Obituaries, Week of July 19, 2018

ALICE B. LESTER

UNITY – Alice Bailey Lester, 87, of Unity, passed on Thursday, July 5, 2018, at home. She enjoyed good health, a loving family, wonderful friends and very special neighbors who were always there for her.

Alice always seemed to work with the public, like at their stores, Lester’s Market, in Troy and Lester’s Trash and Treasures and Bud’s Shop N Save, in Pittsfield. She also worked in the shoe factory and as a crossing guard in Pittsfield.

She is survived by her sisters Marie Penny, of Burnham, and Shirley Prescott, of Tennessee; her children Deborah Walker (Ken Lindsey), of Burnham, Lyn (David) Kuson, of Phoenix, Arizona, and Peter Lester, of Corinna; grandchildren Deana Parsons, of Lecanto, Florida, Josh Lester, of Damascotta, Julie Lester, of Waterville, Jake Lester, of Orono, Aislynn Buzzell, of North Carolina, and Haliegh Martin, of Corinna.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Russell Lester, her son Blake Lester and many family members and good friends.

In these recent days it has been a great experience to hear her neighbors, friends and other family members tell their stories about Mom. She was loved by many and sadly missed. There was no funeral and her celebration party was held before this publication.

NANCY V. GAUTHIER

OAKLAND – Nancy V. Gould Warren Gauthier, 78, passed away on Thursday, July 12, 2018, following years of courageously battling Alzheimer’s Disease. Nancy was born November 28, 1939, the daughter of Charles and Virginia Gould.

She was raised in Oakland along with her four sisters, on the Rice’s Rips Road. Following her 1959 graduation from Williams High, in Oakland, she married her high school sweetheart, John (Jake) Warren, on April 3, 1960. John enlisted in the U.S. Navy, and Nancy happily moved with him to many locations: Bermuda, Florida, California, Hawaii, Virginia, and Maryland. Together, they raised three children.

After Jake’s retirement from the Navy, Jake and Nancy Warren settled back in Oakland (where they always considered home). Nancy embraced her job as a “cleaning lady” at the Oakland Town Office. She had such fond memories of her years working at the town office with a staff of very special, lifelong friends. Nancy loved to spend her time knitting special projects, spending time with her sisters, attending special family gatherings, and going out to eat. She and Jake shared many wonderful years working and raising their children as residents of Oakland, until his untimely death in 2006 at the age 66.

Nancy was very proud to be recognized as Oakland’s Volunteer of the Year, in 2002. Some of her selfless time recognized was the many hours she donated to the families of Oakland; whether it be the annual Easter egg hunt, Oakland-fest, football spaghetti dinners, or being always ready for any athletic team with her cookies she was so well known for.

In 2011, Nancy married her current husband, Leo Gauthier. They enjoyed a few happy years together and then, Nancy was blessed to have Leo’s constant support and love throughout the very difficult years when Nancy struggled with the disease that ultimately took her life, Alzheimer’s Disease.

Nancy and Jake were the parents of their children: Jeff, Donna and Jody. Nancy is survived by the families of her three children: Jeff and Susie Warren, of Oakland, Donna May, of Findlay, Ohio, and Jody Warren and Arlene Jones, of Oakland. Nancy was also blessed to be a grammy to six grandchildren: Quinn and Emily Warren, Whitney and Daniel May, Davis Warren, and Samantha Briggs; five great-grandchildren: Hunter and Emyrson Savage, and Warren, Ezekeil and Gretchen May; three sisters, Catherine (Kay) and her husband, Bob Furbush, of Oakland, Connie Abbott, of Naples, Florida and Skowhegan, and Charlotte Hughes, of Oakland; many nieces and nephews.

Nancy was predeceased by her husband, Jake Warren, and her sister, Sally Adams of Sarasota, Florida.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider making a donation to the organization which was dear to Nancy, the Oakland Lions’ Club, in Nancy’s memory.
Cremation arrangements under the direction and care of Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service, 445 Waterville Road, Skowhegan, ME 04976.

Visitation hours will be held Tuesday, July 24, 2018, from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm at the Wheeler Funeral Home, 26 Church Street, Oakland, Maine. A graveside service will follow at Lewis Cemetery off of the Cottle Road in Oakland at 1:30 pm.

FREDERICK D. DUPREY

VASSALBORO––Frederick David Duprey, 70, passed away on Saturday, June 9, 2018. He was born January 7, 1948, in Howland, to Leonard Duprey Sr. and Rita (Bouchard) Duprey.

Fred served for many years in the U.S. Army, active duty during the Vietnam war. He loved cars and could name any make and model. He enjoyed scratching lottery tickets, watching The Price is Right and spending time with his family.

He was predeceased by both his parents; his brothers, Gary, Reggie and Milford; a sister, Alice Mendes; and a grandson, Calvin Galeucia.

