Obituaries, Week of June 30, 2016

RAYMOND M. MCCASLIN

WINSLOW––Raymond M. McCaslin passed away on Wednesday, June 15, 2016. He was the son of Martin and Etta (Holt) McCaslin, born in East Winslow. Raymond grew up on the Nowell Road, in East Winslow.

Raymond attended Winslow High School and in 1942 enlisted in the United States Navy. He entered active service of World War II on June 18, 1943, where he would serve as an electricians mate on the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Bunker Hill and two repair ships, the U.S.S. Kent Island and U.S.S. Minotaur. He was honorably discharged on May 11, 1946.

He married Yvette (Marcia) in 1947, celebrating 68 years of marriage. They purchased a home on the Nowell Road, not far from where Ray grew up. Ray and Yvette worked hand-in-hand on their farm in Winslow. He was a gifted craftsman; loved farming, gardening and working in the woods. Later, he and Yvette enjoyed snowmobiling for many years during their retirement.

He was predeceased by his parents; his beloved wife, Yvette; his sister, Virginia Lang; his brother, Bernard; his devoted friend and neighbor, Larry Pelotte; and his cousin, Walter McCaslin, who was like a brother.

Raymond is survived by his sister, Geneva Ahearn; his son, Daniel McCaslin and wife Betty, of Waterville; his daughter, Jean Ann Main and her husband Richard, of Lebanon; and his granddaughter Shannon Olson and her husband Tim, of Cutler; as well as several stepgrandchildren. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Norma McCaslin; many devoted nieces and nephews; and his cousin, Leola Mae (McCaslin) Roberts who was born on October 31, 1913.

HORACE “HOD” C. LIBBY

WINSLOW––Horace “Hod” Clinton Libby, 90, passed away on June 15, 2016, at home. He was born to Howard and Christine (Bradbury) Libby, in Lewiston on July 18, 1925, and grew up in Auburn.

Following graduation from Edward Little High School, Hod served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. In 1947, he married Roberta Watson and they settled in Freeport where he managed The Men’s Shop, was owner and proprietor of Mid-Town Apparel, and worked as a retail clerk for L. L. Bean before retiring in 1987.

Hod was well-known for his baking/cooking, gardening, crafting and singing (choir/barbershop). His sense of humor and caring ways made him loved by all who knew him. He loved traveling with Roberta to many places especially Europe for the 50th Anniversary of D-Day.

Horace was predeceased by his wife, Roberta, and brothers Arnold, Gerry and Robert.

He is survived by daughters Wendy (Robert) Nutting, of Oakland, and Cathy Brann, of Topsham; grandchildren Cheri Nutting (Michael Briggs), of New Hampshire, Jeffrey (Jennifer) Michaud, of Topsham, Christine Nutting (Tyler Jandreau), of Waterville, and Steven (Elizabeth), of Oakland; and great-grandchildren William Potter, Anna and Eliza Briggs, Keely and Stella Nutting, and Nolan and Miles Michaud; brother Warren Libby, and sisters Harriett Kilbride and Geraldine Call; plus many nieces and nephews.

Memorial donations may be made to Winslow Congregational Church, or a charity of your choice.

NANCY M. SMITH

OAKLAND – Nancy Marie Lagasse Smith, 53, passed away on Wednesday, June 15, 2016, following a lengthy battle with ovarian cancer. Nancy was born in Waterville on January 7, 1963, to Alfred and Irene (Vigue) Lagasse. Nancy graduated from Winslow High School.

Nancy spent most of her working years at Hannaford Supermarket and made many lifelong friends there. Nancy’s dedicated work ethic spilled over into her personal life, making her a caregiver to her parents, her husband Wayne, and Bill’s mother, Shirley. .

An active home-body, Nancy enjoyed taking walks, cooking, knitting, finding a treasure while lawn-saleing, and tending to her garden. Having been welcomed into the church, Nancy helped out at various events at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church despite her failing health, quickly becoming a cherished part of their family. Nancy was consistently supporting her nieces and nephews in their milestone events. Despite the difficulties of her health issues, Nancy remained positive and cheerful, always welcoming visitors. If you were lucky enough to know Nancy, then you were lucky enough.

