Obituaries from the week of 09/03/09

She was born in Rumford on Nov. 4, 1923, the daughter of Natale and Cleofe (Corti) Saisi, and graduated from Stephen’s High School in Rumford, Class of 1942. She loved her family and was a lifetime professional homemaker. When someone said, “I love you,” she responded, “love you more.” She was known to her grandchildren as “Noni,” which is Italian for grandmother. She was married in Rumford on Sept. 25, 1948, to Edward J. "Pinky" Paterson, who died in Rumford on Oct. 17, 2006.

Survivors include daughters, Kristina McBean of Hampden, Kim Manoush of Raymond and Nikki Lyden of Westbrook; sons, Edward Paterson of Rumford and Kip Paterson of Putnam, Conn.; eight granddaughters and a great-grandson; a brother, Dr. Robert Saisi of Rumford; sisters, Olga Buccina and Marie Boudreau, both of Rumford.

She was predeceased by her parents; husband; sister, Flora Angiolillio; brother, Michael Saisi; and a grandson.

At her request, private services will be held at the family’s convenience. Interment will be in Demerritt Cemetery, West Peru. In lieu of flowers, please contribute to the Rumford Community Home, P.O. Box 430, Rumford, ME 04276 or to the Craig Thomas McBean Scholarship Fund c/o Superintendent of schools, SAD 22, Maine Road, Hampden, ME 04444, in her memory. Arrangements are under the care of the Meader & Son Funeral Home, 3 Franklin St., Rumford, ME 04276. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.meaderandson.com

She was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. to C. Rudolph and Mabel (Barr) Evers. Her father was a Civil Engineer and her mother a housewife, and she had a very happy childhood. She went to James Madison High School and then to Cornell University, where she graduated in 1944. In 1947, she married John diPretoro, a Navy lieutenant and carrier pilot. They moved up and down the East Coast. The couple had five children — three sons and two daughters — who were the joy of their lives. When their youngest child was in third grade, Marjorie started teaching. She taught second grade at the Charlestown, Rhode Island Elementary School for 14 years. It was a perfect match since Marjorie loved children. She also loved literature and the English language and was very fussy about her schoolchildren learning correctly. In 1978, they built a house on 60 acres in Harrison, on Long Lake, as a vacation house. Before long, they decided to make it a permanent home and extended it in every direction including up. They both became active in the community and in the Congregational Church. Marjorie also volunteered at the local animal shelter and became librarian in Harrison for eight years. They both enjoyed skiing and all the beauty of Maine. She also became interested once more in watercolor painting, which gave her a great deal of pleasure. John helped a lot by matting and framing her paintings. Another love they both had was for their Basset Hounds and their cats, especially a huge Maine Coon cat named Hercules. The largest group they had at one time was three dogs and two cats. They both were real animal lovers.

Marjorie is survived by her beloved husband of 62 years; and her dear children, Bill, Nancy, Ann and John. Their eldest son, Richard, was killed in a plane crash in 2003.

Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery in Brooklyn, N.Y. A memorial service was held at the United Parish Congregational Church of Harrison and North Bridgton on Wednesday. In lieu of flowers, donations in Marjorie’s memory can be made to Bridgton Hospital or Harvest Hills Animal Shelter, which would be appreciated.

Arrangements by Raymond-Wentworth Funeral Home, 8 Elm Street, Bridgton. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.andrewsgreenleaf.com

She was born July 10, 1929, in Denmark, the daughter of William A. Potter and Mildred (Cobb) Potter. She attended school and grew up in the Bridgton area. She married Carroll E. McDonald on Feb. 16, 1946, in Denmark. Her husband predeceased her on March 15, 1992. She was a member of the North Monmouth Community Church. She enjoyed gardening, knitting and embroidery and spending time with family and dear friends.

She is survived by two daughters, Sandra VanWart of Sidney and Ellen Horton of Gardiner; two sons, Carl McDonald of Monmouth and Kenneth McDonald of North Monmouth; 12 grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by two sons, Stephen A. McDonald and Michael McDonald; and one daughter, Louise M. Cox.

Services were held at the North Monmouth Community Church on Saturday, Aug. 29. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the North Monmouth Community Church (Women of Grace).

He was born Aug. 3, 1908, in Portland, the son of Merton Lane and Ida May (Thompson) Lane. Neal attended schools in Portland and graduated from Portland High School. He later married Martha Casey in October 1949. Neal worked as a foreman welder at Liberty Shipyard for five years before beginning a career as an aerial photographer. He work allowed him to own several planes throughout his career. Neal worked for the Jackson White Studio, and went on to work at the Wendell White Studio, in Portland, for 30 years. After retirement, Neal went back to school to learn trades he not yet mastered, such as working on small engines. From that, he went on to own a successful small engine business out of his own home. Neal was a member of Foreside Community Church and had the honor of being a past Deacon. He was also a former member of the Power Squadron. Neal was a lover of life. He was a boating fanatic; he enjoyed motorcycles, and traveling. He was a devoted family man, and enjoyed travelling abroad with his wife. His last flying experience was a flight on his 90th birthday.

