Obituaries

Norma Jean Surrette Jowdry, 70, of East Millinocket, Maine, passed peacefully at home on November 10, 2025, surrounded by her family. She was born in Millinocket, Maine, on August 5, 1955. She was the daughter of Jean Toussaint Surrette Nicholson and the late Norman Surrette. She was also raised by Bill...

Robert L. LeBlanc, 85, was called home to be with his Lord and Savior, Friday, November 7, 2025, surrounded by his loving family at the Maine Veteran's Home in Caribou.
Friends are invited to visit with the family on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Mockler Funeral Home, 24 Reservoir St., Caribou. A...

Wilfred Leroy Priest passed away on November 6, 2025. A full obituary available at: obituaries.observer-me.com.

Thomas A. Cahill Jr., 62, passed away on November 6, 2025, at his home. He was born on December 1, 1962, in Lincoln, the beloved son of Thomas Arthur Sr. and Constance (Richard) Cahill.
Tom found joy and entertainment in many activities and things throughout his life. When he was younger, he would often be found...

Thelma Woodman Lafferty, 90, passed away peacefully at a Bangor Nursing Home on October 30, 2025. She was born on May 17, 1935, the daughter of Laurence and Rene (Bailey) Bernardini.
Thelma was employed through GTE Sylvania. She enjoyed camping and playing bingo.
Thelma was predeceased by her first husband, Lysle...

Melda Mary Brandt Newman, Ph.D., born October 4, 1943, to Edward and Mary (Mitchell) Brandt of Delaware, died September 1, 2025.
Melda earned degrees at Vassar, the University of Delaware and the University of North Carolina. Prior to marrying Michael W. Newman in 1982, then Dr. Brandt was an assistant professor of...

Nadine M. Orski Millett, 80, of Leesburg, FL, formerly of Brewer, ME, passed away suddenly on November 2, 2025.
Born in Brooklyn, NY, she taught Business and Technology for 37 years, including 25 at John Bapst Memorial High School and Husson University. She was Maine's Teacher of the Year (1979) and Business Teacher...

James "Jamie" A. Dufour, 62, died unexpectedly November 5, 2025, at his beloved camp. He was born November 13, 1962, in Bangor a son of Peter Paul and Sara Jane (Pearson) Dufour.
Jamie was an avid outdoorsman who found his greatest peace in nature - whether he was hunting, fishing, or spending cherished time at Howe...

Dr. William J. Airey, a devoted husband and father, cherished grandfather, and respected optometrist and veteran, passed away peacefully on November 6, 2025, at home after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer's disease. He was 81 years old.
Bill was born on June 7, 1944, in Portland, the youngest child of...

David "Dave" Leroy Cook Sr., 84, passed away on November 5, 2025, in Bangor, Maine. Dave was born in Eastport, Maine, in 1941, the son of Frederick E. Cook and Jane Clement Cook, and was predeceased by his brother, Frederick W. Cook.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Katherine L. MacDonald Cook; daughter, Kathy...

Thomas Irvine, 63, passed away October 11, 2025. A complete obituary will be published in the spring. Condolences to the family may be expressed at SimpleCremationofMaine.com.

Roy Nadeau, brother and Army veteran, passed away on November 4, 2025, at the age of 62 in Bangor, Maine, after a courageous battle with cancer.
He was a talented carpenter and his favorite activities included hunting and fishing.
Roy is survived by his brother, Gerard Nadeau of Newburgh; his sisters, Tracy...

Rupert George Lyon Jr., 90, passed peacefully in his sleep at home on October 30, 2025. He was born November 26, 1934, the son of Rupert and Anne Lyon of Orono.
Rupert grew up in Orono and graduated from Orono High School in 1953, where he excelled at sports; lettering in 5 varsity sports all four years. The...

Mike's three girls' hearts were shattered on Saturday, October 25, 2025, with the unexpected death of our father. Although we are devastated, we understand that our loss is Marlene's gain.
Michael Rand Stanley was born in Medway, Maine, on April 25, 1948, in the middle of the pack to Carroll and Emma (Lee) Stanley's...

Jack Edwin Jadwin, 81, of Rotonda West, Florida, passed away peacefully in his sleep on October 31, 2025. Born on December 22, 1943, in Lowville, New York, Jack was the son of Frank Edwin Jadwin and Dorothy Elizabeth Atwell.
Jack attended Lowville Academy and Central School before continuing his education at SUNY...

Suellen Thompson Jagels, the eldest of four sisters and one brother, passed away on October 31, 2025. She was born on May 26, 1940, in Chicago, Illinois, the daughter of William and Marion (DeSutter) Thompson.
After completing high school in West Chicago, she attended the University of Illinois, where she earned...

