OBITUARIES for Thursday, September 4, 2025

HUBERT C. KUETER

OAKLAND – Hubert Christian Kueter, 94, of Oakland, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 1, 2025. Born in 1930 in Breslau, Germany, Hubert earned his Ph.D. in Germanic Languages and Literature from the University of Michigan. He taught German language and literature at Colby College,, in Waterville, from 1965 until his retirement in 1997.

In addition to his academic career, Hubert pursued a lifelong passion for fine cuisine. In 1975, he opened the Johann Sebastian B Restaurant, in Oakland, where he served as owner, manager, and chef until 2003. His dedication to both teaching and the culinary arts left a lasting mark on the communities he served.

Hubert lived life with extraordinary energy and curiosity. He was a dedicated mushroom hunter, and his many outdoor pursuits over the years included ski instruction and coaching, whitewater and ocean kayaking, and windsurfing.

In 2007, he published My Tainted Blood, a semi-autobiographical account of his survival as a child in Nazi and post-war Germany, a powerful reflection on identity, resilience, and history.

Hubert is survived by his wife, Nancy D. Brooks, of Oakland; his sons, Jens C. Kueter, of Massachusetts, and Chris Kueter, of Virginia; and Nancy’s children: Carolyn E. Brooks, of Vermont, John (Jay) Brooks, of New York, Catherine A. Brooks, of Michigan, Thomas W. Brooks, of Oakland, and Robert C. Brooks, of Portland; four grandchildren; 11 step-grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m., on Sunday, September 21, 2025, at Lorimer Chapel, Colby College, in Waterville.

JUDY A. CLARK-FOSTER

SKOWHEGAN – Judy Ann Clark-Foster, 71, of Skowhegan, died Friday, August 8, 2025, at her home, following a courageous battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease). She was born June 3, 1954, in Skowhegan, the daughter of Reginald and Ernestine MacMillan, of Skowhegan.

She attended schools in Skowhegan, graduating from Bloomfield Academy and Skowhegan Area High School in 1974. She went on to attend Thomas College, in Waterville, to earn an associate’s degree. She married Lloyd Clark on May 11, 1985, in Skowhegan. She later married George Foster on October 5, 2019, in Skowhegan.

Judy worked in the shoe shop in Skowhegan and later went on to work for many doctors in the area as a secretary. She would also work at Stern’s Department Store, in Skowhegan, during the Christmas season, wrapping gifts. She was also a devoted member of the Rebekah’s and Odd Fellows of Maine, with her home lodge being Priscilla Rebekah Lodge #69, of Skowhegan. She held many offices over the years, including serving as the President of the Rebekah Assembly of Maine. She loved to travel to all Rebekah functions, including out of state, to visit all her sisters and brothers. She was a 50-plus year member and was very active until her health declined.

Judy loved spending time with her family and friends, and she enjoyed going on adventures. She also loved traditional country music and going dancing at the local dance halls. She was the most caring and loving person, always willing to lend a hand if someone needed help.

She is survived by her husband, George Foster, of Skowhegan; daughters Ashley Clark (Mike), of Waterville, Gretchen Clark, of Skowhegan; sister Carol Pavone (Gene), of Skowhegan; mother-in-law Sarah Foster, of Skowhegan; many sisters and brothers-in-law, stepsons, Johnny Clark (Sarah), of Ludowici, Georgia, David Foster (Kim), of Norridgewock, Will Foster (Lori), of Cornville, Georgie Foster (Christine), of Cannan; granddaughter Dakotah Arel, of Waterville; and many step-grandchildren; niece Monica Kittredge (Francis), of Skowhegan; and many great nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents, Reginald and Ernestine MacMillan, her grandmother Vivian Otis, and her stepdaughter Jessica Labarge.

Funeral services were held at the Skowhegan Federated Church, on August 30, 2025. The burial followed at the Rome Village Cemetery, Rome Road, Rome, Maine. A celebration of life will be held following the burial at Tewksbury Hall, 6 Weston Ave., Skowhegan.

