Month: March 2015

South Portland-Donald Carl Ward passed away peacefully at home on March 29 with his family by his side.

Don was born on January 9, 1926, in Portland, Maine, the son of Clarence and Eleanor (Dickinson) Ward.

He is a 1943 graduate of South Portland High School and worked as an engineer for the Maine Central Railroad retiring in 1986.

In his younger years Don enjoyed hunting, fishing and motorcycles, but he will be best remembered for his fine woodworking skills having made among many things cherry furniture that rivals today’s well known furniture makers. The family will cherish these pieces.

Don is survived by his wife of 69 years, Laura (Hawkins), his daughters, Donna Marston of Peaks Island and Beverly James (husband, Larry) of New Albany, MS.; brother, Theodore Ward (Jeannie) of Tucson, AZ; six grandchildren: Sheri Feeney (Peter), Frank Marston, Jr. (Alina), Matthew Marston (Rosie), Heather James, Laura Blount (Nick) and Michael James; eight great grandchildren: Liam and Connor Feeney, Luke, Anna,and Michael Marston, Thomas Marston, Jones and Colton Blount.

The family will have a graveside service in the Spring to honor his life.

Scarborough, ME – Maxine L. (Corson) Steeves, 82, of Freeport and formerly of Skowhegan passed away on Wednesday, March 25, 2015 at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House after a brief illness, surrounded by her family.  She was the wife of the late Roy “Jack” Steeves, Jr. who died in 1981. 

Maxine was born in Skowhegan, ME on May 7, 1932 a daughter of the late Aleius & Isabell (Avery) Corson Sr.   She grew up in Skowhegan, attending local area schools. 

She spent many years working for Eastland Shoe in Freeport, and then went to work LL Bean, where she spent 25 years before retiring in 1990. 

Maxine enjoyed candlepin bowling when she was younger and also loved spending time in her flower garden and hanging around the pool.  Every Sunday during racing season she could be found watching NASCAR with her son and also enjoyed her trips to Skowhegan during the summer to spend a couple of weeks with her sister Christine and visit family and friends.  She also loved her cat “Buddy” and spending time with her granddaughter and her boys. 

She is survived by her daughter Donna Stubbs and her son Timothy Steeves, both of Freeport.  She also leaves a granddaughter Angela Ingerson and her husband Ryan, also of Freeport, her four great grandsons Hunter, Conner, Sawyer and Tanner, her siblings Christine Miller, Betty Soucy and Philip Greene, several nieces and nephews as well as her extended family, Joel and Michelle Best and their children Jen, Sabrina, Vicky and Joel Jr. and Michael and Carol Whitehouse and her son Matthew Lewis. 

The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to both the staff in the Cardiac Unit of Maine Medical Center and the staff and volunteers at the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House for the care and support they showed during Maxine’s illness. 

Services will be held later on in the spring at a day and time to be announced. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory can be made to:

American Heart Association

51 US Route 1

 

Scarborough, ME 04074

Yarmouth, ME – John N. Arsenault, Jr., 81, of North Yarmouth, passed away peacefully to the other side on Monday, March 23, 2015 at Coastal Manor in Yarmouth, in the very neighborhood where he grew up. 

John was born on September 5, 1933 in Yarmouth, the eldest son of John N. and Jeannette (Scott) Arsenault Sr.  John attended schools there; graduating from North Yarmouth Academy in 1951.  Following graduation, John enlisted in the US Army and became a proud member of the 101^st Airborne Division. 

After serving in the Army, John returned to the area and held jobs with various local contractors.  John married the former Carolyn Seavey of New Gloucester on September 17, 1960.  After briefly living in Freeport, they moved to North Yarmouth in 1961 to raise their family. 

John began his 30 year bus driving career in 1963 for the Cumberland-North Yarmouth School Department.  John had a deep love for the children and many still refer to him lovingly as “Johnny Bullfrog”. 

John was an avid gardener, hunter and fisherman.  He spent countless hours in the vegetable garden while Carolyn canned, froze and pickled.  They both have been proud to tell the story of how their dill pickles made it all the way to the White House. 

John hunted and fished each season and enjoyed countless outings with his sons, as well as many lifelong friends. 

John and Carolyn enjoyed playing bingo, shopping the yard sales and making their daily trip to Denny’s in Auburn to visit with friends.  Special family times included summer camping trips, cook outs, birthday and holiday celebrations or a simple Sunday drive.  It truly was about the simple things in life. 

