Obituaries, June 8, 2017

JOAN A. BARROWS

WINSLOW––Joan Anita (Masse) Barrows, 85, of Winslow, passed away on Sunday, January 15, 2017. She was born in Winslow, May 9, 1931, to Joseph Cyrille Masse and Adele (Laliberte) Masse.
Joan was the head cheerleader at Winslow High. After high school, she met and instantly fell in love with Paul Barrows, who happened to be the star basketball player from rival high school Waterville High. They were married for 18 years until his passing in 1971. Together they had three daughters, Deborah Culpovich, Jody Panarelli and Kelly Barrows-Botero.

Joan, a resident of Maine her whole life, also enjoyed spending time with her family all over New England, often visiting her brother Arthur Masse in Connecticut, or taking in a Red Sox game with the grandkids in Boston. She also made many trips to the West Coast where she would visit her sister, Dolores “Lou” Norton, or spend Christmases in the mountains of Park City, Utah, with her family, and her long time companion, Ron Webber.

Joan had nine grandchildren: Alexandra Juarez-Aleksieienko, Amanda Champagne-Meadows, Abby Champagne, Chris Panarelli, Emilio Botero, Samuel Botero, Nico Panarelli, Megan Panarelli, and Daphne Botero.

SHAWN M. FENNELL

ALBION––Shawn Michael Fennell, 46, passed away in Vista, California, on Friday, May 19, 2017, following a courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Waterville on November 22, 1970, the son of Wayne and Sandy Fennell, but moved to Albion shortly after.

He attended Albion Elementary, where he played many sports, but really excelled at football where later he was an outstanding defensive tackle for the Lawrence Bulldogs, in Fairfield, all through high school. His lifelong dream was to be a Marine, so he left for boot camp at Parris Island in July 1989. His duty stations included: New River, North Carolina, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Okinawa, Japan, Quantico, Virginia, Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, Vienna, Austria, Vladivostok, Russia, Fort Leonard Wood for a second time, Camp Pendleton, California, and Kandahar, Afghanistan.
During his military service, Shawn was in the following military occupations specialties: motor transport, Marine Embassy Guard and Military Police.

After 22 years and attaining the rank of gunnery sergeant in the Marine Corp. it was time to retire. Shawn had a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, but decided to pursue another degree in respiratory therapy. He loved living in Vista, California, where he had many friends and was passionate about working out and being healthy. Shawn loved his daughter, Sydney, very much and was able to spend time with her in December of last year. His life was filled with many adventures all over the world and influenced many other people that he met.

Surviving Shawn are his parents, Wayne and Sandy Fennell; daughter Sydney Fennell; brothers, Chad and Derek; sister-in-law, Monica; nephews Conner, Nicholas, Evan and Kamren; several aunts, uncles and cousins.

An online guestbook may be signed and condolences expressed at www.gallant.fh.com.

Memorial donations may be made to: The American Cancer Society, 1 Bowdoin Mill Island #300, Topsham ME 04086.

RUTH F. COTE

WATERVILLE––Ruth Cuthbertson Ferland Cote, 90, passed away on Tuesday, May 23, 2017, at Lakewood Continuing Care Center. Ruth was born in Winslow on April 17, 1927, the only child of James Nelson Cuthbertson and Ruth Allen Cuthbertson.

Ruth graduated from Winslow High School, class of 1944, and was involved in their scholarship program. She worked as a medical secretary for many years until her retirement from Kennebec Valley Mental Health Center.

Ruth had a passion for reading and always had many books within reach. She was an avid knitter and crocheter, and her children and grandchildren were blessed to have received her beautiful afghans. Ruth greatly enjoyed the Belfast camp retreat which was held yearly by Moonlight Bay at Lakewood.

She was predeceased by her first husband, Albert “Pete” Ferland; and two grandsons, Joshua Moss and Nathan Davis.

She is survived by her husband, Carl Cote; children: Elizabeth Ferland, Virginia Allen (James), Sarah Cunningham (Lloyd), Peter Ferland (Beth), and Paul Ferland (Sherry); her stepchildren: Thomas Cote, Angela Davis, Emily McDonald (Charles), and Beth Ferland (Peter); 19 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; and two great-great-granddaughters.

To view a video collage of Ruth’s life and to share condolences, memories and tributes with her family, please visit: www.veilleuxfuneralhome.com.

Memorial donations may be made to: Humane Society Waterville Area, 100 Webb Road, Waterville ME 04901, or The Moonlight Bay, Camp Program, Lakewood Continuing Care Center, 200 KMD, Waterville ME 04901.

DONALD F. MASSEY

WINSLOW––Donald Francis Massey, 85, of Winslow, passed away at Oak Grove Nursing Home, on Wednesday, May 24, 2017. Donald was born on February 16, 1932, in Waterville, the youngest child of Louis and Mary Anne (Thibodeau) Massey.

Don graduated froom Waterville High School in 1951, where he excelled as an athlete in football, basketball and baseball. After graduating high school, Don enlisted in the United States Navy, serving from 1952 to 1956 and then became a Korean War veteran.

