Obituaries from the week of 07/09/09

Gwyneth Griffin Bohr was born on Feb. 27, 1920 in Evanston, Ill. to Bryant Wade Griffin, Sr. and Maureen McPherson Griffin. She was married on June 8, 1946 to Kenneth Alden Bohr, to whom she was married for 63 years. Gwyneth graduated from Radcliffe College in 1941, and was a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Following the war, she was granted a Master of Social Work from the Simmons School of Social Work. In 1979, she was the first grandmother ever to receive her Masters of Divinity from the Virginia Theological Seminary. Gwyneth became an Episcopal priest when she was 59. The ecumenical seminary she first attended stressed experiential learning, which delighted her and expanded her horizons. When it closed, she attended the traditional Episcopal Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria, Va. Her calling was Interim Ministry and she served in country, suburban, small town and city churches. Her last Interim Ministry was at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Bridgton, retiring in 2000 at the age of 80. She was a member of St. Peter’s at the time of her death. Gwyneth also hosted a monthly Episcopal House Church in her home in Bethel until the last few months of her life. The ministry integrated her life experiences: U.S. Navy officer, personnel officer in a factory, psychiatric social work training, living in India in the 1960s, and perhaps most importantly marriage and motherhood. She thought of herself as a pioneer, breaking new ground for women. She was comfortable with all kinds of people. Gwyneth loved Bethel where she and her husband Ken owned a home since 1982. She took many courses at the National Training Lab (NTL) and became a member — more opportunity for experiential learning! She was very proud of the Western Mountain Senior College and was a founding member as well as leading courses on Exploring Our Life Stories. She also served as a trainer of hospice volunteers for 20 years at the Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice. The outdoors always called Gwyneth. She was president of the Outing Club when she was at Radcliffe, and she and Ken took the family camping every summer while the girls were growing up. Camping in Kashmir while the family lived in India in the 1960s, was especially memorable. On Gwyneth and Ken’s 50th wedding anniversary they asked for a family camping trip. Thus began a tradition of an annual family reunion on the shores of Lower Richardson Lake in Maine — first camping at Paugus Point and later gatherings at the Lakewood Camps. Gwyneth was always proud of each member of her family. She treasured Ken’s care and devotion, which sustained her through the very last days of her life. In the end she spoke of the incredible love she felt from her family and friends and how that love had “lifted her up.” Her last words to all of us were: “I have a heart full of gratitude for all of my many blessings. Thank you all so much… I am at peace. My life has been a wonderful adventure. Now I face the mystery of death — a little fearful, faithful enough and with courage.” Gwyneth was beloved for her warmth and generosity of heart, her wit, and humor. She leaves a hole in the hearts of many and we are all blessed to have known her.

Gwyneth is survived by her husband of 63 years, Kenneth Alden Bohr; her three daughters, Gretchen Bohr Courage of South Egremont, Mass., Katherine Alden Bohr of Storrs, Conn. and Sarah Harriet Bohr of Atlantic Beach, Fla.; four grandchildren; a niece and a nephew; and six great-nieces and great-nephews.

Gwyneth’s funeral was held on Wednesday, July 8, 2009, at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 42 Sweden Road, Bridgton. Following the service, there was a reception and a time for sharing. Burial was at the Riverside Cemetery in Bethel. A Service of Celebratory Remembrance in honor of Gwyneth will be held on Saturday, July 25, 2009 at 6 p.m at the West Parish Congregational Church in Bethel, followed by a concert by the State Street Traditional Jazz band. 

In lieu of flowers, thank offerings and memorial gifts may be sent to St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, the Episcopal Relief and Development Fund, or the Bethel Library. 
Arrangements by Greenleaf Funeral Home, 37 Vernon Street, Bethel. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.andrewsgreenleaf.com

She was born on Sept. 2, 1933 in Biddeford, a daughter of Albert and Germaine (Drouin) Desilets. She graduated from St. Andre High School in Biddeford, Class of 1951. She also graduated from the University of Southern Maine in 1977, with a BA in History. Mrs. Stearns was employed for 22 years as a secretary in her husband’s law firm, Franklin Fox Stearns Law Firm in Portland. Doris was an accomplished organist. She had a great love for animals and cared for retired racing greyhounds in St. Petersburg, Fla.

She is survived by her husband of 39 years, Franklin F. Stearns Jr. of Saco; one son, Marc R. Paradis of Portland; one stepson, Richard F. Stearns of Portland; two stepdaughters, Stephanie Frederick of New York City and Valerie S. Cook of Cumberland; two sisters, Claire R. Preakos of Harrison and Palmetto Fla. and Paulette Millett of Old Orchard Beach and Cape Coral, Fla.; several nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours were held Tuesday at Cote Funeral Home in Saco. A Mass of Christian Burial was held Wednesday at St. Margaret’s Church in Old Orchard Beach. Burial followed in St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Biddeford. Arrangements are by Cote Funeral Home, Saco.