Nancy was predeceased by her parents Alfred and Irene Mary (Vigue) Lagasse; and her husband Wayne Smith.

Survivors include her fiancé Bill Paquet, of Oakland, her sisters Joan Cates, of Winslow, Anita Howard and husband Tim, of Vassalboro, Diane Murphy, of Leeds, Theresa Kimball and husband Mike, of Vassalboro, Janice Knowles and significant other Jarod Waraskevich, of Waterville; brothers Donald Lagasse and wife Linda, of Winslow, Robert Lagasse and wife Tina, of Vassalboro, and Richard Lagasse and wife Penny, of Vassalboro; several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews; greatnieces and greatnephews.

Memorial donations may be made to MaineGeneral Hospice, PO Box 828, Waterville, Maine 04901-0828.

CHRISTINE T. WRIGHT

EAST VASSALBORO––Christine Thomas Wright passed away at her home in East Vassalboro on Saturday, June 18, 2016. She was born in Lewiston on September 22, 1926, the daughter of Carl Anton and Dorathea Thomas.

She grew up in Eustis, spending summers at King and Bartlett Sporting Camps. She graduated from Stratton High School in 1943, and from Augusta General (MaineGeneral) Hospital School of Nursing in 1947 as an R.N. She began her nursing career at Augusta General (MaineGeneral); then went to Franklin Memorial, in Farmington, and Thayer Hospital, in Waterville, retiring from the state of Maine hospital licensing board in 1987.

She was predeceased by her husband, Louis E. Wright Jr., in 1975; and her brother, John Thomas, in 2011.

She is survived by her daughter, Lynn Pulkka, of Ocala, Florida; her son Scott Wright, of East Vassalboro; grandchildren, Karen Pulkka, of Ocala, Florida, Nicole Wright, of Augusta, Nathan Wright, of East Vassalboro; great-granddaughter, Amya Hertler, of Augusta; and special friend and cousin, Arlene Smiley, of China.

She was a class act, right to the end!

Memorial donations may be made to the Ronald McDonald House or the Humane Society of your choice.

MARLENE A. BERNIER

Marlene “Mo” Ann Bernier, 66, died Saturday, June 18, 2016, at MaineGeneral Medical Center, in Augusta, following a lengthy illness brought on by the complications of diabetes.  She was born in Waterville on October 13, 1949, to Eugene and Rita (LeClair) Pomerleau.

She was educated in Waterville and graduated from Mount Merici Academy in 1967. She attended Rivier College, in New Hampshire.

She married Daniel Gene Bernier in 1969.  They had three sons together and she stayed at home to raise them.  In the 1980s she and her husband operated D&M Variety, in Winslow.  Mo enjoyed quilting.  She loved candlepin bowling, cooking for her family, and any time she could spend on any lake.  She enjoyed trips to Addison to purchase fresh wild blueberries.  She also looked forward to the Windsor Fair every year to bet on the horses and watch her children attempt to win her a stuffed animal at the games, though they weren’t always successful.

Marlene is survived by her husband, Daniel, of Winslow; three sons, Scott and his wife Claire Curole, of Augusta, Christopher and his wife Yvette, of Winslow; and Jonathan, of Winslow, and his girlfriend, Amanda Doucette, of Albion; one adopted daughter, Joanne Quirion, of Waterville; one step-granddaughter, Paige Spears, of Winslow; two adopted grandsons, Ronnie and Cody Quirion, of Waterville; and many cousins, nieces & nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents and several aunts and uncles.

A memorial service will be held Friday, July 1, 2016, from 6 to 7 p.m., early arrival no earlier than 5:30 p.m., at the VFW, in Winslow located at 175 Veterans drive.  A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, July 2, 2016, from noon to 6:00 p.m., with potluck optional at the home of Christopher andYvette Bernier, 12 Woodlawn Drive, Winslow. Interment will be at a later date.

