Ruth L. Dailey
CANTON - Ruth L. Dailey, 89, died on November 29, 2005 at the Mid Coast Hospital in Brunswick. She was a resident of Georgetown and was formerly of Canton for many years.
Born in Turner on August 22, 1916, she was a daughter of Albion and Cynthia (Leavitt) Brackett. She attended Leavitt Schools.
She worked as a cook for the Canton Elementary School for 32 years until her retirement. She always made a cake for each student on their birthday and the others received cupcakes.
She was a wonderful lady always giving of herself to others. She was a member of the Canton Baptist Church.
She was married in Livermore on July 24, 1937 to Seldon "Neal" Dailey, who survives of Canton. Other survivors include three daughters, Sharon Gaudin and her husband, Peter of Georgetown, Cynthia Thebarge and her husband, Wayne of Colchester, VT, Joanne Ball and her husband, Carl of Texas; two sisters, Nora Brackett and Gladys Lee of Turner; six grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
She was predeceased by a son, Arnold Dailey.
Margaret R. Phillips
RUMFORD - Margaret R. Phillips, 86, passed away on December 31, 2005 in Indianapolis, IN.
Formerly of 312 Franklin St., Margaret had resided at Westminster Village North for the past five years. She died of complications due to a stroke, after a long courageous battle with Alzheimer's.
She was born in Rumford on February 7, 1919, the sixth of eight, of Ashley and Annie Rafuse. Her parents had migrated from Parkdale, Nova Scotia in 1905.
In her early years, Margaret made a commitment of faith in Jesus Christ. While still attending high school, she began teaching Sunday School and singing in the choir at the First Baptist Church. She taught Sunday School and sang in the choir for over 50 years. As a high school student she enjoyed singing in the operetta, The Pirates of Penzance. She was a serious student and she graduated tenth in the Stephens Class of 1936.
On July 7, 1936, she married her high school sweetheart, Kenneth Murdock Phillips. Margaret devoted herself to her faith, family, friends, and love of Christian music. She was often "recruiting" for the choir.
Margaret was employed as a bookkeeper for Rafuse Oil Company for 35 years. She raised her children and when time allowed, she enjoyed sewing, woodworking, and photography. She encouraged her children and friends to pursue their inclinations to achieve. She especially enjoyed taking her family to Worthley Pond or Old Orchard Beach. She enjoyed her last visit to Old Orchard Beach in July of 2005, where she had a mini family reunion.
In her senior years, she continued to be active at her church, often driving distances to bring children to Sunday school. She encouraged people to sing; one such person was her granddaughter, Danielle, who developed as a vocalist, again singing of her faith. After the death of her husband, she spent a few winters in Florida with her sister, Millie Clark. When she closed her home in Rumford, she began living with her daughter in Tucson and visiting with her five children throughout the year. She celebrated her 80th birthday with a trip to Maui with Douglas and his family. In 2000, she settled at Westminster Village North in Indianapolis.
She is survived by her six children, David Phillips, MD and wife, Janice of Stratham, NH; Donn Phillips of Tucson, AZ; Linda Phillips Miller and husband, James of Indianapolis, IN; Dean Phillips and wife, Betty of Scio, NY; Douglas Phillips and wife, Davey of South Lake Tahoe, CA; and Margaret Ann Phillips of Tucson, AZ; two sisters, Cecilia Shurtleff of Gorham, and Charmaine Andrews of Auburn; 13 grandchildren, David L Phillips, II, MD., Dawn Mary Cyr, Deana Phillips Soper, Kenny Clements, Douglas Clements, Dennis Phillips, Dominique Phillips, Ashlee Miller, Danielle McCartney, Dean Phillips, Richard King, and Jason and Shawn Miller; several great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by a sister, Millie Mae Clark; and four brothers, Harvey A., William S., George N., and Raymond I. Rafuse.
Interment
will be in Demeritt Cemetery in the spring. If so desired contributions may be made in her memory to the Alzheimer's Association 163 Lancaster Suite 160B Portland, ME 04101, or to the Rumford Baptist Church Rumford, ME.