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 place of flowers, donations can be made to the ALS Association, P.O. Box 37022, Boone, IA 50037.

MARY ELLEN C. WELSH

CLINTON – Mary Ellen Cushman Welsh, 87, of Clinton, passed away on Sunday, August 17, 2025. She was born on May 27, 1938, in Hartland, to James Allerton Cushman and Leola Butler Cushman.

Unquestionably, Mary’s greatest joy came from spending time with her family. She was a wholly devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, with her love for her family always being nothing short of unconditional and undeniable. She loved her children very much and spent many years as Mom’s taxi driving them to Canaan Christian and later Clinton Christian schools in their adolescent years.

She married her childhood sweetheart and love of her life, Roy, whose love only blossomed throughout their incredible 68 years of marriage together. For the last 29 years, Mary and Roy were snowbirds and traveled to nearly every state within the USA that they were able to drive to. Much of this time they spent as members of the Sower Ministry, lending their time and talents working and/or assisting at various Christian campgrounds, schools, and organizations, while arguably and most importantly, making sure Roy kept busy…

She and Roy loved to go camping in their motor home and when they were in Maine they were always camping somewhere on Memorial weekend, so her children were driving all over Maine finding her to celebrate her birthdays…. They were always at Living Waters for Labor Day weekend, and Fryeburg Fair was an annual event.

In Mary’s free time, she could be frequently found writing letters, stamping, and crafting beautiful handmade cards to send to friends and her many pen pals. Her unconditional love extended beyond just her family into the many facets of everyday life that most casually overlook. Her love for nurturing things was evident in her beautiful flower gardens and feeding the songbirds and her special pets – Woody the woodchuck and Chippy the chipmunk – there were many of them over the years! Roy put up with her love for the woodchucks and chipmunks while many other husbands would have shot them on sight!

Mary cultivated not only lovely gardens but also a family rooted in love and respect for all living things. Mary’s backyard pond was a wonderland where many children have fond memories of catching frogs and fish, always to put them back under Mary’s tender direction.

She is survived by her best friend and love of her life, Roy; her daughter Susan and husband Michael; her son Leroy and wife Kathe and their sons “Little Man” Myles and Caleb; her granddaughter Megan, and her very special “Little Miss” Gracelyn Hadley as well as her sister Martha Howard; brother-in-law William Weisher; nieces Emily and Katie; nephews Donnie and Kevin; and step-siblings Joanne Cushman and Dwayne Pillsbury.

The Celebration of Life was held Saturday, August 30, at Clinton Baptist Church, where she was a member for 60-plus years.

RUSSELL H. SOPER

CHELSEA – Russell “Rusty” Harold Soper, 68, of Chelsea, passed away on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, following a brief, courageous battle with cancer. He was born on November 6, 1956, in Stoneham, Massachusetts, to Harold and Pauline Soper.

Rusty was a brother, uncle, great-uncle, and great-great-uncle – a larger-than-life presence who touched everyone he met. He leaves behind a tackle box full of memories, and a family forever filled with love.

A true adventurer at heart, Rusty lived life on his own terms. From coast to coast and all the way to Hawaii, he followed the call of the open road, crisscrossing the country countless times driving Grey Rabbit Buses, and never missing a chance to take a detour or cast a fishing line. His happiest moments were simple but rich: good company, great music in the air, and something delicious on the table shared with the ones he loved.

One of Rusty’s passions was restoring old vehicles. If it had wheels, a little rust, and a story behind it, he was ready to dive in and bring it back to life.

He was known for his legendary tales – always humorous, often outrageous, and surprisingly insightful if you listened closely. Beneath the laughter, you’d often find a quiet life lesson about kindness, resilience, or simply enjoying the ride.

Rusty had a gift for making people feel welcome and at ease – whether you knew him for decades or had just met him. His warmth, humor, and open-hearted nature left an impression that won’t be forgotten.

