OBITUARIES for Thursday, September 28, 2023

DALE C. ALLEN

SOMERVILLE – Dale (Swift) Clark Allen, 74, of Somerville, passed away peacefully on the morning of Monday, September 4, 2023. Dale was born August 12, 1949, in Gardiner to William H. and Mary E. (Sullivan) Swift.

She attended schools in Hamilton and Beverly, Massachusetts, graduating from Hamilton-Wenham High School. After graduating she returned to Maine marrying David Clark and together, they raised two daughters. She worked for the State of Maine for 33 years at the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, then Marine Resources, retiring in 2009.

Dale enjoyed painting and working with stained glass at her camp on Long Pond. After a long engagement she married David Allen in 2020. Together they loved traveling and visiting the national parks. Dale was very adventurous with a love of the outdoors. Together they visited many countries while taking many cruises.

She enjoyed family gatherings, yearly trips to Martha’s Vineyard with her special friends but she loved her grandchildren more than anything on this earth.

Dale was predeceased by her parents; and her brother, Brian Swift.

She is survived by her husband, David Allen; her daughters, Terri Belanger and husband Moe, Jackie Cartlidge and husband Tony; stepsons Rusty (Lori) Allen, Bert (Kelly) Allen, and Ryan (Georgia) Allen; grandchildren, Dave (Amber) Belanger, Walter (Kristi) Travis, Dannie Belanger, Crystal Dale (Christopher) Dolan, Samantha (Dylan) Peaslee, Brandon (Elizabeth) Cartlidge, Brooke (Isaac) Noon; 11 great-grandchildren, Joseph, Jeremiah, Jaelynn, Dylan Jr., Avery, Harper, Chloe, Owen, Evan, Aidan and Piper; her sister, Darlene (Bryan) Potter; brothers Billy (Irene) Swift, Bruce (Ellen) Swift, Barry (Martha) Swift and Bradford (Samantha) Swift; brother-in-law, Glen Allen; as well as a multitude of cousins, nieces and nephews.

There will be a celebration of life at Somerhill Events, on Friday, September 29 at 1 p.m., 826 Somerville Rd., in Somerville.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to your favorite charity in Dale’s name. Dale gave to many charities over the years, she was partial to military, autistic, and cancer charities

VIRGINIA L. LABBE

SMITHFIELD – Virginia L. Labbe “Ginny”, “Jenny”, 78, born September 24, 1944, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, August 29, 2023. Ginny was born in Sidney on the Middle Road. Her birth was one of the last home births at that time.

At the young age of one, she moved to San Marcos, Texas, with her parents until the age of six. On the return to Maine, they bought an old camp on Messalonskee Lake, Oakland, which they moved across the ice, to a lot on the east side of the lake. During that summer they lived in a tent while remodeling the camp which became her year-round home until she graduated from Williams High School, in Oakland, in 1963.

On August 11, 1971, Virginia married the love of her life, Michael Labbe. Mike and Ginny worked hard raising five children while building a home on Messalonskee Lake, in Sidney. During that time Virginia worked for Coughlin Real Estate Agency as a sales associate and office manager.

Her love of life was no secret to anyone who knew her. She was always seeking out adventures with her family. Many fond family memories were of her carrying her favorite rod to numerous bodies of water to catch brook trout from the Maine brooks to the massive rivers and lakes of Québec and Labrador. She always dreamed of the next fishing trip before the one she was on was over.

She was ready for the snow to fly when the fishing season ended. Snowmobiling was her winter passion. She was often seen signing the trails or running a snowmobile business, Dana’s Rental, in Jackman, with her husband, Mike, and son, Dana. After a day of work or riding, she and Mike could often be found at the Northland Hotel owned by Margaret Hall, telling tales of snowmobiling and trail conditions with Gerry Smith and fellow riders. She was an avid snowmobiler throughout Maine and Québec for the last 50 years, always looking forward to her spring ride in the Gaspé Peninsula, in Canada, with Mike, her long-time friend, Sue Milspaugh, along with anyone who would like to join them.

Virginia was predeceased by her parents Bernard and Annie Ratliff Bulmer; and her daughter, Lorna Labbe Brackett.

She is survived by her husband, Mike Labbe; her children, Rick Labbe and wife Nancy, Dana Labbe and wife Barbara, Michael Labbe, Jeffery Labbe and wife Tracy; grandchildren, Tyler Brackett, Maureen Brackett Mosher, Mercedes Labbe, Ciera Labbe Lambert, and Jenna Labbe Murray; step-grandchildren, Jack and Christopher Belyeu; several great-grandchildren; aunts; nieces, and nephews.