Lydia A. Fortin
LEWISTON -- Lydia A. Fortin, 72, of Meadowview Apartments, and formerly of Mexico, died early Wednesday morning July 2 at Central Maine Medical Center with her family at her side.
She was born in Rumford, November 3, 1930 a daughter of Henry O. and Philomene Arsenault. She was educated in Rumford schools and remained a resident of the Rumford-Mexico community prior to moving to Lewiston seven years ago.
She worked as a homemaker all her life as she raised her five children. She was a member of St. Theresa's Church for many years while living in Mexico and was a parishioner at Holy Family while living in Lewiston. She always liked doing a variety of crafts, including sewing, quilting and needlework, and watching the QVC channel on T.V. Being a devoted Catholic with a strong faith, she often watched religious television as well. She also enjoyed the family times with her children, grandchildren, brothers and sisters.
She leaves four daughters Joan Marino and husband Mark of Deerfield, NH, Paula Torla and husband David of Hudson, NH, Jane Terenzoni and husband Bryan of Greene, and Lynn Stevens of Dixfield; a son Jeffrey and his wife Connie of Lewiston; five grandchildren Kristin Stevens, Jessica and Aimee Fortin, Adrianna Belskis and Elizabeth Marino; two sisters Florence Blanchard of Peru and Alvine Arsenault of Rumford; three brothers Edward Arsenault and his wife Leanne of Rumford, Armand Arsenault and his wife Bette of Auburn and Gerald Arsenault also of Rumford, and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by one sister Anna Sirois and three brothers Euclide, Melvin and Lionel.
Robert D. "Bob" Anderson
RUMFORD -- Robert D. "Bob" Anderson, 83, died Monday, Aug. 18, 2003, at the Rumford Hospital. A lifelong resident of the Rumford area, he formerly resided on Cumberland St and was presently living at the Rumford Community Home.
He was born in Auburn, Me. on Mar. 9, 1920, a son of William and Ruth (Penley) Anderson, and graduated from Stephens High School in Rumford Class of 1938.
He worked in the finishing department of Boise Cascade Paper Co in Rumford until retirement in the early 1980's after more than 40 years.
Bob was a member of the Rumford United Methodist Church, Boise Cascade Paper Co 25 & 40 Year Club, Former member and past officer of the Rumford Maine Lodge # 862, B.P.O.E.
He was pre-deceased by his parents and a brother Everett Anderson and he is only survived by distant relatives.
Gertrude M. Hargis
RUMFORD -- Gertrude M. Hargis, 78, died on March 7, 2004 at her home on Oxford Avenue, Rumford.
She was born in Rumford on March 25, 1925, a daughter of Rosaire and Emerentienne (Tremblay) Nadeau. She graduated from Stephens High School in Rumford in the Class of 1943.
Gertrude had been employed as a physical therapist aid at the Rumford Hospital for more than 30 years until her retirement in 1985.
She was a Communicant of St. Athanasius-St. John Church and was a member of St. John Guild.
She was married in Portland Maine in 1944 to the late Wellington L. Hargis.
Survivors include two daughters, Julie Bresette and husband, Walter of Norway, Cindy McLeod and husband, Douglas of Pembroke Pines, FL; three sons, Paul Hargis of Tampa, FL, Michael Hargis and wife, Judy Lynn Freeman of Evanston, IL, and Peter Hargis of Salem, MA; a sister, Beatrice Welding of Rumford; two brothers, Francis Nadeau and wife, Lorraine of Rumford, and Robert Nadeau and wife, Yvonne of Rumford; five grandchildren, Audry and Jed Bresette of Norway, James Freeman-Hargis of Chicago, IL, Scott McLeod and wife, Julie of San Francisco, CA, and Sarah Hargis of Tampa, FL.
She was predeceased by two brothers, Raymond and Rosaire Nadeau, Jr.; a sister, Eleanor Newman; and a grandson, Matthew McLeod.
George "Puggy" Gallant
SPRINGFIELD, MA -- George "Puggy" Gallant of 84 Sunrise Terrace, died on June 6, 2004 after a courageous battle with cancer.
Born in Mexico, ME, he attended attended schools in Rumford and Mexico. He graduated in 1938 from Stephens High School. In his youth, he played and loved sports, excelling in football.
