Obituaries from the week of 07/16/09

Mrs. Hay was a happy, athletic, effervescent and dazzling woman who was generous with her time and volunteered for many nonprofit organizations in Greater Portland. She volunteered for the American Red Cross and was active in the Woodford’s Congregational Church in Portland. She volunteered at the animal shelter in Fryeburg and the thrift shop at Bridgton Hospital. Mrs. Hay also volunteered on the Ski Patrol at Pleasant Mountain, where she lived and taught kids with mental and physical disabilities how to ski. She had two homes at Pleasant Mountain, one on the mountain and the other at the base on Moose Pond. In her early years, Mrs. Hay was an expert equestrian. She began riding when she was about age 6. She was a competitive rider and rode a horse named Captain Casson. She captured the title of Champion of Maine in a jumping competition and was later one of the youngest female carriage riders in the country. Mrs. Hay had a lifelong interest in horses, and enjoyed watching the races at the Fryeburg Fair. She loved life and was eager to get back to Pleasant Mountain to ski, play another 18 holes of golf, and take a canoe down the Saco River. She loved Scrabble, and always won.

She is survived by her three sons and two grandchildren.

She was married to Walter F. W. Hay Jr. for 28 years. He died in May 1977. She is predeceased by her parents and a brother, A. Robert Couri.

Mrs. Hay’s services will be private.

Dr. Bloom leaves his wife Evelyn (Kerner), of Otisfield, two sons, Mark, of Worcester, Massachusetts and Charles, of Lafayette, Colorado, and a daughter, Jane Ira, of New York, New York. He also leaves three grandchildren: Michael, Amanda and James.

Dr. Bloom was born and raised in New York City and later lived in Newton, Massachusetts and Otisfield, Maine. From 1947 through 1996 he was Director of Camp Powhatan for Boys in Otisfield, which his father, Ira Bloom, founded in 1921. Dr. Bloom graduated from the University of Arizona and earned a masters degree from Teachers College, Columbia University before serving in the Navy in World War II as a PT Boat officer in the Mediterranean and South Pacific theaters. In 1951, Dr. Bloom earned his doctorate from Teachers College, Columbia University, writing his thesis on interest-motivated camping, which posited that campers would most benefit from selecting activities, rather than being assigned them.

Dr. Bloom was a leader in fostering racial and socioeconomic diversity in camping. He initiated a scholarship fund which brought to Camp Powhatan children from diverse backgrounds. In 1971, he helped Maine Governor Ken Curtis start the Susan Curtis Foundation, which provided camping opportunities to underprivileged children. In 1993, the parent of a Powhatan camper founded the nonprofit organization Seeds of Peace, which, with assistance from Dr. Bloom, began a summer camp program to empower young leaders from conflict regions around the world with leadership skills to advance reconciliation and coexistence. Today, Seeds of Peace camp operates where Camp Powhatan was located.

Dr. Bloom served as President of the New England Camping Association and the Maine Camp Directors’ Association and as Vice President of the American Camping Association. He also founded and served as President of the Pleasant Lake & Parker Pond Association, spearheading efforts to eradicate variable water-milfoil from Maine lakes.

Arrangements are by Hall Funeral Home, Casco. Donations may be made to the Joel W. Bloom Campership Fund at Seeds of Peace, 370 Lexington Avenue, Suite 401, NY, NY 10017 or online at: ww.seedsofpeace.org/camppowhatan

In 1954 Ina and Clarence Goodridge became one of the first homesteaders in Johnson Valley, California, under the government five-acre Homestead Act.

Clarence and Ina had lived in Big Bear City, California, where they ran a construction company for years. Ina also was a Realtor. They retired to Johnson Valley and traveled a lot.

Survivors include a son, Curtis Goodridge, of Bradford, Maine; three grandchildren, Tom Goodridge of Greenwood, Maine, Deborah Parsons of Waterford, Maine, and Curtis Goodridge, Jr., of Hudson, Maine; and five great-grandchildren.

Ina is resting in her beloved desert next to Clarence in Yucca Valley, California.

