdom, and steadfast presence will be dearly missed.

Jean was predeceased by her husband David, her parents, her infant son Douglas, and three great-grandchildren.

She is survived by her children and their spouses, David McKeen and his wife Robin, Davene Fitch and her husband Skip, Daniel McKeen and his wife Diana, Darrell McKeen and his wife Sarah, Dennis McKeen and his wife Becky, Dawn Powers and her husband Jason; daughter-in-law Susan McKeen; her siblings Pearl (French) Strout and Gary French; brother-in-law Robert McKeen; her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Jean’s life was held at Faith Church, at 250 Kennedy Memorial Dr., Waterville, ME 04901 on Friday September 19, 2025. A graveside service took place on Saturday, September 20, at Hillside Cemetery, in East Stoneham.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cornerstone Christian Fellowship Building Project, 15 Thompson Street, Augusta ME 04330.

KENNETH E. SPENCER

BENTON – Kenneth “Kenny” E. Spencer, 88, died peacefully, at home, on Saturday, September 13, 2025.

He has done a lot of things in his life, but he never did that before! It is hard to believe one tiny tick caused him to be so sick which led to his demise.

Raised in Benton, the youngest of five children, Ken attended Lawrence High School, in Fairfield, and later joined the USAF. He worked as an iron worker erecting metal buildings, worked at C. F. Hathaway Shirt Factory, in Waterville, where he made many friends but driving tractor trailer was his favorite job before retirement.

What a surprise to everyone who knew him when Kenny announced he was getting married! Sue won his heart and became his wife in 1982. Soon they were blessed with their daughter, Casey. More blessings came with the birth of his granddaughter, Mackenzie, and his heart was full.

Kenny lived the life he wanted. You may have seen him sitting in the sun sporting his cowboy hat enjoying a beer. Ask him what his favorite brand of beer was, and he would have said “COLD.” He enjoyed listening to classic country music, riding his motorcycle and taking drives through the country, but mostly Kenny enjoyed playing with his granddaughter, Mackenzie.

Surviving are his wife Sue; his daughter Casey and significant other Toby Cole, and his granddaughter, Mackenzie; brothers-in-law, David, Kevin and Brian Germain; sister -in -law Brenda Germain; and several nieces and nephews. A bonus son, Kevin Wing.

Graveside services will be held at Falls Cemetery, in Benton Saturday, September 27, at 11 a.m., with small reception at Ken and Sue’s home to follow.

Please visit Kenny’s memorial page at https://svremembrancecenter.com/obituaries/kenneth-spencer-2025 where condolences, photos, and special memories may be shared.

RANDALL E. FREDETTE SR.

WINSLOW – Randall E. Fredette Sr., 82, of Winslow, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 14, 2025. Born on March 11, 1943, in Waterville, Randall was the son of Leo and Loretta Fredette.

He grew up in Winslow, attended Winslow High School class of 1961, where he became a state champion on Winslow’s very first wrestling team. He met the absolute love of his life, the late Carmel Fredette, at the Sidney Fair in 1959, spending the next 55 years together until her passing in 2017.

After graduation, he joined the U.S. Army, serving overseas in Germany. After his service, he worked at Keyes Fibre (now Huhtamaki), in Waterville. On April 1, 1980, Randall bought Babe’s Garage, in Winslow, where he was the owner/operator for 40 years, proving his ability to rebuild transmissions and custom exhaust systems better than anyone around.

Randall is survived by his six children, Randall Emile Fredette Jr., Kevin Fredette and wife Carol, Eileen Richards and husband Bruce, Todd Fredette and wife Lori; Tara Fredericks and husband Mike, D.J Demers and wife Marsha; sister Frances Hartman; brother, Harvey Fredette and wife Carmeline; 14 grandchildren, Benjamin Fredette and wife Kayla, Marissa and Ryan Fredette, Sarah Fredette and partner Kris Huggins, Dylon and Destanie Richards, Luke and Cameron Fredette, Devin Fitzgibbons, Samuel and Elizabeth Schmitt, Cassandra Demers and partner Cody Smith; Alexander Demers and partner Savannah Dube, and Michaela Demers; and four great-grandchildren, Chase and Blake Lawler, Sawyer James, and Gwen Smith.

He was predeceased by a daughter, Sarah Rose; wife, Carmel Fredette; parents, Leo and Loretta Fredette; and a very special friend, Alan Wood.