He is survived by his two sisters, Jane (David) Chapman and Gail (Raymond) Fowlie, both of Gardiner; his nieces and nephews Eric (Trisha) Chapman, Gretel (Aaron) Smith, Adam Chapman, Josh (Athena) Chapman, Naomi (Ben) Lutz, Becca (Zach) Fowlie Gray, Joanna Chapman, Jacob Fowlie (Sarah), Rachel Fowlie (Charley); and dear friend, Sue Blais; many great-nieces and nephews Brady (Alexis), Haley (Randy), Owen, Quentin, Allie, Laurel, Hannah, Zoey, Harper, Alexander; and great-great-nephew, Asher.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, September 28, from 2 – 5 p.m., at Brookside Barn, 394 Marston Rd., Gardiner.

DAWN E. BERSANI

MADISON – Dawn “Dawnie” Elizabeth (Withee) Bersani, 73, of Madison, passed away on Saturday, August 23, 2025. She passed away peacefully at Redington-Fairview General Hospital, in Skowhegan, following a sudden diagnosis of brain cancer in June. She was born in Skowhegan, on August 10, 1952, to Elizabeth (“Betty”) Louise (Taylor) Withee and Donald Elwood Withee.

She met the illness with fierce determination, though her fight was short-lived due to health complications. Dawn carried her humor, concern for family and love of order until her final days.

Dawn’s life was deeply shaped by her childhood at “the farm.” She spent days riding and caring for ponies, baling hay with her dad and trying (unsuccessfully) to reign in her sister Midge. From a young age she served her community, having been an active member of Rainbow, with her favorite office being Drill Leader.

Dawn graduated from Madison Memorial High School (1971), where she commanded attention as Drum Majorette. She married Richard Bersani, and together they moved to Nashua, New Hampshire, where they raised their children. Though their marriage ended after more than 20 years, they remained connected through family. Dawn worked for more than three decades at Dartmouth Hitchcock. To patients and colleagues alike, she was known for her kindness, humor and inviting nature. Her happiest moments were enrolling new parents and welcoming their babies. Across her career her work was defined by looking out for others. With retirement, Dawn returned home to Madison, where she became an active member of the Federated Church and Order of the Eastern Star, Keystone Chapter #78.

She was known as someone who always “showed up” – and showed up early. She was quick to volunteer her time, house-sit to care for others’ fur-babies as she cared for people, and often supported friends and loved ones in their final moments. Dawn treasured adventures in her beloved Subaru, could never resist a sale, and “believed” deeply in people. She was legendary for her endless collection of totes and Tupperware. She delighted in doing laundry, watching Hallmark movies, reviving cast-off houseplants and window shopping. Her warmth and wit will live on through her unforgettable “Dawnie-isms”: “telling on herself,” shoot-a-pickle, cool beans, oh mylanta, awesome-blossom, kitty dogs and puppy cats, I love-uh you – and, of course, her frequent use of emojis.

Dawn’s greatest pride was her family: children, Jason Withee Bersani (wife Heidi Lynne Strassberg-Bersani) and Dr. Bianca Elizabeth Bersani (husband Nathan Kyle Redmann); and her grandchildren, Morgan Arwen Strassberg-Bersani, Eloise (Ellie) Elizabeth Redmann, Isaac Ames Redmann and Lucas Kyle Redmann. Dawnie was the least judgmental parent possible. No matter the “phases” her children went through, she supported them. She was often the loudest voice on the sidelines or in the audience, cheering on their accomplishments. She took tremendous joy in simple moments with her grandchildren, like spontaneous picnics from the back of her car and taking walks to look for signs of the changing seasons.

Dawn’s spirit also lives on in her sister Midge (Luciann) Pomelow (husband Tim Pomelow), and nieces and nephews: Reagan, Sean, Aleana, Taylor (husband Dustin), Lyric, Cameron, Phoenix and Lux, Kaylee (wife Kelsey), Kody (wife Ruth), Frankie and Jovi.