Celebration of life was held at the Smithfield Fairview Grange on September 24. A family graveside service will be held at a future date.

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

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Jackman Border Riders Sportsman’s Club, P.O. Box 413, Jackman, ME 04945.

MARY E. LEWIS

UNITY – Mary Esther (Fogg) Lewis, 83, of Unity, passed away on Friday, September 8, 2023. Mary Esther was born Nov­em­ber 10, 1939, in Livermore Falls, to Ernest A. and Barbara L. Fogg.

She was the youngest of six, Robert Fogg, Elizabeth Pray, Claire Jane Fogg, Barbara A Lamb, and Janet Tucker.

She graduated from Buckfield High School and attended what is now known as the University of Maine Farmington (formerly Farmington State Teachers College), where she earned her teacher’s degree.

Mary Esther was the wife of Clair Howard Lewis Jr. for 46 years, whom she met through his sister Eleanor and married on June 26, 1965. They made their home in Unity, raising two children, Barbara Louise Jewett (Eric) and Christopher Lewis (Michelle).

From a young age, Mary Esther held a deep faith in God. She and her husband were long-term members of the Unity Union Church, and later in life were very active in the Belfast United Methodist Church.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Clair; daughter, Barbara Louise; parents; and siblings.

Mary Esther had a deep passion for her family, church, and community. She was always creating “crafty” items to benefit a church or community effort, cooking for potluck suppers, or knitting for the grandchildren. As her youngest child entered school, she returned to the classroom at Unity Elementary. She enjoyed her students as well as fellow teachers, staying in touch with them through the years.

Her five grandchildren were her greatest joy, Alinda Lewis Smith (Justin), Keith Jewett, Ian Jewett (Miranda), Tad Jewett (Hallie), and Daniel Lewis; along with her three great-grandchildren.

The funeral was held on Friday, September 15, at Liberty Baptist Church, in Liberty. A private family burial followed.

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

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Good Steward Thrift Shop, c/o Unity Union Church, 13 Depot St., Unity, ME 04988 in Mary’s memory.

LUCILLE ROMUNDO

WATERVILLE – Lucille Romundo, 100, passed away on Tuesday, September 12, 2023. Born September 6, 1923, (youngest of seven children) to Maud and Victor Robichaud.

She became the matriarch of a family growing to more than 30 (four generations).

The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, September 29, 2023, at Notre Dame Church, 116 Silver St., in Waterville.

To read the obituary in its entirety, go to http://www.veilleuxfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Veilleux and Redington Funeral Home.

PATRICIA A. PARADIS

WATERVILLE – Patricia Ann Paradis, 84, passed peacefully on Thursday, September 14, 2023, at Northern Light Inland Hospital, inWaterville. She was born October 2, 1938, in Belgrade, the daughter of James Paradis and Jeannette Grivois Paradis, and twin to Patrick.

Despite living with learning disabilities she had a full and active life. Her happiest days were spent at the Muskie Center, in Waterville, where she made many friends.

Patricia is survived by her sisters Mary Boulette and Celia Williams; and brothers Omer Saucier and Mike Paradis; along with many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by sisters Germaine Paradis and Theresa Jurewicz and brothers Patrick and Paul Paradis.

There will be no funeral at this time and she will be laid to rest with her parents at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery in Waterville.

She will be remembered for her outgoing nature and love of family. In her memory just be kind..

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Veilleux and Redington Funeral Home.

NORMAN F. POULIN

SIDNEY – Norman “Norm” F. Poulin, 83, of Sidney, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 18, 2023, at the Androscoggin Hospice House, in Auburn. Norm was born in Sidney on October 11, 1939, the son of the late Alfred and Desange (Bernier) Poulin.

He attended school in Sidney and then on to Cony High School, in Augusta, graduating in 1958. During his high school years, he worked at Kennebec Brick, in Sidney.

After high school, he joined the Air National Guard and attended boot camp at Lackland Air Force Base, in San Antonio, Texas. Upon returning home, he continued to be active in the Guard until 1964 while working at Eastern Packing, in Waterville, where he helped to make different kinds of meat products. He then went on the road delivering these products to various businesses and dedicated 30 years of commitment to the company. Norm also raised broiler chickens for Maplewood Poultry, in Belfast. Along the way, Norm built many friendships and established connections that he carried with him throughout the years.

Norm’s next adventure was purchasing his own pastry business, delivering a variety of pastries throughout the Central Maine area.

