Obituaries, Week of March 2, 2017

MICHAEL W. LITTLEFIELD

BENTON––Michael W. Littlefield, of Benton, passed away Thursday, February 16, 2017, at the Togus VA hospital, in Augusta, following a period of failing health. Michael was the fourth of nine children born to Millard (Red) and Shirley Littlefield, of Benton.
Mike spent two years in the Army. He was a member of Pete Silva’s racing team here in Maine and North Carolina. Mike worked as a painter and was a member of Local Union #1044 Window Glazers.

He was predeceased by his parents, Red and Shirley Littlefield; as well as brothers, David and Roger; and a niece Marcy Mcmanus.

He is survived by his wife Carol Littlefield, of Benton; stepchildren, Michael and Alyssa Corson, of Albion, Wendy Cutting and Gabe Perro, of Bangor; grandchildren Kaitlin and Nash Corson, of Albion, Harleigh Corson and Roman Perro, of Bangor; sisters, Steve and Rosie McManus, of Saco, Brenda Littlefield, of Irvington, Alabama, Juan and Martha Lavalle-Rivera, of Albion, Rebecca and Thelma Littlefield, of Benton; brother Richard and Eva Littlefield; many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Memorial donations may be made to Maine Special Olympics.

WANDA M. PARMENTER

SOUTH CHINA––Wanda Mullin Parmenter, 96, passed away on Friday, February 17, 2017. Wanda was born on December 2, 1920, in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada, the daughter of the late George and Ada MacDonald Mulllin.

Wanda moved to China in November 1938 from New Jersey with her parents. She graduated from Erskine Academy, in South China, with the class of 1940. Following graduation she returned to Newark, New Jersey, to live with her sister. Wanda went to work for the American Insurance Co. and graduated from Drake Business School.

On July 10, 1942, she married Frederick Parmenter in Hattisburg, Mississipi, just prior to his deployment. Wanda then returned to New Jersey where she went to work for the Walter Kidder Co. and under the war training program they sent her to the Newark College of Engineering where she worked in their Blue Printing & Engineering Dept. for the next three years.

In the summer of 1945 Wanda and Frederick returned to China, where she remained until her death.

Wanda was active in school and community affairs, worked as substitute teacher in local schools and for several years was a secretary/receptionist for Dr. Samson Fisher, in Waterville. Wanda and Frederick owned and operated Central Maine Catering and Restaurant for many years in China.

Wanda was a member of the China Baptist Church. She was also instrumental in starting the Washburn-Brann-Ward American Legion Auxilary Post #195 and serving as the first president and was a lifetime member of this organization.

Wanda was predeceased by her husband, Frederick; her parents, George and Ada Mullin; her sister Pauline Nagel, her son-in-law, Danny Hotham, and granddaughter, Tracy Uzzell.

Wanda is survived by her two daughters, Judy Hotham and Freda (Paul) Bailey, both of China. She is also survived by 10 grandchildren, Tami (Dean) Eastup, Fred (Cathy), Charles (Heide), Ted (Danette), Noel, and Heath (Taryn) Hotham, Edwin (Tammy), Tina, and Chad (Katie) Bailey, and Bette Jean (Patrick) Linnell. She also leaves 21 great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren. Wanda also is survived by her brother Donald Mullin, of Waterville; one niece and two nephews, and several cousins.

Memorial donations may be made to the Washburn-Brann-Ward Post #195 American Legion Auxilary, c/o Sandra Young, 17 Danforth Road, Albion Me 04910, or the China Baptist Church, PO Box 6095, China Village ME 04926.

MARY MORISSETTE

WINSLOW––Mary Morissette, 88, died on Saturday, February 18, 2017. Mary was born on August 9, 1927, in Portland, the only daughter of the late Stephen and Mary (McDonagh) Joyce.

Mary’s parents immigrated from Carraroe, County Galway, Ireland.

Mary attended schools in Portland and Boston, before meeting her first husband, Lionel. They were married in 1947 and settled in the Winslow area, where they raised their family. As blessed as Mary and her husband were with their own children, Mary’s heart was also open to providing a loving home to children in need. Mary and her family opened their home and hearts to many foster children.

