Obituaries, Week of May 3, 2018

CARLEEN E. COTE

VASSALBORO – Carleen E. Cote, 78, of North Belfast Ave., died unexpectedly on Sunday, April 27, 2018, at Maine Medical Center, Portland. She was born in Caribou on April 27, 1940, the daughter of Alfred Sirois and Esther (Raymond) Sirois.

Carlene graduated from Belgrade High School and Augusta Business College.

She was employed for 19 years by the Maine Department of Mental Health and Retardation, and for 10 years by the Maine Department of Health & Welfare.

She lovingly dedicated her life to wildlife rescue, rehabilitation and release along with her husband Don, at the Duck Pond Animal Rehabilitation Center, in Vassalboro.

Carleen was a member of Northeast Zoological Society (secretary for five years), National Wildlife Federation, Wildlife Legislative Fund of America, Sportsmans Alliance of Maine board of directors for four years, secretary for two years and second vice-president for one year).

Carleen was predeceased by her parents, two sisters, Esther Galvin and Alfreda Johnson, and a brother, Gerald Sirois.

Surviving is her husband, Donald P. Cote, of Vassalboro; one sister Jeanine Dostie, of Augusta; one brother, Gary Sirois, of Belgrade; and several nieces and nephews.

There are no planned visiting hours. A service may be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Kennebec Valley Humane Society, 10 Pet Haven Lane, Augusta, ME 04330.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta, ME. Condolences, stories and photos may be shared at www.plummerfh.com.

DESIREE J. YORK

KNOX – Desiree J. York, 36, passed away Wednesday, March 28, 2018, in Bangor. She was born May 21, 1981, in Waterville, the daughter of Donald R. and Brenda L. (Carter) York.

She attended Mt. View High School, in Thorndike. She studied for two years in vocational school with a major in childcare. She loved racing, camping, cooking, music and being with family and friends.

Desiree is survived by her daughter, Miracle Jean Littlefield, of Knox; parents, Donald and Brenda York of Knox; five brothers, Donald York Jr., of Benton, Dallas York and fiancée Cassie Sweden, of Addison, Jason York, Lance York and wife Nickki, and Jeffrey Richards and wife Michelle, all of Vassalboro; two sisters, Torie York, of Bangor, and Danyelle Willette, of Waterville; grandfather Warren York, of Waterville; aunt and uncle Richard and Paulette Carter, of Albion; aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and ousins.

She was predeceased by her grandfather Richard Carter, and grandmothers Rita York and Mary Jean Carter.

Arrangements were under the direction of Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Services, 445 Waterville Rd., Skowhegan, ME 04976.

Memorial donations may be made to the Homeless Shelter, 19 Colby St., Waterville, ME 04901.

GERALD GIROUX

WINSLOW––Gerald T. Giroux, 86, of Winslow, died Friday, April 6, 2018, at his home, following an intense battle with cancer. He was born July 1, 1931, in Disraeli, Quebec, the youngest of 14 children of Eugene Giroux and Georgianna (Jacques) Giroux.

He attended school in Disraeli. He was employed at Colby College, in Waterville, for over 25 years. The family owned their own newspaper business for over 35 years, and he was quite well known by many for his several years of delivering newspapers on a daily basis. He, along with his family, currently owns Berry’s Stationery, in Waterville. There, he enjoyed working alongside his family members, putting frames together, and, of course, socializing with the customers.

He married Yvette, in 1964 and they spent 44 years together until her death in 2008. They raised two children and their grandchildren, with whom they were very close and always together. He spent many years attending events, cheering on his children and grandchildren and supporting them in every way.

Pepere was a man of deep Catholic faith. He was a charter member of the Knights of Columbus Winslow Council #7300. He was a member of the 4th Degree Assembly #341. He was a communicant of Corpus Christi Parish.