From the time he was a boy, Norm always loved country music and listened to the Grand Ole Opry and WWVA’s Wheeling Jamboree. He would ride his bike to Augusta’s City Hall to watch the local country musicians. At the shows, Norm would befriend the performers backstage, which grew into lifelong relationships, both professional and personal. He was also the Maine State Fan Club representative for Loretta Lynn for 10 years.

Back when Norm was working for WKCG Radio, in Augusta, he heard Yodelin’ Slim Clark give an interview on the station. In 1970, after speaking with Yodelin’ Slim, Norm came up with the idea to start putting on shows to get musicians in front of the crowds, establishing Norm Poulin Productions, which later evolved into the Country Music Pioneer Show featuring Maine country artists, as well as performers coming up from Nashville, Tennessee, to perform throughout Maine. Norm’s saying “If the ticker ticks, the music clicks, and they come from the cities and out of the sticks” which certainly rang true when seeing the thousands of people that attended the shows throughout the years. As a result of his dedication and passion for country music, Norm was honored and proud to be inducted into the Maine Country Music Hall of Fame in 2021.

Many people throughout Central Maine would often see Norm’s truck with a sign advertising blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, or corn for sale. If you stopped to buy from Norm, plan on an extended sale because you would hear several stories from Norm with a few wise cracks thrown in for free.

After the seasons were done for selling, he would enjoy his favorite hobbies of deer and bear hunting. His love for the hunt started at a very early age for Norm, often choosing his favorite spots on his own family homestead where he was born and lived his entire life.

Norm enjoyed sharing holiday meals at his brother and sister-in-law’s home, and later attending many holiday dinners at his niece, Kimberly’s home, where he truly enjoyed her raspberry pies, and a haircut when needed. When Norm had business or financial questions, or just someone to lend a hand, he would call on his nephew Ryan who was always willing to help Uncle Norm.

Many people knew Norm as the greeter and card checker at Sam’s Club, in Augusta, where he worked for 17 years. To many, he was not just the greeter, but the conversation starter.

Norm was predeceased by his parents, Alfred and Desange; his brother, Henry, sister, Jeannine, and sister-in-law, Helen Poulin.

Survivors include his brother, Gerald Poulin, of Sidney; niece, Kimberly Murgo and husband Lorenzo, of Benton; nephew, Ryan Poulin and wife Charity, of Sidney; niece, Ann Lefebvre and husband Rick, of Waterville; and niece, Rose Hunt and husband Phil, of Norridgewock; along with several great-nieces and great-nephews.

At Norm’s request, there will be no services or celebration of life. Norm would want you all to continue celebrating life every day and live it to the fullest. As Norm would say,” I’ll see you when I saw ya”, and “Toodeloo”.

Arrangements are under the direction of Dan and Scott’s Cremation and Funeral Services of Skowhegan. The family invites you to visit Norm’s memorial page at https://dsfuneral.com/obituaries/norman-poulin-2023 to share condolences, share photos and special memories.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to The Maine Country Music Hall of Fame, P.O. Box 62, Athens, ME 04912.

LEON P. JOLER

WATERVILLE – Leon Paul Joler, 72, passed away recently He was born in Fairfield to Lawrence and Jeannette (Gagnon) Joler.

He graduated from Winslow High School in 1971. While in high school he worked for the local IGA, then Purlac Dairy, delivering milk door to door. From there he went on to work for Oakhurst Dairy and lastly working and retiring in 2000 after 25 years, from Nissen Baking Co (IBC).

His undying love for the Boston Red Sox, Boston Bruins, and New York Giants was like no other. He was a wealth of knowledge and useless information that he kept “all right here”. He was a self taught skilled woodworker that spent many hours building many wooden projects. He loved to be in the woods cutting trees, on the water fishing, or in the truck on an “adventure”.

Leon was predeceased by his parents; his in-laws Harold and Arwilla Higgins; his sister and brother-in-law, Claire and Donald Phair; “Best Aunts Ever” aunt, Neta Morrissette and aunt, Irene Ware, uncle, Bill Morrissette, uncle, Louis Ware; sisters-in-law Nancy Cote and Lera McGray; nieces Valerie Phair and Nicole Wilkie.