Mary worked for many years at Colby College as a switchboard operator. She was also involved with the Business and Professional Women’s Association. Mary loved animals and had many beloved pets throughout her life. Mary was a gifted seamstress, making toys, clothes, and nightshirts for her children and grandchildren. Mary also supported many charitable causes throughout her life, including sponsoring young women in third-world countries so they could receive an education and medical treatment.

Mary was predeceased by both her parents; her only brother, Walter Joyce, who died in a tragic drowning accident in 1939; her eldest son, James Patrick Cassidy; her first husband of 38 years, Lionel A.Cassidy; her second husband, Robert Titcomb; her third husband, Clifford Morissette; and daughters-in-law Lisa (Shuckrow) Cassidy and Gayla Lynn Cassidy.

Mary is survived by her seven children, daughter Margaret (Peggy) Cassidy, sons John Cassidy and wife Cheryle, Daniel Cassidy, Michael Cassidy, Brian Cassidy and wife Ann, Thomas Cassidy and wife Kathleen, and Scott Cassidy and wife Cindy; and a foster daughter, Priscilla (Pam) Myers. She was blessed and is survived by many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whom she adored.

A Memorial Mass celebrating Mary’s life will be held Saturday, March 4, at 10 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Monument St., Winslow. A reception will follow immediately after the Mass and will be held in the Robbins Room, Roberts Union Building, Colby College, Waterville.

Memorial donations may be made to any of the following organizations: Corpus Christi Parish, 70 Pleasant Street, Waterville ME 04901, or St. John Catholic School, 15 S. Garand Street, Winslow ME 04901, or Maine Alzheimer’s Association, 383 U.S. Route One #2C, Scarborough ME 04074, or American Heart Association, Maine Chapter, c/o 7272 Greenville Avenue, Dallas TX 75231.

ROBERT C. DOWE

CHINA––Robert C. Dowe, 77, passed away on Thursday, February 23, 2017, following a courageous battle with brain cancer. He was born on Dec­em­­ber 22, 1939, to Edmond and Alice Dowe, of China.

After graduating from Erskine Academy, South China, he served in the US Air Force.

On August 28, 1960, he married the former Madeline Bailey. Together they had six children.

He operated a garage in South China Village briefly until he took on a new endeavor as a self-employed logger. In 1976, he and Madeline built, owned and operated Dowe’s Variety Store until 1996. He was a long time member of the South China Volunteer Fire Department, Dirigo Masonic Lodge #104 and Boynton Webber American Legion Post#179.

He was predeceased by his parents; three brothers, Richard, Roger and Ronald Dowe, and sister Ruth Hussey; infant child Deborah; and grandson Justin Hatch.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Madeline Bailey Dowe; son Robert C. Dowe II and wife Jennifer; daughter Julie Finley and husband John; daughter Kelley Warren and fiance Jon Thornhill, son Glenn Dowe and partner Jackie Fincher, son Donald Dowe and wife Melissa; 12 Grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; four sisters, Marilyn Bragg, Barbara Poulin, Dorothy Burke, and Gloria Pinette; and several nieces and nephews.

Memorial donations may be made to: South China Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 325, China ME 04358 or The Boynton Webber American Legion Post #179, PO Box 401, China ME 04358.

HAROLD M. BRUNDAGE JR.

PALERMO – Harold M. Brundage Jr., 88, died Friday, February 24, 2017, at the Maine Veterans Home, in Augusta, following a long illness. He was born on Staten Island, New York, on September 6, 1928, a son of the late Harold M. and Veronica R. (Jones) Brundage.

Mr. Brundage was a 1946 graduate of Port Richard High School and a 1953 graduate of Wagner College, on Staten Island.

He was a US Army veteran, serving as part of the Occupation Forces in Japan during World War II.

Mr. Brundage had been employed for 32 years at Nynex as a comptroller.

He was predeceased by his wife, Doris A. (Voelpel) Brundage and his sister, Virginia Salvesen.

Mr. Brundage is survived by two sons: Harold M. Brundage III and his wife Holly, of Kenneth Square, Pennsylvania, and Mark C. Brundage and his wife Angelina, of Palermo; a brother, G. David Brundage, of Lakewood, Florida; three grandchildren, Nicole, Gregory and Kaitlyn; four great-grandchildren; Jackson, Beckett, Gabriella and Aria; two step-grandchildren, Jessica and Matthew, and as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

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

Memorial donations may be made to the Maine Veterans Home, 310 Cony Road, Augusta, ME 04330 Attn: Melody Bridges.