He is survived by his daughters: Kimberly Duprey, Tausha Duprey, Candace Allain and husband Eric and Amber Jacobsen and husband Ed; grandchildren Sarah and Allision Galeucia, Ava and Ryleigh Pease, Isabella MacDonald, Max Allain, Jorja Duprey; great–grandson Jude Galeucia; sisters, Erma Blakney, Anna Watson and Phyllis Dumais; brothers Lenny and Leo; many nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws.

There will be a graveside service July 20 at 1 p.m.. at the Maine Veterans Cemetery, 163 Mt. Vernon Road, Augusta, followed by a reception at the First Baptist Church, Fairfield, until 6 p.m.

MARILYN D. BRAGG

WINDSOR––Marilyn Dowe Bragg passed away on Monday, June 25, 2018, following a brief battle with cancer. She was born on November 1, 1938.

Marilyn graduated from Erskine Academy in 1957. She worked at the family diner before moving on to Nelson’s Diner in Windsor, serving her famous doughnuts, pies and other wonderful dishes for three decades. Following this she worked at various local restaurants sharing her knowledge of cooking and retired at the age of 77. She cherished her time with her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, sisters and friends. She enjoyed playing cards, dominoes, and bingo, and loved doing things for others including donating her knitted hats to local hospitals.

She was predeceased by her parents; her husband, Omar Bragg; four brothers, Richard, Robert, Roger and Ronald Dowe; and a sister, Ruth Hussey.

She is survived by daughters, Brenda Colby, Bonnie Petrone and husband Michael, Jamie Dunn and husband Rod; grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Michaela, Adriana, Eric, Baylee and Spencer; great-grandchildren, Anthony, Abigail and Eliana; sisters, Dorothy Burke, Barbara Poulin and Gloria Pinette; several nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held on September 15, 2018, at the home of Michael and Bonnie Petrone. Details will be forthcoming. Memories may be shared at www.directcremationofmaine.com.

BUTCH BRAULT

BENTON–Butch Brault, 64, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, June 23, 2018. He was born on May 28, 1954.

Among many other things, Butch was a thoughtful friend, a caring brother, a loving father, and a devoted husband. He was loved by many and he will be greatly missed.

He spent his final days camping with his wife, Wendy Brault, celebrating their 34th wedding anniversary. They were able to watch a beautiful sunset together before he passed away peacefully in his sleep.

He lived a life filled with loving family and caring friends. He has left behind too many to mention, amongst them were his wonderful wife, three daughters, and one son.

He was a sports fanatic with a deep love for the Patriots and the Red Sox; however, he would never say no to watching the Celtics or Bruins play. He loved to fish. He may not have succeeded in teaching his daughters to love fishing the way he did, but he certainly did with his grandsons.

Butch was a role model and friend to so many. He did not was tears of sadness, but rather a camp gathering filled with friends and memories.

There will be a celebration of life gathering at the camp in Warren on August 13, 2018, at 11 a.m. In the true spirit of Butch we have decided to have a BBQ. For the camp address and further information please contact Melisa Matthews, Amanda Dixon, or Heather Crowley on Facebook.

MAXINE E. SCRIBNER

FAIRFIELD–Maxine E. Scribner, 86, passed away on Monday, June 25, 2018. Maxine was born at home in Wade, on December 3, 1931, to Vernon C. and Harriet (Allen) Campbell.

Maxine was a woman of many talents, including scooping ice cream at the Fairfield Creamery, answering phones for the Waterville Answering Service, and eventually attending Kennebec Valley Community College to become a Certified Nursing Assistant for Colonial Manor. One of Maxine greatest talents was that she could sell an ice cube to an Eskimo whether in your home demonstrating products or at Rossignal’s selling jewelry.

Maxine retired in 1994 but never stopped serving the community because she loved helping people and always said “no problem.” She gave over 25 years to the Girl Scouts as a troop leader, neighborhood consultant, chairman, and trainer for new leaders. Her talent for working with scouts was also tapped to work as a den mother for the Cub Scouts. Maxine served as past Noble Grand of the Rebecca Lodge, in Fairfield, was a member of the Fairfield Senior Citizens, and a Literacy Volunteer. As an active 50 year member of the Fairfield First Baptist Church, Maxine served as Sunday School Teacher and Superintendent, Deaconess, and member of various boards. Most notable, she was one of the founders of the Lamb’s Clothes Closet program at the church and worked in it until she went home to be with her Lord.

When Maxine wasn’t volunteering, she enjoyed traveling across the US and Canada and loved spending part of her winter in sunny Arizona. Maxine was dedicated to her personal physical fitness program that she started at the young age of 79 which was an inspiration to many.

Maxine was predeceased by brothers Eugene, Reginald, Niall, and Gilbert, and her sister Thelma Corson.

She is survived by her sons, David, of Fairfield, Kenneth, of Winthrop, and Mark and his partner Marcia Maheu, of Dresden; her daughters, Linda Boyd and husband Dan, of San Antonio, Texas, Eileen Berning and husband Dave, of Litchfield Park, Arizona, and Karen Winfree, of Fairfield; grandchildren Robert and Jonathan Dodge, Kirstie Martin and husband Tom, Kristina Scribner, Sarah Scribner and husband Philip Proctor, Andrea Berning, Tony McCaslin, and Kaitlyn Burke and husband Jeremy; five great-grandchildren; brothers Clayton and Dwayne, and sister Wilma Rich; and niece Susan Yeske.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Maxine Scribner to: Fairfield First Baptist Church, 12 Newhall St., Fairfield ME 04937.