He is survived by his wife Jeannie whom he met on a blind date, they would go on to enjoy each other for 54 years through the good times and the bad. Also left behind are his daughters Lori and husband Vincent Arduini, of Leicester, Massachuset, and Jocelyn and husband Chad Pooler, of Winslow; grandchildren Riley Pooler, Garrett Pooler, Jordan Clarke, and Connor LeBlanc; his only brother, James Joler and wife Linda; cousins Jean Morrissette and Bill Morrissette and wife Dodie; nieces Missy Dorr, Michelle Joler-Labbe, and Danielle Lazcano; nephews Jeremy Lagasse, Marc Cote, Ben Jandreau, Tyler Jandreau, and Mike Cote; goddaughter, Melissa Morrissette; Also, but not forgotten, his baby girl, Fenway.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held Tuesday, September 26, at Notre Dame Church, Silver St., Waterville.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at http://www.VeilleuxFuneralHome.com for the Joler family.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Veilleux and Redington Funeral Home.

ELIZABETH B. LaCHANCE

WATERVILLE – Elizabeth B. LaChance, of Waterville, passed away in Waterville, September. 15, 2023.

Visiting hours will be Friday, September 29, from 5 – 7 p.m., at Gal­lant Funeral Home, 10 Elm St., Waterville.

You can read a full obituary at http://www.gallantfh.com and sign guestbook, share condolences and memories.

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EMILY ZAHRADNICK-FENDROCK

WATERVILLE – Emily Zahradnick-Fendrock, 85, passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, September 17, 2023.

She was born February 11, 1938, in Archbald, Pennsylvania, the daughter of Bertha and Andrew Zahradnick.

She graduated from St. Patrick’s High School and Lackawanna Business School, in Pennsylvania. Her working career was on Wall Street, which she enjoyed very much.

She had many interests with season tickets to the New York Metropolitan Opera, many years of competitive tennis at various country clubs, including the Arthur Ashe Flushing Meadows Tennis Club and season tickets to the New York Football Giants, where she traveled every Sunday to Yale Bowl, before the Giants had their stadium built.

Survivors include her partner, John Alden III; two sisters, Alice Gaskin, of Scarsdale, New York, and Cheryl Lieberman and her husband Irv, of Dayton, Ohio; and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by brothers Andrew, Paul, Jerry, Ambrose, and sisters Pat Law and Ann Krisanda.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, September 29, at 2 p.m., at the Leeds Plains Cemetery, Leeds.

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

MARY L. DAVIS

PALERMO—Mary L. Davis, 86, passed away on Thursday, September 21, 2023, at the Maine Veteran’s Home, in Augusta, following a long battle with Alzheimer’s. She was born in Lewiston to Theda (Tompkins) and Leslie Crommett Sr. on March 23, 1937.

For over 35 years, Mary worked as a florist; designing floral pieces and working with customers gave her great satisfaction. Mary enjoyed listening to country music, and in her younger days, attending Saturday night dances. She was a true Mainer who looked forward to camping trips and being outside during all seasons especially while gardening. She also enjoyed decorating her home for every holiday season.

Mary was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and TOPS. In her last years, Mary could often be seen holding her baby dolls which gave her great comfort.

Mary was predeceased by her husband, William J. Davis; her daughter, Heidi Glidden; and siblings, Leslie Crommett Jr., Myrtie Nowlin, and Joanne Shorey.

Her brother, Herbert Crommett joined Mary in the afterlife later on the same day, September 21, 2023.

She is survived by her granddaughter, Angel Hall and her husband, Rodney; son- in-law, Rodney F. Glidden; her siblings, Clayton Crommett, Vincent Crommett, Darrell Crommett, Grace Davis, Barbara Mayberry, Vicki McPhee, Dianne DeMerchant, Beverly Smith, and Marietta Field.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, at 11 a.m., at the Palermo Christian Church, 322 Branch Mills Rd., Palermo, ME 04354. Burial will follow at the Greely Corner Cemetery, on Rte. 3, in Palermo.

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

MADELINE D. STEVENSON

UNITY – Madeline Dickey Stevenson, 96, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 21, 2023. She was born to Alice (Nickerson) and William Dickey, on November 23, 1926.

Madeline grew up on a farm in Swanville and graduated from Belfast High School, and then from the University of Maine in 1949. She spent 25 years as an educator teaching high school English and serving as school librarian. She received a master’s degree in library science from UMaine in ’71 and was an avid reader.

She married Dana P. Stevenson in 1950 and together they raised three children while continuing to work and serve in the community. They built a home in Unity, where Madeline spent many hours in the garden raising vegetables and creating beautiful flower beds to attract pollinators and birds. Madeline loved bird watching and kept a journal of the varieties of bird she spotted. She also enjoyed spending time outdoors on the golf course or swimming in her pool.