A Celebration of Life took place on Sunday, August 31, 2025, at Giberson’s Funeral Home, 40 Maple St., Madison, Maine. The burial is private to the family.

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, Dawn asked that donations be sent to one of the following organizations Glioblastoma Research Organization: https://www.gbmresearch.org/; Somerset Animal Shelter: https://shsanimalshelter.com/; Dyslexia Learning Center: https://www.bangormasonic.org/dyslexia-learning-center/.

LILA J. LABBE

CLINTON – Lila Jean Labbe, 74, died unexpectedly Sunday, August 24, 2025. She was born in Gardiner, on November 11, 1950, a daughter of the late Hazen W. and Dorothy E. (Parker) Pass and a great-granddaughter of the late Walter and Mary Pierce and William and Lettie Pass.

Ms. Labbe attended schools in the Windsor area and was a Life Member of the Windsor Historical Society.

She had been employed as a CNA for many years and, more recently, worked as a cook at Lakewood Continuing Care Center, in Waterville.

Ms. Labbe was pre-deceased by a brother, Bill Pass, and a sister-in-law, Ann Pass.

She is survived by her children: Dianna Copeland and her husband, Todd, of Orlando, Florida, April Farrar, of Apopka, Florida, Jeffrey Mullens, of Augusta, Michael Mullens, of Bath, and John Hardie, of Clinton; her sister, Lois Doe, of Waterville; five grandchildren, five great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

A memorial service was held on Saturday, August 30, at Plummer Funeral Home, Windsor Chapel, 983 Ridge Rd., Rt. 32, Windsor. Burial and committal prayers followed in Rest Haven Cemetery, Rt. 32, Windsor.

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

The family requests that donations in Jean’s memory be made to: Clinton Community Food Bank, 42 Church Street, Clinton, ME, 04927.

MARIE B. DREW

PALERMO/WATERVILLE – Marie Barra Quattrucci Drew, 99, died peacefully on Tuesday, August 26, 2025. Marie was born in Portland, in 1926, to Dominic and Josephine Urbano Barra.

She grew up in Portland and graduated from Deering High School and Shaw’s Business School. Marie was a medical secretary at Maine Medical Hospital, in Portland, and had been employed in several medical practices in the Waterville area for a number of years. She worked in the commissioners office for the Maine Department of Conservation. Following her retirement she was a volunteer at Thayer Hospital and the Muskie Center, both in Waterville. She was a member of the Sheepscot Lake Fish and Game Association and the Palermo Cooperative Extension Club.

During her 32 year marriage to Irving Drew, who passed away in 2003, they enjoyed many years of hunting and snowmobiling at their Moxie Pond camp, and swimming and kayaking at their home on Sheepscot Lake, in Palermo. She and her young grandchildren cherished and fully enjoyed the generous and happy amount of time they spent together.

She was predeceased by her parents and her husband Irving Drew; two sisters, Anna Barra McWhinnie and Jacqueline Barra Sawtelle, and a brother, Roger Barra.

She is survived by her four children, Gaetano Quattrucci (Phebe), Dominic Quattrucci (Paula), Michael Quattrucci (Janice), Anna Quattrucci (Nancy); nine grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

At Marie’s request, there will be no services.

Donations in Marie’s name can be made to The Sheepscot Lake Fish & Game Association, PO Box 163, Palermo, Maine 04354.

Others Departed

MANLEY E. ROGERS

BELFAST – Manley Eaton Rogers, 98, passed away on Saturday, August 9, 2025, in Portland. Manley was born June 5, 1927, in Waterville, to A. Raymond and Harriet (Eaton) Rogers.

Manley attended public schools in Waterville. He took a year at the Belmont Hill School to complete his high school education. He attended the United States Military Academy Prep School, then at Amherst College. He attended the United States Military Academy (USMA), at West Point, New York, graduating in 1950. He obtained a master’s in Civil Engineering from Cal Tech in 1955.