Obituaries from the week of 11/19/09

Her parents were Edward R. McGee and Annie Dorsheimer. She was born in Wayland, Mass. on July 2, 1914. She grew up in Cochituate, a village of Wayland. Doris attended the public schools in Wayland and graduated from its tiny high school. She then attended Wellesley College on scholarship, a source of great pride to Doris and her community.
Shortly after her graduation from Wellesley in 1935, Doris married Archibald R. Graustein. They had two boys, Bob, born in 1939, and John, born in 1941. Mr. Graustein enlisted in the Navy soon after the Pearl Harbor and spent much of the war in Australia. Doris raised the boys, found employment and also was able to take several courses at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Her first marriage ended in divorce in December, 1945. 

While living in Cambridge, Mass. with her two young sons, Doris rented a room to David R. Hastings II, a Harvard Law School student from Fryeburg. They fell in love and married on January 18, 1947. Upon David's graduation from law school, they moved to Fryeburg in 1949, where they have lived since.

After the move to  Fryeburg,  a son and daughter, David III and Ann were born. The family was later  joined by two nephews, Ned and Bill Hastings, whose mother had died while her husband, a career Navy officer, was committed to sea duty. Ned and Bill were part of the family for some years before they were able to return to their father.

The growing family forced Doris and David to take up skiing, which they enjoyed with friends for many years. Doris also loved to play bridge, golf, and enjoyed summers at their camp on Kimball Pond in Fryeburg. Later Doris and David enjoyed many vacations in Europe and the Caribbean, and spending winter months at their condominium in Punta Gorda, Florida.
Perhaps Doris' greatest happiness was when she was hosting a party for family or friends at her home. Every holiday and birthday would see a family dinner of ten to twenty persons at the Hastings' house or camp.  

Doris was always interested in education, particularly in school counseling and testing. She attended Gorham State College at night and earned a Master's Degree in Educational Counseling and went on to obtain a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study from Boston University in 1974. Her interest in this field led her to work for several years as a volunteer in the Portland School Department and at Kennett High School in Conway, New Hampshire. Later she commuted to Hebron Academy for two years to work as a school counselor.    

Doris was active in community affairs. She was a member and president of the Fryeburg Women's Club and also the Oxford County Women's Group. She worked actively as a member of the society caring for the Victorian Mansion in Portland. She served as a Cub Scout den mother for a number of years and was an active member and the President of the Western Maine Wellesley Club.  

Doris' oldest son, LCDR Robert S. Graustein, graduated from the US Naval Academy and became a Navy pilot. He was killed in action in December 1972, during his third tour of duty in Vietnam. This was a tragic loss for Doris and the family. Bob left a wife, Duddie, and three young sons who returned to Fryeburg to make their home. 

Doris is survived by David R. Hastings II, her husband of 62 years; and children John A. Graustein and wife Barbara of Falmouth; David R. Hastings III and wife Carol of Fryeburg; Ann E. Hastings and partner Patricia Burke of West Baldwin; eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. 

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, Nov. 21, at 2 p.m., at the First Congregational Church, Main Street, Fryeburg.

In lieu of flowers donations in Doris' memory may be sent to The First Congregational Church of Fryeburg, 655 Main St., Fryeburg, ME 04037, or St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, 857 Main St., Fryeburg, ME 04037. 

Arrangements are made with Wood Funeral Home, Fryeburg. On line condolences may be expressed to the family at www.woodfuneralhome.org

She was born in Fitchburg, Mass., on May 17, 1930, the daughter of Ernest and Mildred (Worcester) Leet.

She married Rocco Freda Sr. on Dec. 15, 1947, who died in 1989. Alberta was a homemaker most of her life, while raising her two sons, Rocco Jr. and Steven

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She is survived by one brother, William Leet of Lunenburg, Mass.; three grandchildren, including Steven Freda Jr. and Rocco Freda III, both of Harrison; three great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband, Rocco Freda Sr.; and two sons, Rocco Freda Jr. and Steven Freda.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.andrewsgreenleaf.com. Arrangements by Greenleaf Funeral Home, 37 Vernon St., Bethel.

Born July 18, 1923 in Palmer, Mass., the only child of James Watson and Clara Isabel (Balmer) Payne, she attended Northfield Seminary, in North-field, Mass. and Bay Path College in Longmeadow, Mass.