During World War II, he served in the Army Air Corps and was at Pearl Harbor when the Japanese attacked on Dec. 7, 1941. He served for the war's duration and received the Good Conduct Medal, the Pacific Theater Campaign Ribbon, and the American Defense Service Medal.
He completed his education after the war on the G.I. Bill. He earned his bachelor's degree from Franklin College in Indiana and a master's degree from Springfield College in Massachusetts.
George retired from the Springfield School Dept. in 1977, where he taught history and physical education.
Five of his teaching years were spent at Stephens High School in Rumford. He helped coach the victorious 1953 football team that won the state championship.
He was a communicant of Saint Catherine of Sienna Church in Springfield, MA. He was a member of the Pearl Harbor Attack Veterns of Chicopee, MA, and American Legion Post 277.
Puggy is survived by two daughters, Cheryl Troutman of Sebastian, FL, and Gloria De Flumere of Chicopee; two granddaughters, Erin and Kaylan De Flumere of Chicopee; two brothers, Walter "Butsey" Gallant of Rumford and John "Pete" Gallant of Ellenton, FL.
He is also survived by three sisters, Doris Gallant of Rumford, Rita Perry of Brunswick and Ida Luther of Roxbury.
George was predeceased by his wife of 56 years, Delores (Keith) Gallant, who died in 2003; and four brothers, Alfred, Edward, Ernest and Clarence Gallant.
A ritual of Christian buriel was read at Saint Catherine of Sienna Church and he was buried beside his wife, Delores in the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Agawam, MA.
He was deeply loved and will be sorely missed.
Arlene J. Duguay
MEXICO - Arlene J. Duguay, 69, of Swett Avenue in Mexico, died on December 4, 2005 at Rumford Hospital following an extended illness.
She was born in Mexico on December 6, 1935, a daughter of Louis T. and Vera H. (Anderson) Allen. Arlene was educated in Mexico Schools and was a graduate of Mexico High School Class of 1954.
She was a communicant of St. Theresa's Catholic Church. She enjoyed gardening, knitting and cooking.
Surviving are her beloved husband of 49 years, Pearley A. Duguay; a son, Wayne A. Duguay and wife, Nancy of Spruce Head; a daughter, Jodie L. Grant and husband, John of Mexico; a brother, Maurice R. Allen and wife, Clara of Mexico; three grandchildren, Jennifer Rose Duguay, Kurt David Duguay, and Kenneth John Grant, and many nieces and nephews.
The Duguay family would like to say a special thank you to the nurses for the loving care given to Arlene during her many visits to the hospital.
Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, December 8, 2005 from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at SG Thibault Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10 a.m. Friday, December 9, 2005 at St. Theresa's Catholic Church. Should friends desire contributions in her memory may be made to the Rumford Hospital, 420 Franklin St., Rumford, ME 04276.
Gerard George Coulombe
DIXFIELD - Gerard George Coulombe, 57 died unexpectedly on January 11 2006 at his home on 105 Averill Hill Rd.
He was the eldest son born to Marjorie Gautreau and Vito Lionel Coulombe on May 11, 1948. He graduated from Stephens High School Class of 1967.
He received a degree in Culinary Arts while living in Connecticut. After returning to Maine, he attended CMVTI majoring in Carpentry and Husson College majoring in Business.
On January 13, 1973, he married the love of his life Cindie L. Wright and instantly became a dad to Jacquelynn Elaine. Three years later, his daughter Trinity Dawn was born. He taught us the values, and the gift of love, life and laughter. Thank you.
Gerard was never happier than when he was with his family. The countless hours spent hunting fishing, the bocce games that would go till dark and the card games that wouldn't end until the sun came up, much to the joy of family and friends.
Daddy my sweet Daddy I miss you, I'll Love you always. (TW)
He chose to live though the odds were against him due to the cards he was dealt. He taught those who knew him To Love and To Live. We sure will miss him and the smiles he would give.
He spoke badly of no one. He gave without counting the cost, to those who knew him, will miss him endlessly. The Blessing it has been for one and all to have had a chance to know the man.
