Bion R. Cram, 93, late of Kennebunk, Maine, and Indialantic, Florida, passed away on December 21st, 2008 at Holmes Regional Medical Center in Melbourne, Florida after a brief illness. Born in West Baldwin, Maine, on April 15, 1915, the son of Rudolph N. Cram and Marceline (Downing) Cram, Mr. Cram leaves his sister, Ada Cram Wadsworth of Hiram, Maine, two nieces, Mary Wadsworth Lowatchie and her husband, Gary, of Falmouth, Maine, and Ruth Wadsworth Payne and her husband, Rayfield, also of Hiram. He also leaves a grandnephew Peter Payne and his wife, Heidi, of Hiram, and three grandnieces, Sherry Payne George and her husband, William of Hampden, Maine; Christine Payne of Hiram; and his beloved favorite niece, Tanya Lowatchie Haller and her husband, Walter, of North Yarmouth, Maine. A brother, Howard A. Cram, predeceased him in 1992, while his partner of 59 years, John H. McCoy, predeceased him by just 13 days.
Mr. Cram’s long and successful life included his matriculation from their farm in West Baldwin, Maine, to Fryeburg Academy in the fall of 1929, graduating with the Gibson Medal and Scholarship Award in 1933. From there he attended Bowdoin College where he graduated in 1937 with a B.A. in Economics, and was the first member of his class to find employment. At the behest of Harvey Dow Gibson, Mr. Cram joined the Manufacturer’s Trust Company and moved to New York City. From there, after brief stints at AT&T and in the Army, in 1950 he moved into the world of investment banking, first in the City and later in Poughkeepsie, New York with Estabrook & Co., Spencer Trask, & Co., and Shearson Loeb Rhodes. During those years he moved first to Yorktown Heights and later to Garrison, to a home perched high above the Hudson River with a breathtaking view of Storm King. For over three decades he made a fine living while making his many clients wealthy, indeed. After retiring in 1982, Mr. Cram and his longtime partner, John H. McCoy, divided their time between their homes in Maine and Florida. They were inseparable and reliant on each other until the very end.
One of the highlights of his long life was his happy discovery of philanthropy, dividing his considerable resources between the two schools he attended and loved, Fryeburg Academy and Bowdoin College. At Bowdoin, a full Economics Professorship is named for Mr. Cram; while in nearby Fryeburg, two magnificent new buildings were made possible through his generosity. First was the Bion R. Cram Library, which was dedicated in 2003 and which has helped transform that small Maine campus. Then, in 2007 and in response to a devastating fire at the school, Mr. Cram dedicated the new Athletic Arena to honor his sister, Ada Cram Wadsworth. He understood the two-way gift of doing things for people while he was alive to see the benefit. To use his favorite expression in summing up his life, “It all worked out fine.”
Burial will take place in the spring of this year at the Cram Family Lot in West Baldwin, Maine.
John H. McCoy, 89, late of Kennebunk, Maine, and Indialantic, Florida, passed away on December 9th, 2008 at Holmes Regional Medical Center in Melbourne, Florida, following a brief illness. Mr. McCoy was born in Brooklyn, New York on August 28, 1919 to Louise (Hendrickson) McCoy and John H. McCoy, Sr. He leaves his cousins Joan Lange Ackerman of Endicott, New York, and Mary Lange Davidson of Bloomington, MN. He also leaves his loving adopted family of Mary and Gary Lowatchie of Falmouth, Maine, their daughter, Tanya, and her husband, Walter Haller of North Yarmouth, Maine. He was joined in death only thirteen days later by his partner of 59 years, Bion R. Cram.
In his youth Mr. McCoy attended Brooklyn public schools and Brooklyn Technical High School, and upon graduation enlisted in the Navy. He served as a Tail Gunner on an aircraft carrier, but was lucky to have never seen action. At one point in his military career, John was stationed in Brunswick, Maine, at the Brunswick Naval Air Station, during which time he became familiar with Bowdoin College. After an honorable discharge, Mr. McCoy worked in the textile industry in New York and New Jersey for many years before “retiring” to care for Mr. Cram. Over their life together they traveled a great deal around the world, made many great friends, and took a keen and shared interest in the mysteries and excitement of the investment world. While Bion was the outgoing salesman, John was ever the quiet and detail-oriented “other half” of their little family.