DENNIS W. STRATTON JR.

FAIRFIELD––Dennis W. Stratton Jr., 60, of Fairfield, passed away on Monday, July 2, 2018. Dennis was born in Palmer, Massachusetts, on February 1, 1958, to Dennis W. Stratton Sr. and Jeanette Tracy Stratton.

He attended Oakland schools and grew up in Sidney with his four brothers and sisters.

Dennis joined his father working as a logger at a very young age and prided himself in helping to provide for the family and continuing the Stratton legacy. Dennis was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed spending time in the Maine woods. He especially enjoyed passing these hobbies onto his children and grandchildren.

Dennis’ love for his family was evident in all that he did.  As a logger for more than 45 years, Dennis donated countless hours and supplies to families. In the true spirit of kindness and love, no matter a family’s ability to pay, situation in life, or connection, Dennis made sure they had anything they needed, often at his own personal sacrifice of time and cost. Truly there was never a more generous or kind-hearted man who alway put needs second–even after those that many would have considered a stranger. Truth is, Dennis never met a stranger, and his generous nature shone through every smile or laugh he shared and every life he touched. He was best known for popsicles, whip cream face paintings, silly stories and old-time country music.

Dennis was predeceased by his mother, Jeanette Tracy Grivois, of Belgrade; and his daughter, Amber Corey.

Dennis is survived by his wife, Karla Stevens Stratton, of Fairfield; his father, Dennis W. Stratton St., of Sidney; his brothers and sisters, Kathleen Stratton, of Waterville, Shiela Serencha, of Oakland, Charlie Stratton and his partner, Tracy Constable, of Oakland, Henry Stratton and his partner, Cathy Fuller-Nelson, of Palmyra; his seven children and 10 grandchildren: Dennis W. Stratton III and his wife, Lane, and their children, Logan, Luke and Lance, of Waterville, Heather Corey, of Pittsfield, Jennifer McLaughlin and her husband, David, and their son, Elliott, of Bakersfield, California, Basil J. Stratton Sr. and his wife, Raeann, and their children, Basil Jr., Thomas, Reid and Allison, of Fairfield, Chelsea R. Stratton and her fiancé, Kirk Fredrick, and her daughters, Riley and Meadow, of Norridgewock. Kayleigh P. Stevens and her wife, Heather Sheehan, of Sunnyside, Queens, and Liza K. Stratton, of Portland; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to the Alfond Youth Center’s After School Program in Dennis’ name.

PRUDENCE B. GRAY

EAST VASSALBORO––Prudence Bartley Gray, passed away on Thursday, July 5, 2018, at the age of 90. She was born in Presque Isle on July 15, 1927, the daughter of Ashton and Arthuretta (Kierstead) Bartley.

Prudence attended elementary school in Westfield, and graduated from Presque Isle
High School. She furthered her education at Washington State Normal School of Machias and graduated from the University of Maine.

During her college years, she met Allen Gray of Wesley, and they married in 1948. Prudence and Allen settled in East Vassalboro where they raised their four children. Prudence taught school in the Presque Isle, Winslow and finally the Waterville school systems when she retired in 1982. She was a member of the Maine State Retired Teachers Association, Vassalboro United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women, Vassalboro Grange and a lifelong member of the NEA.

Prudence was predeceased by her husband, Allen, in 1994; her son, Gary Gray and his wife, Paula; sisters, Gertrude Hawkins, Theora Porter, Joyce Duncan, Claudette Brewer; brothers, Ashton Ray, Wayne and Albert Bartley.

Prudence is survived by her daughter, Ann Gray Paoletti and husband, Stephen, of Costa Mesa, California; her son, Douglas Gray, of Waterville; her daughter, Lynne Gray, of Vassalboro; grandchildren: Jeremy, Joshua and Erin Gray, Travis Clark and wife, Amy, Sarah Clark and her fiancé, David Gordon; sisters: Irene Tweedie, Donna and husband, Winston Carter, Dolores and husband, Phil Beals, Sharon Madore, Brenda and husband, Raymond Saucier; brother Cary and wife, Judy Bartley; sister-in-law Ann Bartley; brothers-in-law James Gray and Wayne Porter; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, July 14, 2018, at 11 a.m. at the Vassalboro United Methodist Church, 614 Main Street, Vassalboro. Burial will follow in East Vassalboro Methodist Cemetery, Bog Road.

Please visit www.veilleuxfuneralhome.com to view a video collage of Prudence’s life and to share condolences, memories and tributes with her family.

In lieu of flowers, friends may make donations in Prudence’s memory to: The Vassalboro Food Pantry, c/o Cindy Ferland, 26 Ferland Lane, Vassalboro ME 04989.