Richard "Dick" Parker, 80, passed away October 28, 2025, surrounded by family. Dick lived a life defined by quiet strength, kindness, and purpose. He was known for his gentle nature, sense of humor and wit, steady presence, and his unwavering determination in everything he did. Intelligent, humble, and endlessly...

Mary Jane Williams, 88, has passed away on October 27, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones. She was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the daughter of Ernest and Mary Orme.
Mary Jane was raised in the greater Philadelphia area and began her working career as a nurse and then became a Pastor's wife, serving in...

Marjorie J. Call was born January 7, 1940. She passed November 1, 2025. She has been longing to be with her husband, Kenneth Call, since his passing in 2022.
She leaves behind her sons, Mark Call of Bangor, David and Patti Call of Hermon; sister-in-law, Patricia Conant; nephews, Scott and Jason Conant; a special...

John Andrews Root Sr. passed away on October 30, 2025. He was born during a blizzard at his parent's home in West Hartford, CT, on February 15, 1926. He was the son of Dr. Maurice T. Root and Dr. Sophie A. Root.
He attended local schools, then Loomis School in Windsor, CT, for four years graduating in 1943. He...

Anita M. Tarr, 97, died November 2, 2025, at the Aroostook House of Comfort in Presque Isle. She was born at home in Perham, April 29, 1928, the daughter of the late Harry and Leona (Roy) Dickinson.
Anita attended Washburn, Caribou, and Freeport High Schools. Her first job was as a telephone operator in Presque...

Berton L. Taggette, 76, peacefully passed away November 1, 2025, at his home with his family at his side, following a short illness. He was born January 4, 1949, in St. Francis, a son of the late Roy and Alphena (Michaud) Taggette.
He enlisted with the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and served in Vietnam as a...

In the early hours of October 13, 2025, my beloved Les slipped away from us into the loving arms of his Lord. Unique, multi-gifted, his sense of humor never left him, creating laughs and giggles as long as he was able.
He was born September 19, 1940, the eldest son of James William and Aina Myers. He grew up with...

It is with a heavy heart we announce the passing of our mother, Sally Ann (Augherton) Taylor on October 28, 2025. Relatives and friends are welcome to call from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, November 7, 2025, at the Family Reception Center of Brookings-Smith, 163 Center St. in Bangor. For a full obituary and to leave...

Beloved mother, grandmother, teacher of teachers, and lifelong inspirer, Carol R. Findell, née Carol Ann Reed, of Belmont, Massachusetts, died peacefully on October 25, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She is in the care of Short, Williamson & Diamond Funeral Home. For a full obituary and service information,...

Thomas "Tom" Lewis Saucier, of Mars Hill, Maine, passed away in his home on October 31, 2025. He was born in Presque Isle on May 11, 1935, to Eola (Wilson) Saucier.
Tom was raised by his mother and her sisters, Peggy and Faye, in the family home, which also served Mars Hill as the York Street Hospital. He graduated...

Jack W. Hamblen Jr. passed on October 28, 2025, with his loving family by his side. Jack was born in Castine on New Year's Day 1945 to May and Jack W. Hamblen Sr. of Deer Isle, Maine.
He leaves behind his loving and faithful wife of 59 years, Audrey; daughters, Deborah and partner, Walter, and Darleen; and son, Jack...

Rachelle Bourque Hunt passed away in Greenville, Maine, on Saturday, October 11, 2025.
She was many things in her life, most notably a talented wildlife artist and a Maine Guide, two things she would be delighted to be remembered as. She was an adventuress, and there was nothing that she wouldn't dare tackle if it...

Lee Lawrence Thibodeau, 74, passed away peacefully at his home with Holly by his side on October 23, 2025. Lee was born on October 1, 1951, in Presque Isle, Maine, to Audrey Bishop Thibodeau and Lawrence Alfred Thibodeau.
When Lee was four, he started skiing at a small ski area named Quoggy Joe in Presque Isle. His...

Lynn Ann (Colley) Call, 67, of Bangor, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025, with her loving husband and cherished car by her side. Lynn was born February 7, 1958, in Bangor, the daughter of Ronald and Lucille (Jamieson) Colley.
She graduated from John Bapst High School in 1976 and from the Maine Law...

Stephen Webster Bowden passed away peacefully on October 26, 2025, following several weeks of medical complications. Steve was born May 8, 1954, to Eugene and Esther Bowden. He was a lifelong resident of Bucksport, Maine, a community he quietly gave back to in many ways.
Steve graduated from Bucksport High School in...

Avis May (Curry) Cantafio, 97, was born May 12, 1928, to George and Viola (Davenport) Curry in Limestone, Maine. She came from a large and loving family and often spoke fondly of her family in a small Maine town surrounded by her many siblings. She passed away Oct. 25, 2025.
Avis graduated from Limestone High School...