Gerard was the kindest, gentlest, sweetest, giving man that ever walked the face of the Earth. His presence lit up the room, and I'm not just saying this because he is my brother. He was so much more. He was my most trusted confident, and my best friend!
My hero, I will wait to see you, In the presence of God. I love you more Gerard, Your Sister, Sheila J. Delamater.
Survivors include his wife Cindie; a daughter, Jacquelynn and her daughter, Kathryn Child; a daughter, Trinity and husband, Matheau Wilson and sons Trever and Bryce; his father, Vito Coulombe Sr. of Rumford; a sister, Sheila and husband, Roland Delamater of West Paris; brothers Robert and wife, Cindy of Winthrop, David of Rumford, Vito and wife, Melody of Rumford, Michael and wife, Rae Jean of Rumford, and Chester and wife, Charlotte of Wayne; a special sister-in-law, Ruthann Coulombe; and several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his eldest sister, Susan Rose; and his mother, Marjorie Alice Coulombe.
In lieu of flowers, and in memory of Gerard, please make donations at Oxford Federal Credit Union, "The Gerard Coulombe's Grandchildren College Fund."
Eileen J. Goins
BRUNSWICK - Eileen J. Goins, 69, of Brunswick, died on April 7, 2006, at a local hospital.
She was born in Rumford on March 6, 1937, a daughter of Wallace and June Richards Bowden.
She worked as an administrator for the U.S. Civil Service for many years, including positions with the Central Intelligence Agency in Washington, DC and Supervisor of Shipbuilding in Bath.
She was a solitary, gentle person who required very little to enjoy life. She enjoyed the company of her dogs and cats who brought much meaning to her life. She also displayed dogs at shows around the country.
She is survived by two cousins, Norman and Jean Richards of Pueblo, Colorado; a sister in law, Barbara Bowden of Oklahoma; and a close friend, Sally Alexander of Wiscasset.
She is predeceased by her son, John Goins; and two brothers, Richard and Park Bowden.
Kathryn "Katie" Averill
DIXFIELD -- Kathryn "Katie" T. Averill, 72, of Dixfield, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday July 3, 2003 with her family by her side.
She was born April 7, 1931, the daughter of the late Hollis and Thelma (Crocker) Tyler. She was educated in Dixfield schools and graduated from Dixfield High School, Class of 1949. She continued her education and earned her R.N. by taking nurses training at Rumford Hospital; Concord State Hospital, Concord, NH; and Providence, Rhode Island.
She worked 10 years at Memorial Hospital in Belle Glade, Florida and another 10 years at the clinic in West Palm Beach, Florida. She also worked at the Cozy Inn at Rumford and the Dixfield Nursing Home. She retired from Boise Cascade in 1996.
On Sept. 11, 1951, she married Lester Averill. She was a member of the Dixfield Congregational Church. Gardening, reading and volunteering were among her most treasured interests.
She is survived by her husband, Lester, of Dixfield; two sons: Lester N. Averill III and his wife, Karen of Philadalphia, PA; David H. Averill and his wife, Sandy of Rochester, NH; two grandsons: Ben and Jake Averill of Rochester, NH; three sisters: Kathy Cushman of Wiscasset; Holly Cochran of Hawaii and Joy Pierce of Dixfield; two brothers; Hollis Tyler of Wilton and Wallis Tyler of Weld; an uncle, cousins, nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her sister, Elizabeth T. Conant.
George E. Averill, Sr.
BOSTON, MA -- George E. Averill, Sr., 70, of Carthage, died on May 31, 2004 at a Boston hospital.
He was born in Jay, Feb. 13, 1934, a son of Lester and Rachel (Hiltz) Averill. He received his education in local schools.
On Nov. 14, 1958, he married Glennis Brown in Carthage.
Mr. Averill was a veteran, having served in the United States Army and had been a woodsman for many years.
He was a member of the Dixfield American Legion and Le Paresseux Snowshoe Club of Rumford.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Glennis of Carthage; his children, George Averill, Jr. and his companion, Timia Seager of Carthage, Jackie Barton and her husband, Keller of Peru, Barry Averill and his wife, Pam of Carthage, Leann Bradbury and her husband, Danny of Carthage, Claude Averill and his wife, Carol of Dixfield, and Jillette Tyler and her husband, Daryl of Canton; two brothers, Lester Averill of Dixfield, and Lynn T. Averill and his wife, Evelyn of Dixfield; a sister, Claudia Emery of Dixfield; 13 grandchildren and one great grandchild.