Over his long life, Mr. McCoy gained a deep love of education through sharing Bion’s appreciation of the gifts and opportunities that had come from his years at both Bowdoin and Fryeburg Academy. Later, he would become instrumental in guiding Mr. Cram’s philanthropy onto paths which would benefit students, while they were both living, as well as long after they were gone. John created endowed scholarships at both Bowdoin College and Fryeburg Academy, knowing firsthand that a fine education was not, but should be, accessible to all. Always a humble man, Mr. McCoy still lived to the end with laughter in his voice and a twinkle in his eye.
Burial will take place in the spring of this year at the Cram Family Plot in West Baldwin, Maine.
PLANTATION, FLA. — Beloved mother and grandmother, longtime summer resident of Casco, Elizabeth D. Hancock passed away in Plantation, Florida on January 10, 2009.
Born and raised in Edwardsville, Pennsylvania, Elizabeth graduated from Misacordia State Teachers College and became an elementary school teacher. On summer vacation to Madison, Connecticut she met her future husband, Harris, of Casco. They were married upon Harris's return from the war and resided most of their lives in Clinton, Connecticut and after retirement they spent their summers in Casco Village.
She was preceded in death by her husband and is survived by her two sons, Harris Jr. and David, her daughter-in-law, Maggie and three loving grandchildren, Sarah, Emily and Mathew. Elizabeth will be missed not just by her family and friends, but by all who came in touch with her during her ninety-two years.
Arrangements by T.M. Ralph Plantation Funeral Home, 7001 NW 4th St., Plantation, FL 33317.
LYONS, N.J. — Harold Andrews died Dec. 29, 2008 on his 93rd birthday, in Lyons, N.J.
He was a veteran of World War II and recipient of the bronze star for bravery. A long-time resident of North Chatham, N.H., he operated a dairy farm and saw mill, and served his community as selectman and fire warden for the National Forest Service. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing. Harold moved to New Jersey in 1998 to live with his daughter and family. He will be remembered as a person always willing to lend a helping hand and as a loving, patient, and kind, father and grandfather.
He was predeceased in 1997 by his wife of 49 years, Wilhelmina Paine Andrews.
He is survived by his son, George Andrews of Center Lovell; his daughter, Barbara Andrews Hale of Brookside, N.J.; five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
A memorial service at the North Chatham, N.H. cemetery will be held at noon on May 2, 2009. Memorial contributions may be made to Atlantic Home Care and Hospice, 33 Bleeker Street, Millburn, NJ. 07041. Arrangements are made with Wood Funeral Home, Fryeburg.
NEW GLOUCESTER — Jessica Marie Anketell, 20, of New Gloucester passed away on Jan. 12, 2009 after courageously battling a lifelong spinal disorder. Jess died peacefully at her home Monday afternoon surrounded by family and friends.
Jess’s life seemed far too short to those whose lives she touched, but everyone agreed that the quality of her life far exceeded the quantity of time. Those who knew Jess best believed that she was an angel here on Earth. With each one of her smiles, she taught us to believe that each day was a blessing and an opportunity to appreciate the simple things in life. She thoroughly enjoyed spending time with family and friends, everything to do with horses, watching her DVDs, the warmth of the sun on her face, and attending Gray-New Gloucester High School as a senior, where she was loved and will be missed by students and staff.
Jess is survived by her siblings James Wood and Beth Godsoe of New Gloucester, Jonathan and Regina Wood of Sebago; her nephews and niece; her uncle and aunt; and her cousins.
Jess is predeceased by her mother, Patricia “Pat” Wood, grandmother and grandfather.
A celebration of Jess’s life will be held at the American Legion in Gray on Friday Jan. 23 from 3 to 6 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Caring Resources for Living, 1018 North Rd., North Yarmouth, ME 04097.
HIRAM — Mona B. LePage, 89, of Main Street, died unexpectedly at her home on Jan. 16, 2009.
She was born Dec. 11, 1919 in Hiram, the daughter of Joseph Raymond Cram and Lillian Sanborn Cram. Mrs. LePage was raised in Hiram, attended local schools and graduated from Fryeburg Academy in 1938. On Oct. 3, 1942, she married Peter W. LePage and they resided in Hiram their entire married life. Mona was a homemaker who worked several years at the Limerick Woolen Mill and the Cornish Dress Shop. Mrs. LePage had been a charter member of the McLaughlin-Hartford VFW Auxiliary 7642 since 1952, was made a life member, and was a past president as well as a past president of District 10. Mona enjoyed many years working the Sunday Beano games at the VFW hall, and was a familiar face at the Hiram polling place for years.
