Obituaries from the week of 02/26/09

She was born in Dallas Plantation, March 11, 1917, the daughter of G. Bernard and Addie Nile Scribner. Shirley graduated from Paris High School in 1936, and at the age of 53 from the University of Southern Maine with a BS degree. On October 26, 1937 she married Lester F. Thomas, he died on February 17, 2001. After the death of her husband she moved to Ledgeview Living Center and Alzheimers disease took her freedom and it was not possible to keep up with her active life. She was an English and History teacher and worked with her husband in the poultry business. Shirley was very interested in family genealogy and politics. She was a member of the Society of Mayflower Descendants. She was also a member of the Foster-Carroll American Legion Auxiliary in South Paris, and the United Parish Church of Harrison and North Bridgton. Shirley was Past Matron of Elm Vale Chapter #105, Order of the Eastern Star in Harrison, Past Master of Frederick Robie Grange in Otisfield, and a member of Elizabeth Crockett Blake Tent # 8 of Norway, Daughters of Union Veterans.

Shirley is survived by a daughter, Crystal McKay of Otisfield; a son, Edward Thomas of Deltona, Florida; three grandsons, David and Lynda McKay of Otisfield, Mark and Jo’Anna McKay of Otisfield, Kevin and Terry McKay of Windham; two great-grandsons, Ryan and Chad McKay of Florida; and two great-granddaughters, Allison and Talia McKay of Windham; three sisters, Harriet Hay of Woolwich, Charlotte and Gerry Brien of Harrison, and Patty Curtis of Harrison; a brother, Kendrick and Amy Scribner of Oxford; a sister-in-law, Velma Scribner of Otisfield; and two brothers-in-law, Richard Rose and Alfred “Bolo” Wiles. Shirley was predeceased by sisters Montress Wiles, Lois Rose and Norma DeBevoise, and brother Erland Scribner.

The family appreciates the loving care that Shirley received from the staff at Ledgeview Living Center.

Funeral services were held Wednesday at 2 p.m. at the Weston-Chandler Funeral Home, 45 Main Street, South Paris with spring interment in Norway Pine Grove Cemetery, South Paris. Family and friends called at the funeral home Tuesday evening, followed by a public Eastern Star service. In lieu of flowers those who wish may make memorial gifts in her memory to Ledgeview Living Center, Activity Fund, Bethel Road, West Paris, ME 04289.

Online condolences may be shared with her family at www.westonchandler.com.

Virginia was born in Waterford on April 13, 1916 to Blanche and Urban Tyler. Because her mother was librarian at the time, Virginia was born in the Waterford Library building, a fact of which she was most proud. 

Virginia spent her childhood in Waterford, attending the village one-room school. She was active in 4-H, learned to play piano from Dora Rounds, was a member of the Women’s circle and participated in the Waterford young people’s club. She became a member of the Waterford Congregational Church when the church was rededicated in 1929. Having been a member 80 years, she believed herself to have had the longest membership in that church. Virginia attended Bridgton Academy, playing field hockey and basketball. She received her teaching degree at Farmington State Teacher’s College in Farmington. She taught elementary school at The Mile Square one-room school in Phillips. She married C. Chapin Cutler on September 27, 1941 in the Waterford Congregational Church following an 8-year courtship. They were married for 61 years.

The Cutlers lived in Gillette, New Jersey early in their married life, making frequent trips to Waterford to visit Mrs. Cutler’s family and to help with the dairy farm her parents owned in the village. Virginia was a homemaker and mother of three children, while her husband was a Director at Bell Telephone Laboratories. In those years she was active in the Passaic Township PTA, Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts and the League of Women Voters. In 1978, the Cutlers moved to Palo Alto, California, where Mr. Cutler was a professor of Applied Physics at Stanford University. Mrs. Cutler was active in the Stanford University Women’s Club. In 1998 the Cutler’s returned to a full-time residence in Waterford, where Mrs. Cutler became more active in the church and other town activities. 

