Obituaries, Week of April 27, 2017

JOSEPH A. LIZOTTE

FAIRFIELD––Joseph Albert Lizotte, 75, passed away in Zephyrhills, Florida, on Thursday, March 16, 2017, following a brief illness. Joseph was born in Waterville, on September 24, 1941, the only child of Albert J. Lizotte and Marie (Clementine) Bolduc Lizotte.

Joseph attended Winslow High School, graduating on June 9, 1960. Immediately following graduation, Joseph enlisted in the United States Air Force, stationed in Alaska as a freight traffic specialist. He was honorably discharged on September 12, 1963, shortly after his transfer to Dow Air Force Base, Bangor.

He held many different jobs in the Waterville/Winslow area, to include delivery driver for Harris Bakery, mill worker for both Keyes Fibre and Scott Paper Co., and finally engineer for the Maine Central Railroad Company, a job he held until his retirement in 1996.

He enjoyed many different hobbies, including camping and ice fishing. He was a member of a local bowling league and he was an avid cribbage player. He really loved traveling, and after his retirement, spent 12 winters in Florida to enjoy the warmer weather.

While in Florida, he enjoyed playing shuffleboard with his park friends, earning a championship trophy. Joseph was a wonderful cook, spending many holidays entertaining for his family and friends. It didn’t take long for the members of his local church in Florida to notice his cooking abilities, as he began volunteering for the church suppers each Friday night. His spaghetti with meat sauce and shepherd’s pie were quite a hit. Joseph also enjoyed experiencing many eateries with his wife, working on his computer with his grandson, helping to build his daughter’s house, attending his granddaughter’s sporting events, and watching all the New England sports teams.

He was predeceased by his parents, Albert and Marie Lizotte.

He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Carol Lizotte, of Fairfield; son Alton Lizotte and wife Lisa, of Bay Minette, Alabama; son Dennis Lizotte and wife Karen, of Biddeford; and daughter Heather Johnson and husband Jeremiah, of Clinton; five grandchildren: Gary Lizotte, Samantha LaBrecque, and Gage, Jazmin and Jorja Johnson; and two great-grandchildren: Ethan and Olivia LaBrecque; one sister-in-law, Patricia Marquis, of Garland; and several cousins, nieces and nephews.

To share condolences, memories and tributes with his family, visit: www.veilleuxfuneralhome.com.

THEODORA A. CHAYKOWSKY

NORTH VASSAL­BORO –– Theodora Anne Chaykowsky, 71, passed away Tuesday, March 28, 2017, in Jackson, Tennessee. Most people knew her as Teddi. She was born May 3, 1945, the daughter of Daniel and Theresa Spaulding.

She was a nurse’s aide for several years. She cared for the elderly with so much love. Her last job was a dispatcher for Elite Taxi, in Waterville.

She enjoyed collecting anything related to elephants, making crafts, and doing craft fairs At one time she owned and operated a craft shop, The Rocking Chair, in North Vassalboro. She also enjoyed movies and TV: John Wayne, MacGyver, Walker Texas Ranger, Murder She Wrote, Westerns, and then some.

After retiring, she moved south to Lexington, Tennessee, to be closer to her daughter.

She was a loving, giving person and would do anything for anyone, and anything to get a smile on your face.

She is survived by her husband James Chaykowsky, of 37 years; three children, Steven Fitzgerald, retired Marine of 15 years, and wife Helena, of Galesburg, Illinois; Kathleen Charles, of Lexington, Tennessee, and Theresa C. Fitzgerald Williford and husband Chris, of Lexington, Tennessee; brother Lebanon Spaulding and wife Betty, of Winslow; sister Maryjane Hunt and husband Royden, of Island Falls; and three grandchildren, Ricky, Kimber, and Luke.

ROBERT F. O’REILLY

WINSLOW––Robert Francis O’Reilly, 51, of Winslow, passed away on Wednesday, April 12, 2017. He was born in the Bronx, New York, on June 4, 1965.

He was the son of the late Dorothea Hurley O’Reilly and James J. O’Reilly, formerly of Bronx, New York and Morrisville, Pennsylvania. He was the father of Kathryn O’Reilly, of Husson University, in Bangor, brother of James O’Reilly with Sherry McCullough; Eva O’Reilly Wagner, wife of Peter Wagner uncle of Phoebe and Heron Wagner, Oisin McCullough and Seamus O’Reilly.

Robert was a welder and member of the International Brotherhood of boilermakers.