He was predeceased by a daughter, Pauline; and a sister, Betty Curtis.
Arthur E. Abbott
NORWAY -- Arthur E. Abbott, 77, died Friday, August 22, 2003 at Stephen's Memorial Hospital, Norway, Maine. He had resided on Hill Street, So. Paris, Me. the past 10 years and was formerly of Dover, N.H. and Rumford, Me.
He was born in Rumford, Me. June 28, 1926, a son of Clyde and Myrtle (Glover) Abbott, and had attended Rumford schools. During WW-II he served as a T-5, US Army 10th Corps from 1941-1946 including the So. Pacific and Philippines.
Mr Abbott was employed as a construction carpenter all his life working with many companies doing work at Air Force Bases all over the country before going to Civil Engineering at Pease Air Force Base in New Hampshire. He also worked at different paper companies and schools with companies during construction until retirement in 1989.
He was a Life Member of Floyd Harlow VFW Post # 9787, So. Paris; Member So. Paris American Legion Post #72; Life Member Portsmouth N.H. Chapter # 4, DAV; Member of the North American Hunting Club; and he loved the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing.
Survivors include his son Larry Abbott of Hampton, N.H.; a granddaughter Jessica Lynn Abbott of Auburn, Me.; and was predeceased by an infant son Greg Abbott in 1955, a sister Eris Thurlow in 2000, and a brother-in-law Walter Thurlow in 1999.
Harriet Coombs Oldham
WESTFORD, MA -- Harriet Coombs Oldham, 76, died on March 11, 2004 at her daughter Julie Silton's home in Westford, MA.
She was born to Ellen Trufant and George Coombs in Topsham, ME on Jan. 23, 1928. The family later moved to Solon, ME where Harriet graduated from Solon High School. She went on to school at Farmington State Teacher's College, graduating in 1950.
She taught briefly at Canton Elementary where she also coached basketball and went on to teach at Peru Elementary, teaching 4th grade there for over 20 years. She also earned masters degrees both in psychology and elementary education.
She married John Bryant Oldham of Rumford on July 3, 1949 in Solon, ME and settled into the home that they built together on Worthley Pond where they raised their three daughters.
Upon retiring from teaching, Harriet enjoyed community life by quilting with the Ladies of the Lake, being active as a member of the Dixfield Congregational Church, the Order of the Eastern Star, the Canton Fish and Game, and a local square dancing club.
Most of all, Harriet enjoyed her children and grandchildren and traveling the country with her husband, often on the back of his motorcycle. During the years, Harriet and John traveled to every state in the union; 49 on motorcycle and finally flying to Hawaii. They were happily married for 46 years until John passed away in September of 1995.
Harriet Oldham is survived by two sisters, Connie Hopkins and her husband, Don of Solon, ME, Shirley Jordan of Sun City, FL, and a brother, Richard Coombs and his wife, Nancy of Saco. An older sister, Lois Sicket, recently passed away.
Harriet is also survived by her three daughters, Dr. Sheridan Oldham and her husband, Ernest Gilbert of Waterville, Julie Silton of Westford, MA, and Nancy O. DeMilner of Peru, ME. Harriet has six grandchildren, David Silton and his wife Sherry and Aaron Silton, both marines, Rachel Silton, Shayna Silton, Kyle DeMilner and his wife, Chrissy, and Max DeMilner; and a brother and sister-in-law, Ralph and Mildred Oldham.
She will be missed by her family and many friends.
Donald B. Carver, Sr.
MEXICO - Donald B. Carver, Sr., 70, of Swift River Road, passed away Sunday evening December 4, 2005 at the Rumford Hospital after a long illness, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born August 18, 1935 in Rumford, a son of Harry and Clyda (Barry) Carver. He lived in the Mexico community most of his life. He was educated in the Mexico school system and graduated from Mexico High School Class of 1953.
He was a veteran of the US Army having served from 1953 - 1956. He was a member of the American Legion.