Peg was a talented and gifted artist and enjoyed painting, carving, and crafts. Her love of nature in all four seasons was reflected in her artwork, bird watching and gardening at her home on Brandy Pond in Naples, Me. She loved the beach, sun, and ocean air. Her handmade Christmas, Easter and birthday cards were always a joy to receive. Peg also was talented in music; she played the piano, organ, guitar, dulcimer, and harp, and enjoyed listening to music.

At the age of 12 she met her childhood sweetheart and future husband, Donald Butler Mackay, at Giants Neck Beach. They were married Oct. 18, 1947 and lived in Springfield, Mass., Somers, Conn. and then retired to Giants Neck Beach, Niantic, Conn.

Peg is survived by her loving daughters, Beverly J. and husband Arthur M. Sikes Jr. of Suffield, Conn., and Mem Mackay of Naples, Me.; grandchildren, Jennifer L. and husband Russell W. Harlow Jr. of Manchester, Conn., Christopher A. and wife Jenn M. Sikes of Suffield, Bonnie M. Enright of Hooksett, N.H., Heather E. Williams and Heath R. Enright of Naples, Me., and Amanda J. Sikes of Agawam, Mass.; and her great-grandchildren, Kyle Williams, Vaughn Purcell, Krycia Harlow, Samuel Sikes, James Harlow, Russell W. Harlow III, and Ashlynn Isabel  Stevens, born several days after her great-grandmother’s passing.

Peg was a homemaker and a wonderful mother. The family feels truly blessed to have known her love and loved her in return.

Calling hours will be Saturday, Dec. 5, 2009, from 1–3 p.m. at Hall Funeral Home, Casco, Me., with a time of reflection at 2 p.m.

Burial will be Monday, Dec. 7, 2009 at 2 p.m., at Hillcrest Cemetery, Springfield, Mass. A time to share with family will be held at 3:30 p.m. at Second Baptist Church of Suffield, 100 North Main Street, Suffield, Conn.

Peg requested, in lieu of flowers, memorial gifts be made to Naples Rescue or Naples Library.

She was born in Portland, the daughter of Philip R. and Yvette G. Provost Cote. She was raised in Portland and graduated from Portland High School. Donna worked for Central Maine Power, Marden’s and most recently Good Will in Windham. She loved shopping and she loved doughnuts. Donna was a great mom who did a wonderful job of raising her three children. Her sweet personality easily made her loved by everyone who met her. After a long battle with health issues, she is at peace now, reunited in heaven with her mother.

She was predeceased by her mother; and her husband Normand St. Pierre.

Donna is survived by her father of Georgia; two sons, Jason St. Pierre of Casco and Michael St. Pierre of Owings, Md.; a daughter, Danielle St. Pierre of Yarmouth; a brother, Philip Cote Jr. of Roswell, Ga.; and two grandchildren.

Visiting hours will be from 9 to 11 a.m. on Friday at Blais & Hay Funeral Home, 35 Church St., Westbrook, followed be a memorial Mass at 12 p.m. at St. Patrick’s Church in Portland. Interment will follow in Riverside Cemetery, Cape Elizabeth.

She was born on June 26, 1917 in West Springfield, Mass., a daughter of Thomas and Alice Merrill. When Doris was 5 years old, her family moved to Casco, where she graduated from high school in 1935. On June 12, 1936, she married Harry Shane. In 1956, Doris and Harry moved to Connecticut and lived there until moving back to Casco in 1997. Doris enjoyed cooking, sewing and living in Maine.

She was predeceased by her two daughters, Sherri Morgan and Cynthia Walker.

Surviving are her husband Harry; her son Paul; eight grandchildren and 16 great-great-grandchildren. Doris will be missed by those who cared and truly loved her.

A graveside service was held last Monday at Murch Cemetery in Casco. Arrangements are by Hall Funeral Home, Casco.

She was born in Rumford, on Oct. 4, 1929, the daughter of Jack and Susan Tidd. She was raised in Gardiner and graduated from Gardiner High School in 1947. After high school, she attended Kennebec School of Commerce. Upon graduation, she went to work for the State of Maine Department of Public Roads. In 1952, she married Navy Lieutenant and high school sweetheart Donald “Donny” Edwards. Together, they raised a family and lived up and down the East Coast, finally returning to Maine, for good, in 1972. Frances worked for the Lincoln County News and then was employed by the Farmer’s Home Administration in 1975 to 1993. She loved to cook, play saxophone, garden and sew, but she loved her friends even more, and took every opportunity to show them her love. No request from her children was too large. Costumes for school plays, scrumptious treats for bake sales, goodies for her men to take to hunting camp, were all supplied without hesitation. She was especially proud of and enjoyed her part in the Meals On Wheels program. She loved to deliver food and some company to all the new friends she made on her route.