She was born in Dorchester Mass., the daughter of Edward Albert and Margaret (MacDonald) Taber. The family moved to Maine in 1922, where she attended South Portland schools. A graduate of South Portland High School in 1933, she was a key member of that school’s basketball team. In 1935, she graduated from Westbrook Junior College; a member of the first medical secretary class offered nationally and was the first of that class to be hired. She especially enjoyed taping the ankles of SPHS football players on Saturday mornings while in that position in Dr. Mason Allen’s office. Mrs. Dorr started her dance career at age five in Dorchester at Miss O’Brien’s Dance Studio, appearing in the same recital as teenager Ray Bolger. In Maine, she studied with Emerson/ Mason, later known as the Dorothy Mason School of Dance. She was a well-known child performer, appearing in many greater Portland shows as well as with the Jefferson and Keith theatre groups. At age 10, she was one of the selected contestants who performed at the opening of the Metropolitan Theatre (now the Wang Center) in Boston. Noted Broadway producers, John Murray Anderson and George Abbott, were among the judges. At age 14, she was invited to join the renowned Gus Edwards Revue in New York as soon as she became 16, the then legal age. While in college, she taught weekends at the Mansise School of Dance. After devoting several years to marriage and motherhood, Mrs. Dorr opened her own dance studio in Gorham in 1952. For over 30 years, she taught the children of Gorham and the surrounding communities, but when the grandchildren of former pupils started to enroll, she decided to retire and turned the studio over to former student, Carol Lamontange Jordan in 1983. Ginny was a disc jockey every Saturday night for the West Gorham Community Club’s record hops held at Robie Gym in Gorham in the 50s and 60s. She was a great listener and advocate for young people and served as their friend and mentor. As a member of the Gorham Country Club for many years, she competed in tournament play during the golf season and played at numerous courses around the state. She competed in the Women’s Professional Bowling League and in country club tournaments during the off season. At the age of 70, Ginny played the role of Berthe in the musical “Pippin” with the Portland Lyric Theatre, where she wowed audiences with her high kick and split during her performance. She followed all sports on television, never giving up on the Red Sox and Pats, with a philosophy that her interests were keeping her young. Her patience and loyalty were rewarded. With a big heart, Ginny was as loyal as the day is long and was there for her loved ones and friends through thick and thin, freely giving out advice and counsel regardless if asked or not. One always knew what was on her mind.

Her husband of 56 years, Russell A. Dorr, died in 1996.

Mrs. Dorr is survived by her son, Russell A. Dorr Jr. of Casco; one grandchild; three step-grandchildren; and five step-great-grandchildren; and a nephew.

A memorials service will be held at a later date. Arrangements by the Dolby and Dorr Funeral Chapel, 76 State St., Gorham. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ginny’s memory to: The West Gorham Union Church, Route 25, Gorham, ME 04038 or the Baxter Memorial Library, 71 South St., Gorham, ME 04038.

She was born in Nova Scotia on April 26, 1911. She was married to Carl Everett Carlson, who predeceased her in 1987. In their 50 years together, they shared a deep love of each other, a great pride in their family, and an unbridled enjoyment of their summer home on Crescent Lake. Mrs. Carlson was employed for many years in the Office of Public Relations at the University of Maine Gorham and later at their Portland campus. She was also a long-time volunteer at The Maine Medical Center. She was a member and past deacon at Woodford’s Congregational Church. She was also a member of the Women’s Woodford Club and the Women’s Literary Union. Mrs. Carlson was loved not only by her family but also by the many friends she made and kept through her long life. She embraced life and took great joy in participating in a variety of events and concerts as well as hosting many bridge and dinner parties. She will be remembered for her strength of character and generous spirit.

Mrs. Carlson is survived by her daughters Christine Dolan of Enfield, Conn. and Charlotte Calhoun of Sarasota, Fla. and Raymond; four grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

A memorial service was held Wednesday at Woodford’s Congregational Church. Her care is entrusted to the Jones Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St., Portland. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Hospice of Southern Maine, 180 U.S. Route 1, Scarborough, ME 04074 or Woodford’s Congregational Church Grant Fund, 202 Woodford St., Portland, ME 04103.