He was the son of Priscilla (Mullen) Gammon and the late Albert Mullen. James was born on Nov. 19, 1957. He was educated at Oxford Hills High School graduating in 1976. He lived in Naples, Fla., for 28 years, and moved back to Maine 1-1/2 years ago to live with his mother. He was employed as a heavy equipment operator, paving roads for Jenson Underground Utilities and as a grounds keeper for Lely Golf Course in Naples, Fla. He was a long-time fan of NASCAR, enjoyed golfing and riding his ATV.

He is survived by his mother, Priscilla Gammon; one daughter, Misty; sister, Ann Mullen; one niece; and three grandsons.

He was predeceased by his father, Albert Mullen; brother, John Mullen; and stepfather, Stanley Gammon.

Visitation was held Tuesday, July 7 at Oxford Hills Funeral Services, 1037 Main St., Route 26, in Oxford. Interment will be at Norway Pine Grove in South Paris at a later date. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.oxfordhillsfuneralservices.com

Born in Portland on April 13, 1940, he was the son of Henry and Martha (Cram) Burnham. Bill attended schools in Portland and Windham and was a graduate of Windham High School. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corp., serving his country for five years; he was honorably discharged in 1965. Bill was currently employed by the Windham School Department as a bus driver. He was known as “Uncle Bill” to the students who rode bus #39 as well as the parents and staff of the school system. It was a great joy for him to pick up his kids everyday and get them back home safely. He will be greatly missed by his beloved companion of 11 years, Cheryl Atherton.

He is survived by his four children, Julie Davies of Richboro, Pa., Daniel Burnham of Eldorado, N.C., Richard Burnham of Windham, and David Burnham of West Chazy, N.Y.; his sisters Jane Matteson of Saco, Joan Bowden of Windham, Jean Reynolds of Baldwin and Judy Ridlon of Ripley; brothers Dick Burnham of Windham and Donny Burnham of Georgia; and his nine grandchildren.

A period of visitation will be held from 10:30 a.m. until 12 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 12 p.m. on Friday, July 10, 2009, at the Dolby Funeral Chapel, 434 River Rd., Windham. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to: Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals, P.O. Box 10, South Windham, ME 04082 or to Maine Friends of Animals, 190 U.S. Route 1, Falmouth, ME 04105.

He was born in Bridgton, a son of Wilbert Finnen and Wanda Ryerson. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in geography from the University of Maine at Farmington. While attending UMF, Danny was goalkeeper for the soccer team for four years. He then received master’s degrees in geography and counseling from Oregon State University. His passion for working with students was shown by his 10 years of work at Corvallis High School, first as a behavioral specialist and later as a certified counselor. He also spent 14 years coaching soccer in the Corvallis community. He coached the CHS boys from 2001-2004 and then took over the girls program. In his second year, the Spartans compiled a 13-2-1 record. He was an avid supporter of CHS sports, and enjoyed attending as many sporting events as possible. His hobbies included playing soccer, golfing, gardening, camping and hiking with his family and friends, as well as planning and executing the remodeling of his house. Danny spent the last year helping his wife, Amy, with her successful fight against breast cancer. He was a generous, passionate, caring individual.

Survivors include his wife, Amy, of Corvallis, whom he married Aug. 13, 1995, in Naples; his daughter, Danielle of Corvallis; his parents, Wanda “Cookie” Ryerson of Lewiston and Wilbert “Sonny” Finnen of Naples; and his brothers, Eric Finnen of Harrison, Aaron Ryerson of Bridgton and Stan Larson.

A memorial will be held here at a later date. Memorial donations can be made to the American Heart Association or the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Arrangements are by DeMoss-Durdan Funeral Home.

She was born in Winslow on May 30, 1914, the daughter of the late Alfred and Olive (Lander) Martin. She was educated in Winslow schools, graduating from Winslow High School in the Class of 1931 and later from Alma Gerrish Cosmetology School. She worked for over 30 years as a beautician in the Bridgton area, retiring in 1958. Alene resided at Moose Pond at Treasure Cove and was known as the Lady of Treasure Cove. Her first husband, Clifford Stiles, died in 1967. She later married William Boag in 1982. He died in 2006. While in Bridgton, she was a member of the First Congregational Church.

She is survived by one stepdaughter, Ruth Hazelton of Naples; five grandchildren; two nephews; several great-grandchildren. 

She was predeceased by a sister, Catherine Chenevent.

