OBITUARIES for Thursday, April 9, 2026

ALIDA M. BELANGER

OAKLAND – Alida Marie Belanger (Boutin), 90, passed away on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at the home of her daughter, in Vassalboro. Alida was born on June 29, 1935, in Saint-Martin, Québec, Canada, the daughter of Cleophas Boutin and Anaïs Jolin, of St. René, Québec.

She was one of 16 siblings.

Alida grew up working on her family’s turnip farm, in Canada. She enjoyed hunting rabbit and catching partridge with her own innovative traps, often selling them to local restaurants. She loved sharing stories about her cherished pet pig. She also designed and sewed most of her own dresses, creations her sisters often admired and requested for themselves.

At the age of 20, Alida emmigrated to Maine where she began working at Volmer’s Nursing Home, in Vassalboro, before moving on to the C. F. Hathaway Shirt Company, in Waterville. She later married and divorced, then built a beautiful life raising her five children independently, always keeping them connected to their Canadian roots through frequent visits.

Alida was never afraid of hard work. She retired from Scott Paper Company, in Winslow, where she held a variety of roles over the years, from pulling logs from the river in her early days to working as a forklift operator and performing general mill work later in her career. Anyone who knew Alida from the mill shared fond memories and kind words, often telling stories of her incredible work ethic and offering cautionary tales about never trying to “turn wrists” with her. It was her proud bragging right that she could beat anyone at arm wrestling, whether at Scott Paper or the VFW.

Alida carried her passion for sewing well into her adult life, always sewing dresses and pajamas for her grandchildren. If there wasn’t a table covered in fabric, there was likely a kitchen table full of crêpes that she loved making for her grandchildren and anyone who stopped by. If you couldn’t find her inside, she was sure to be found outside tending to her beautifully kept garden from dawn until long after dusk – one of her proudest accomplishments and rightfully so.

She was known for her silly antics, her French slang, and her unique catchphrases, often teasing her grandchildren that she was going to “throw them in the rubbish.” Not a single summer passed without berry picking with her crew of little “scarecrows” in tow – all the grandchildren dressed in straw hats, oversized plaid shirts with rolled-up sleeves, and slathered in Skin-So-Soft.

She is survived by her five children, son, Danny Belanger and his partner Darlene, of Waterville, daughter, Lynda Watson and her husband Don, of Vassalboro, son, Tony Belanger and his wife Cherri, of Vassalboro, son, Randy Belanger, of Oakland, and daughter, Tracy Belanger, of Largo, Florida; grandchildren and great-grandchildren, step-grandson Derek Harris, Monica Belanger and her daughter Indie Alida Belanger, Asia Watson and her twins, Grayson and Maisie Libby, Damian Belanger and his wife Courtney and their daughters Lily and Lucy Belanger, Cameron Casey, Abigail Watson, and Abbey Prescott.

She was predeceased by her parents and siblings, Alphonsine (late Edmond Jolin), Alphonse (late Rose Jolin), André (late Thérèse Morin), Annette (late Lucien Landry), Alfreda (late Fernand Poulin), Arthur (late Cécile Grenier), Antonio (Violette Grenier), Armande (late Fernand Lessard), Alexandrine (late Lauréat Morin), Anne-Marie (late Grégoire Morin), Antonia (late Joseph Bisson), Albertine (late Maurice Bolduc), and Albert, and survived by Absolon (Patricia Beaulieu) and Ange-Emile (late Lise Beaudoin); as well as many cousins; nieces, and nephews.

A graveside service will be held at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, 78 Grove St., Waterville at a later date, to be announced.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm St., Waterville. An online guestbook may be signed; condolences and memories shared at http://www.gallantfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to MaineGeneral Home Care and Hospice, 10 Water St., Suite 307, Waterville, ME 04903-0828. Donations may also be made to Safe Haven Humane Society, P.O. Box 91, Wells, ME 04090.

GERALD PELTON SR.

WEEKS MILLS – Gerald “Jerry” Pelton Sr., 86, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, March 27, 2026, following a brief illness. He was born on January 2, 1940, in Waterville, the son of Roscoe E. and Bertha E. (Brooks) Pelton.

He worked for the State of Maine Department of Transportation in Augusta for 16 years, after proudly serving in the Maine Army National Guard for six years. He owned and operated Jerry’s & Sons Service and Oil Company, on Route 3, in Weeks Mills, for 40 years. He cherished time spent with family and friends square dancing, four-wheeling, hunting, hiking, and attending NASCAR races, creating many lasting memories along the way.