On September 21, 1957, Don married the former Patricia Gagne. After an honorable discharge from the Navy, Don worked at Houle’s Plumbing and Heating, in Waterville, where he began his career. He then worked at Keyes Fibre mill in Waterville, from where he retired in 1991.

During his younger years as a father, Don was dedicated to spending as much time as possible with his family. He was an excellent little league coach as well as an umpire. He also spent each winter flooding the neighborhood basketball court so neighborhood children could ice skate. Don also enjoyed spending time and creating memories with his family at their camp on Moosehead Lake.

Once retired, Don spent a lot of his time helping out family and friends, as he was always doing things for others. He helped raise his grandchildren. He could always be found at his brother’s establishment, Steve’s Restaurant, or sitting out in front of his garage, waving to each person who went by. He became a self-taught carpenter in his retirement, crafting beautiful pieces of furniture for both family and friends.

Don was predeceased by his parents; sons Bruce and Michael Massey; brothers Nelson, Joseph, Edward “Pee Wee”, Alfred, George and Steve; sisters Irene Brown and Rita Wetzler; half-sister Margaret Stewart; half-brothers John and Leo Gaudet; and son-in-law Todd Labbe.

Don is survived by his wife of 60 years, Patricia; daughter Brenda Massey-Labbe; son Todd Massey and wife Cheryl; grandchildren Brittney Massey-Labbe, Kurt Massey, Brian Massey and Kayla Massey; sister-in-law Bernadette Massey; and several nieces and nephews.

To view a video collage of Don’s life and to share condolences, memories and tributes with his family, please visit: www.veilleuxfuneralhome.com.

Memorial donations may be made to: Hospice Volunteers, of Waterville Area, 304 Upper Main Street, Waterville ME 04901.

ROBERT H. REED

FAIRFIELD CENTER––Robert H. Reed, 91, died Saturday, May 27, 2017, at the U.S. VA Medical Center at Togus. He was born in Gardiner on May 23, 1926, the son of Harold and Ethlyn (Morrill) Reed.

Robert was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II. He was employed by the U.S. Postal Service, in Oakland; worked at Togus; and retired from the VA  Hospital in Los Angeles, California. Robert lived many years in Tennessee. He was a member of the Masons for over 30 years.

He was predeceased by his wife Betty in 2014; two sisters, Leila Luce and Maxine Gallagher; and two brothers, Edmund and Tom Reed.

Surviving are a daughter, Bonnie Noel, of Sidney; a sister, Laura Stevens, of Oakland; and several nieces and nephews.

An online guestboook may be signed and memories shared at: www.lawrybrothers.com.

R. ALLAN WENZEL

WEEKS MILLS––R. Allan “Al” Wenzel, 74, died Tuesday, May 30, 2017, at the Alfond Center for Health, in Augusta, following a long illness. He was born in Friant, California, on March 6, 1943, a son of the late William L. and Ella B. (Hamann) Wenzel.

Mr. Wenzel was a US Navy veteran and was a 50-year member of the American Legion and served as post commander on both coasts.

He had been employed by Digital Equipment Corp. and Lohman Animal Health for many years.

Al would take vacation time every year in order to work the Chicken Bar-B-Q at the Windsor Fair, which he did for many years. He also served as a volunteer fireman for many years at the Weeks Mills fire department.

Mr. Wenzel was predeceased by three brothers, Wilber, Lauren and Paul Wenzel and three sisters, Letha Jenks, Bernice Chancellor and Caryl Turl.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Linda L. (Haskell) Wenzel, of China; two sons, Timothy A. Wenzel, of Madera, California and Adam L.Wenzel and wife Linda, of Clovis, California; a daughter, Yvonne J. Meek and husband Loren, of Exeter, California; three brothers, Wayne Wenzel and wife Jean, of Clovis, California, Roy Wenzel and wife Karen, of Marysville, Washington and James Wenzel and wife Linda, of Camarillo, California; two sisters, Louise Oppelt, of Brookings, South Dakota, and Ila Alford, of Placentia, California; four grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Arrangements were under the care of Plummer Funeral Home, Windsor Chapel, 983 Ridge Rd., Windsor ME.

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

BRENDA J. FOSTER

BENTON – Brenda Jane (Holt) Foster, 68, of Benton, passed away on Sunday, May 28, 2017, from complication related to cancer. She was born November 5, 1948, in Waterville, to Sumner and Josie Holt.

She is survived by her longtime love of her life, Robert (Bobby) Bergeron; sons, Robin Foster and his wife Jocelyn Young, Eric Foster and his wife Lynda and her daughter Angie Foster; as well as three grandchildren, Zachary, Taylor and Austin Foster.

Brenda was extremely proud of her dad’s military service and his participation in World War II in the South Pacific, where he was injured by gunfire. She was deeply patriotic and rarely seen without her American flag pin on her shirt.

Brenda worked at Klearview Manor, in Fairfield, for nearly 40 years in the laundry before recently retiring. She worked tirelessly with great pride to ensure all the residents looked their best. Everyone knew when Brenda was on lunch break when the smell of her burned toast she loved so much permeated Klearview’s hallways.