Survivors include his children Michael W. Giroux and wife Barbara, of Augusta, Michelle A. Giroux-Paré and husband Rick, of Winslow; grandchildren Daniel, Dorothy, Anne, and Dominique Giroux-Paré, and Stephanie Pinkham and Nicholas Masse; one brother Robert and wife Lorraine, of Disraeli, Quebec, Canada; one sister Gabrielle Laflam, of Beaulac, Quebec, Canada; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his wife, Yvette; parents; five brothers, Ernest, Lucien, Louis, Fernand, and Clement, and six sisters, Rene, Cecile, Marie, Therese, Rollande, and Aline.

Please visit www.veilleuxfuneralhome.com to share condolences, memories and tributes with his family.

Donations may be made in his memory to: St. John Regional Catholic School, 15 South Garand St., Winslow ME 04901.

GILBERT L. RAYMOND

BENTON––Gilbert “Gil” Raymond, 65, of Benton, passed away Friday, April 6, 2018, at his home. He was born January 15, 1953, the son of Irenie and Regina Raymond, in Fort Kent.

He graduated from Waterville High School in 1972. He married his soul mate, Susan Letourneau, in 1971. He worked as a millwright at local paper companies for many years, retiring in 2015.

Following retirement, he was always willing to lend a helping hand when needed as he was a talented carpenter and mechanic.

Gil enjoyed fishing, hunting and playing cards, especially when doing these things with his friends and family.

He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Susan; daughters Jennifer Heath and husband Brian, Jessica Huard and husband Edward; three granddaughters, the joys of his life, Lauren, Lily and Scarlett; sisters Jeannine Genest and husband Robert, Jackie Raymond, Doraline “Lulu” Begin and husband Bruce, and Marie Raymond Carrier; four special aunts, Cecile Morrill, Rena Adams, Lucille Raymond and Cecile Theriault.

He was predeceased by his parents; and a sister, Reta Raymond.

There will be a memorial service held at Shawmut Chapel, 57 Bray Ave., Shawmut, ME 04975, on Saturday May 5, 2018, at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice Volunteers of Maine.

PAULA VEILLEUX

WINSLOW––Paula Veilleux, 86, of Winslow, passed away on Sunday, April 8, 2018, at Avita, of Wells, following a long, courageous battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. She was born on April 23, 1931, in Maria, Quebec, one of eight children of Eveline (Guite) and Leonard Bujold.

She came to Waterville in 1947, and worked as a seamstress at C. F. Hathaway, in Waterville. At the age of 19, she met her husband, James Veilleux, at the roller rink. They were happily married for 58 years. Together they had six children.

Paula was a dedicated and loving wife and mother. She was also employed as a seamstress at The Curtainshop for many years. She was well-known for her mending skills within her family, friends and community.

She and James maintained a large vegetable garden, and canned a good portion of their produce. She was an excellent cook, known for her signature spaghetti sauce, and always enjoyed trying new recipes.

She also taught CCD at St. John Catholic School, in Winslow, for many years. In her free time, she enjoyed playing cards, going for walks, dancing, swimming, and spending time with her family.

Paula will be remembered as a gentle and loving woman, who was patient, and had a great sense of humor.

Paula is survived by her six children, David Veilleux, of Dover, New Hampshire, Dana Veilleux, of Somersworth, New Hampshire, Michelle Vigue and husband Michael, of North Waterboro, Alan Veilleux, of Winslow, Lee Veilleux and wife Stacy, of Scarborough, and Eileen Veilleux, of Westbrook; nine grandchildren, Mitchell, Dylan, Thomas, Melissa, Nicholas, Danielle, Brianna, Desirée, and Taylor; seven brothers and sisters, Adrienne Desveaux and husband Ted, of Westbrook, Sr. Dorothy Bujold, of Waterville, Leo Bujold and wife Olivette, of Skowhegan, Noella Pelletier and husband Charles, of Winslow, Fern Bard and husband Leland, of Waterville. Harvey Bujold and partner Karen Nagle, of Bonita Springs, Florida; Sr. Rita Bujold, ofFrance; as well as several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband, James. in 2012.

To view a video collage of Paula’s life, and to share condolences, memories and tributes with her family, please visit: www.veilleuxfuneralhome.com.

For those who wish, donations may be made in Paula’s memory to: Alzheimer’s Association, Maine Chapter, 383 U.S. Route One, Suite 2C, Scarborough ME 04074.