Born in Washington, D.C., to George and Isabella Harris on Oct. 23, 1945, Steve attended schools in Washington, D.C., Lap Az, Bolivia, and Skowhegan, where he graduated in 1963. He also attended classes in Los Angeles, Calif. Steve’s first career was in men’s apparel, starting with the management of discount chains such as Mammoth Mart. He then moved to the wholesale end as a manufacturer’s representative for multiple companies such as Fruit of the Loom, Hathaway, Wolverine and others. At the same time, he also owned the Richmond Apparel Outlet and Harris Distributors. One of his dreams was to operate his own restaurant and pub, so he moved to Portland in 1975 and began bartending. He worked for Yesterdays on Commercial Street, the VFW in South Portland, The Sportsman’s Grill, The Seaman’s Club and Boothby Square Tavern. Steve and his wife Rosie purchased Ruski’s Pub in 1985 and began to fulfill his dream. They ran it for 20 years before his health issues made it time to retire. They purchased Boothby Square Tavern in 1987, which became known as Rosie’s Restaurant & Pub on Fore Street in Portland’s Old Port District. He sat on the board of the Old Port Association, was commissioner of The K League Softball Teams, and became an advocate in many of the disputes on restaurant regulations in Augusta. He and his wife felt strongly on helping out the West End and the families in need and established Harris Charities. He ran cruises, auctions and many other fund-raising projects to help out organizations such as, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, food shelters, Youth Alternatives, and other West End projects. Being a member of the Eagles Club, and The Elks Lodge in Skowhegan, he was always ready to lend a helping hand. When he had free time Steve’s enjoyment came from his trips to his family camp at Mayfield Pond.

Steve is survived by his wife and the love of his life, Rose Asali Harris; his son Jim Harris of Raymond; his daughter, Sandra Harris-Batakis of Peabody, Mass.; four grandchildren; his brother Ric Harris; his sisters Ellen Cranford, Linda Petrell, Cathy Harris and Lana Shaw; along with 25 nieces and nephews; and 26 great-nieces and nephews.

Steve was predeceased by his parents; his sister Virginia, and brothers Mitchell, Jeff, Will and Jim.

A reflection of his life will be held Saturday, July 18, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Jones, Rich and Hutchins, 199 Woodford St., Portland. Following will be a few brief memories to be shared at 12 p.m. Casual attire requested, as Steve would have liked. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Portland West Learning Center, 181 Brackett St., Portland, ME 04102; Morrison Development Center, 70 U.S. Rt. 1, Scarborough, ME 04074-9658; or Big Brother/Big Sister Foundation, 85 Main St., Brunswick, ME 04011.

He was born on Dec. 16, 1950, in North Conway, N.H., the son of Edwin and Joanne (Richardson) Sargent of Fryeburg. He was raised and educated in Fryeburg. Mark attended the University of Vermont at Burlington and graduated from Plymouth State College in New Hampshire. Throughout his career, he worked in quality control management at several businesses in New Hampshire. Most recently, Mark worked as a quality control manager for Freudenberg for many years. Mark was a builder at heart. He enjoyed hunting and fishing. Most especially he loved spending time with his family.

Besides his parents, he is survived by his wife of 18 years, Barbara (Bell) Sargent of Candia, N.H.; three sons, Jonathan Neveu of Las Vegas, Nev., Luke Sargent of Alexandria, Va., and Thomas Neveu of Alexandria, Va.; former wife, Nancy Capozza of New York City, N.Y.; brothers, John Sargent of Standish and Peter Neveu of Denmark; sister, Suzanne Sargent Cook of Brunswick; several nieces and nephews and many friends near and far.

His memorial service was held at the First Congregational Church of Fryeburg, 655 Main Street, Fryeburg on Saturday. The Cremation Society of New Hampshire assisted the family with the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations in Mark’s name can be made to: The American Cancer Society, 2 Commerce Drive #110, Bedford, N.H. 03110.

Barbara was born in New York Mills, Minn., on May 31, 1952, the daughter of John and Emmy Lou (Ringdahl) Steblay She was a special education teacher for about 30 years, most of which were spent at Deering High School and Gorham Middle School. She volunteered at many functions, but her favorite volunteer activity was doing work for the Bonny Eagle High School drama club. She will forever be known as the “Drama Mama” by the students who came to love her.

Barb has touched the lives of countless people with her always-sunny attitude and her giving nature. Her motto in life was to have fun while you can, and if an opportunity arises, go for it. Even in her last days she was hopeful and bright.

Barb is survived by her husband Mark; daughter Alysa, stepson Gabriel; and her brother Jon Stablay. She will be sorely missed by everyone whose lives she filled with joy and happiness.

Services will be announced at a later date. Arrangements are by the Dolby Funeral Chapel, 434 River Rd., Windham.

She was born in Bridgton, to Bryant and Katherine Moulton. She was married for 60 years to Richard Chase of Portland. She graduated from Winchester High School and Colby Junior College. She was known for her graciousness and generous heart, volunteerism and lively humor. In Massachusetts, she was active in the En Ka Society and Florence Crittenton League. In Maine, she worked with the Women’s Exchange, Altrua and as a hospital volunteer. However, she was most loved for her role as “The Wig Lady.” She has spent years giving free wigs, hope, and warmth to hundreds of women. She received the Meredith Burgess Spirit of Life Award in 2004, for this heartfelt work. Recently, she has been blessed to live in Scarborough at Kaler Vaill with a grand collection of feisty, fun filled, magnificent friends. She was a past president of the Portland Wharf and Land Company.