Mrs. Cutler had a passion for reading, writing, sewing, cooking, knitting and hand stitching such as counted cross stitch and embroidery. She loved her family and was particularly devoted to her husband. She was famous for her lovely pies at family gatherings. Mrs. Cutler was an avid poet and wrote four volumes of poetry: from The Heart and Other Places, Family and Friends, The Compromise, God and County, and This, That and the Other Thing. Her poetry reveals her zest for living and is full of humor and thoughtful reflection. 

Mrs. Cutler is survived by her son, daughter-in-law and grandson, C. Chapin Jr., Deborah and C. Chapin Cutler III of West Roxbury, Massachusetts; daughter and son-in-law, Ginny and Denny Raymond of Waterford; grandson and his wife, Tyler Raymond and Morgan Bondelid of Freeland, Washington; grandson and his wife, Will Raymond and Brea Lingenfelser of Carrollton, Texas; and granddaughter and her husband ’Ginia and Matt Brannan and great granddaughters Eva Grace and Ella Louise, all of Ayer, Massachusetts. She is predeceased by her husband C. Chapin Cutler, son William Urban Cutler, and brother, James H. Tyler.

Donations can be made, in lieu of flowers, to Waterford Congregational Church (P.O. Box 59), or Wilkins Community House (c/o Joann Fillebrown, 6 Rice Road), Waterford, ME 04088. 

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, March 21 at 11 a.m. at the Waterford Congregational Church, Plummer Hill Road, Rev. Anita White officiating. Spring interment will be in Elm Vale Cemetery, South Waterford. Arrangements are under the direction of Weston-Chandler Funeral Home 45 Main St., South Paris 04281. Online Condolences may be shared with her family at www.westonchandler.com

Carol was born on March 3, 1955 in Boston, Mass., the daughter of George and Virginia (Harvey) Brett. She attended public schools in Newton, Massachusetts, graduated from the Walnut Hill School in Natick, Mass. in 1973 and graduated with honors in 1977 from Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., earning a degree in History. After college, Carol worked at the New York State Legislature in Albany, N.Y., where she applied her considerable research skills and developed some of the conscientious business and management talents that would be present with her throughout her adult life. After the legislature, Carol moved to her family’s summer home on Keoka Lake in Waterford, the site of many important friendships and family ties. Once there, Carol honed her organizational aptitude by managing the 302 Traveler, a tourist publication. These diligently developed business talents eventually led to an early collaboration with theatrical icon Tony Montanaro and his Celebration Barn, the world-renowned mime theater in South Paris. Through this complementary association, Carol took a step into the world of theatrical management that would eventually evolve into what would become the career passion of her adult life. In this early manifestation of her vocation in the arts, Carol helped to manage and develop Montanaro’s Theater of Fantasy in Portland as well as one of Tony’s companies, The Celebration Ensemble. This collaboration allowed for the evolution of Carol’s vision and energy for artistic development and management that eventually led to her ownership of the Celebration Barn. In 1988, Carol became the executive director of the Celebration Barn, where she not only continued Montanaro’s legacy, but also built upon it. She expanded the programming to include a diverse international faculty in a wide variety of disciplines. Carol loved to laugh and was well-known for her uninhibited, infectious belly laugh. She loved to entertain, loved to read, loved her friends and family and further demonstrated her deep capacity to nurture in her devotion to her beloved kitties and cherished niece.

Carol is survived by her father and stepmother George and Deborah Brett of Cape Elizabeth; a sister, Nancy Brett of Waterford; and a niece.

She was predeceased by her mother, Virginia Harvey Brett; and brother, George Robert Brett.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 27, 2009, at Waterford Congregational Church, 15 Plummer Hill Road, Waterford. Anita White, pastor, will officiate. Memorial gifts in honor of Carol may be made to the American Diabetes Association, PO Box 1534, Merrifield, VA 22116. Arrangements are by Jones Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home, Portland. 

