Obituaries, Week of August 16, 2018

PARKER M. STEVENS

OAKLAND – Parker Millard Stevens, 8, tragically passed away on Tuesday, July 24, 2018. Parker Millard Stevens was born September 30, 2009, to Wade and Sara Stevens.

Parker was a big brother to three younger siblings, Hunter, Denver and Tayler. He loved everyone and was loved by all. His smile would light up a room and his laugh was contagious.

Parker attended RSU#18 school district. He was well known for his kindness, love and compassion for all. He was involved in Big Brothers & Big Sisters, where he met his “Big Sister” Emily. They bonded right off, and Parker considered her his real sister. Parker enjoyed playing with his siblings, swimming, going to camp, playing Minecraft, and making videos. His dream was to have his own You Tube channel one day.

He is survived by his parents, Wade and Sara Stevens, of Oakland; siblings, Hunter, Denver and Tayler; grandparents, Deborah and Joe Stevens, of Oakland, Grace and Richard Doyon, of Oakland; Keith and Kim Easton, of Gardiner, and Julie Doyon, of Waterville; his Uncle Brandon, of Oakland; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Online condolences may be offered and memories shared at www.lawrybrothers.com.

Arrangements are by Wheeler Funeral Home & Cremation Care, 26 Church St., Oakland.

JANET M. DAVIS

SOUTH CHINA – Janet Mae Davis,76, passed away Wednesday, July 25, 2018, at MaineGeneral Hospital. She was born February 17, 1942, the daughter of William Fletcher and Minnie Fletcher, of Albion.

She grew up in Albion and lived in New Boston, New Hampshire for many years before returning to Maine in 2010. She had many talents, including tole painting and had a very green thumb. She loved her flower gardens, and anything green.

She was the main caregiver too her daughter Dallas and devoted her life to her health and happiness.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and her sister Elaine Dionne, of Maine.

She is survived by her long-time companion Daniel McCormack, of South China; daughters Kim Hadley, of California, Kelly Drew, of Epping, New Hampshire, Dallas Davis, of South China; son Chuck Hadley, of Mont Vernon, New Hapshire; seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; sisters Nancy Fletcher, Betty Fletcher, Margaret Lahey, Marion Ewin, Penny Fletcher; brothers William Fletcher, Mike Fletcher, Todd Fletcher and Mark Fletcher, all of Maine; and many nieces and nephews.

MILLARD A. HOWARD

PALERMO – Millard A. Howard, 82, passed away Friday, July 27, 2018, following a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. He was born December 1, 1935 to Forrest and Malvina Howard.

He spent nearly his entire life living in Palermo leaving only for brief periods to attend school. Millard loved to read and developed a thirst for knowledge at a very young age. He graduated as valedictorian from Erskine Academy, continuing on to become the first in his family to attend college. He received a bachelor’s degree in history from Clark University, again graduating with highest honors. He went on to attent a year at Harvard receiving a master of arts degree. While attending to his studies he began working for the state of Maine, taking a support position at a location known as “the farm” adjacent to the Augusta State Hospital, later AMHI. Upon graduation from Harvard, he began a career in mental health and public service with the Augusta State Hospital, holding several positions and moving the hospital forward until his retirement in the early 1990s.

He was also very active locally, serving as a selectman, a trustee at Erskine Academy, and being involved with numerous local organizations. He had a passion for history and genealogy. He was involved extensively with the Palermo Historical Society as well as having written, An Introduction to the Early History of Palermo, Maine, Second Edition.

While his health allowed, Millard enjoyed traveling, taking several trips to Europe. He was proud of where he came from and loved to serve his coounity in any way he could. Over his many years of travel he amassed an extensive library, occupying nearly all of his 3500 square foot barm. Although never married and having no children, Millard was exceptionally proud of his family and was ever involved in their lives.

He was predeceased by his brothers, Maurice and Milton.

He is survived by his nephew Mitchell Howard, of Yarmouth; and his great-nephews Vincent, Christian, and Charles Ireland.

Memorial donations may be made to: Smith Cemetery Preservation Fund, c/o Norma Swift, 2591 Level Hill Rd., Palermo ME 04345.

B. JOAN GENEST

ALBION – B. Joan Genest, 80, of Albion, passed away at her home Saturday, July 28, 2018. She was born on December 10, 1937, the daughter of William A. and Phyllis (Graf) Morrison.

Joan grew up in Anson and went to school in Skowhegan. She graduated from Waterville High School.

Joan worked at C.F. Hathaway, Keyes Fibre and finally retired from Walmart, all in Waterville.

Joan enjoyed anything to do with the outdoors from gardening to feeding and watching her birds. She enjoyed spending time with her family and loved attending her grandchildren’s sporting events and other activities.

Joan is survived by her husband of 30 years, Donald (Dale); a son Darryl (Skip) Prentiss and wife Brenda; brother William Morrison; stepchildren, Paula Locke and husband Tim, Dawn Marin, Karen Hilton, Todd Genest and wife Sherry; brothers-in-law, Mervin Green, Bob (Jeaninne), Mike (Peggy) Genest; sisters-in-law, Paula (Don) Carter and Cheryl (Steve) Mitchell; nine grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Arrangements were under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm St., Waterville.

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

Donations in Joan’s memory may be sent to: MaineGeneral Hospice, 10 Water St., Waterville ME 04901.

LOUIS F. PELLETIER

FAIRFIELD – Louis F. Pelletier, 90, passed away in his home on Sunday, July 29, 2019. He was born in Winterville on March 31, 1928, the son of Joseph and Rose (Raymond) Pelletier.