PHILIP D. CHAMBERLAIN

WINSLOW––Philip D. Chamberlain, 92, passed away in Waterville on Sunday, April 8, 2018. Phil was born in Exeter, on May 6, 1925, the son of Paul and Ethel (Rowe) Chamberlain.

Phil attended school in Exeter and graduated from East Corinth Academy. He served in the US Army during World Ward II from 1943 to 1946 and was honorably discharged.

He worked in Dexter at the Fay Scott factory and then went on to Keyes Fibre, in Waterville, where he worked as a pattern maker until 1988 when he retired. Phil enjoyed reading, bowling, wood working, snowmobiling, and even skiing in his late 60s.

People who knew Phil recognized him as a quiet, genuine and honest person who loved his family, home and country.

Phil was predeceased by his first wife, Charlene (Annett); son Terry Chamberlain; brother Stanley Chamberlain; and stepson Jay Aubin.

He is survived by his wife Nancy (Willette), who whom he celebrated 31 years of marriage. He is also survived by his daughter Sharon Barnett and husband Ben, of South Carolina, step-son Jeff Aubin and wife Char-lin, of St. Albans and step-son Joel Aubin, of Arizona.

He was “Bumpa” to 12 grandchildren; Lisa Sawyer and husband Bill, Stacey Hoffman and husband Greg, Jeffrey Aubin, Zach Aubin, Thomas Aubin, Alicia Aubin, Nathan Aubin, Elizabeth Aubin, Charliea Aubin, Catherine Williams, Rick Barnett and Drema Barnett; and two great-grandchildren, Kayann Hoffman and John Philip Hoffman; several brothers and sisters-in-law; nieces and nephews.

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

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. John Food Pantry, Winslow, ME.

CLARENCE S. BENNER

BENTON––Clarence Stewart “Stu” Benner, 73, passed away Sunday, April 8, 2018, at his residence. Clarence was born in Bath, on November 3, 1944, son of Clarence and Carolyn Benner.

He graduated from Wiscasset High School in 1963. He then joined the Army in 1965 serving in Korea until 1957.

He grew up spending time at Christmas Cove with his grandparents. He enjoyed family gatherings, attending his grandchildren’s events and you could always find him at Bee’s Diner.

Clarence was a longtime truck driver for many different companies.

Clarence was predeceased by his parents and his brother Merle Benner.

He is survived by his longtime companion Jan Alexander; his children, Melissa Benner and Tom, Edward and Aimee Benner, Jennipher and Ken Smith, Timothy and Stacy Wright, and Dustin and Erica Wright; his grandchildren, Emma, AJ and baby boy Benner, Cameron (Brittney), Derrick, Dylan and Rece Smith, Alyssa and Abby Wright and Memphis Wright; brother Stephen and Laurie Benner and his sister Sharon and Jon Kelley.

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

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Clarence’s memory to: BIONIC Pancreas Research Boston University Gifts &I Records, 595 Commonwealth Ave., Suite 700 West Entrance, Boston, MA 02215.

FRANCIS LABRECQUE JR.

WINSLOW––Francis LaBrecque Jr., 91, passed away on Wednesday, April 11, 2018, in Waterville. Francis was born in Waterville, on June 22, 1926, the son of Francis and Deliska LaBrecque.

“Frank” proudly enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving on a PT boat during World War II. He retired from Scott Paper Company in 1987, after 40 years of service.

Francis really enjoyed the hours he spent fishing on First Roach Pond “up river.”

Frank was predeceased by his first wife, Anita (Caron); his brothers, Ovila, Lawrence and Joseph, and his sister, Julie.

He is survived by his wife, Sandra; their three sons and five daughters, Francine Duval and husband, Fern, of Winslow, Janelle LeBreton and husband, Gary, of Winslow, Paul LaBrecque and wife Jane, of Winslow, Patrice Clarke and husband, Richard, of South Carolina, Ronald LaBrecque and wife Nancy, of Albion, Robin Corey and husband Scott, of Albion, Jason Bickford and wife Marie, of Arizona, and Claire LaBrecque and husband Eric, of Virginia; his grandchildren, Audery, Frank, Erin, Blade, Peter, Ryan, Matthew, Gage, Winston and Sky; and several nieces and nephews.