Bob’s father, Robert Owens, died before Bob was born. His mother, Dorothea, was 19 at the time. Fortunately Bob developed a close bond with his father’s immediate family, Jimmy, Geraldine, Stephen, Karen, Sean and cousin John Owens and Karen’s husband Richard Bertolacci who all acted as guides throughout his life. Dorothea married Jim O’Reilly, who adopted Bob and loved him as much as the children who followed, Jimmy and Eva. Unfortunately, Jim died when Bobby was 11 years old. Although Bob suffered a lot of loss early in life, he had an enormous family of aunts and uncles and cousins who loved him dearly.

Bobby graduated from the community School, in Camden, a place where he learned many life and survival skills and met people who would shape his life forever. He served honorable in the U.S. Marine Corp.

In 1998, he fathered a daughters, Kathryn Rose O’Reilly, with Jody Lambert. Katie remained the love of his life. They were a team to his final day.

Bob loved each and every one in his family with a loyalty that was unmatched and all those who encountered Bob knew this to be true.

Bob was loved by many for his generosity, sense of humor and courage. He was a fabulous cook, he loved music, and he took great care of his mother during her long battle cancer.

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

ARTHUR D. SYLVAIN

WINSLOW––Arthur D. Sylvain, 92, of Waterville, passed away on Friday, April 14, 2017, in Waterville. He was born in North Anson on February 8, 1925, son of Paul and Homerine C. (Michaud) Sylvain.

Arthur was raised in Skowhegan and graduated from Skowhegan Senior High School, class of 1943.

He immediately entered the Army Air Corp serving in the European Theater and received an honorable discharge in 1946. Arthur worked in the construction field for 45 years as a supervisor of construction with Sanders Construction Corp., Industrial, Inc., and Consolidated Construction & Builders, Inc. Most of his work was at paper mills and power plants around the Northern New England States.

Arthur was a life member of the Waterville Elks Lodge #905, Bourque-Lanigan American Legion Post #5, Waterville and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #8835, Winslow.

He was predeceased by his parents; and wife, Emily M. (Parent) Sylvain on November 27, 2011.

Arthur is survived by one son, David Sylvain and wife Jane, of Lincolnville; two daughters Cynthia Gilbert and husband Gary, of Winslow, and Denise Carpenter and husband Jeffrey, of Largo, Florida; six grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; three sisters and two brothers, Theresa, of Leesburg, Florida, Albertine, of Hinckley, Annette Boardman, of Madison, Ernest, of Rochester, New Hampshire, and Paul, of Skowhegan.

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

Memorial donations my be made to: MaineGeneral Hospice, P.O. Box 828, Waterville ME 04903-0828.

MARJORIE E. STARBIRD

FAIRFIELD––Marjorie Edna Starbird, 58, passed away on Saturday, April 15, 2017. She was born on November 16, 1958, to Carl and Marion Adams, in Island Falls, and married her husband of 39 years, Philip Earl Starbird Jr., on August 27, 1977.

To know Marjorie was to love her. She rarely raised her voice in anger and never held a grudge if someone were to upset her. She was quick to forgive and just as quick to forget, all the while keeping a smile on her face. She wore that smile even in the toughest or darkest of times and was a shining example of how a person should treat other people in life. She didn’t care who a person was on the outside or what they did behind closed doors, she loved everybody the same just as she knew Jesus would.

Marjorie loved animals of all kinds, but had a special place in her heart for horses, dogs, and cats.

She was predeceased by her sisters, Carlene Ginter and Carol Sholler.

She is survived by her husband Philip; daughter, Tiffany Marie Starbird, son, Eric Michael Starbird and wife Samantha; sisters, Joan White and Marilyn Burpee; brothers, Carl Adams and Kilburn “Kippy” Adams; many nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws.

For an online memory book and to leave condolences please visit www.bowersfuneral.com.

RUTH V. FREDETTE

WINSLOW––Ruth V. Fredette, 90, of Winslow, died Monday, April 17, 2017. She was born in Waterville on Decem­ber 7, 1926, the daughter of Gustave and Eva (Boulette) Veilleux.

She was educated at St. Francis de Sales School, in Waterville, and graduated from the Academy of St. Joseph, in South Berwick, on June 17, 1944, and The New England Institute of Mortuary Science, in Boston, in 1947. She and her husband bought Veilleux Funeral Home in 1962, which they owned and operated until retiring in 1997. She was active in the parish and a Euchristic Minister for many years. She and her husband both joined The Maine Funeral Directors Association in 1953. Ruth was the oldest licensed lady Funeral Director in Maine.

Ruth was predeceased by her husband Edward; her parents; sister Lorraine Rousseau and her husband Francis; brother Germain John Veilleux and wife Jacquiline.