Randall was known for his cranky one liners and had a passion for cars, guns, and hunting, proudly joining the Big Buck Club in 2022 at the age of 80. He wasn’t one for public displays of emotion, and wasn’t afraid to tell you exactly what he thought, but behind that exterior was a man with a heart of gold, devoted to his family and fiercely protective of those he loved. He showed his love not with words, but with his actions. It was in the quiet way he fixed something that was broken, in giving unwavering support when it mattered most and then delivering a lecture that you later realized was sound wisdom. He was his family’s rock and safe harbor in any storm. His favorite family times were in Greenville snowmobiling, pursuing the big bucks, but most of all, days spent at Chase Pond.

A funeral service was held on Tuesday, September 23, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 26 Monument Street, in Winslow. The burial took place at the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Blue Star Ave, Augusta.

Arrangements were in the care of Veilleux, Redington and Lawry Brothers Funeral Home 8 Elm St, Waterville, where condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the website at https://www.vrlfuneralhome.com/.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Operation Reboot Outdoors http://www.operationrebootoutdoors.org/donate-now in his memory.

BRENDA G. DOUGLASS

WATERVILLE – Brenda Gail (Smith) Douglass, 70, passed away peacefully of natural causes on Sunday, September 14, 2025, in Augusta. Born the daughter of Frank and Lena (Boucher) Smith, on September 12, 1955, in Waterville, Brenda’s life was a testament to the joy and love she brought to everyone around her.

Her kindness and giant heart will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Brenda was a devoted daughter to her late parents, Lena and Frank Smith. She walked through life hand-in-hand with her best friend, Marvin Douglass, until his passing. Brenda was also the cherished sister of the late Albert (Russell) Smith, Brad Smith, and Donna Rancourt, and the doting aunt to her departed nephew, Ryan Smith.

Her memory will be forever cherished by her children, Jeffrey Douglass, Peter Nason and Amber Douglass (married to Jeffrey Flees), who were the light of her life; her nephews, Michael Smith (Lisa Smith), Brad Smith (Lisa Smith), and Anthony (Tony) Lorentsen; her niece, Illka Anderson; and her grandchildren, Logan Douglass, Olivia Madore, Liyah Douglass, and Lydia Douglass.

Brenda retired after over 20 years of service at Huhtamaki, in Waterville. She remained close with many friends and coworkers up until her passing. She adored her close friends Kathy Falbo, Barbara McGraw, Pam and Darrell Hachey, Alfred Curtis, Anita Howard, Gail Trafton, Pat Quirion, Almeda Haines, Roy Delano, Don Parks, Wanda Grant, Robert Boucher and so many more.

Her interests were a reflection of her love for life. Brenda found joy in the simplicity of the outdoors, the companionship of her cat Fluff, and the rhythm of live music. These passions were interwoven with the tapestry of her life, creating countless memories for her family and friends.

Brenda will be remembered as a woman who was kind, funny, and loving. She had the rare ability to light up a room with her humor and to comfort with her empathy. Her laughter was a melody that resonated in the hearts of those who heard it, and her kindness was a gift that she gave freely and often.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at 9:30 a.m., at Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm Street, Waterville, directly followed by a graveside service at 11:30 a.m., at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, 78 Grove Street, Waterville.

An online guestbook may be signed, condolences and memories shared at http://www.gallantfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Brenda’s name to the Waterville Hospice Volunteers or to the National Organization for Tardive Dyskinesia at tdhelp.org.

MAURICE K. SOUCY

WINDSOR – Maurice K. Soucy, 42, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, September 16, 2025. He was born on January 10, 1983, a son of Maurice D. Soucy and Lisa (Colby) Roux.

Maurice, a/k/a “Mo”, grew up in Chelsea and was a graduate of Erskine Academy, in South China, in the class of 2001. Following school, he worked for his father’s business as well as other various construction companies where he worked as a carpenter.

While in high school, he met his future bride, Ginger Woodside. On August 1, 2008, they married and started a family, welcoming children Khloe and Calvin. In Ginger’s words “he wasn’t just the love of my life, he was my life”.

Mo was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting, fishing, ice fishing and just simply spending time outside. He loved watching Calvin play basketball, and spoiling Khloe; they were two peas in a pod. Mo was a proud conservative who enjoyed talking politics and stood behind his convictions.