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

DAVID L. LOVERING SR.

SOUTH CHINA––David Lee Lovering Sr., 72, of South China, died Thursday, April 12, 2018, at his home. He was born in Augusta, August 17, 1945, the son of Sidney and Pauline Lovering.

He grew up in China and went on to serve in the U.S. Army from 1962 to 1965.

After being discharged, David became a professional truck driver working both short and long haul. He and his wife, Carlaine Bovio, worked as a driving team for many years, travelling all over the United States. When he wasn’t working, David enjoyed going to car shows. To his family, he was known as “Grumpy.”

David was predeceased by his parents, Sidney and Pauling.

He is survived by his wife, Carlaine; son, David Lee Lovering Jr. and wife Shannon, of Palmyra; daughters, Lisa Lovering, of Buxton, Sheri Lovering, of Key West, Florida, and Kelly Murray and husband Chris, of Bangor; stepchildren, John Starkey and his fiancée Shekeria Anthony, of Skowhegan; and Tina Kennedy and husband Patrick, of Unity; grandchildren, Skylar, Morgan, Allison, Kaitlyn, Hunter, Autumn, Dominic, Zachary, Emme, Elizabeth, Michael, Aidan and Cheyenne; and two great-grandchildren.

Memories, condolences, photos, and videos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the website www.khrfuneralhomes.com.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1 Bowdoin Mill Island, Suite 300, Topsham ME 04086.

JOYCE M. BARKER

WINSLOW––Joyce Marilyn Barker, 61, of Winslow, passed away Thursday, April 12, 2018, at Lahey Hospital. She was born in Bridgton, February 4, 1957, to the late Almon and Norine (Sturgis) Barker.

She lived and grew up in Naples, attending Lake Region High School where she played several sports, sang in the chorus and played the baritone both in school and with the Bridgton Town Band. Her favorite teacher in high school, Eugene Whitney, sparked her interest in biology and inspired her to continue studying at the University of Maine in Orono, where she earned her B.S. degree in biology and English and education. She later earned endorsements in life, physical and general science, and language arts.

She taught middle school students in MSADs #47 and #3 until retiring in 2012. During this time she was a hands-on teacher who was twice nominated for the Presidential award for Teaching Excellence in Math and Science and, in 1990, was a semi-finalist for Maine State Teacher of the Year. She also held many advisory and supervisory positions to help both students and teachers.

Joyce loved all of nature and the works of the Maine Audubon Society and the Sea Turtle Rescue and Recovery.

Joyce is survived by her brother, David (Donna Pitts) Barker; sisters, Linda (Michael) Koloski, Rosalie Fredericks, Bette (Steve) York, Janet (Peter) Richardson and Debora Sylvester, 12 nieces and nephews, 14 grand-nieces and grand-nephews.

For the online guest book, see www.sullivanfuneralhome.net.

If you would like to make a commemorative gift in honor of Joyce, support either the Maine Audubon Society, or Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center, P.O. Box 2095, Surf City, NC 28445.

WILLIAM P. CROCE

FAIRFIELD––William “Bill” Paul Croce, 71, of Fairfield, died Monday, April 15, 2018, at the Gosnell Memorial Hospice Home, in Scarborough. Born in Skowhegan on April 11, 1947, he was a son of Carl G. and Beth Tewksbury Croce.

In 1950, Bill and his family moved to Waterville. He was a graduate of Waterville High School in the class of 1966. Bill furthered his education at Wentworth Institute, in Boston, and Ohio State University, studying aeronautical engineering. He graduated with two associates degrees in engineering and went on to work for Pratt and Whitney, in Connecticut.

Dedicated to his country, Bill served in the Army Reserves from 1970-1976 in the position of drill sergeant. The people of Waterville and surrounding towns will remember Bill from Peter Webber Sports, a staple on Main Street, which Bill managed and then owned for more than a decade. He then moved on to work at the Maine Department of Transportation, Bureau of Planning, a position he held until retirement in 2010.