Gerald is survived by his wife of 63 years, Rena (Pat) Pelton (Ouellette); his sons, Gerald “Jay” Pelton wife Jenn (Potter) Pelton, Jeff and Michele (Garnett) Pelton; a daughter, Jill Pelton; his grandchildren, Jonathan Pelton, Emily Parker, Jamie Pelton, Alex Giguere, and Lucy Fenton; his great-grandchildren, Genevieve Pelton, Jayce Parker, Evolette and Ezekiel Giguere, Lucian and Jonas Fenton; his sisters, Betty (Herb) Flint, of Augusta, and Sandra Curtis, of Augusta.

He was predeceased by his parents; brother Roscoe “Ross” Pelton Jr and sisters, Virginia Hansen and Janice Hisler.

A private burial will be held at Deer Hill Cemetery in late May.

WAYNE A. HIGGINS

FAIRFIELD – Wayne A. Higgins, 77, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Friday March 27, 2026. He was the son of Clarence and Laura (Cloutier) Higgins.

Wayne attended Albion schools and graduated from Besse High in 1967 where he was vice president of his class, member of the B Club, yearbook staff and a graduation usher. He had a love for sports and played baseball and basketball. He was the captain of his basketball team and shared that love and passion with his daughter, Dawn Anne. You could always find him in his Lawrence Bulldogs or UMF attire cheering her on from the stands.

Wayne enlisted in the U.S. Marines shortly after high school and graduated from boot camp on February 9, 1968, where he then served in the Vietnam War. After being injured, he moved from combat to Military Police. He was appointed Corporal in 1969. Following the Marines, he joined the Army National Guard where he was staff sergeant and retired after 22 years. His dedication to his country earned him the following achievements: Purple Heart, Silver Star Honorable Service, Certificate of Appreciation from the Citizens of Maine, Army Achievement, Certificate of Recognition National Guard, Good Conduct, Award of Navy Achievement w/Combat “V”, Combat action Ribbon, National Defense, Vietnamese Service.

Papa worked many jobs where he was a jack of all trades and master of none.

He loved spending time with his family and would never miss an opportunity to be there and support them through all their activities and accomplishments. During the summertime, he enjoyed camping, four wheeling and watching NASCAR. You would catch him at Scott and Dawn’s kennel, Country K9 & Cats, mowing the lawn and being their handyman, whether they needed it or not. No one was ever a stranger to him, and he was always up for small talk. If you ever wanted to know what was going on in the neighborhood, you could always ask him because he knew. During football season, you would find him watching his beloved Dallas Cowboys and coaching from his chair regardless of what the score was. Papa was everyone’s first call. Whether it was good, bad or asking for help, papa was there. He had an ear for everyone; the “go-to” person.

He survived by the love of his life, Elaine, for 45 years, his children, Rachel Woodbury, of Fairfield, Dawn Anne Higgins, of Texas, Don Woodbury and his wife Heather, of Fairfield, James Woodbury and wife Erin, of Winslow, and Dawn Hallee-Higgins, of Winslow; his grandchildren, Brittny Audet and husband Johnathan, Matthew Woodbury and wife Ashley, Anthony Breton, Frannie Higgins, Austin Woodbury, Rylee Gehrke, Bailey Carter and wife Sarah, Kiera Whetzel and husband Taylor, Kody Currie, Anthony Park, Brielle Gage and husband Nicholas, Issac Griffeth, Dakota Woodbury and fiancé Zac, Ayva Woodbury, Wyatt Woodbury, Indiana Woodbury; his great-grandchildren, Elaina, Bellamie, Carter, Abby, Greyson, Colin, Grady, Raelyn, Paisley, Lauren, Oakley, Eleanor, Scottie Mae, Lillian.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his son Scott “Scoot”, his great-grandsons, Griffin Woodbury and Noah Robichaud, along with his brothers, Mike, Clyde, Clifton, Clarence “Joe”, Freeman and his best friend Floyd “Gene” Parton.

His military honors funeral service was held at the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery (143 Blue Star Avenue, Augusta) on April 3, 2026. The celebration of life followed the service, at the MacCrillis-Rousseau VFW Post #8835, in Winslow (175 Veteran’s Drive, Winslow), on Saturday, April 4, 2026.

Arrangements are in the care of Veilleux-Redington-Lawry Brothers Funeral Home (8 Elm Street, Waterville) where condolences may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the website at vrlfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to D.A.V (Disabled American Veterans), 860 Dolwick Drive, Erlanger, KY 41018. Website: help.dav.org.