If you wish to assist with funeral and medical expenses, there is a Go Fund Me page set-up at: https://www.gofundme.com/29wyk5gt or you can mail a check with “Mo Fund” in the memo to the attention of: Yvette Bernier, 12 Woodlawn Dr., Winslow, ME  04901.

BERNICE C. NUTTING

FAIRFIELD – Bernice C. “Bunnie” Nutting, 95, passed away quietly on Saturday, June 18, 2016. She was born on September 11, 1920, the only daughter of Cecile and Henry McGraw.

She attended schools in Fairfield, and graduated from Lawrence High School in 1938. In 1940, she married Cecil L. Nutting and their legacy of the “Nutting Clan” began.

She was a busy homemaker for most of her life, but still was able to  participate in many minstrel shows and in later years danced with the Foxy Ladies. She was formerly employed by Dunham’s of Maine, in Waterville, and the Bonnet Shop, in Skowhegan.

Although plagued by tragedy and loss, and the aches of older age, she always maintained her “move forward” attitude. She was a weekly player of bridge, an active participant with her “Thursday Girls,” a well-outfitted lady in the Red Hat Society, a popular patron of Eric’s Restaurant and, with some help from her family, maintained her home, independence, and her active social life.

Her grandchildren’s memories are filled with special foods she made for them, trips to Greenville, and the surprising fact that Nana, always the lady, “got” a bawdy joke.

She was predeceased by her husband of over 50 years in 1991; two daughters, Carol and Betsy, in a fire in 1961; a daughter, Sandra Laliberty in 1971; daughter-in-law, Judith Nutting in 1982; and grandson, Michael Batey in 2015.

She leaves behind her son, James Nutting and his wife, Lynne, of Fairfield, and children, Kimberly Dunton and her husband, Travis, of Pittsfield and their son, Mackenzie, and Michael Nutting and wife, Jane, of Fairfield and their sons, Jordan and J.T.; Michael Batey’s wife, Jennifer, of Vassalboro, and their daughter, Adelia, Cory Nutting and wife, Jill, of Fairfield, and their son, Conner, Kelly Alley and her husband, Jeff, of Albion, and their son, Zachary and daughter, Raygen, Kevin Nutting and his wife, Jaime, of Waterville and their son, Kobe; her son Lindsay Nutting and companion, Tammy Long, of Belgrade, and his daughters, Meghan Nutting and Morgan Nutting, both of Colorado, and her daughter, Etta; granddaughters, Jane Leathers and husband, Carl, of Fairfield, and their sons, Alex and Jimmy, and Jill Duelly, of Waterville, and her sons, Kyle and Kris.

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

Memorial donations may be made to a charity of choice.

ROBERT R. MELCHER

WINSLOW––Robert Russell Melcher, 78, passed away on Monday, June 20, 2016, at the VA Healthcare System in Augusta. He was born on March 6, 1938, in Claremont, New Hampshire, the son of Edward R. and Laudina M. (Coulombe) Melcher.

He was educated in the schools of Jay and graduated from Jay High School in 1956 and then continued his education at the Auburn Maine School of Commerce, graduating in 1957. He was a veteran who proudly served his country in the US Army until his honorable discharge. On October 6, 1957, he married Rhoda L. Cameron, of North Jay.

Over the years Robert was employed by Norrwock Shoe, in North Jay and Norridgewock, Truitt Brothers, in Belfast, and Bass Shoe, in Wilton and South Portland. He was a member of the American Legion of Skowhegan and a volunteer firefighter for the town of Norridgewock. Robert enjoyed collecting coins as well as playing golf, baseball and rag ball with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He also had a strong love for old time country music.

He was predeceased by his parents; and sisters, Violet Viotto and Marceline O’Brion.