She is survived by her sister, Jackie Henry of Randolph; her daughters, Tracy Edwards of Auburn, and Mary Edwards of California; her son, John Edwards of Casco; five grandchildren; a great-granddaughter; and many loving friends and relatives.

A celebration of her life was held at St. Andrews Church, Newcastle, on Saturday, Nov. 14 followed by snacks and beverages at the Parish House. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to Meals On Wheels of Lincoln County.

She was born April 18, 1912, in Brownfield, to Roy and Ethel Walker. She graduated from Fryeburg Academy in 1933. She married Kenneth R. “Buster” Smith in 1936, and they moved to Concord in 1943, where she was employed at New Hampshire Hospital as an attendant for 18 years while raising a family of seven children.

She and her husband moved back to North Fryeburg in 1975 after his retirement. In 2000, Dorothy moved back to Concord, N.H. Dorothy was an avid reader, a diehard Republican with a great sense of humor and a wonderful wife and mother, who always put others before herself.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 50 years, Kenneth Smith; a son, David; three brothers and two sisters.

She is survived by three sons, George W. Smith of Puyallup, Wash., Donald F. Smith of Deerfield, N.H. and Kenneth A. Smith of Everett, Wash.; three daughters, Judith S. Van Metre of Onalaska, Texas, Janice I. Smith of Rochester, N.H. and Frances M. Planchet of Concord, N.H.; 24 grandchildren; 47 great-grandchildren and nine great-great-grandchildren.

Calling hours were held Sunday, Nov. 8 at Bennett Funeral Home, 209 N. Main St., Concord, N.H. Funeral services were held Monday, Nov. 9 at the funeral home with Pastor David Bezanson officiating.

Burial followed at Blossom Hill Cemetery in Concord, N.H.

He was born in Windham, the son of Ira C. Pollard and Minnie E. Cannell. He was raised in Windham and graduated from Pennell Institute in Gray. He served in the Army during World War II. He worked in construction and retired from RJ Grondin’s in 2006. He enjoyed stock car racing, playing horseshoes and going to Florida for the winters.

John is survived by his wife of 36 years, Eleanor M. Pollard; children, Virginia Butler of Waterbury, Conn., Joyce Hubbard of Mountain View, Ark., John B. Pollard Jr. of Meridan, Conn., Johnny Pollard of Windham, Jeffrey Pollard of Raymond, Jo-Ann Merrifield of Gorham and Jamie Pollard of Windham; stepchildren, Ronald Brown of Neddick, Mass., Norman Brown of Green Cove Springs, Fla., Patrick Brown of Chappen, S.C. and Georgia Seymour of Atlantic Beach, Fla.; grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A family service will be held in the spring.

She was born in Claremont, N.H., on Oct. 17, 1926, the daughter of Russell and Bertha Knight Palmer. She had many friends in the Bridgton, Naples and Fryeburg area.

Pearl is predeceased by her parents; her husband, Clyde M. Elder; a daughter, Jean T. Leeman; a brother, Everett Palmer; and a sister, Frances Steele. She is survived by her sons, James S. of Windham, James H. St. Peter of Mansfield, Mass., Charles R. Elder of Averill Park, N.Y.; and a daughter, Alice B. Cash of Windham; 12 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren.

Visiting hours were Wednesday, Nov. 18, and today, Thursday from 12:30 to 2 p.m. at Dolby Funeral Chapel, 434 River Road, Windham, followed immediately by the funeral service at 2 p.m. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, those who wish to do so may make contributions in her memory to the Iris Network, 189 Park Ave., Portland ME 04102, or the Highland Cliff Advent Christian Church, 94 Highland Cliff Rd., Windham, ME 04062, or the Windham Public Library, 217 Windham Center Road, Windham, ME 04062, or to your own favorite charity.

She was born on March 13, 1937 in Bethlehem, N.H., the daughter of Earle and Helen Briggs. Julia graduated from Portland High School in 1955. She was the past owner and operator of Julie’s Norgetown Laundry and Dry Cleaning. For many years, she lived on Thomas Pond in Casco before moving to Otisfield. Julie was a member of the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary.