Donald was the State of Maine Representative of the Ostomy Association and President of the local chapter.
Donald was an avid and talented woodworker and gardener, who touched many peoples' lives with the things he built and grew from his garden.
Donald worked at the Rumford Paper Mill for 36 years, retiring from the maintenance department on January 3, 1994.
Donald was a passionate family man who took great care and pride in raising his five children and 13 grandchildren.
He is survived by his loving wife, Mildred (Hebert) Carver of 51 years, whom he married in 1954; two sons, Donald B. Carver, Jr. and wife, Penny of Peru, and Raymond G. Carver and wife, Ann of Mexico; three daughters, Lisa Saxe and husband, Matthew of Columbia City, Oregon, Sarah Bolduc and husband, Noel of Mexico, and Nora Stanley and husband, Kevin of Peru; two sisters, Alice Gallant of Worcester, MA, and Barbara Naillis of Meridan, CT; three brothers, Harry Carver, Sr. and wife, Alice of Mexico, Harold Carver of Bethel, and Raymond Carver of Mexico; 13 grandchildren, Brandon Carver, Bryce Carver, Garret Carver, Carly Saxe, Kyle Saxe, Brian Saxe, Connor "Waldo" Saxe, Ryan Knapp, Serena Knapp, Curtis Bolduc, Hanna Stanley, Mitchell Stanley and Wyatt Carver; and many nieces, nephews and friends.
He was predeceased by his parents; and a sister, Estelle Hobson.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, December 7, 2005 at St. Theresa's Catholic Church. Interment
will be in the spring. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his memory to the Alpha I Foundation, 2937 SW 27th Ave., Suite 302, Miami, FL 33133-9836.
Joy R. Schoefmann
KEENE, NH - Joy R. Schoefmann, 47, of Keene, NH, died January 19, 2006 at the Cheshire Medical Center after a long battle with cancer.
Joy was born in Rumford, ME in 1958, the daughter of Robert and June (Ellis) Nisbet. After her graduation from Rumford High School in 1976, she moved to Keene and worked for MPB for a number of years where she met her future husband, Bob.
She and Bob married and it soon became clear that the real passion in Joy's life was her family. She loved children and after the birth of her first child, she established a small child-care practice in her home. She later went on to become the Child Care Coordinator for Lady of America in Keene.
Joy will be most remembered by many people as a committed volunteer in Keene. She was worked tirelessly for the Cub Scouts as Den Leader, Committee Chair, and other capacities, always bringing a spark of fun into whatever needed to be done.
The boys who passed through Pack 16 in those years will not soon forget Joy leading the cheers at pack meetings or doing the Chicken at Camp Carpenter. She also worked hard with the PTA at the Wheelock School, and after her diagnosis with cancer five years ago, brought the same level of energy and passion to the local Relay for Life fundraising effort.
Joy and Bob enjoyed many activities together which also included participating in Auto Rallies in the semi-competitive division of the Sports Car Club of America.
She is survived by her sons, Ian, Duncan, and William Schoefmann of Keene. She also leaves behind her brothers and sisters, Robert Nisbet, Holly LeCours, Mr. and Mrs. Berl Nisbet of Maine, Cynthia Nisbet of Arizona, Mr. and Mrs. Harold Nisbet of Pennsylvania; nieces and nephews, Jennie-Mae, Jon, Mary, Derrick, Tom, Denis, Melissa, Celia, Julie, great nephews Coyote and Asher. She was pre-deceased just one year ago by her husband, Robert Schoefmann.
Funeral services will be held for Mrs. Schoefmann on Thursday at 10 a.m. at the Pilgrim Pines Center, West Swanzey, NH Rev. Paul Cullity will officiate. Friends are invited to call on Wednesday from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8:30 p.m. at the Fletcher Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 33 Marlboro St., Keene, NH.
Spring burial will take place in the family lot in Chesterfield West Cemetery, Chesterfield, NH
The family has asked that, in lieu of flowers, contributions be made in Joy's memory to the Ian and Duncan Schoefmann Trust. Contributions may be sent to Edward Jones 225 Main St., Brattleboro, VT 05301.