He is survived by his wife, Rhoda L. (Cameron) Melcher, of Winslow; children, Robert and Erica Melcher, Dwayne and Ming Melcher, Cindy and Doug Wyman, Jeff and Jenny Melcher, and Anne and Mike Latendresse; grandchildren, Justin and Kelly Melcher, Colleen Melcher, Daryl Wyman, Jimmy and Kristin Melcher, Colette and Kassidy Latendresse; great-grandchildren, Spencer, Brandon and Brooklyn Wyman, Jude Melcher Le and Tanner Melcher; siblings, Terry Bergeron, Edward Melcher Jr., Larry Melcher; and several nieces and nephews.

Arrangements under the direction and care of Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service, 445 Waterville Road, Skowhegan ME 04976.

Memorial donations may be made to The Mid-Maine Homeless Shelter, 19 Colby Street,

Waterville ME 04901 or Humane Society Waterville Area, 100 Webb Road, Waterville ME 04901.

MAYNARD C. GRAY

FAIRFIELD––Maynard Carl Gray, 84, passed away on Tuesday, June 21, 2016. He was born on January 25, 1932, in Belfast, to Carl and Ethel (Boynton) Gray.

He attended Belfast schools, then served in the U.S. Air Force for four years as a radar technician. After an honorable discharge, he attended Coyne Electrical & Technical School, in Boston, for electrical drafting and estimating. He was employed by Bath Iron Works and later was self-employed, selling and servicing farm machinery and milking systems throughout the state for many years.

He was known for his wonderful dry sense of humor.

On November 11, 1952, he married the former, Larita Walker, of Belfast, and together they had five children: Mitchell (wife Marianne, children Austin and Colette), of Florida, Pamela Gray begin (husband Lewis, daughter Alisa Johnson), of Fairfield, Joel (wife Judy, daughter Tarsha Donar) of Utah, Sandra Gray Brice (husband James, sons Christopher and Evan), of Florida, and Nancy Gray Green (children Kyle and Kari Stevens), of Clinton.

Maynard and Rita loved to visit flea markets, looking for collectibles to restore. He restored many antique cars, gas pumps and Tonka toys. They also enjoyed traveling to various states to visit their children and grandchildren.

Maynard was predeceased by his parents; and brother, Robert Gray..

He is survived by his loving wife; his five children; eight grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Richard Gray, of Washington; sister Marion Anderson, of Searsport; and brother, John Gray, of Belfast.

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

Please make memorial donations to your favorite charity.

PATRICIA M. PELLETIER

WINSLOW––Patricia M. Pelletier, 80, of Winslow died unexpectedly on Wednesday, June 22, 2016, at her home, following an illness. Born in Winslow, she was the daughter of Anthony and Florence (Vigue) Paradis.

She attended Winslow schools and married her husband Don in 1955.

Pat loved caring for her children and all of their many friends who visited. There was always room for one more at the table with plenty of home-cooked food and baked goods; she continued this spirit and generosity until the day she passed. She loved having craft days with daughters, grandchildren and her many friends. She was always full of life, listening to her music, all the while dancing and singing for everyone, especially her grandchildren, who would always brighten her day when they visited.

She was predeceased by her husband of 29 years, who died in 1984; her son, Donald; two brothers, Larry Paradis and Anthony Paradis; her sister, Theresa Drouin; and a very special aunt and uncle, Adelard and Emeline Paradis.

Patricia is survived by her special friend John Lucia; her four children, Donna Desmond and her husband Larry and their two children; Dean and his wife Tina and their daughter Lydia; and Heidi; Brenda Palumbo and her husband Greg and their two children, Jessica and her husband Mike and their son Trevon; and Nicole; Jeff Pelletier and his wife Robin and their two children, Zack and his wife Melissa and their children, Mikayla, Eban and William; and Jeffrey; Ken Pelletier and his wife Michelle and their three children, Nick, Kyle and Krysta; as well as several nieces and nephews who all held a special place in her heart.

Memorial donations may be made to American Heart Association, 51 U.S. Route 1, Scarborough ME 04074.