She enjoyed doing oil painting specializing in landscapes, which captured the essence and beauty of Maine. Julie was always ready to go for a motorcycle ride with her husband and friends.

She was predeceased by her daughter Dawn Bellefontaine; two sisters, Barbara and Mary; and her brother Earle.

Surviving are her husband Alfred of Otisfield; her son Todd Bellefontaine of Standish; two sisters, Ann Picariello of Needham, Mass. and Dolores Curran of Avon, Conn.; two grandchildren; her stepson, Paul Healey of Wells; and many nieces and nephews.

A private ceremony will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Julia’s name to: The Maine Veterans’ Home, c/o Activity Dept., 477 High Street, South Paris, ME 04281. Arrangements are by Hall Funeral Home of Casco. Online condolences may be left for the family at hallfuneralhomeinc.com

He was born in Lewiston on Oct. 18, 1938, the son of Walter Andrews and Alice (Burnell) Andrews of New Gloucester. Philip grew up in New Gloucester and spent the majority of his life there. In 1958, he married his first wife Joyce Arlene Damon. They spent 34 loving years together while raising a daughter and three sons. A strong and proud man, he worked hard all his life to provide for his family. He spent more than 26 years working at the Maine Turnpike Authority, which he retired from in 1999. He was a 3rd degree Mason with the Cumberland Lodge #12, a registered Maine Guide for almost 50 years, and a lifelong member of the NRA. He was an avid hunter and fisherman all his life. Maine whitetail deer will breathe a sigh of relief today as seldom a year would go by without him harvesting a buck or doe. His great love of hunting and fishing is a legacy that will carry on through his children and be passed on from generation to generation. He also enjoyed gardening and watching the Red Sox lose year after year until they finally won two in 2004 and 2007. His first wife died in 1992. He was re-married in 1999 to Dorothy Chabot. They spent the twilight years of their lives together enjoying each other’s company.

Philip is survived by his second wife, Dorothy Andrews of New Gloucester; daughter, Cindy Farwell Chabe of New Gloucester; three sons, Philip Andrews Jr. of Raymond, Michael Andrews of Casco and Ricky Andrews of New Gloucester; three stepchildren, Lucien (Pete) Chabot of Hebron, Thomas Chabot of Portland and Donna Chabot Ishihara of Portland; a brother, William Andrews of Mechanic Falls; seven grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Joyce Andrews; a sister, Rena Shaw; and a brother, Robert Andrews.

Funeral services honoring his life were held Monday, Nov. 16 at the Memorial Chapel of Dillingham & Son. Graveside committal prayers followed at Damon Cemetery in Buckfield. Online condolences may be expressed at www.lynchbrothers.com. A Masonic service by the Cumberland Lodge #12 was held Sunday evening at the Memorial Chapel of Dillingham & Son in Auburn

She was born July 8, 1962 in Kittery, a daughter of William A. and Ruth A. (Lacrosse) Shea, Sr. Marion attended Portland schools. Marion was an excellent cook and was known for her spaghetti sauce. She loved caring for and spending time with her grandchildren. Marion ran track in school and loved her long walks from Gorham to Portland. As a teen, she helped entertain her family as she loved music and played guitar. She enjoyed reading romantic novels, playing cards and board games and her trips to Sebago Lake. Marion lived in Gorham with her son Richard and his spouse Nasha Maynard.

Marion was predeceased by her father, William A. Shea, Sr. in 2003 and her sister, Joanne C. Marsh in 1996.

Surviving are her mother, Ruth of Portland; four daughters, Stacy Vankeuren of Brunswick, Ashley Brown of Westbrook, Mariah Shea of Yarmouth and Priscilla Little of Harrison; a son, Richard Thompson of Gorham; three grandchildren; three sisters, Patricia A. Rodney of Windham, Marcie Jacob of Colorado and Carol L. Dodd of Colorado; six brothers, William A. Shea, Jr., Daniel C. Shea, Stephen M. Shea, John A. Shea, Michael F. Shea, all of Portland, and James G. Shea of North Yarmouth.