Bill was a man of varied interests; a Jack-of-all-Trades and master of many! Carpentry, music, hiking, sailing, skiing and flying were among those at which he excelled and found greatest happiness. “Through these avenues, Bill and his wife, Jean, were able to open their world to countless new friends they claimed as family. Bill was known as a captivating and humorous storyteller of adventures (and misadventures!) both experienced and imagined. Humor was such a part of who he was and no gathering was complete without it.

As avid skiers, Bill and his family broke ground at Sugarloaf, building a home and creating a life there that formed invaluable memories and friendships that still hold strong today. His love of skiing matched by his love for sailing, Bill and Jean enjoyed many sailing trips to the British Virgin Islands. In 2016, the two embarked on their biggest adventure yet: sailing from Rockland to Florida, where many new friendships were created.

When Bill was not traveling around, he volunteered his time building sets for shows at the Waterville Opera House and Aqua City Actors Theatre.

Bill is survived by his wife Jean Poirier Croce, of Fairfield; a daughter Lisa Croce, of Portland and a son Tim Croce, of Waterville; brother Carl A. Croce and wife Janet, of Winslow, and their adult children. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews and Poirier in-laws.

Services are being arranged for early summer.

Donations in Bill’s memory can be made to the Gosnell House or a charity of your choice.

ALICE J. MAHEUX

WINDSOR––Alice J. Maheux, 87, of the Bean road, died Sunday, April 15, 2018, at Country Manor Nursing Home, in Whitefield, following an extended illness. She was born in Sidney on June 4, 1930, the daughter of William Hughes and Margaret (Sawtelle) Hughes.

Prior to her retirement, Mrs.. Maheux was employed by Bates Manufacturing Co. for 40 years.

She was predeceased by her parents; three brothers: Robert, Myron and Phillip Hughes; and sister Phyllis Tremblay.

Surviving are four daughters: Elaine M. Chase and Betty Bowden, both of Vassalboro, Rita Dyer, of Waterboro, and Barbara A. Maheux, of Springvale; 13 grandchildren, one great-granddaughter; several nieces and nephews; one sister, Arlene Fossett, of Augusta.

Arrangements were entrusted to Plummer Funeral Home, 983 Ridge Road, Windsor. Condolences, photos and memories may be shared at www.plummerfh.com.

Memorial donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Association Maine Chapter, 383 U.S. Route 1, Suite 2C, Scarborough ME 04074.

RANDOLPH V. PAMPHREY

FAIRFIELD––Randolph Von Pamphrey, 51, passed away on Thursday, April 19, 2018, following a brief illness. Randy was born in Waterville, on December 7, 1966, to Pamela (Libby) and Larry Pamphrey.

He attended school in Leeds, Clinton, and Fairfield; graduated from Lawrence High School in 1985 and attended the University Southern Maine for one year. While at Lawrence, Randy was well-known for his athletic achievements in football, basketball, baseball and track.

Randy worked in many trades over the years, such as landscaping, dock building, and photography. Widely known for his ability to catch a beautiful moment or emotion on film, Randy used his skill in photography to bring joy to so many. It’s what kept him connected to the community, his friends, family and the spirit of LHS. Randy’s creative nature was also found in his interest in collections, gardening and cooking. He had a keen eye for antiques, unusual trinkets and rocks, and had his father’s skill in gardening which led to an interest in cooking.

Friendships came easy to Randy. Everyone who knew him considered him a friend; he was generous, kind-hearted, and honest. Never one to say a negative thing about another person, Randy was easy to trust and confide in. Randy earned his black belt in karate from Huard’s in Winslow.

Randy is survived by his mother, Pamela (Libby) Pamphrey; father, Larry Pamphrey; son, Derek Pamphrey, of Fairfield; sister, Libbi Pamphrey, of South Portland; sister, Heather Wilson and husband Dan, of Fairfield; brother, Kenneth Pamphrey, of Fairfield; nephew, Jake Wilson and wife, Jessica, of Benton; nieces, Samantha and Summer, of Fairfield; many cousins, aunts, and uncles.

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