He was born in Miami, Fla. on Sept. 21, 1977, the son of Vernley and Minnie Leonard Cushing. Jason graduated from Medomak Valley High School in Waldoboro with the Class of 1996 and immediately started his career in theater. He participated in over 300 plays and played the lead role in “Bare Foot in the Park” and was an extra in several Stephen King movies. His most recent play was a role in “Ruby Sunrise.” His theater career took him from Maine to Boston and New York.

He was predeceased by his father, Vernley Cushing; and grandparents.

Jason is survived by his life partner, Thomas Coulombe of Raymond; his mother, Minnie Cushing; and one brother, Jerome, all of Warren; aunts and uncles; and cousins. 

Visitation was held Sunday at the chapel of Independent Death Care, 471 Deering Avenue in Portland. A funeral service was held at the chapel on Monday, Feb. 23, 2009. To share memories, offer words of condolence to the family and sign a guest book, go the obituary page at www.independentdeathcare.com

The family requests that donations be made to: The Jason Cushing Cancer Fund, c/o T.D. Banknorth, 508 Wilson Street, Brewer, ME 04412, attention Cynthia Kenyon. The funds will be used for college scholarships in Jay’s memory.

He was born in New Bedford, Mass., the only son of the late Francisco and Inez Almeida. After high school graduation, he joined the U.S. Navy in 1943. While in the service, he participated in the invasion of Normandy and was later honorably discharged in 1946. Soon after, he met the love of his life, Laura George. Joe continued his education at the American Television Institute of Technology and Northwestern University in Chicago, Ill., earning a BS degree in Television Engineering. Before retiring to Maine, he was employed by General Electric at Electronics Park in Liverpool, N.Y. He was later transferred to Charleston, W.Va., as a Communications Engineer covering the south Atlantic region. He was promoted to District Sales Manager covering the mid-Atlantic area. During his career, he had also been employed by Fairchild Semiconductor as their semiconductor sales account executive and was responsible for the IBM complex with offices located in Poughkeepsie, N.Y.

Mr. Almeida is survived by his wife, Laura George Almeida; his two daughters, Cindy Almeida of Naples, and Debbie Almeida of Gorham; and several nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours were held Monday, Feb. 23, at the Dennett, Craig & Pate Funeral Home, located on the corners of Routes 202 and 4A (13 Portland Road) in Buxton (Bar Mills). A funeral service, officiated by Pastor Bob White with U.S. Navy honors, followed at the funeral home.

If you choose to make memorial contributions, the family suggests: The American Cancer Society, One Bowdoin Mill Island, Suite 300, Topsham, ME 04086 or to the American Heart Association, 51 U.S. Route 1, Suite M, Scarborough, ME 04074.

He was born Feb. 7, 1941, in Manchester, Conn., the son of the late Merrill A. and Anelia (Brazaukas) Payne. He graduated from Braintree High School, Braintree, Mass., and Castleton State College, Castleton, Vt. From 1965 to 1968, he served in the U.S. Army in Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. He pursued a career in the insurance industry and worked throughout New England. In 1979, Gary and his family settled in Windham, while he was employed by Morse, Payson and Noyes of Portland as a claims supervisor. He later joined Ringler Associates of Newport Beach, Calif., and opened an office in Portland, before moving it to Windham, where he worked as an annuity broker for more than 20 years, until his retirement.He was a former resident of Salem, Mass. He lived in Windham for 10 years and Standish for 20 years. He and his wife also had a winter residence in Englewood, Fla. Gary will always be remembered for his love of family. He loved spirited conversations, which explored politics, history, current events, business and economics. He loved golf, traveling, fishing and his dog, Maggie.Gary always enjoyed boating — from his dad’s old pontoon boat to his own speedboat, “The Dreamweaver,” on Long Lake in Bridgton. He was looking forward to christening his new boat, the “Dreamweaver II,” this year. Eager to give of his time, he was involved in many organizations during his lifetime. He was a past member of the Knights of Columbus, the Elks and the Windham Democratic Committee. He was a member of the Windham Town Council and served as chairman for two years. He was on the board of directors at Mercy Hospital, Portland, and was the vice president of the board of directors of the Gasparilla Condo Assoc. in Englewood, Fla. Gary was also on the board of directors for Westbrook Community Hospital from 1990 to 1999, serving as president from 1996 to 1997, and was a communicant of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Windham. Gary had a special joy of life that was contagious. He was an optimist, a man of faith and will be greatly missed by all who loved him.