At Alene’s request, there are no public services. Arrangements by Raymond-Wentworth Funeral Home, 8 Elm Street, Bridgton. Online condolences may be left at www.andrewsgreenleaf.com

He was born Jan. 3, 1947, in Farmington, the son of Francis and Bernice (Ellis) Yates Sr. He graduated from Windham High School. Larry served in the U.S. Navy during Vietnam. He owned NAPA Auto Parts in East Wilton. He later sold NAPA and went to work for Motor Supply in Livermore Falls. He retired in 1999 due to illness. He was a member of the American Legion George Bunton Post 10, in Livermore Falls, Country Classic Car Club and the Livermore Fire Department. Larry enjoyed hunting, fishing and antique cars. He also enjoyed a fishing trip to Alaska and a hunting trip to Montana.

He is survived by his companion of 21 years, Gail Hastings of Livermore; two sons, Todd Yates of Florida and Aaron Hastings of Parker, Colo.; three daughters, Tonni Condon of Jay, Jessica Hastings of Portland and Angela Hastings of Oakland; five grandchildren; two sisters, Joanne Erickson of Monson and Janet Beckwith of East Baldwin; two brothers, Francis Yates Jr. of Andover and John Yates of Gray.

Funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family. Arrangements by Finley Funeral Home in Livermore Falls. Messages of condolence may be sent to: www.finleyfuneralhome.com

He was born in Portland on March 19, 1950, a son of Bernard and Phyllis Clark Schroeder. He attended local schools and graduated from Fryeburg Academy in 1968. On June 13, 1970, he married Valerie L. Clough. Bruce worked for 33 years as a truck driver for the State of Maine Department of Transportation, retiring in 2004. He was an avid NASCAR fan. He loved traveling with his wife and family on cruises and trips to casinos. He liked the casinos in Connecticut, but he especially enjoyed his trips to Las Vegas. Bruce also liked playing poker locally with friends and neighbors. Above all, he was a devoted and loving husband, father, and grandfather. Spending time with his family was most important to him.
He was predeceased by his father, Bernard Schroeder.

Surviving are his beloved wife, Valerie Schroeder of West Baldwin; his mother, Phyllis Schroeder of West Baldwin; his son, Russell Schroeder of West Baldwin; his daughter, Victoria Day of West Baldwin; a brother, Glenn Schroeder of Salem, Mass.; a sister, Brenda Farrington of West Baldwin; three grandchildren; a great-granddaughter; and many loving nieces and nephews.

There was an hour of visitation on Wednesday, July 8 followed by a memorial service at the Watson Funeral Home, 71 Maple Street, Cornish. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: The American Cancer Society, 1 Main St. Suite 300, Topsham, ME 04086.

Born in Westbrook, the son of Everett E. Pease Sr. and Gladys Welch Pease. Curtis was educated in Westbrook Schools. He worked at the former S.D. Warren Company for 41-plus years and retired as Labor Relation Manager in 1992. Curtis was well liked by many people because of his willingness to help other people. He enjoyed working in his garden and he shared his vegetables with family and friends. He also enjoyed fishing, and hunting. Curtis will be sadly missed by his family and friends.

He was predeceased by his parents; his first wife, Helen Wheeler Pease and a sister Constance Graves; and a grandson.

He is survived by his loving wife, Patricia Pease; three sons, Kenneth C Pease of Westbrook, Biff A. Pease of Gorham and Curtis K. Pease Jr. of Windham; two brothers, Everett E Pease of Sun City, Ariz. and Henry A Pease of Brownfield; six grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

Visiting hours were held on Wednesday, July 8, 2009 followed by a memorial service at Blais & Hay Funeral Home, 35 Church St., Westbrook. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: The Maine Children’s Cancer Program, 100 Campus Drive, Scarborough, ME 04074.

He was born in Westbrook, the son of Albert and Annie Nielsen Maxfield and was educated in Scarborough schools. Mr. Maxfield was employed for 43 years at S.D. Warren Co. in Westbrook. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. Following his retirement from S.D. Warren, he worked in maintenance at the Scarborough Town Hall. He was Captain of Engine 5, Scarborough Fire Department, for many years.

He is predeceased by two sisters, Eldora Deering and Beverly Wood.

Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Beverly A. Maxfield of Scarborough; two sons, George A. Maxfield of Manchester, N.H. and Mark A. Maxfield of Naples; one brother, James B. Maxfield of Florida; two grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours and funeral service were held Wednesday, July 8, 2009, at the Hobbs Funeral Home, 671 U.S. Route 1, Scarborough. Burial followed in Scarborough Memorial Cemetery, Old Blue Point Road. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to: The American Cancer Society, 1 Main Street, Suite 300 Topsham, ME 04086-1240.