Neal was predeceased by four brothers, three sisters; and by one stepdaughter, Shirley Carey.

He is survived by his wife Martha; one son Robert M. Lane of Brownfield; a stepson Donald M. Leonard of Williamsburg; five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

A graveside service was held on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2009, at Mount Pleasant Cemetery in South Portland. Online condolences may be expressed at www.hobbsfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are by the Hobbs Funeral Home, 230 Cottage Road, South Portland. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Neal’s name may be made to: VNA Home Health & Hospice, 50 Foden Rd., South Portland, ME 04106.

She was born in Portland on Oct. 7, 1926, the daughter of Howard and Helen Crandelmire. Jean attended local schools, graduating from Deering High School in 1944 and Westbrook Junior College in 1946. She worked as a legal secretary for Mahoney, Thomes and Desmond and for Morse, Payson and Noyes legal departments. In 1948, she married George A. Dennison, Jr. and had three wonderful daughters. The family lived in Lewiston where she became an active member in the Calvary United Methodist Church. There, she directed various choirs, taught adult Bible classes with Dr. Rand, and was elected president of the Lewiston Auburn Council of Churches. Jean loved to keep busy and started Troop 1 Girl Scouts where she was the leader for 18 years. She was a member of the Eastern Star for over 30 years. She was an active member of a bowling league, avid tennis player, bridge club member, and volunteer at the Maine Wildlife Park. In the early 1970s, the family moved to South Casco and lived on Thomas Pond. When the children were grown, she worked as a legal secretary at the University of Southern Maine School of Law until her retirement. Jean developed a love for working with stained glass and has many pieces in homes across the states.

She is survived by her daughters Anne E. Dennison, Lynn A. Dennison and Carol J. Dennison; five grandchildren; two brothers, Roger Crandlemire of Eagle, Idaho and George Crandlemire of Sun Valley Idaho.

A private service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ronald MacDonald House in Portland. Online condolences may be left for the family at hallfuneralhomeinc.com

Mrs. Swenson was born in Lancaster on Dec. 6, 1947, the daughter of Leo and Mabel (Blake) Savage. Lois was a longtime resident of Lancaster graduating from Lancaster Academy. For 20 years, she resided with her family in Bridgton before returning to Lancaster, where for many years she was employed at the Double SS Restaurant. She later worked in the kitchen cafeteria at White Mountain Regional High School, and for the past nine years has been a nurse’s aid at Holton Point in Lancaster. She enjoyed bingo and casino gambling. At one time, she called bingo for the Moose Club in Groveton, where she was also a former member. Lois will be most remembered for the kindness and caring she extended to her family, friends, and community. She had an immense love for her family who often relied on her for strength and determination.

She is survived by her husband Lyndon W. Swenson of Lancaster; a son, Stephen Swenson of Lancaster; a daughter Heather Lee Moody of McConnell AFB, Wichita, Kan.; two grandchildren; two brothers, George Savage of New Hampshire and Frank Savage of Lancaster; four sisters, Diane Peterson of Euclid, Ohio, Linda Martin of Underhill, Vt., Brenda Savage of Gardenia, Calif. and Barbara Richmond of Virginia; and many nieces and nephews. 

Her father predeceased in 1981 and her mother in 2001.

There will be no visiting hours. A memorial service was held on Monday, Aug. 31, at the Christ United Methodist Church, Lancaster. The Rev. Ron Bruce, pastor, officiated. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made in her memory to the Lancaster Ambulance Association, care of Ron Wert, 25 Main Street, Lancaster, NH 03584. Please go to www.baileyfh.net for more information or to send an online condolence.

Rita was born in Portland on June 30, 1936, Franklin and Dorothy (Harris) Clinch. Rita lived most of her life in Cumberland, graduating from Greely High School. Some of the many passions Rita enjoyed in her life were sewing, golfing, creating projects on her computer, cooking, spending time with friends and being outside. The most important of all was spending time with her loving family. The many family reunions were something Rita always enjoyed. Rita was known by her grandchildren (Bobbi-Lyn, Ben, Jaimie, Rachel, Drew, Aidan, Adam and Noah) as Mimi and always felt that she was closest to God when she was with them. Rita was a Deacon of the Cumberland Congregational Church for several years and was very active in the church community. She and her husband owned and operated the Chuck Wagon Restaurant in Brunswick for many years. Rita subsequently worked for Lincoln Financial Group for a brief time before retiring to Hiram, where she lived in a beautiful cabin in the woods with her husband of 54 years.