Besides her parents, Mrs. LePage was predeceased by her husband in 1991; two brothers, Vernon and Basil in 1984; a niece in 1994; and one great-nephew.
Surviving are a sister, Melva Hale of Bridgton; several nieces and nephews, and several great-nieces and nephews. Even though Mona and Pete never had any children, it’s doubtful there is a child in the neighborhood who didn’t know “Auntie,” and all those children were like their own.
A visiting hour was held Wednesday, Jan. 21 followed by a service at the Hiram Community Church, Hancock Ave., Hiram. Pastors Mark Rustin and Will Rankin officiated. Burial will be in the spring. Online condolences may be sent to www.nealyork.com
WATERFORD — Michelle D. Moran, 41, of Waterford died unexpectedly Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2009 at her home.
She was born in Norway, on Aug. 28, 1967, the daughter of Ivan W. and Joan Pike Carro. She had attended Oxford Hills schools and had been employed by the Dollar Store and Coopers Farm. She was a homemaker when her children were young. She was a fun and caring person with a fiery spirit, known as “the leader of the pack.” She enjoyed camping, gardening, long days at the beach and her family and friends. She especially enjoyed the times that she spent with her grandson.
She is survived by her husband, Jose L. Moran of Waterford; her mother, Joan Chrisman and Ronald of South Paris; her father, Wayne Carro and his wife, Brenda, of West Paris; sons, Anthony W. Carro of Waterford, Russell S. Carro of Gorham and Marcus T. Carro of Norway; a grandson; a brother, Michael J. Carro of South Paris; a sister, Lori Gagne of North Norway; maternal grandmother, Frances Pike of Waterford; paternal grandmother, Florence Carro of Norway; a stepsister, Margaret Carro; a stepbrother, Caleb Carro; several aunts, uncles, cousins; and six nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her grandfathers, Wendell Pike and Joseph Carro; her grandmother, Virginia Estes.
Visiting hours were on Saturday, Jan. 17 at Weston-Chandler Funeral Home, 45 Main St., South Paris. Interment will be in the spring at Elm Vale Cemetery in South Waterford. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Responsible Pet Care, 132 Waterford Rd., Norway, ME 04268. Online condolences may be shared with her family at www.westonchandler.com
SEBAGO — Eleanor M. Foley, 85, of Convene Road in Sebago and formerly of Main Street in Gorham, died Thursday evening, Jan. 15, 2009 at the Ledgewood Manor in North Windham.
Eleanor was born in Sebago on Feb. 9, 1923, the daughter of Edward and Doris McDonald Jones and was educated in Sebago Schools and graduated from Gorham High School. For over 40 years, she had worked as a lab technician and dental assistant for Dr. James Tocher and Dr. Nicholas Albanese in Gorham. For many years she would help her late husband, Edward Foley with his apple sales during the fall at their home at 203 Main Street in Gorham. Her grandchildren were a joy in her life.
She is survived by two sons, Michael Foley of Sebago and Timothy Foley of Westbrook; and one daughter, Gail Irish of Sebago; five grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
Relatives and friends were welcome to call Tuesday, Jan. 20 at the Sebago Center Community Church in Sebago. A funeral service was held, with the Rev. Norman Rust officiating. Spring interment will be in the West Gorham Cemetery. Arrangements are under the guidance of Independent Death Care, 471 Deering Avenue, Portland. To offer words of condolence to the family and sign a guest book, go to the obituary page at www.independentdeathcare.com. The family requests that donation in Eleanor’s memory be made to: Sebago Center Church, P.O. Box 212, Sebago, ME 04029.
CAPE ELIZABETH — Joan T. Connors, 78, died Saturday, Jan. 17, 2009 at St. Joseph’s Manor in Portland.
She was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., a daughter of George and Rose Clark Rooney. Mrs. Connors attended Fonbone Academy, received her B.S. degree from College Misericordia in Dallas, Penn., and received her dietitian Master’s degree from Columbia University. Mrs. Connors was employed as a dietitian with the Veterans’ Hospital in Brooklyn, N.Y. She moved to Maine in 1967, and was a communicant of St. Bartholomew Church in Cape Elizabeth. Mrs. Connors was a member of the Downeast Ski Club, the Irish American Club, and the Registered Dietitians of America. She enjoyed her family, dancing, traveling, and cross-country skiing.