He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Phyllis (Chaput) Payne; his daughter, Christine Koza of Raymond; two sons, Bryan Payne of Tampa, Fla., and Kenneth Payne of Ft. Collins, Colo.; four grandchildren; a brother, Ronald Payne of Dracut, Mass.; a sister, Marilyn Roe of Memphis, Tenn.; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Relatives and friends are invited to a celebration of Gary’s life from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 27, at the Jones-Rich-Hutchins Funeral Home, 199 Woodford Street, Portland. A Mass will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. in Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 919 Roosevelt Trail, Windham. Burial will be private. Memorial contributions to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 919 Roosevelt Trail, Windham, ME 04062. To sign the guest book, go to www.BerubeFuneralHome.com

She was born in Bridgton on June 13, 1930, the daughter of Roy and Lillian Shaw and resided in Bridgton all her life. She attended Bridgton Schools and graduated from Bridgton High School. Madelyn worked at Smith Sign Company in Bridgton and retired from Central Maine Power Co. after working there many years. Madelyn was very active in the Bridgton United Methodist Church and held many positions including church secretary, Sunday School teacher, Head of Missions Committee and church librarian. Madelyn loved animals, old movies and getting together with her family and her many friends.

She was predeceased by her parents; one sister Myrtle, and three brothers, Robert, Donald and Andrew Shaw.

She is survived by two nieces, Hazel and Pat Shaw.

At her request, graveside services will be held in the spring at the Forest Hills Cemetery 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

She was born in Cambridge, Mass., on Dec. 9, 1920, the fifth child of Alexander Moore Goodwin and Lona Bartlett (Hoyt) Goodwin. On Dec. 19, 1941, she married E. Irving Chappell, who passed away last November. Priscilla was a graduate of Westbrook Seminary in 1938 and Westbrook Junior College in 1941. She chaired the Westbrook Alumni Fund from 1978 to 1980 and served as Director of the Alumni Association. She received the Outstanding Alumni Service Award from Westbrook College in 1981, and continued to serve on the Board of Trustees. Priscilla also served as a trustee to the Portland Children’s Home (Sweetser) and had been a member of Friends of the Medical Center and the Shore Acres Garden Club. She was a member of St. Alban’s Episcopal Church in Cape Elizabeth since 1955, and was deeply involved in church activities. Upon retiring from a 15-year career as a medical secretary, Priscilla joined Irv in volunteering for Heifer International. Trips to Bolivia, Peru, Guatemala and Africa led Priscilla to open her own import shop, arranging for a share of the profits to go directly back to the artisans. Next to her family, art and painting were always a focus in Priscilla’s life. She took classes from the Portland School of Art and continued to paint throughout her life. Her paintings were displayed in many local shows including Art in the Park, where she won Second Best in Show in 1995.

Priscilla is survived by her three children, Jeffrey of Orlando, Fla., Jonathan of Bridgton, and Deborah of Sunset; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband of 67 years, Irving; her brothers, Clint, Shirley and Richard Goodwin; her sister, Betty Lawrence; and her parents.

A funeral service was held Saturday, Feb. 21, at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, 885 Shore Road, in Cape Elizabeth. Arrangements made by the Hobbs Funeral Home, 230 Cottage Road, South Portland.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in memory of Priscilla to: Heifer International, P.O. Box 8058, Little Rock, AR 72203-8058.

He was born in Alna, the son of Robert and Delia Bennett on Sept. 14, 1921. He graduated Valedictorian from Casco High School in 1940. After Ked graduated from Brown-Sharp Tool & Die, he joined the U.S. Air Force and then the U.S. Army, where he served during World War II in the Pacific Islands. Anyone who shook hands with Ked will never forget him, his sense of humor, or how he always put others before himself. A master electrician through June 2008, he also had been a machinist and general contractor.