She is survived by her husband Victor Drew Jr.; a son Bret Drew of Gray; two daughters, Vicki-Lyn Anderson of Lyman and Rebecca Michaud of Freeport; two brothers, Franklin Clinch Jr. of New Port Richey, Fla. and Terry Clinch of Loomis, Neb.; two sisters, Donalene Fox and Jacquelin Copeland, both of Hiram; eight grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews all of whom loved her dearly.

Rita was predeceased by her parents; and an infant daughter, Amy Beth Drew.

Visiting hours will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2009, at Jones Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St., Portland, where a funeral will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 4, 2009. Burial will follow at Moss Side Cemetery, Cumberland. You are invited to share your thoughts, condolences and fond memories with the Drew family by visiting www.mem.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: ALS Association, 10 Ferry St. Suite 438, Box 314, Concord, NH 03301 or eHope Foundation, P.O. Box 7794, Portland, ME 04112.

He was born in Brunswick on April 24, 1920, son of Anna (Bechard) and Alexis St. Pierre. He attended St. John’s School, and graduated from Brunswick High School, Class of 1938. He attended MCI, and graduated from Colby College, Class of 1944. Bob served in the Army Air Corps during WWII, and married Barbara Jameson of Millinocket on Aug. 24, 1946. She passed away in March 1961. He later married his co-teacher, Sara Krauter. Bob taught at Jay High School — whatever they wanted him to teach! — and served as the only coach for the high school. In the early 50s, he was hired by Brunswick High School as a teacher and coach, where he remained until his retirement in 1974. During this time, he acquired a M.Ed. from the University of Maine. Bob was an outstanding athlete throughout his school years, playing baseball, football, and track, and later in life was an avid and talented golfer, having scored two holes-in-one. He also played semi-pro baseball. One of his proudest achievements was setting the freshman record at Colby College of 23 feet, 4 inches in the broad jump, a record that has not been broken. When Bob and Sara retired, they moved to Venice, Fla., where they both honed their golf games, and traveled extensively in Europe and Central America, enjoying life to the fullest.
Bob was pre-deceased by his wife, Sara; one brother, Claude St. Pierre; and three sisters, Eunice Skaling, Lorraine Kenyon, and Connie Roderick.

He is survived by his loving sister, Lucille Curtis of Brunswick; his children, Michael St. Pierre of Brunswick, Martin Krauter of Raymond, Linda Voelker of Franklin, N.H., Ivy Cilley also of Franklin, and Evelyn Averill of Easton, Conn.; and his many grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian burial was held at St. John the Baptist Church in Brunswick on Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2009. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: The Brunswick High School Alumnae Association, P.O. Box 146, Brunswick, ME 04011.

He was born in Chicago, Ill. on June 15, 1923, the son of Harry and Pearl Kraft Libby. Walter was educated in the Gorham schools and went to work for S.D. Warren from which he left to serve with the United States Navy during World War II. While in the military he earned the WWII Victory Medal, the Asiatic Pacific Ribbon, the Good Conduct Medal, the American Area Ribbon and the European African Middle Eastern 1 Star. While recuperating from burns incurred during the war, he met Helen Keller in a New York City Hospital. He returned to work for S.D. Warren for over 40 years retiring in the 1980s. Walter enjoyed his family farm in Gorham raising vegetables, animals and haying. He was the co-owner of the Gorham Flea Market. Walter enjoyed antiques, yard sales, dancing, and roller skating. He was very fond of the cruise to Alaska with his wife Jeanette, with whom he was married to for 62 years. He was a member of the Gorham Coin Club, the Post Card Club and the White Rock Grange for over 65 years. Walter was president of the Maine Numerous-Matic Coin Club for four years. Walter loved his family especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and his life revolved around them.

He was predeceased by his brothers, Arthur, Eugene and a sister, Pearl.

Survivors include his wife, Jeanette Carrier Libby of Gorham; sons, Walter H. Libby Jr. of Casco, David H. Libby of Limington, Jack L. Libby  of Louisiana and Ted H. Libby of Gorham; daughters, Joanne Libby of Gorham, Jeanne Kennie of Gorham and Tammy Speed of Gorham; 12 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. 

Visiting hours were held on Saturday, Aug. 29, at the Dolby Funeral Chapel, 434 River Rd., Windham. A service followed at the chapel. Burial was in North Street Cemetery, Route 114, Gorham. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to: VNA Home Health & Hospice, 50 Foden Road, South Portland, ME 04106.