Survivors include her husband, Russell Connors of Cape Elizabeth; three daughters, Dr. Jean-Marie Connors Yorsz of Winchester, Mass., Virginia A. Connors Hershman of Sharon, Mass., and Sarah Jane Colson of Portland; a son, John R. Connors of Casco; and 10 grandchildren.
Visiting hours were Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009 at the Conroy-Tully Crawford South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. Prayers were recited on Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2009 at the Chapel, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Bartholomew Church, 8 Two Lights Road, Cape Elizabeth. A reception followed the Mass in the parish hall. Burial will be in the spring in Riverside Cemetery, Cape Elizabeth. Online condolences may be expressed at www.ctcrawford.com Those desiring may make donations to: The Joan Rooney Connors Scholarship Fund, c/o Southern Maine Community College, 2 Fort Road, South Portland, ME 04106.
GORHAM — Wilma A. Wyman, 95, of Gorham, died at Maine Medical Center in Portland on Jan. 14, 2009.
She was born on June 24, 1913 in Bridgton, the daughter of Alton C. and Annie M. Wyman, and graduated from Bridgton High School, Class of 1931 and from Gorham Normal School Class of 1933. Wilma worked in the Bridgton branch of Casco Bank and at Harriman Associates Architects in the Engineering office in Auburn.
She is survived by nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her brother Ernest A. Wyman and a nephew.
At her request, a graveside service will be held at the convenience of the family at Forest Hills Cemetery, Bridgton in the spring at a time to be announced by Raymond-Wentworth Funeral Home, 8 Elm Street, Bridgton. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.andrewsgreenleaf.com
LEWISTON — Aurore A. McGrath of Marguerite D’Youville Pavilion died Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2009 with her family at her side.
She was born Dec. 15, 1918 in Brunswick, the daughter of the late Joseph and Florida (Bosse) Leclair. She attended local schools and graduated from Lewiston High School. On Nov. 8, 1937, she married John A. McGrath and together they raised two daughters. Aurore (Ora) worked for many retail shops in the Lewiston area and retired from Bates Mill Factory Outlet in 1980. Aurore was a member of the Rosary Sodality at St. Patrick’s Church in Lewiston, and in her younger years, a Girl Scout Leader. She loved going on trips, she was an avid reader and crossword enthusiast. Ora was very interested in politics and kept up with the local, national, and international news. She loved her family and was known as “the family peacekeeper.”
She will be remembered for her wonderful sense of humor.
Aurore is survived by two daughters, Susan Elliott of South Paris, and Maureen Puckett of South Portland; brothers Paul Leclair of Fall Brook, Calif., and Robert Leclair of Orlando, Fla.; sisters Bertha Libby of Lewiston, Irene Maher of Lakewood, Calif., and Constance Labonte of Casco; many
nieces and nephews; two grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
At the request of the family, there will be no visitation. A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Wednesday at St. Patrick’s Chapel. Committal will take place at Mt. Hope Cemetery in the spring. Online guest book and moving memories may be viewed at www.mem.com. In lieu of flowers, donations in Aurore’s memory may be sent to: the Activity Fund at Marguerite D’Youville Pavilion, 102 Campus Ave., Lewiston, ME 04240-0290 or to Maine Children’s Cancer Program, 100 Campus Dr., #107, Scarborough, ME 04074.
WEST BALDWIN — Hilda York Estes, 100, died Jan. 16, 2009 at her home in West Baldwin.
Born Aug. 10, 1908 in Naples, she was the daughter of Elmore and Emma Noble York. Her family moved from Naples to West Baldwin when she was a child. After marrying Harold, who operated a garage in Portland, they lived there for a short time before returning to Hilda’s family home where she lived the remainder of her life. Hilda attended Fryeburg Academy and Cornish High School, traveling to Cornish in a horse and wagon. While her children were young she milked the cows while her husband worked at the shipyard seven days a week. She worked at the former Limerick Yarn Mills in Limerick and for 20 years at Wright Spinning Mill in Westbrook. She later retired from ITT in Kezar Falls. She dearly loved her children, grandchildren, great-and great-great-grandchildren. She was happiest when surrounded by them. She was an excellent cook and enjoyed serving meals to all her family. She would drive to Portland and bring nephews to the farm to get them out of the city. She always told her family, “what is worth doing is worth doing well.” She will always be remembered in the most loving way. The Boston Post cane was presented to her in 2005, at the age of 96 as the oldest citizen of Baldwin. She was a long-time member of the West Baldwin United Methodist Church and a member of the ladies group, The Ladies Aide.