Ked is survived by his loving and dedicated wife of 45 years, Barbara Bennett, of Poland; his children, Brenda Marquette of Poland, Nancy Shanning of Poland, Robert L. Bennett of Poland, and Tammy White of Raymond; nine grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by two children, Lori Taylor and Kedmond W. Bennett.

Services will be private in accordance with Kedmond’s wishes. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the American Heart Association, 343 Gorham Road, South Portland, ME 04106, or to the charity of your choice. Online guestbook, tributes and moving memories may be viewed at www.mem.com

She was born on Dec. 16, 1953, in Attleboro, Mass. She attended King Philip High School in Wrentham, Mass. until she moved to North Conway, N.H. with her family in 1969. She graduated from A. Crosby Kennett High School in 1971.

She loved all animals, especially horses, having owned many throughout her life, and leaves behind her Jack Russell terrier “Buddy.” She loved to knit, crochet, and spend time with her daughters and granddaughter. She owned and operated Second Chance Consignment Shop in Fryeburg, and she drove school bus for Bennett Transportation for over 20 years. She also held various cleaning jobs, including the State of Maine Sheriff’s Department, Fryeburg Police Department, Fryeburg Rescue Barn, and Poland Spring Water. With all of this to keep her busy, she also found the time to be enrolled in an online course at Virginia College in Texas, where she recently made the Dean’s List.

Ginny is survived by two daughters, April Thompson of Essex Junction, Vt., and Linda Thompson of Conway, N.H.; her granddaughter; two sisters, Charlene Roberts and Michele Morton Quint, all of East Conway, N.H.; many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Visiting hours were held Saturday, Feb. 21, at Wood Funeral Home, 9 Warren Street, in Fryeburg. A memorial service was held Sunday, Feb. 22 at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to Harvest Hills Animal Shelter, 1389 Bridgton Road, Fryeburg, ME 04037.

She was born in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada on Feb. 1, 1911, the daughter of Clement and Eva Mildred (Blizard) Toner. She was educated in Fredericton, New Brunswick. Muriel was a long-time communicant of St. Patrick’s Church in Portland. Muriel moved to Portland to attend the Maine Eye & Ear Infirmary School. After finishing school, she went on to work at Maine Medical Center for 25 years, retiring in 1975. During her lifetime, Muriel was a member of the Maine Eye & Ear Alumni Association, Maine Medical Retirees Association, Irish American Club, St. Patrick’s and Cheverus Mothers Clubs, St. Patrick’s Women’s Council, and a volunteer at St. Vincent De Paul Soup Kitchen for 26 years. She was an avid game player who especially enjoyed crossword puzzles and playing Scrabble. She was also a serious Red Sox fan. Her greatest pride and joy were her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a wonderful mother and grandmother, with her family being the apple of her eye. She was very generous and loved doing things for people and helping others in any way she could. She will be greatly missed by her family and many others who knew her.

She was predeceased by her husband, William E. McDonough in 1982; and sisters Marion Sypher, Stella McGinn, Phyllis Currie and Leona LeConte.

Muriel is survived by her daughters, Carol Bragdon of Standish and Elizabeth King of Casco; a son Edward M. McDonough of Standish; eight grandchildren, all of Windham; 10 great-grandchildren; half-brothers Clem, Billy and Peter Toner; half-sister Frances Miller; numerous nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours were held on Monday, Feb. 23, at Conroy-Tully Crawford Funeral Home, 172 State Street, Portland. Prayers were recited on Tuesday, Feb. 24, at the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Patrick’s Church in Portland. Burial followed at Brooklawn Memorial Park, Portland.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.ctcrawford.com. In lieu of flowers, donations in Muriel’s name may be made to: The Barron Center (BCII), 1145 Brighton Avenue, Portland, ME 04103.