John was predeceased by his parents and four sisters; Josephine McNamara, Rachel Blake, Joanne Poyer and Lee Butler.  He is survived by his wife and two sons Joseph Arsenault of North Yarmouth and Kevin Arsenault and his partner Anne Edwards of Mechanic Falls; a daughter, Crystal Hall of Pownal; a brother, Michael Arsenault and his wife Maureen of Lamoine; three granddaughters, Michelle Arsenault, Lindsey Arsenault and Allison Hall; several nieces, nephews and cousins and his beloved cat and buddy, Tiger. 

John’s family would like to extend a deep and heartfelt thank you to the entire staff at Coastal Manor, Beacon Hospice and Dr. James Donahue for the kind, compassionate and loving care they have given.  In addition, thanks and love are sent to all of the friends, neighbors and family members who have selflessly helped out in more ways than could ever be counted. 

At John’s request, there will be no funeral services.  The family invites everyone to a gathering of remembrance on Monday, March 30, 2015 at the North Yarmouth Congregational Church Fellowship Hall, 3 Gray Road from 4 – 7 p.m. 

If desired, contributions may be made in John’s name to:

Coastal Manor Activity Fund

ATTN: Barry Prentice

20 West Main Street

 

Yarmouth, ME 04096

Woodbury, TN – Landean H. Bailey, 68, formerly of Scarborough, Maine passed away on Friday, March 13, 2015 at the ST. Thomas Midtown Hospital. 

He was born in Portland, Maine on June 6, 1946, the son of the late Harold and Mae (Landean) Bailey. He graduated from Deering High School in 1964.  “Lanny” served in the Army National Guard as a communications chief and achieved the rank of specialist 5. 

He was employed for a few years at Fairchild and Bicknell photo, he also worked several years as a video repair technician for Sears Roebuck and Co. 

Lanny received his Amateur Radio License in his early teens and it became his lifetime passion. His call sign was W100. He was an honor roll DXCC member having contacted over 365 countries. He was a past member of the Portland Amateur Wireless Association and Yankee Clipper Contest Club. 

He is survived by his companion of 22 years Cynthia A. Small of Woodbury, TN; his two daughters, Karen L. Bailey of Hollis and Lisa M. MacMillan of Gorham; three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. 

We would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to all his ham radio friends for their help during this difficult time. 

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Saturday, March 28, 2015 from 12:30 – 2:00 p.m. at the Wilde Memorial Chapel at Evergreen Cemetery, 672 Stevens Ave. Portland.  A funeral service will follow at 2:00 p.m. at the Wilde Chapel with Rev. Philip Shearman officiating.  

Interment will be held on Monday, March 30, 2015 at 11 a.m. at Brooklawn Memorial Park, 2002 Congress Street, Portland.

 

AUBURN – Geraldine “Geri” Widell passed away after a short illness with family and friends by her side on March 14, 2015 at her home in Auburn.

She was born in Van Buren, Me on October 12, 1935 the daughter of Sylvio and Mamie Michaud. She attended local schools. Her family moved to southern Me. in the 1940’s and while living there she was employed by local businesses. Here she met the love of her life Joseph, and they were married on April 22, 1961 at St Patrick’s Church in Lewiston, Me. 

Geri was an avid country music fan throughout her life. She was a people person who befriended anyone and cherished the relationships she acquired over the years; her only request was that these relationships be returned. She enjoyed Sunday dinners with Family and Friends and especially enjoyed growing and nurturing flowers. While at home she enjoyed the company of her faithful puppy “Sammy”. 

She is survived by her husband of 53 years Joseph Widell, a son Robert Widell of Auburn, two Grandson’s Aaron and Marcus Widell of Concord, MA, two brother’s Philipe and his wife Sarah of VA, Gerald and his wife Gloria of ME, two sisters Carlene Clark of Ga. and Marie Pelletier of ME, three brothers in law John Widell of NY, Edward Widell and his wife Joyce of VA, William and his wife Cathey of NY and a sister in law Donna Reily of VA. 

She was predeceased by two brothers Gilbert and Joseph and a sister Patricia Sherman.  

Donations can be made to the “Make A Wish Foundation 477 Congress St, #11 Portland Me.04101 in Geraldine’s name.

Scarborough, ME – Ginette R. Colburn, 55, of Wells died Friday, March 13, 2015 after a courageous fight with cancer.

She was born on October 10, 1959 in Fort Worth, TX a daughter of Donald A. Colburn of Houlton, ME and Rejanne (Doucet) Colburn of Portsmouth, NH.

Ginette was dedicated to her family and loved animals, reading and gardening.  She was happiest at family gatherings and walking her beloved dogs.  She will be deeply missed by all who loved her.