Surviving are three sons, Paul Y. Estes, Gary A. Estes and David E. Estes; two daughters, Shirley L. Milliken and Nancy E. Anderson, all of West Baldwin; 13 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; and eight great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
A funeral service was held on Tuesday, Jan. 20, at the West Baldwin United Methodist Church, Route 113, West Baldwin. Officiating were Pastor Polly Brown and Rev. Sally Poland. Burial followed at Forest City Cemetery, 232 Lincoln St., South Portland. Online condolences may be sent at www.nealyork.com In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 114 Perimeter Rd., Nashua, NH 03063 or Special Olympics, 125 John Roberts Rd. #19, South Portland, ME 04106.
PORTLAND — Joan M. (Spahr) Reed, 78, passed away on Jan. 8, 2009, surrounded by her five loving children and grandchildren at Maine Medical Center after a series of complications.
She was born in Philadelphia, Pa., on July 27, 1930, the daughter of Gustav Ludwig Spahr and Sarah (Miles) Spahr. She attended Philadelphia schools and graduated 1948 from Germantown High School. She also attended the University of Pennsylvania and University of Southern Maine, graduating summa cum laude, in May, 1984 with a B.A. degree in Communications. She accomplished this all after raising a family, working full-time, and graduating in three years, all the while taking a bus each way. She was an advocate for public transportation and appreciated her drivers who accommodated her by dropping her off at her home. Joan had a long employment history — her last employment (17 1/2 years) was as director of Welfare/General Assistance Administrator for the City of Westbrook. She was a member of the Maine Welfare Directors Association serving as president in 1982-1983. She was passionate about helping other women who wanted to start a career, but didn’t have the education or experience. She would advise them on communications, interviewing, and attire. She stayed in contact with many of her clients and followed their success. Joan was also a partner/administrative director of Eastern Appraisal Company, Inc., 1975-1980 in Portland, where she worked with her former husband, John F. Reed. Joan loved to travel especially after her retirement in 1997. For her 75th birthday, she took the whole family (21 members) on a seven-day cruise to Bermuda. When not traveling, she enjoyed spending time with her children. You could find her most times shopping at the mall for clothes and gifts for her family. She enjoyed investing and became quite knowledgeable in stock investments. She was her children’s best friend and supported them in all aspects of life. She was generous, caring, and loving and advised them many times with her elaborate written lists, which they will treasure.
Mrs. Reed is predeceased by her parents; many aunts and uncles; and her ex-husband.
She is survived by her two brothers, Richard M. Spahr of Pennsylvania, and Gordon F. Spahr of Alabama; her two sons, John R. Reed of Sebago, and Andrew G. Reed of Poland; three daughters, Lisa R. McLeod, and Leslie Reed-Becker of South Portland, and Laurie R. Caiazzo of Scarborough; 12 grandchildren; and step-grandchildren, John and Brian Varney.
There will be no funeral services. A celebration of Joan’s life with close family and friends will take place in the spring where she would enjoy sitting on her patio swing. If desired, contributions in her memory may be made to the Walker Memorial Library, Main Street, Westbrook.
SEBAGO — Ralph M. Douglas, 63, of Hog Fat Hill Road, died unexpectedly on Jan. 12, 2009 at Maine Medical Center in Portland with his family by his side.
He was born in Hiram on Jan. 12, 1946, a son of John and Phyllis Woodman Douglas. He attended local schools and graduated from Potter Academy in Sebago in 1964. He married the love of his life, Sandra Louise Stacy, in 1965.
Ralph worked after high school at Jordan Equipment Co. as a mechanic for two years, then worked at GTE Sylvania in Standish from 1968 to 1994 as a maintenance mechanic. He then worked doing odd jobs and care taking at the Jones Museum of Glass and Ceramics in Sebago. Ralph was the president of the Barker Pond Association, and belonged to the Barker Pond Dam Association. He loved camping up north with his family in his younger years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time at his camp on Barker Pond. He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, taking them tubing and taking evening rides around the pond stopping to visit with friends.
Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his wife, Sandra Douglas, and his brother, Harold Douglas.
At Ralph’s request, there will be no funeral service. A private celebration of his life will be held in the spring. Arrangements by Watson Funeral Home, Cornish.
FARMINGTON — Dorothy “Jean” Young, 75, of Byron, died on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2009 at Franklin Memorial Hospital, Farmington, after a long battle with cancer, with her family by her side.
She was born Sept. 8, 1933, in Rumford Point, at the home of her maternal grandparents, Ivan and Lenna Long Stowe. She was the daughter of Norman E. and Lenna (Stowe) Young and lived in Byron during her childhood. Jean attended the Coos Canyon one-room school and Mexico schools, graduating from Mexico High School in 1950. She was married to Jimmie Fuerstenberger for 25 years. She was a devoted mother and homemaker. She attended the University of Maine, Farmington, as a non-traditional student, graduating in 1984, with a bachelor’s of science degree in rehabilitation. She became a licensed social worker and was employed by the Department of Human Services as a children’s services caseworker for 10 years. She hoped that her efforts made a positive difference in the lives of the many foster children with whom she worked. She was a member of the “Wisdum” group in Augusta for many years and served on the board of directors. She also led a support group for divorced and widowed persons while at UMF. After retirement, Jean lived in Byron and became active in a small antiques business. She was a member of the Byron Historical Society.
Surviving are four children, Pam Pettitt of Fayette, Lynn McCourt of Raymond, Diane Staples of Farmington and James Fuerstenberger of Farmington; two sisters, Irene Hutchinson and Judy Boucher; and one brother, Norman E. Young II, all of Byron; seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
She was predeceased by her parents; a daughter, Liza Jean; and a brother, Donald S. Young.
Funeral services were held on Tuesday morning with the Rev. Dr. Douglas Dunlap officiating. Those who desire may give gifts in her memory to the Byron Cemetery Association, c/o Diane Staples, 158 Owen Mann Rd., Farmington, ME. 04938. Condolences may be sent to her family via e-mail to info@wilesrc.com. Winter entombment at the funeral home, with spring committal at the Byron Cemetery.
WESTBROOK — Diane Jacobs, 62, a strong, selfless, compassionate and loving Mom, passed away peacefully with family by her side on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2009.
She was born May 29, 1946, in Lancaster, N.H., a daughter of Francis K. Payer and Muriel E. (Swift) Payer. After the death of her mother and being the oldest of 12 children, she took in her 11 sisters and brothers at the age of 23. Due to unforeseen circumstances, she had to send them away to relatives. She always regretted this and she stated, “They were the love that flowed in my blood.” She loved them as her own. She applied and was accepted in the first CNA class offered at Southern Maine Technical College in 1976. She worked at the Barron Center for many years. At the age of 44, she earned her Associates Degree in Medical Assisting at Andover College. She worked in Public Health for the City of Portland for 10 years. Her job consisted of counseling people in the STD clinic (which was very special to her) and the AIDs project, as well as the Preble Street homeless shelter. Her clients called her “DJ” and would call her for her words of wisdom and encouragement. Before her illness, she was working at a group home for Goodwill Industries. Her clients adored her. She would sing, make crafts and never forget a birthday. She attended Grace Baptist Church in Portland for 30 years. She fed the homeless every first Tuesday of the month with church members. She loved her fellow man including those deemed difficult to love — always encouraging people to live their life one day at a time and to believe in themselves. She was a friend of Bill W. for 21 years. She was widowed at a young age of 38 losing the love of her life, Abraham (Sonny) Jacobs Jr., her sister and best friend, Cindy Small, two brothers, Dana Payer and Kenneth Payer.
Surviving are three sons, William Sinnett Jr. of Portland, Michael Sinnett of Gorham, and Abraham Jacobs III of Westbrook; three daughters, Kimberly Smart of Casco, Lisa Boure of South Portland and Rhianna Jacobs of Westbrook; 20 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild; five brothers, Michael Payer of Bethel, Brian Payer of Portland, Kendall Payer of Portland, Bruce Payer of Portland and Patrick Payer of Lancaster, N.H.; five sisters, Deborah Willette of Saco, Phyllis Strout of Biddeford, Kathleen Audy of Morrisville, Vt., Pamela Webster of Groveton, N.H., Paula Howland of Colebrook, N.H.; and many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 24, 2009 at Grace Baptist Church, Summit St., Portland. Her dear friend, Pastor Gary Ouelette will officiate. Arrangements are by the Dolby Funeral Chapel, Windham. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Preble Street Homeless Shelter in Portland or a charity of your choosing. Alternatively, Diane believed a donated book to a library is a lasting way to remember a loved one.