She is survived by her children, Linda Heimbach, Nancy Krizan of Texas, Graham Chase and Katherine Vincent of California; two grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and seven nephews and nieces.

There will be no visiting hours. A celebration of her life was held Tuesday, July 14, at the Hobbs Funeral Home, 671 U.S. Route 1, Scarborough.

She was born Sept. 11, 1913, in Raymond, the daughter of Willard C. and Bertha R. Libby. She began her education in a country schoolhouse in South Casco. Her family later moved to Portland where she attended Portland area schools, graduating from Deering High School in 1931. Margaret graduated from Northeast Business College in 1933. In June 18, 1937, she married Edward F. Clark of Portland. He died in January of 1952. In 1934, Margaret began employment at her father’s business, W.C. Libby Lumber Co. in South Casco where she worked for many years. Margaret retired in 1984 after working at Anderson Watkins Insurance Agency for 24 years. She was a 50-year member of the Woodford Congregational Church in Portland where she served as deacon, taught Sunday School and belonged to the Whatsoever Class. Margaret also belonged to the Women’s Woodfords Club, a life-member of the Deering Chapter #59 of the Order of The Eastern Star, the Hawthorne Assoc. of Raymond, the Land of Lakes Garden Club of Windham and during her later years became an associate member of the North Windham Union Church.

Margaret was predeceased by her sister Charlotte.
She is survived by two daughters, Judy Rankin of Appleton, Wis. and Linda Whitney of Raymond; her sister Lillian Newton of Casco; four grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday at the North Windham Union Church. Arrangements are by Hall Funeral Home, Casco. Donations may be made to: The North Windham Union Church, 723 Roosevelt Trail, Windham, ME 04062.

He was born in Portland, a son of Jerald and Helen Bennett. At a young age, John attended schools in Bath and was later enrolled in the Lake Region school system. He was a resident of Westbrook for 30 years, and worked for several construction companies as a heavy equipment operator and tri-axle driver. During the 1970s and 80s, John was a fill-in drummer for various bands in the Portland area. He had his lobster-fishing license, and along with his wife, refinished two wooden lobster boats, which they used in Casco Bay. John had recently gone back to school to pursue his interest in law enforcement. He took great pride in volunteering as an Assistant Harbor Master for the Sebago Lakes Region. John and his wife, Valerie, were quite well known in the Naples and Casco area for taking their cat, Bandit, on a leash into local stores and banks.

He was predeceased by his father and his brother Robert.

Surviving are his wife of 37 years Valerie of Casco; his daughter Holly of Sumner; his son Jesse of Wales; his mother; five sisters, Bonnie LaChance, Julie Hutchinson, Betsy Robinson, Diane Hutchinson and Kathy Bennett; three brothers, Jerald Bennett, Danny Bennett and Patrick Bennett; and nine grandchildren.
Private services will be held at a later date. Arrangements are by Hall Funeral Home, Casco.

Born March 9, 1921, in Fairlawn, N.J., he was the son of the late August and Minnie Fennimore Zeegers. He was a WWII veteran of the Army Air Force, serving in the European Theater. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Democratic Party. Before his retirement, he was a salesman for Odorrite Co. Farming first brought him to North Yarmouth, as a young man. In latter years after retirement, he worked at Gillespie Farm and was known as the Strawberry Man. He loved the Red Sox, fishing, Jai Alai, Manhattan clam chowder and spending winters in Florida with his wife.

He was predeceased by his wife Shirley French Zeegers on April 22, 2007; his parents; and his two brothers, August and Eugene.

Survivors include his four children, Nancy Dinsmore of Winter Springs, Fla., Rick Zeegers of Naples, Mary Z. Guiseley of Raymond and Mark E.A. Zeegers of West Paris; eight grandchildren; five great-grandchildren.

A memorial visitation was held Monday, July 13, at the Lindquist Funeral Home, One Mayberry Lane, Yarmouth. Memorial funeral services were Tuesday at the funeral home. Interment with military honors followed at Walnut Hill Cemetery, North Yarmouth. You are invited to share your thoughts, condolences and fond memories with the Zeegers family by visiting Garrett’s guest book at www.mem.com. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: Harvest Hills Animal Shelter, 1389 Bridgton Rd., Fryeburg, ME 04037.