Brenda loved reading, keeping track of the weather, thunderstorms, and tending her beautiful flower gardens. She loved every chance she could get to go to the beach, ocean, mountains, or “up north.”

She enjoyed jamming to her favorite band, U2; and shared two wonderful trips with her daughter to see U2 perform live.

She got great pleasure in the wild songbirds, hummingbirds, crows, squirrels, deer, woodchucks and raccoon families who frequented her well-stocked feeders for years. She loved all her kitties that came in and out of her life.

She especially enjoyed her many adventures through the years all over Maine and beyond with her daughter Angie.

Memorial donations may be made to the Humane Society Waterville Area, 100 Webb Road, Waterville, ME 04901.

SHARON PLATO

CHINA – Sharon Plato, 61, passed away on Monday, May 29, 2017, following a three-year battle with cancer. Sharon was born on May 22, 1956, in Augusta, the third child of Alton and Eleanor Williams.

She was predeceased by her father and a younger brother, Clinton Williams.

Sharon is survived by her mother, her husband and soul mate of over 43 years, Eric ‘Rick’ Plato, of South China; siblings Wesley Williams and his wife Chris, of Bucksport, Gail St. Hilaire, of Bradenton, Florida, Dale Williams and his wife Lisa, of Bowdoin, and Jeremy Williams and his wife Lydia, of Readfield; her best friend of 46 years, Sharon Dunn, of Readfield; many nieces and nephews.

Memorial donations in memory of Sharon Plato can be made to: MaineGeneral Home Care & Hospice, P.O. Box 828, Waterville, ME, 04903-0828 or online at www.mainegeneral.org/hospice.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Plummer Funeral Home, 983 Ridge Road, Windsor, ME.

Condolences, photos and memories may be shared at www.plummerfh.com.

DONALD B. SHORES SR.

OAKLAND ­– Donald B. Shores, Sr., a resident of Oakland and Fairfield Center, died on Monday, May 29, 2017, at Maine General Medical Center, in Augusta, following weeks of battling cancer and treatment complications. He was born on September 13, 1940, in Albion, the son of the late Erlon N. Sr. and Gladys (Brawn) Shores, and graduated from Besse High School in 1960.

Donald co-owned and operated with his sons, Shores Dairy Farm, from 1982 until retiring in April 2016. He loved his family, cows and cats. He cared for his friends and was always helping a stranger.

He was not a man of many words, saying he loved or cared about you, but he showed you through phone calls, giving unexpected gifts, remembering all his children and grandchildren on their birthdays and Christmas. He would drop off candy, flowers or gifts to those he wanted to show his appreciation. He kept his promises and was a man who made a difference in the lives he left behind.

He had fond memories and stories of his years working for Woolworth Estate, in Monmouth, for 12 years as herdsman and in their gardens/greenhouse until 1972. He moved his family to Fairfield to work for Tozier Farm, before purchasing his own dairy farm. He loved driving old beat-up looking white pick-ups. Bail-a twine and duct tape were his tools of choice. His truck cab was always full of his possessions and bags of cat food ­– this did not stop him from picking up a hitchhiker, and only his great-grandchildren liked to ride with him.

He is survived by his children, Jolene McPhetres, of Sangerville; Richard and Cheryl Shores, of Canaan, and their children Katie and Tyler; Deanna and David Proulx, of Oakland, and their children David E. and Brittany, and their children, Bailey and Brooklynn; and David T. and Betsy, of Oakland, and their children Dallas and Samantha; the mother of his children, and business partner, Judy Shores; Linda Daigle, of Fairfield Center, and her children Lisa, Larrisa, Laura, Larry and their families; brothers, Manley Shores, Amasa and Danny, all of Albion; Allen, of Winslow; and Erlon Jr., of Waterville; sisters, Louise Bellows, and Gloria and Ron Gregory, all of Winslow; sister-in-law, Lois Shores, of Albion; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased by his parents; son, Donald (Chip) Shores Jr. in 2015; stepmother, Beverly; brothers, Dale, Herbert, and Frederick; great-grandson, Bryce; and his beloved cat, Bozie (Smidge).

Children: David E. and Brittany, and their children, Bailey and Brooklynn; and David T. and Betsy, of Oakland, and their children Dallas and Samantha; the mother of his children, and business partner, Judy Shores; Linda Daigle, of Fairfield Center, and her children Lisa, Larrisa, Laura, Larry and their families; brothers, Manley Shores, Amasa and Danny, all of Albion; Allen, of Winslow; and Erlon Jr., of Waterville; sisters, Louise Bellows, and Gloria and Ron Gregory, all of Winslow; sister-in-law, Lois Shores, of Albion; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased by his parents; son, Donald (Chip) Shores Jr. in 2015; stepmother, Beverly; brothers, Dale, Herbert, and Frederick; great-grandson, Bryce; and his beloved cat, Bozie (Smidge).

To leave a message of kindness, please visit: www.shoreynichols.com.