Visiting hours were Monday, Nov. 16 at Conroy-Tully Crawford South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Tuesday, Nov. 17 at St. Patrick’s Church, 1342 Congress Street, Portland. Interment followed in Calvary Cemetery, South Portland. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ctcrawford.com

He was born June 6, 1918, in Cumberland, the son of Vern and Alice Wilson. Maurice worked for the Maine Central Railroad as a conductor for 32 years. During the war he was kept from enlisting because he was needed on the troop train. He was an honest and conscientious hard worker. Maurice raised his boys by himself and was a very proud and loving father. Maurice and Harriet were avid campers and dancers, traveling all over the U.S. and Canada. Maurice loved gardening and loved to weed everyone else’s garden. He was the neighborhood handyman and recycler everywhere he lived, but especially in Florida.

He was predeceased by his parents; a brother Bill, and his sister Ina Dunn.

He is survived by his loving and caring wife of 37 years, Harriet Preble Wilson; his sons, Richard, Norman, Donald and Tony, all of Gray; and stepchildren, Brian Preble, Jeffrey Preble and Debbie of Gray, and Sharon Diran of Bridgton; 15 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren.

A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, Nov. 21, at 2:30 p.m. at Wilson Funeral Home, 24 Shaker Rd., Gray. Family and friends may attend visitation on Saturday from 1 to 2:30 p.m. prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to: Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice, P.O. Box 819, Lewiston, ME 04240 or the Gray Family Food Pantry at the First Congregational Church, 11 Yarmouth Rd., Gray, ME 04039.

She was born March 18, 1926, in Portland, the daughter of Patrick Joseph and Anne Joyce Kane. Sally attended local schools and was a 1944 graduate of Cathedral High School. She married Francis “Toby” Stephen Rowe on Jan. 18, 1947, at St. Dominic’s. Sally was a communicant of St. John the Evangelist Church. Prior to her marriage, Sally worked at Western Union. She was an avid reader, enjoyed her flower garden, and her summer camp at Coffee Pond in Casco. She was very devoted to her husband and family. Sally loved cooking and baking pies. She enjoyed shopping for her grandchildren and great-grandchild.

Surviving are her loving husband of 62 years, Toby of South Portland; two daughters, Joanne M. Contois of Biddeford and Patricia A. Littlejohn of South Portland; a son, Stephen F. of Bedford, N.H.; a sister, Mary Graff of South Portland; a brother, Joseph Kane of Brooklyn, N.Y.; eight grandchildren; a great-granddaughter; and many nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours were on Wednesday, Nov. 18, at Conroy-Tully Crawford South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. John the Evangelist Church, Main Street, South Portland. Interment followed in Calvary Cemetery, South Portland. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ctcrawford.com. In lieu of flowers, donations in Sally’s memory may be made to: Wayside Soup Kitchen, P.O. Box 1278, Portland, ME 04104.

He was born in Portland on Aug. 11, 1913, the son of Percy and Violet (Maxwell) Shorey. After graduating from Portland High School in 1936, George became an electrician and worked at the South Portland Shipyards during WWII. After the war’s end, George went on to work at places such as the First National Stores and hotels in Portland and Scarborough. For 35 years, George owned and operated Shorey’s Appliance in Old Orchard Beach, which handled TV sales and appliance repair. George was a member of the Knights of Pythias, and the Odd Fellows.

Mr. Shorey was also extremely involved with his community. He served as an Old Orchard Beach selectman in 1952 and 1953, an assessor in 1954, the beach-cleaning department for 20 years, and was on many municipal boards such as the Charter Commission and Industrial Park Commission. George remembered Lindbergh’s plane landing on the beach in 1927 because the Portland Airport could not be found on that foggy day. He also remembered being on the Pier watching and listening to “Big Bands” of the day, including Duke Ellington and Count Basie.

He was predeceased by brothers, Donald W. Shorey and Maynard W. Shorey; daughters, Lois Nichols, Jean Gifun, and JoAn Mullen; three grandchildren; and one great-grandson.

George is survived by his beloved wife, Glenola (Gordon) Shorey; children, E. Diane Girard of Bridgton, Charles Shorey of Pennsylvania and Richard Shorey of Old Orchard Beach; stepdaughter, Lynn Desrochers of Saco; 19 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Burial will be private amongst George’s family at Laurel Hill Cemetery. A memorial service to honor George’s life was held on Wednesday, Nov. 18, at the United Baptist Church on Main Street, Saco. The Rev. Dr. Burton Howe officiated. Arrangements are with Old Orchard Beach Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to: The United Baptist Church, 318 Main St., Saco, ME 04072.