DIANE P. ST. PIERRE

SIDNEY – Diane P. St. Pierre, 83, died Friday, March 27, 2026, at the Maine­General Rehabilitation and Nursing Care Center at Greybirch, following a long illness. She was born in Augusta, on July 20, 1942 a daughter of the late Norton H. and Mabelle A. (Aldrich) Plummer.

Mrs. St. Pierre was a graduate of Cony High School, in Augusta, and earned an associates degree from Bryant College.

She had been employed for over 35 years at the VA Hospital at Togus.

Mrs. St. Pierre is survived by her husband of 56 years, Raymond D. St. Pierre, of Sidney; her daughter, Ginger St. Pierre and her husband Charles Colegrove, of Sidney; two step-children, Susan M. Ismail and her husband Steven, of Glenburn, and Steven S. St. Pierre and his companion Stephanie Pettegrow, of Skowhegan; two grandchildren, Lauren and Alexis Ismail; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

At her request, there will be no public visiting hours. A graveside service will be held later this spring in the family lot at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Augusta.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta.

Condolences, stories and photos may be shared at http://www.plummerfh.com.

DONALD J. GOULD

WHITEFIELD – Donald J. Gould, 98, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 27, 2026, at the Maine Veterans Home, in Augusta. He was born on November 11, 1927, in Whitefield, the son of Alton and Sadie Gould.

Don was drafted into the U.S. Army during World War II. Upon his return from the service, he worked for John Dysart, as a logger and truck driver. Shortly thereafter he met and married Frances Brann, from Coopers Mills, on November 15, 1952. Together they had three children, Sally, Dennis and Greta.

Don lived a long and fulfilling life, he was a devoted family man. He started his career as a mechanic and worked with many dealerships within the Gardiner and Augusta areas until his retirement. Upon his retirement he could be found working on someone else’s car or his swimming pool.

He was an original member of the Falls Brook Rangers where he spent many spring and summers hunting and fishing. Oh, how he loved his fishing and hunting trips with the friends and family.

One of Don’s greatest adventures was his Honor Flight trip with his son. Arrangements were made for his grandson, USMC-RET Daryl/wife Marie Helene and Kayleen to meet up with him on his tour in Washington, D.C., unbeknownst to him.

He was the recipient of the Boston Post Cane for being the oldest living resident in Whitefield.

He was predeceased by his wife, Frances; daughters Sally and Greta; grandsons Mark, Don; and a special nephew, Leo.

He is survived by son, Dennis and wife Debbie Gould; grandsons Daryl and wife Marie Helene’ Russell, Lane and wife Jessie Gould, Lucas and wife Logan Gould, granddaughter, Pam and husband John Hepburn; great-grandchildren, Kayleen, Maya, Ellie, Blake, Josie, Brianna, and Kaley.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, May 2, at 11 a.m., at Rest Haven Cemetery, Windsor.

Arrangements and guidance are under the direction of Staples Funeral Home, 53 Brunswick Ave., Gardiner. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared with the family by visiting the Staples Funeral Home Website http://www.StaplesFuneralHome.com

In lieu of flowers please make donations in Donald’s memory to Honor Flight Maine,
by visiting http://www.honorflightmaine.org/donations/.

KEVIN T. CUTHBERTSON

WHITEFIELD – Kevin T. Cuthbertson, 49, of Whitefield, passed away on Friday, March 27, 2026. Born on August 27, 1976, Kevin was raised in Whitefield, where he built a life rooted in family, hard work, and the simple joys he loved most.

He was a proud graduate of the University of Maine at Farmington, where he earned a teaching degree, and went on to work at Fisher Plow, where he was known for his commitment to getting the job done right.

Some of Kevin’s most treasured moments were spent hunting, fishing, and enjoying time on the golf course. He also enjoyed playing cards and games with friends and family. He was very competitive and enjoyed watching professional sports. He loved his family deeply and will be remembered for his easygoing nature and his sense of humor.

Kevin was predeceased by his father, Timothy Cuthbertson.

He is survived by his mother, Jo Cuthbertson; his brother, Michael Cuthbertson, and his wife, Paula; along with extended family.

A celebration of Kevin’s life will be held on Saturday, April 11, from 1 – 4 p.m., at the Lions Club, in Whitefield. Light refreshments will be served, and guests are welcome to bring their own beverages.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Plummer Funeral Home, 983 Ridge Rd., Windsor, ME 04363. Condolences, stories and photos may be shared by visiting http://www.plummerfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Kevin’s memory to the American Heart Association.

JOHN BLAISDELL

SKOWHEGAN – John Blaisdell, 67, of Norridgewock, passed away peacefully at his Skowhegan home on Saturday, March 28, 2026, six-and-a-half years after he suffered a severe stroke which permanently altered his life.