OTHERS DEPARTED

BELDON H. SCHAFFER, 92, of Augusta, passed away on Saturday, February 4, 2017, at the Maine Veteras Home, in Augusta. Locally, he is survived by daughters Peggy Schaffer and husband Clough Toppan, of Vassalboro, Ginny Brackett, of Vassalboro, and grandchildren Galen and Amanda Brackett, both of Vassalboro.

FRANK O. SHIELDS, 71, of Bangor, passed away on Thursday, February 9, 2017, at the Bangor Nursing and Rehab Center. He was educated in Fairfield and graduated from Lawrence High School. Locally, he is survived by two sisters, Hazel Langley, of Fairfield, and Alice White and husband Robert, of Clinton.

MARGUERITE M. CLOWES, 92, of Waterville, passed away on Friday, February 10, 2017, at MaineGeneral Medical Center, in Augusta. Locally, she is survived by children Barry H. Clowes, of South China, and Brenda Duplessie, of Waterville; and grandchilderen Drace Clowes, of Sidney, and Bernie C. Clowes and wife Jen, of Waterville.

RONALD J. POMERLEAU, 63, of Waterville, passed away on Saturday, February 11, 2017, following a brief illness. Locally, he is survived by twin brother Donald Pomerleau, and brother Joseph Pomerleau, both of Winslow, and sister Ann, of Waterville.

MILDRED I. BURNS, 92, of Skowhegan, passed away on Monday, February 13, 2017, at Redington-Fairview General Hospital, in Skowhegan. Locally, she is survived by children John Burns and partner Carolin, of Skowhegan, and Barbara Hight and husband Vernal Jr., of Oakland.

STEPHEN W. GRACIE, 61, of Bremen, passed awat on Wednesday, February 15, 2017, at his home. Locally, he is survived by siblings Sylvia Luce and husband Dennis, of Sidney, and Jeff Gracie and wife Becky, of Washington; and sister-in-law, Flame Gracie, of Jefferson.

RICHARD S. LORD JR., 62, of Skowhegan, passed away on Thursday, February 16, 2017, at his home. Locally, he is survived by a brother, Jeff Lord, of Vassalboro.

MARY A. GRONDIN, 80, of Augusta, passed away on Thursday, February 16, 2017, at MaineGeneral Medical Center, in Augusta. Locally, she is survived by her children Elizabeth M. Burnham, of Winslow, Patricia A. Pelletier, of Waterville, William J. Grondin, of Augusta, Michael A. Grondin and wife Diana, of Chelsea, and Thomas P. Grondin, of Waterville; and brother Charles R. Kittredge, of Augusta.

ALFRED M. JOSEPH, 83, of Waterville, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, February 19, 2017, at his home. Locally, he is survived by his wife Ruth, of Waterville; a son, Jonathan Joseph, of Waterville, and sister-in-law Leone Donovan, of Waterville.

JACQUELINE MARTIN, 78, of Skowhegan, passed away on Tuesday, February 21, 2017, following a four-month battle with cancer. Locally, she is survived by a niece Tanya Pomerlow and husband Todd, of Fairfield.

NANCY CROSBY, 75, of Burnham, passed away on Wednesday, February 22, 2017, in Burnha. Locally, she is survived by a sister, Sarah Crosby, of Whitefield.

FORMER RESIDENT

STEPHEN A. MASSEY, 65, of Sarasota, Florida, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, February 13, 2017. He was born in Waterville to John “Steve” and Bernadette Massey. He graduated with the Waterville High School class of 1969 and helped manage and run Steve’s Restaurant, in Waterville, for many years.

PEARL J. PRESCOTT JR., 87, of Augusta, passed away on Wednesday, February 15, 2017. He was born in Whitefield on May 25, 1929, to Pearl J. Prescott Sr. and Maude E. Pullen. Pearl attended Erskine Academy, in South China. Locally, he is survived by a daughter, Carol Theriault and husband Mike, of Augusta.

LOCAL TIES

BARBARA J. LYPSCON, 78, of Windham, passed away on Saturday, February 18, 2017, at the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House, in Scarborough. She graduated from Williams High School, in Oakland, with the class of 1956. Locally, she is survived by a sister, Merlene Dow and husband Norman, of Albion.