Mo will be remembered for his quick-witted sense of humor and common sense approach. Above all, he was a loving son, brother, husband, father and friend.

He was predeceased by his mother, Lisa Roux.

Mo is survived by his wife, Ginger Soucy; their children, Khloe and Calvin Soucy; father, Maurice D. Soucy and his wife Tanya; brother, Jake Soucy and his girlfriend, Meghan and her son, Myles; many uncles, cousins.

A celebration of life will take place on Saturday, September 27, beginning at 1 p.m., at his father’s home, 610 Ridge Rd., Windsor, ME 04363.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Plummer Funeral Home, 983 Ridge Rd., Windsor, ME 04363. Condolences, stories and photos may be shared by visiting http://www.plummerfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in support of Mo’s children and mail to Ginger Soucy, P.O. Box 8, Windsor, ME 04363.

Others Departed

THERESA I. CHASE

SKOWHEGAN – Theresa I. Chase (Plante), 89, passed peacefully at Cedar Ridge Center, in Skowhegan, on Sunday, August 31, 2025, just two months shy of her 90th birthday. She was born in Skowhegan, on October 29, 1935, the daughter of Rose (Gallant) and Ernest Plante.

She attended Skowhegan Catholic School and Madison schools. She had five children with her first husband, David Clark, whom she married on December 26, 1953. She married Lloyd Chase on September 3, 1966, and they lived in East Madison until 1992 when they moved to Arkansas. She returned to Maine in 1997 following his passing.

She worked for many years in the shoe shops in several towns, then Dirigo Stitching Inc., in Skowhegan, until 1992. In Arkansas she worked as a school custodian and then a kitchen/diner helper in a local nursing home.

She loved going out to eat with family or friends, enjoyed working in the gardens (vegetables and flowers) and especially her raspberry patch which she was very proud of. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit #39, Madison, for 38 years. She was the founding member of a group of retired women (mostly widows) who called themselves “The Recycled Teenagers”. They met every Tuesday at various restaurants. At times there were as many as 24. She would call everyone on Monday so she would have a head count to make the reservation. They celebrated each one of their birthdays with cards and cake.

She loved going to different fairs to watch her partner, Walt, do the tractor pulls. She faithfully sent birthday and anniversary cards to every family member (which kept growing) and friends even when she was in the nursing home. She loved to sew quilts for her grandchildren and crocheted afghans for many loved ones. In the last year that she was a resident at Cedar Ridge, she discovered that she loved Bingo. Once a month, they held all day Bingo with prizes. When she won, she usually gave the prize to another resident or a family member. She was an outspoken, but kindhearted, hard-working woman. One of her granddaughters affectionately referred to her as the Tasmanian Devil.

She was predeceased by her parents; husband, Lloyd Chase; special partner, Walt Robbins; father of her children, David Clark; son, Benmore Clark; grandson, Travis Clark; great-granddaughter, Alexis Bailey; stepparents Alfred and Geni Vashon.

She is survived by her children Harriet (John) Bryant, David (Robyn) Clark, Ronald (Sally Burns) Clark, Meresa Erving; stepchildren Mark (Judi) Chase, Kathleen Clark, Allison (Bill) Weatherford, Kim (Eric) Nutting; cousin Pam (George) Virgin; 17 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and several cousins.

There will be no public viewing. A celebration of Theresa’s life and services will be announced at a later date. Condolences, stories and photos may be shared with her family at directcremationofmaine.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Theresa’s name to: Somerset Humane Society Animal Shelter, PO Box 453, Skowhegan, ME 04976.

THOMAS E. BEARD

FAIRFIELD – Thomas Eugene “Papa” Beard, 75, passed away peacefully at the Togus VA Hospital, in Augusta, on Veterans Day, November 11, 2023. He was the husband of Brenda Beard whom he married on September 21, 2002, in Waterville. Born on Aug. 13, 1948, Thomas was the son of E. Eugene “Gene” Beard and Catherine “Kati” Beard (Zollo).

He was raised in Danvers, Massachusetts, where he played varsity football and participated in high school talent shows. He graduated from Danvers High School, class of 1966. In April 1968, Thomas proudly enlisted in the United States Army, serving honorably as a communications specialist until March 1971. After his military service, he continued his education at North Shore Community College, in Beverly, Massachusetts, earning his nursing degree in 1975. He went on to enjoy a meaningful and rewarding 40-year career as a registered nurse.