He will be forever missed by his best friend and wife, Toni Jo, as well as his family and his many friends.

He was born on July 21, 1958, (in the middle of haying season), the second of four children, to Eugene A. and Iris S. Blaisdell. He grew up on the Blaisdell family farm, tending animals, haying, and working in the family’s butcher shop. Although there was always work to be done, he did manage to find time for fun, too.

He was educated in Norridgewock and Skowhegan schools and graduated from Skowhegan Area High School in 1977. Following graduation, he joined his grandfather Alton and father Eugene full-time as a fourth-generation butcher. After Alton and Eugene passed, John operated the butcher shop with his brother Mark.

Although he was a skilled butcher, his true love was driving tractors and “playing in the dirt.” He competed in tractor pulling for a while, often working in the fields, then washing and waxing the Beefeater and heading to the fair to pull. Even though he eventually gave up pulling, he was a lifelong follower of the sport. He always enjoyed scraping and rolling the track at the Maine Antique Tractor Club pulls, in Norridgewock.

Another of his loves was his International Scout, which he enjoyed cruising around in. The tale of the trip to Pennsylvania with Tim Lyman to haul back a hay baler, which he pulled on the interstate through Hartford, Connecticut, has been recounted many times.

John tinkered or welded on probably every piece of equipment on the farm. No matter how tedious, he would work patiently until repairs were completed. He would go to farming supply stores or equipment dealers, often in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, study the makeup of pieces of equipment that he knew would help ease jobs, get a brochure, purchase the parts, come home and make it from scratch.

John was involved with the Skowhegan State Fair for many years. He had many different jobs including supervisor of parking, where he met and guided many show performers as they arrived, worked in the agriculture department, was a member of the board of directors, and was president for two years, a job that he enjoyed and was very dedicated to. It was during his parking tenure that he met “that girl” in the information booth under the grandstand who would later become his wife and life partner on April 16, 1988, a spring day that was blessed with 18-inches of wet, heavy snow. John also served for a time as a board member of the USDA Farm Services Agency Committee in Skowhegan.

Another of his interests was growing vegetables to sell to the public. His sweet corn was what everyone was waiting for each August.

When the road construction crew cut an oil tank for him to make a cooker, that was the beginning of many pig roasts and other cooking occasions. He loved it all. He loved the cooking, feeding people, and hosting all the many gatherings.

Sadly, on August 15, 2019, his life was changed forever. However, through the many months in hospitals and rehab facilities, he kept his sense of humor and tried his best to do all that was asked of him. Total recovery was not to be, but he accepted his situation and made the best of it.

John is survived by his wife, Toni Jo; his sisters, Audrey Blaisdell, Cheryl Blaisdell and her partner Andrew Wilson; brother, Mark Blaisdell, his wife Sherry and their children Megan and Matthew; as well as many extended relatives.

He was predeceased by his parents; and Toni Jo’s parents, Henry and Shirley Whittemore.

His celebration of life will take place at Centenary United Methodist Church on Dr. Mann Road in Skowhegan, on Saturday, April 18. Visiting will begin at 10 a.m. and his service at 11 a.m. A light luncheon will follow the service in the church’s fellowship hall. If you are able to attend, please wear red!

Burial will be at Pine Grove Cemetery, in Hartland, at a later date.

Services are under the care of Veilleux-Redington-Lawry Brothers, 8 Elm St., Waterville. An online guestbook may be signed and memories shared at http://www.vrlfuneralhome.com.

Anyone wishing to make donations in John’s memory can send them to Maine Antique Tractor Club, or MATC, P.O. Box 274, Norridgewock, ME 04957.

MAURA A. SMITH

SKOWHEGAN – Maura Alice Smith, 60, of Skowhegan, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, in her home. Born November 4, 1965 in Skowhegan, to Gary Smith and Sally Smith, Maura graduated from Skowhegan Area High School in 1984 and earned a Bachelor of Arts from Colby College, in Waterville, in 1988, studying Performing Arts and English. She graduated with honors and as a member of Phi Beta Kappa.

The summer following her Colby graduation she met Tim Wheeler at The Theater at Monmouth. The two were inseparable from the moment they met – they moved to New York City, New York, and in 1992 they eloped to Wilmington, Delaware. In New York City, he worked as an actress, model, legal proofreader, and editor for Forbes Magazine. Her love of words brought her back to Maine to pursue a career in education, much like her father, Gary, teaching English, theatre, speech, and dance for 25 years. Ever the eternal student, she continued her education while raising her family, receiving her master’s in Education from Thomas College, in Waterville.