RAYMOND — Daisy L. Ashley Collard of Raymond, formerly of Westbrook and Biddeford, passed away Jan. 19, 2009.
Born Feb. 28, 1925, in Portland, Daisy was the youngest daughter born to Frederick and Minnie (Batchelder) Adams. Daisy attended Portland schools. She worked for a time at the S.D. Warren paper mill in Westbrook. In 1981, Daisy retired from the Osteopathic Hospital of Maine in Portland after 23 years. Daisy was a member of the Westbrook American Legion Post #197 Auxiliary, the Golden Girls of the Osteopathic Hospital of Maine, Casco Bay Chapter #140 of the North American Family Campers Association, and Good Sam Campers Club. In 1945, Daisy married Mark C. Ashley. They resided most of their married lives in Westbrook where they raised their son. Daisy married Roland N. Collard in 1982 in Biddeford. Daisy loved her family and loved to be involved in their lives. She assisted in the planning and implementation of many family gatherings. Daisy loved music, especially country western, and was involved in amateur performances in the Portland area as a young woman. She loved to travel whether it was across town or across country. Daisy and Mark had many memorable camping trips with extended family members. Daisy and Roland toured the east coast from Canada to Florida more than once. She took several trips across country with her son and family. Daisy also flew to Montana with her mother in the 1990s to visit with family. One of Daisy’s most memorable trips was to Pasadena, Calif., to watch her grandchildren march in the 1993 Tournament of Roses Parade.
Preceding Daisy are her parents; her husband Mark Ashley and second husband Roland Collard; her sisters Yolanda Weed, Jessie Norberg, Gladys Norberg, and her brothers Fred Arnold Adams, Albert Adams, Walter Adams, Eugene Adams, and Ralph Adams.
Survivors include her son Richard Ashley; a grandson and granddaughter; her brothers Robert Adams and Herbert Adams; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2009, from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St., Portland, where a funeral service will be held on Friday at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at Brooklawn Memorial Park, Portland.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Daisy’s name be made to: Raymond Rescue Unit Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 741, Raymond, ME 04071.
NORWAY — Victor A. “Bruce” Browne, 59, of Waterford, died Saturday, Jan. 17, 2009, at Stephens Memorial Hospital.
He was born in Westbrook on June 22, 1949, the son of Victor and Gloria Fenimore Browne. He enjoyed walking the family dogs, housework and yard work. He was a kind and gentle soul.
He is survived by his mother, Gloria Fellows of Waterford; two sisters, Linda Hart of Westbrook and Marjorie Browne of Waterford; and two brothers, Gary of Auburn and David of Waterford.
He was predeceased by his father; and two brothers, George and Alan.
There will be no services. Interment will be in the spring at Woodlawn Cemetery in Westbrook. Arrangements are under the direction of Weston-Chandler Funeral Home, 45 Main St., South Paris. Online condolences may be shared with his family at www.westonchandler.com
LEWISTON — Robert Linwood Tripp died at the Auburn Hospice House on Dec. 28, 2008.
Robert was born in Oxford, June 24, 1939, a son of Howard and Ruby Tripp. After a career with Oxford Public Works, he retired.
He leaves four daughters, Cheryl Field of Bridgton, Mary Ortiz of Lewiston, Jean Tunnicliffe of England U.K., Angie Miquelon of South Paris, and a son Rob Davis of Lewiston; two brothers David Tripp of West Paris and Paul Tripp of Oxford; and three sisters Gloria, Katherine, and Mary; 10 grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his parents; two brothers Linwood and George; and three sisters Lorrain, June, and Helen.
A memorial service will be held at Market Square Restaurant Saturday, Jan. 24, 2009 at 2 p.m. Open to all that remember him, attendees please bring pictures and stories to share. Donations may be made in his memory to the Maine Children Trust, 24 Stone St., Suite 1, Augusta, ME, 04330.