Besides her parents she is survived by her sisters Lucy A. Hurley and Lisa O. Walters and her brother Michael T. Colburn.  She also leaves her nieces Samantha (Hurley) Doucet, Laura Walters and Crystal (Walters) Keddell. 

At her request, there will be no services.

 

 

Raymond – Dean Russell Jellison, 76, passed away on March 11, 2015 at his home in Raymond. Throughout his illness he was surrounded by his wife, Mary (Fairweather) Jellison, his family and his very compassionate caregivers.

Dean was born on November 10, 1938 a son of the late Russell and Lona (Ricker) Jellison in Kittery,  ME. He attended local Kittery schools until he graduated from the Robert W Traip Academy.  After high school, Dean would go on to work as an insurance salesman.  He enjoyed going out boating, fishing and hunting.

Dean is survived by his wife, Mary; his daughter, Debra Jellison; his son, Dennis Jellison; and several grandchildren and great grandchildren. Dean is also survived by his. Siblings: Dale Jellison, Deanna Jellison and Duane Jellison.   In his passing, Dean will be reunited with his parents, Russell and Lona, and two sons, David Jellison and Dean Russell Jellison Jr.

 

 

David Richard Haley’s Phenomenal journey on this planet ended on March,7 2015. He Lived in Fryeburg, Maine.

Born in Bridgton, Maine August 22, 1949, he was the beloved son of David R. Haley And Florence Turcotte Haley.

In Addition to his mother, David leaves behind the love of his life of 40 years Roberta, of Fryeburg, Maine. 2 Devoted children, Heather Haley Jean and her husband Leonard of Brownfield, Maine, and Ryan David Haley of Fryeburg, Maine.

His children’s courage, strength, and abilities gave David an overwhelming sense of pride. They treasured his passion for the unknown, and credit him as the greatest Dad they could have been given.

David also leaves behind a beautiful sister Sharon Haley Day, and her husband Richard, of Brownfield, Maine and Lady Lake, Florida with whom he shared and cherished many of her family gatherings, his 2 adored Grandchildren and “little shining stars” Addisyn and Keegan, many brother and sister in-laws and nieces and nephews.

Even as a child David had a deep respect for nature. Most days would find him hiking, or canoeing on the Saco River. He marveled in the discovery of remnants that told stories of Fryeburg history’s.

As a young man, Dave’s adventurous spirit led him to pursue his pilot’s license, golf, dive and ride his motorcycle. He loved photography, taking pictures of the oxford plains speedway, which were incredible and of astronomy in which he built his own telescope. He restored a model T pickup and a 1936 Plymouth coupe all before the age of 21. David had a genius for technology and a passion for recycling consumer disposables.

David was an avid believer in cryptozoology and a believer of the unknown. He especially enjoyed gold mining with his brother in-law in which he built much of his own equipment.

David was employed as a machinist for most of his life. He created many different sophisticated and complex implements from the ground up, prompting many people to seek his technical skill. His kind personality and neighborly morale was easily evident when he never hesitated to stop and fix a stranded motorists vehicle because, “this was the right thing to do”.

Despite the physical pain Dave suffered over the past 15 years, he never wavered from his commitment of responsibility, or warm heartedness towards family, friends, and strangers. He especially loved the time he spent with the “bunch” at the Fryeburg House of Pizza. The world lost a brilliant mind, compassionate heart and noble soul when our gentle giant went to rest.

In honor of his love for get together and gatherings, a potluck celebration of Dave’s Life will be held at the Brownfield Community Center (The Old Brownfield School) Main St. Brownfield, Maine, Saturday March 21st from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, Donations may be made to the Fryeburg Rescue.

Portland, ME — Carmen Ackerman, 58, of Portland passed away on Monday, March 2, 2015 at Maine Medical Center.

She was born in Manhattan, New York and she spent her childhood and most of her life in Bayamón, Puerto Rico.  Carmen graduated high school with high honors and received her bachelor’s degree in business.

Carmen spent most of her life working and raising her children. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, doing crafts of all kinds and was always willing to lend a helping hand in any way she could. She was deeply loved by her family and not a day will go by where she won’t be missed.

Surviving are her husband Andy Ackerman; mother Maria and Serafin Berrios; children Luis (Megan), David (Dessa) Cruz, Juan Cruz, Josue (Eb) Cruz, Xavier Diaz; brothers Ramon (Candy) Diaz and Juan Ortiz, 10 grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 14 2015 at 1:45 p.m. at Wilde Memorial Chapel in Evergreen Cemetery 672 Stevens Ave., Portland.

Please visit www.advantageportland.com to sign Carmen’s guest book and leave memories and condolences for the family.

 

Donations can be made at the service or at gofundme.com/cruztraining