He served 20 plus years in the Army, serving during the Korean War and twice during the Vietnam war. He was very proud of his military career.

He returned to Maine in 1971, and worked as an auto mechanic, owning his own business, Pelletier’s Garage, for many years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, going to camp, socializing and being outside in nature.

He was predeceased by his parents; four brothers and five sisters; infant daughter, Sheryl Lyn; and son, Terry Pelletier.

He is survived by Mary Pelletier, his wife of 68 years, of Fairfield; his children, Mary Jo Foster and husband Lawrence, of Jackman, and  Debra Rossignol and husband Wayne, of Oakland; his grandchildren, Jacob Foster, of Clinton, Derek Foster and wife Kerri, ofVassalboro, Christopher Pelletier and wife Carolyn, of Pittsfield, Deann Michaud, of Fairfield, and Westley Rossignol, of Oakland; his great-grandchildren, Hannah Pelletier, of Pittsfield, Ellie Foster, of Randolph, Michael Pelletier, of Canaan, Rebecca Michaud, of Fairfield, Gage Michaud, of Fairfield, and Camden Foster, of Vassalboro; and several nephews and nieces.

An online guestbook may be signed, and memories shared at www.lawrybrothers.com.

Arrangements were by Lawry Brothers Funeral & Cremation Care, 107 Main St., Fairfield.

RAYMOND P. GAY SR.

VASSALBORO – Raymond P. Gay, Sr., 79, passed away at his home on Sunday, July 29, 2018. Raymond was born in Augusta on January 15, 1939, son of the late Raymond and Edith (Anderson) Gay.

Raymond and Elizabeth were married January 31, 1959, at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Augusta.

Raymond had a great deal of love for the outdoors, including fishing in his boat, hunting up north, and camping with his family and friends. He’d often talk about his beloved fishing trips in Jackman and hunting caribou in Labrador. But, what Raymond loved the most in his life were his wife, his children and grandchildren. A true family man, Raymond devoted himself as a husband, a father, a grandfather, and a step-in dad anytime he could. His heart was large and tender and many felt his fatherly love as if they were his own children. He was the kind of man that left a lasting impression and the little ones he leaves behind were truly the apple of his eye.

Raymond was employed by Statler Tissue, in Augusta, for 29 years after which he was employed by Michael Cayouette Flooring in Rockland before going to work for Mike taking care of the family farm in Vassalboro. Mr. Gay was predeceased by his son, Raymond P. Gay, Jr. on September 7, 2012; and two sisters, Margaret Gregoire and Sandra Pelletier.

He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth; and three daughters, Brenda Cayouette and her husband Mike, Linda Collinson and her husband Bob, and Marilyn Poulin and her partner Brad Stover.

Arrangements were under the care of Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta.

Condolences, stories and photos may be shared through the funeral home webwsite at www.plummergh.com.

JEFFREY L. POOLER

FAIRFIELD – Jeffrey Lee Pooler, 56, passed away on Wednesday, August 1, 2018, following a cardiac event. Jeffrey was born September 7, 1962.

Jeff graduated from Lawrence High School in June 1981, where he excelled in basketball. He continued his education at Southern Maine Vocational Technical Institute, earning a degree in machine tooling.

Following his graduation, he began a long, successful career as a CNC machinist working at Mid State Machine, Kennebec Tool and Die, and B&B Precise Products.

He had many passions; first among them his children and grandchildren. If you ask his family, friends, and neighbors what was most notable about him as a man, you’re likely to hear about his selfless generosity and steadfast willingness to help anyone in need. The remainder of Jeff’s heart was on China Lake at his grandparents’ camp; a place where so many priceless memories were made. From his youth patrolling the shores in his yellow one-man sailboat, to cherished times as a grown man fishing with his grandsons; he always fed a stream of joy and laughter to all lucky enough to be within earshot.

He is survived by his parents, John and Bette Pooler; his two brothers, Keith and wife, Sophia Pooler, and Chad and wife, Joselin Pooler; his three children, Jessica Pooler, Christopher Pooler and fiancé Courtney, and Sarah (Pooler) and husband, Zachary Lemieux; five grandchildren, Brayden Davidson, Caelyn Pooler, and Maddox, Lincoln and Juliet Lemieux; and his sweetheart, Danielle Doyon; also several aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins.

An online guestbook may be signed, and memories shared at www.lawrybrothers.com.

For those who so desire, donations in Jeffrey’s memory can be made to: The Maine Home for Little Wanderers, ATTN: Development Office, 93 Silver Street, Waterville ME 04901

OTHERS DEPARTED

MARY J. VEILLEUX, 79, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, August 8, 2018, at MaineGeneral Medical Center, Thayer Unit, in Waterville. Locally, she is survived by her husband Donald Veilleux, of Waterville, children Richard Veilleux and wife Cathy, of Oakland, and Candis Veilleux and partner, Ed Papsis, of Winslow; four grandchildren; two great-granddaughters; two step-granddaughters; and sister Barbara LeClair and husband Roger, of Fairfield.

NOREEN M. ROBINSON, 98, of Gardiner, passed away on Friday, August 10, 2018, at the Hillside Terrace, in Hallowell. Locally, she is survived by a daughter, Judith Robinson, of Palermo

FORMER RESIDENTS

JOHN McALEER, 95, of Oldsmar, Florida, passed away on Thursday, July 26, 2018, in Oldsmar, Florida. John was born in Waterville on July 25, 1923, to Joseph and Tilly (MacAskill) McAleer. He was educated in Waterville schools. They spent their summers at Snow Pond (Messalonskee Lake), in Oakland. He retired from Maine Central Railroad, where he was a machinist and crane operator.