Donald Gerard Fournier died on Friday, October 24, 2025, and is on his healing journey to eternal life. He was born on February 25, 1960, the son of Donald J. and Lauretta (Blier) Fournier.
People who know Don know that he had an exceptional work ethic, was a volunteer extraordinaire, had a generous heart, and was...

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Penelope "Penny" J. Verow on October 18, 2025, in Newburyport, MA, at age 78.
Born in Walthamstow, England, on September 12, 1947, Penny came to the United States at nine years old and lived in Lake Ronkonkoma, NY, until she moved to Bangor, Maine, as an adult. There she...

Patricia "Pat" Hersey Ingalls, loving wife, mother and grandmother died quietly in Bangor, Maine, after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease on October 22, 2025. She was 82 years old.
Pat grew up in Aroostook County with her parents Ruby and Laurence S. Pat was a fun-loving child who loved taking dance lessons,...

David "Dave" E. Honey Sr., 97, passed away peacefully on October 29, 2025, at the Maine Veteran's Home in Bangor, where he had been a resident since September 2020. He was born June 27, 1928, in Veazie, the son of Edward B. and Gertrude (Welch) Honey.
Dave attended high school at Lee Academy. From 1950 to 1954, he...

Dwight Carrol Whitney Sr. passed away peacefully surrounded by family at the Maine Veterans' Home in Bangor on October 27, 2025. Son of Ralph B. and Eunice (Moody) Whitney, born in Jonesboro on November 9, 1926.
Dwight was deeply beloved by all family, friends, and colleagues. He married the love of his life,...

It is with deep sorrow for the passing of Wayne F. Brilliant on October 21, 2025. He was born on January 16, 1943, to the parents of Randolph and Catherine (Freeman) Brilliant, and the husband of Bonnie (Corrigan) Brilliant and their son, Peter Stephen Michaud and his fiancée, Gayle Cormier.
Wayne was a graduate of...

Jean A. Sawtelle, age 85, of Springfield, Maine, passed away peacefully on October 20, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Jean was born February 11, 1940, in Springfield, the 12th child of Austin and Gertrude (Orr) Ham.
Jean graduated from Lee Academy in 1958 and went on to graduate from Eastern Academy of...

Ronald W. Severance, age 73, died unexpectedly of a stroke Thursday, October 23, 2025, at Maine Medical Center, Portland. He was born in Bangor, ME, on March 10, 1952, a son of the late Vinal D. and Iona V. (Higgins) Severance.
Mr. Severance was a graduate of Brewer High School and earned a bachelor's degree from...

Katherine Margaret Johnson (Frederick), affectionately known as "Kathy," passed away peacefully in her sleep surrounded by loved ones on the morning of Saturday, October 25, 2025. Her death resulted from complications of dementia. Born on November 19, 1957, in Houlton, Maine, she was the daughter of Joseph and Ann...

C. Jeanette Gordon died Oct. 21, 2025, at her home in Bucksport with loving family at her side, after a brief illness. She was born Dec. 13, 1928, at her maternal grandparents' home in Brownville Junction, the second child and oldest daughter of Beulah Chapter Hanson and Fred Hanson.
Jeanette spent her early years...

Michelle K. McGowan, of Arvada, Colorado, and Bangor, Maine, passed away peacefully on June 17, 2025, after a brief illness and stay in hospice care.
Born in Cambridge, MA, on June 21, 1946, to Herman E. King of Old Town, ME, and Priscilla W. King of Hopedale, MA, Michelle was raised in a military family, which...

Carl Wilhelm Stecher Jr., died peacefully with family by his side on October 22, 2025, at Ross Manor, his residence for the past 14 months. He was born at home in Alloway, NJ, on July 22, 1935, the second of 5 children to parents, Carl W. Stecher Sr. and Ida (Swanson) Stecher.
Carl grew up on a farm in Jefferson,...

It is with much sadness that we say goodbye to Andrea Paul, a beautiful lady inside and out. Andrea passed away on Oct. 10, 2025, in her home with friends and family by her side. Born on April 7, 1942, in Taunton, Massachusetts, she was 83 years young.
An intimate celebration of life was held with family and...

Mitchell B. Bernier, 87, husband of Gaetane "Gaye" (Theriault) Bernier, passed away Thursday morning, October 23, 2025, at his Limestone home following a brief illness. He was born March 23, 1938, in Caswell, the son of Francis and Virginia (Curless) Bernier.
Mitchell attended Caswell and Limestone schools, and was...

Thomas Brown, 72, died October 22, 2025. Friends may call 12-1 p.m. Thursday, October 30, at Bowers Funeral Home, 10 Water Street, Houlton, with funeral services being held at 1 p.m. Interment will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Houlton. A complete obituary will be in Tuesday's edition of the Bangor Daily News. Bowers...