Born in Brunswick, on May 21, 1983, he was the son of Harlow J. and Nancy L. (Brooking) Libby Sr. Scott was raised in New Castle and Raymond. He was educated in Raymond and Windham, and was a 2001 graduate of Windham High School. After graduation, Scott attended Bentley College, in Waltham, Mass., graduating from there in 2005. From a young child, Scott enjoyed gardening. As a teen, he worked for Murley’s Greenhouse in Raymond; it was there that he learned the art of landscaping. He later started his own business, Libby’s Landscaping of Raymond. In addition to running his own business, he was also employed for H&R Block, in Windham, the Paradise Club in Cambridge, Mass., and he also did private accounting for his clients. Scott was well-known around the local area for donating plants as well as his services to community organizations. He was a member and treasurer of the Farmers Market in Windham, as well as a member of the Rainbow Business Professional Association of Portland. Over the last several years, Scott was instrumental in raising money for the Association’s scholarship fund through the sale of his plants. Scott was living his dream.

He was predeceased by his father, Harlow J. Libby Sr., in 1995; and his stepfather, Jackson P. Maynard, in 2007; maternal grandparents and paternal grandfather.

Survivors include his mother Nancy Libby-Maynard, of Raymond; three brothers, Harlow J. Libby Jr., of New Castle, Jon Libby, of Coopers Mills, and Jerry Libby, of Jefferson; paternal grandmother; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

There will be no visiting hours. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2009 at the Casco Village Church, 941 Meadow Road in Casco. Rev. Joyce A. Long will officiate. A reception will be held at the church following the service.

Memorial donations may be made in Scott’s memory to: Raymond Rescue, P.O. Box 741, Raymond, ME or to The Rainbow Business Professional Association Scholarship Fund. Information may be found on their website at www.rbpa.org

She was born in Washington, D.C. on Nov. 19, 1932, the daughter of A.B. and Lola (Kerr) LaFleur. A resident of Hancock, and a member of the Union Congregational Church there, Marilyn spent summers on Bustins Island in Casco Bay for over 60 years. For the last 20 years, she spent portions of each winter on the Caribbean island of Nevis. Marilyn could not remember a time in her life when she hadn’t wanted to be an artist. She began drawing as a youngster and painted until a few weeks before her death. Her artist’s eye, her attention to design and detail, and her artful use of color characterized her works. In her later years, she focused on small natural objects painted large, especially seashells, rocks, and flowers. She exhibited in a number of galleries both in Maine and on the island of Nevis that she deeply loved, and her work forms part of many private and corporate collections. She studied at the Parsons School of Design in New York, the Philadelphia College of Art, and graduated from the University of Maine, Machias. Professionally, she employed her skills as a fashion illustrator, an interior designer, and an art teacher to both children and adults. Marilyn taught in the Cherryfield and Columbia Falls elementary schools in the mid-1970s. She then became the first full-time art teacher in the public school systems of Washington County when she was hired as K-12 art teacher in the Machias school district. Later she taught art for 13 years at Massabesic Junior High School in Waterboro.

She is survived by her husband, F. Benjamin Carr of Hancock; by sons Brett Larson of Honeybrook, Pa., and The Rev. Kim Larson of Rutledge, Pa.; step-children, F. Benjamin Carr III of Frederic, Mich., J. Fletcher Carr of Bridgton, and Rebecca Carr of Pasadena, Calif.; 17 grandchildren; a sister Madelyn (Jan) Eckel of Bradenton, Fla.; brother Martyn LaFleur of Cocoa, Fla.

Memorial services were held Tuesday, Feb. 24, at the Union Congregational Church, Hancock, and on Bustins Island next summer. Arrangements by Jordan-Fernald, 113 Franklin Street, Ellsworth. Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com.Remembrances may be sent to: The Brewer Cottage Fund of Bustins Island, care of Mr. O.J. Garfield, 114 Royall Point Road, Yarmouth, ME 04096; The Beth C. Wright Cancer Resource Center, 3 High Street, Ellsworth, ME 04605; or to The Frenchman Bay Conservancy, P.O. Box 150, Hancock, ME 04640.