She loved gardening, reading, and baking morning treats that filled the home with sweet smells most days. Maura is known by all she encountered as a force of nature. She is remembered for her sharp wit, blunt humor, and fierce determination.

Maura and Tim raised two children, Sam and Sophie. She spent her final weeks with her family. In February, the four traveled overseas to Ireland, fulfilling a lifelong dream of hers.

Maura is survived by her husband Timothy; children Sophie and Sam, daughter-in-law, Nikki.

There will be a celebration of life organized by the family at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Maura’s name to the Susan G. Komen Foundation for the Cure.

Others Departed

BARBARA R. GIAMPIETRO

WATERVILLE / New York, N.Y. – Barbara Renee Giampietro, 87, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 9, 2026. Born on Aug. 24, 1938, in New York, Renee was the daughter of Enrica and Christopher Gottardi.

She was predeceased by her son, Peter Giampietro, her daughter-in-law, Mildred Giampietro, her sister, Mary, her husband, Jose Q. Cardoso, and her parents, Christopher and Enrica.

Renee was known to many simply as “Renee,” but to those who loved her most, she was “GMA.” Not just to her own family, but to countless friends of her grandsons, she was everyone’s GMA – a title she wore with pride and love.

She was admired for her spirited personality, candid opinions, and unwavering belief that life was meant for both learning and teaching. Whether you asked for it or not, Renee always had wisdom to share – and she shared it generously. Her words, guidance, and strength will continue to echo in the lives she touched.

Renee had a deep passion for interior design, renovation, and real estate, pursuits through which she expressed her creativity and vision. She found joy in transforming spaces, just as she did in shaping the hearts and minds of those around her.

She leaves behind her grandson, Christopher; her great-grandson, Peter, and Mila; her granddaughter-in-law, Nicole; her sister, Helen.

Renee will be deeply missed, but her legacy lives on in the lessons she taught, the love she gave, and the strength she inspired. As those who knew her continue their journeys, many will find themselves asking, “What would Renee do?”—a testament to the lasting impact she leaves behind.

STELLA M. LACOMBE

WATERVILLE – Stella Marie Lacombe, 90, passed away peacefully in her sleep at Lakewood Continuing Care, on Monday, March 16, 2026.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, May 9, at 11 a.m., at Notre Dame Catholic Church, 116 Silver St., Waterville, followed by burial at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, 78 Grove St., Waterville. After services, a gathering will be held at the Notre Dame Catholic Church Hall.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm St., Waterville. A full obituary and online guestbook may be found at http://www.gallantfh.com.

LUCILLE M. HEVERLY

WINDSOR – Lucille Marie (Masse) Heverly, 77, of Windsor, passed away at the Anwell Hospice facility in Auburn, on February 27, 2026, following a long illness.

Born in Augusta, a graduate of St. Augustine School 1962 and a graduate of the Cony High School, class of 1966, the daughter of George E. Masse Sr. and her mom, Madeline Sandborn.

She was predeceased by her sister, Lillian Smith, two brothers, George Masse Jr., and Paul Masse Sr.

She is survived by her husband of 24 years, John Heverly; her brother, Donald Masse, of Benton; one daughter, Angela Fletcher and husband, George; also two grandsons; several nieces and nephews.

A spring burial will be planned and announced at a later date.

ELLEN HALE

MADISON – Ellen Hale, 59, passed away on January 16, 2026. Born on October 11, 1966, Ellen lived a life defined by her devotion to those she loved.

To Ellen, family wasn’t just a priority – it was her entire world. She was the steady hand and the fierce protector who took every challenge head-on, never wavering in her commitment to take care of everyone around her.

Ellen was known for her incredible work ethic and a personality that could fill a room. She was a “talker” in the very best sense; a conversation with Ellen meant you were truly seen, heard, and cared for. Her strength was matched only by her generosity, and she will be forever remembered for her big heart and the way she showed up for others, no matter the circumstances.

She leaves behind a massive legacy in her children, Christy-Lea McLean, George McLean III, Ruth-Ann McLean, Kenneth Hale, Zander Hale, Christopher-Lea McLean and Jenny-Lee McLean; grandchildren Dean Harris, Daxton Cote, Murphy Cote, Leon Longevin, Tallulah Longevin, and Kallista McLean; her sister, Dorothy Rodgers; and her nephew, Timothy Lomba.

She was predeceased by hey mother, Mary Ann Lareau; and her father Arthur Otto.

A service for Ellen will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 1 p.m., at: Christ Community Fellowship, 43 Maple St., Madison, ME 04950.

There will also be a celebration of life following the service at Ellen’s home, in Madison.