Thomas lived life to the fullest. He found joy in kayaking, camping, biking, attending bluegrass festivals, and spending time by the ocean. He had a deep love for music, often playing instruments and singing. Known for his warm heart, generous spirit, and wise counsel, Thomas left a lasting impression on everyone he met. His kindness, energy, and zest for life will never be forgotten.

Thomas is survived by his wife Brenda; and his children, Ty Donahue-Beard and Wade Donahue-Beard of Waterville; stepchildren, Staci Turner and her husband Stacy, of South China, Nicholas Mason and his wife Amanda, of Arundel, and Amanda Saindon and her partner Jerome Quirion, of Skowhegan; grandchildren Chad, Haylea, Abbie, Kaylea, Stella, Ellie, Sophie, and Monty; and great-grandchildren Jaxson and Penelope; his siblings Cynthia Luke and her husband Perry, of Wakefield, Massachusetts, and John Beard and his wife Nancy, of Rowley, Massachusetts.

He was predeceased by his sister, Susan Beard, of Beverly, Massachusetts; and his daughter, Kyle Donahue-Beard, who passed in July 1984.

A celebration the life will be held on Saturday, October 25, 2025, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., at The St. Bridget Center, 864 Main St., Vassalboro, ME 04989.

Please visit Thomas’ memorial page at https://svremembrancecenter.com/obituaries/thomas-beard where condolences, photos and special memories may be shared.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in the memory of Thomas to the Veterans of Foreign Wars Foundation, 406 West 34th St. suite 920, Kansas City, MO 64111 or http://www.vfwfoundation.org .

JOSEPH P. SIROIS

PORTLAND – Joseph “Joe” Paul Sirois, 35, passed away at his home, in Portland, on Friday, August 1, 2025. He was born on February 11, 1990, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the son of the late Paul and Beverly (Hallett) Sirois.

Joe grew up in Waterville, attending schools there and in Lewiston. In high school, he was a standout athlete in track and field, excelling in discus and shot-put throwing, he also played as a defensive lineman on the football team, earning a varsity letter for his performance. He attended vocational school, where he discovered his passion for trades.

Following graduation, Joe began his career working on cars and in residential construction as an apprentice. He later moved into infrastructure construction, traveling across New England to build bridges and other projects. Joe loved working outdoors, using his hands, and the physical challenges of construction.

Known for his charisma and vibrant personality, Joe made friends easily and was well liked wherever he went. He maintained close ties with his high school friends, especially his childhood best friend, Max Beal, with whom he shared countless days fishing and boating on Max’s family’s lake. Joe loved going out to eat, enjoying margaritas, seafood, clam bakes, and barbecues. He had a special love for music of all kinds, from metal and hard rock to R&B. A talented musician, he played violin, bass, drums, and keyboard. He loved his motorcycle, a Harley he painted purple, only selling it when his son was born.

Joe met the love of his life, Phoenix, during a difficult time for them both. Together, they lifted each other up, building a better life and a family they deeply cherished. The birth of his son soon after his father’s passing in 2020 gave him renewed purpose and joy during a dark time.

Joe will be remembered for his charismatic and vibrant personality, his problem-solving skills and street smarts, and his easy-going nature.

Joe was predeceased by his uncle and aunt / godmother.

He is survived by the love of his life and the mother of his child, Phoenix Grove, and their child, Kobe Grove-Sirois; brothers, Josh and Jacob Sirois; aunts and uncles, Collette, Anne, Thomas and his wife Janet Sirois, Elizabeth and her husband Robert Letellier, and Brenda Tonolini; childhood friend, Max Beal; and many other extended family members and friends.

Services will be held at a later date.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Homes, of Portland, 172 State St., Portland.

To view Joe’s memorial page or to leave an online condolence, please visit http://www.ConroyTullyWalker.com.

Services

JOSEPH R. DOUIN

WINSLOW – Joseph Roland Douin, 91, passed peacefully at the Maine Veterans Home of Augusta, on Tuesday, September 9, 2025. There was a graveside service on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at 10:30 a.m., at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, 78 Grove Street, Waterville.

Arrangements were under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm Street, Waterville. A full obituary and online guestbook may be found at http://www.gallantfh.com.