She is survived by her two sons, Paul Fredette and wife Shari, of Pemaquid, John Fredette, of Winslow; two grandchildren, Jessica McQuillan, of Waterville; Jeremy Fredette, of Albany; two great-grandchildren, Matthew Jolicouer, of Waterville, and Oliver Fredette, of Albany.

Memorial donations may be made to: Servants of the Blessed Sacrament, 101 Silver St., Waterville ME 04901.

FERN C. CLARK

SOMERVILLE––Fern Collins Clark, 87, of the Hewett Road, passed away at home, Tuesday, April 18, 2017, following a brief illness. She was born December 20, 1929, in Gardiner, the daughter of Evelyn and Bertie Collins.

Fern had a love for animals. She enjoyed ceramics, knitting and sewing, often making gifts for family and friends.

She was predeceased by her husband Walter; son Leo; and several siblings.

She is survived by her sons, Andy, of Somerville, Matthew, of Thomasville, North Carolina, David, of Augusta, and Roger, of Windsor; daughters Rose Jackson and Laura Castle, both of Whitefield; sisters, Angie Strand, of Washington, Pauline Castle, of Augusta, and Jeanette LeClaire; brother, Larry Collins, of Greene; several grandchildren; nieces and nephews.

DOUGLAS TYLER

WINDSOR––Douglas Tyler, 74, passed away Wednesday, April 19, 2017, at Maine Veterans Home in Augusta. He was born October 15, 1942, the son of Manley and Helen Tyler.

Douglas graduated from Gardiner Area High School in 1961, and went on to the Wentworth Institute of Technology. After graduation, he joined the Navy. He worked for the Maine department of parks and recreation for 30+ years before retiring in 2007.

He was a longtime member of the Gardiner American Legion where he enjoyed marching in the color guard during parades, and Gardiner Eagles. He also enjoyed golfing, hunting trips to the Allagash, camping, exploring Downeast Maine, playing pool, his dogs and pets, and always a good cigar and Manhattan. His favorite pastime was spending time with his family.

He was predeceased by his parents.

He is survived by his wife Marianne; sons, Ian and Shawn; grandchildren, Mitchell, Charlotte, Kayla and Brady; brother Greg and his wife Judy; nephews, John and Jeff Tyler; grandnieces, and nephews.

Memorial donations may be sent to: Maine Veterans Home, Attn: Melanie Bridges, 320 Cony Rd., Augusta ME 04330.

RENALD J. LACHANCE

WINSLOW––Renald Joseph Lachance, 85, died on Wednesday, April 19, 2017, at Brentwood Rehab & Nursing Center, in Yarmouth, following a brief illness. He was born in Waterville on August 31, 1931, the son of Gustave and Alexina Lachance.

He attended Winslow schools and began working as a millwright at Huhtamaki (Keyes Fibre) retiring in 1992 after 27 years of employment. Ren enjoyed woodworking and was very gifted in varied forms of carpentry. He will be remembered for his love of family and music, as well as his sense of humor.

He was predeceased by his parents; two brothers, Reginald and Leon; his sister Adrienne; and nephew Dana Lachance.

He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Marlene Veilleux Lachance; two daughters, Linda and Larry Hamlin and Terri and David Althenn, all of Waterville; four grandchildren, Holly (Hamlin) Carpenter and Brent Carpenter, Darcy (Hamlin) Gurney and partner Chris Sears and her two children, Jordan and Jayden Gurney, and their father, Doug Gurney, Jason and “Samantha Evans and their two children, Michael and Alysa, and Jamie and Amy Evans and their son Connor; a sister, Annette and Ernie Bake, of Winslow; sister-in-law, June Lachance, of Arizona; stepchildren Brenda and Scott Paquet, of Portland, and their son Marc and Renee Paquet, of Stockton, California, Melissa Duval, of Scarborough, Diane and Jeff Paquette and their daughters Elizabeth and Hannah, of Durham, New Hampshire, and John and Joanne Ducal and their daughters Stephanie and Courtney and fiance Sam Butler, of Biddeford; first wife, Beatrice Giroux, of Waterville; cousin, Roland and Colette Lachance, of Winslow; Nieces, as well as many, many cousins from Canada, Maine and Connecticut.

Memorial donations may be made to the: Alzheimer’s Association, Maine Chapter, 383 US Rt. One, Suite 2C, Scarborough ME 04074, or Brentwood Rehab & Nursing Center, Dementia Unit, 370 Portland Street, Yarmouth ME 04096.