Richard Edward Barringer, cabinet member for three Maine governors and public policy educator, died on October 20, 2025. Richard passed away peacefully in his home near Portland's waterfront with his much-loved wife by his side, and after a weekend with his cherished sons. He was a passionate champion for Maine's...

Stella Deschaine, 93, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, October 21, 2025. Stella was born in Ft. Kent on March 22, 1932, the daughter Remie and Laura (Charette) Levesque.
During Stella's childhood, she grew up in Eagle Lake. She met Arnold Deshaine and was married on September 12, 1949. In 1955,...

Sheila R. (Scripture) Lewia passed away October 20, 2025. She was born on October 31, 1944, in Bangor, the daughter of the late Merle and Florence Scripture.
She graduated from Brewer High School in 1963. On September 28, 1963, she married the love of her life, John G. Lewia.
Along with her husband, she leaves...

Timothy "Tim" Lane, 68, passed away unexpectedly at home on October 15, 2025. He was born in Bangor, Maine, on June 14, 1957.
Tim enjoyed life at his farmhouse taking care of his animals. He was a true animal lover.
Tim is survived by his mother, Ellen McKenna Lane of Veazie, ME; his brother, Joseph Galen Lane and...

The Brewer community has lost a well-known and beloved character. Stephenie Amber Snowman (Ruhlin), 58, passed away on Oct. 18, 2025, at Northern Light Hospital in Bangor. Born on May 17, 1967, to her late parents, Stephen Snowman Sr. and Shelley Snowman.
She leaves behind her two brothers, Stephen Jr. and Brigham...

Joseph Harry Ewings, 56, went home to be with his Lord on October 21, 2025, at his home. He was born on October 5, 1969, in Houlton, the son of Harold Ewings and Gail Blinn.
Joe was a devoted husband and father who took an active role in every part of his children's lives. He could always be found cheering them on...

Darlene J. (Bates) Randlett, 67, passed away on October 16, 2025, with her family by her side. She was born on February 21, 1958, in Hartland, ME, the daughter of Herbert J. and Beulah A. (Wilder) Bates.
In addition to her parents, Darlene was predeceased by her brothers, Leslie and Norman Bates; sister, Charlotte...

Arthur's long, eventful life came to a peaceful and loving close on Sunday, October 19, 2025 - a beautiful day in his favorite season. He was born almost a century ago in the living room of his family home in East Millinocket, Maine, the sixth of eleven children born to Medway native Charlotte M. (York) and Alcide...

Richard Parks Anderson passed away in Portland, ME, on October 9, 2025. Richard was a jokester, a dreamer, a guitarist, composer, an inventor, an entrepreneur, an art lover, a progressive, and a world traveler. He will be deeply missed by his global network of family and friends.
He was born in Muskogee, OK, on...

Darlene (Swett) Manzo died peacefully on October 4, 2025. She was 78 years old.
A celebration of life will be held at Park East Villas in Bangor. A graveside remembrance will be held 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, at St. Mark's Cemetery, Ashland. In lieu of flowers, donations for a scholarship to be awarded to an...

Sheila Mills Kirby passed away peacefully on October 16, 2025, in Savannah, Georgia, surrounded by the people she loved. She was born in Lac-Mégantic, Quebec, Canada, on June 28, 1955, to Ernest and Ivy Mills.
A proud graduate of Penquis Valley High School and the University of Maine at Machias, Sheila then...

MSgt. Roger H. Farren, Ret., passed away on October 15, 2025, at the age of 79, due to multiple medical conditions related to exposure to Agent Orange. He was born in Castine, ME, on November 25, 1945.
Roger attended Bucksport High School, where he was chosen to participate in the All-State Choir all 4 years and was...

Germaine M. Albair, 100, passed away peacefully October 13, 2025, at Caribou. She was born in Frenchville on February 26, 1925, the daughter of the late Joseph and Regina (Gagnon) Bouchard.
Germaine grew up in a large and loving family being one of 13 children. In her early years the family moved to Caribou. After...

Charlotte M. Brennan, 73, of Bangor, passed away peacefully on October 4, 2025. Born on December 19, 1951, she was the daughter of Eric Brennan and Priscilla Brennan.
Charlotte is survived by her sister, Kathleen (Brennan) Baldacci of Bangor, ME; her daughters, Tamson and her husband, Dennis Tracy, of Leland, NC,...

Royal Leonard Goheen, 90, died peacefully on September 28, 2025, in Kennebunk, Maine. He was born in Bottineau, North Dakota, in 1935 to Royal W. and Erma Peterson Goheen, and raised in the prairie towns of Souris, Plaza, and Kensal.
In 1957 he earned his bachelors at University of North Dakota and started his...