As a young girl she learned cooking, sewing, and knitting skills from her family and she used these skills throughout her life. The kitchen in her home always smelled wonderful. She sewed clothes and quilts and knit mittens, hats, and sweaters for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She got together with crafters in town to create handmade items for church fairs. She also enjoyed painting and playing bridge with her friends.

Madeline was an active member of the community. She served as a Representative in the Maine Legislature for five years and served multiple terms on the Board of Trustees at Unity College. She was involved with the Unity Barn Raisers, in Unity Union Church activities and was an active member of the Maine Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma, an organization for women educators.

She was predeceased by her husband of 38 years, Dana Stevenson; son-in-law Peter Young, granddaughter Meghan Young; brother Joseph Dickey and nephew Alan Dickey.

She is survived by her son David Stevenson and wife Sonia, of Vassalboro; daughter Paula Young and husband Dana Turcotte, of Skowhegan; and son Jeff Stevenson and wife Brenda, of Orono; six grandchildren, Aaron, Jenny, Anthony, Shannon, Elizabeth, and Megan; nine great grandchildren; two nieces; and one sister-in-law.

The family will hold a graveside service to celebrate Madeline’s life on Tuesday, October 3, 2023, at 1 p.m., at Unity Pond Cemetery, on Kanokolous Road, in Unity Maine.

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.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Madeline’s memory may be made to: a charity of one’s choice.

JOHN T. GRANT

WATERVILLE – Born in Waterville, John Thomas Grant was a descendant of the Thomas family, founders of Thomas College. He was raised primarily by his mother, Freda Gagnon Grant, a woman of great resourcefulness, love, and grit.

John attended St. John School,, in Winslow, and Winslow public schools, received his BS in psychology from Uni­versity of Southern Maine (where he was a member of the Sigma Nu fraternity), and his Master of Social Work from the University of New England, in Biddeford

. A man of great kindness and generosity, John dedicated his career as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker to serving individuals facing severe challenges. He worked at the Mid-Maine Homeless Shelter, at various agencies as a mental health crisis worker, and ultimately became Director of Residential Services at Kennebec Behavioral Health.

John had extraordinary talents as a comic and could crack jokes even in the darkest moments (as the doctors and nurses caring for him during his last year could attest). He once appeared on the front page of the Waterville Morning Sentinel dressed in drag singing You Are So Beautiful into a mirror. His favorite activity was bantering with his son Casey Ford Grant, the greatest love and joy of his life. He was also an aficionado of the Blues and Rock-and-Roll, with a special fondness for Bob Dylan.

He died of cancer at home surrounded by family. Among those who will miss John the most are his son, Casey (and Casey’s mother, Teena French); and his wife, Ankeney Weitz; his sister, Amy; his stepson and stepdaughter, Miguel and Lily Schwiderke; his aunts, Linda Gagnon and Ida McDonnell.

Friends and family will meet to share their fondest memories of John from 12:30 to 2 p.m., on Saturday, September 30, at the Winslow Town Gazebo (114 Benton Ave.). A reception will follow.

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.

Those who wish to remember John with a gift might consider donating to the Spina Bifida Association of Greater New England, 219 East Main St., Ste 100B, Milford, MA 01757, https://www.spinabifidaassociation.org/.

OTHERS DEPARTED

MILLICENT DONAHUE

BRATTLEBORO, Vermont – Millicent “Millie” Donahue, 92, died peacefully on Sat­urday, Sep­tember 2, 2023, in her cottage at her daughter’s home in Brattleboro, Vermont.

She was born on October 29, 1930, in Fairfield. Millie graduated from Lawrence High School, where she was the childhood sweetheart of Patrick Donahue. Millie and Patrick were married on June 21, 1952.

After the passing of her husband, Patrick, when she was 81 and in failing health, she relocating to a quaint cottage in Vermont at her daughter’s home.

She is survived by her children Pat Donahue Jr. (Amy), Belgrade Lakes; John Donahue (Karen), Falmouth; Andy Donahue (Richard), Northampton, Massachusetts; Sue Strasenburgh (Paul), Falmouth; and Meg Donahue (Lisa), Brattleboro, Vermont; eight grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren, James Donahue, Ali (Austin) Brown and daughters Winnie and Mari; Kylen (Owen) Bolster and their son Sean Mathew; Gabe (Tom) Ray and son Thomas John; Tyler (Casey) Strasenburgh; Eric (Bridget) Strasenburgh and daughter Aria; Jason Donahue and Annie Donahue.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday October 1, 2023, at 2 p.m., at the Woodlands Country Club, in Falmouth.