OBITUARIES for Thursday, March 19, 2026

THAMERA V. FEDERICO

WATERVILLE – Thamera V. Federico, 83, of Waterville, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 12, 2026.

She enjoyed spending time with her family and cherished lunches on the coast with her sister, Cindy. She also enjoyed her life and ventures in Florida with her husband Roy, sister Deborah and brother-in-law Chester. She had a strong gift for connecting with others, striking up conversations wherever she went and turning strangers into friends with her warmth and genuine interest.

She will be remembered for her loving heart and her lively spirit. Her memory will live on in the stories shared, the laughter remembered, and the love she gave so freely.

She was predeceased by her parents, Violet and Kenneth Drown; her daughters, Debbie Pelletier, Tammy Oatley, and Kathy Scott; and her sister, Cynthia Elias.

She is survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Deborah and Chester Ingalls; her brother, Joe Drown; her daughter and son-in-law, Sherry and Larry Burgess; her grandchildren, Liza Hamilton, Sara Burgess, Kevin and Kyle Scott, Morgan and Cole Rogers, and Anthony Oatley; and six great-grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held at a later date at Pine Grove Cemetery, in Waterville, as well as a Celebration of Life.

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

EDWARD C. RUSHTON

WATERVILLE – Edward Clayton Rushton, 90, passed peacefully on Sunday, March 1, 2026. Born January 19, 1936, in Oakland, he was the son of Irma (Doten) and Clayton Royden Rushton.

Ed enjoyed a free-spirited childhood – skating on Messalonskee Stream, playing sandlot baseball, being a big brother to Donald, and exploring the woods. During one of those adventures, he fell from an embankment and broke his back.

He attended Hebron Academy, where he played football, hockey, and baseball, graduating in 1954. At Colby College, he played hockey, made lifelong friends, served as president of Zeta Psi, and graduated in 1958 with a degree in business administration.

Ed’s lifelong interest in understanding people led him through careers in teaching and entrepreneurship, and ultimately to more than 30 years as a licensed substance abuse counselor with United Way. In retirement, he enjoyed golf, duplicate bridge, tennis, spectator sports, and math and word puzzles.

He married Marjorie Ann Rancourt in 1961 and welcomed twin sons, Peter and Christopher, in 1962. Marjorie passed away in 1970. Ed later met Joyce Tracy and her daughter Jessey; they married in 1971 and raised their blended family on the Tracy property on Messalonskee Lake. They moved to Waterville in 2017, where the support of dear friends John and Sheila Lachance, and Suzie the dog helped them remain independent. Ed and Joyce were married 54 years.

Ed was predeceased by his parents and his first wife, Marjorie.

He is survived by his wife Joyce; brother Donald and wife Nancy, and their children Sara and Erik; son Peter (wife Bethany Scherpf); son Christopher (wife Peggy), and their children Kaylee and Lucas (partner Mia Emery); daughter Jessey Manson (husband Parrish), and their children Johanna Hutchison (husband Dan) and Parrish Manson (wife Shannon).

Great-grandchildren include Charlotte Manson and Josephine and Eleanor Hutchison.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, March 21, 2025, at the Colby Alumni Center, in Waterville. Visiting hours will be 9–11 a.m., followed by a memorial service from 11 a.m.–12 p.m., and a light lunch.

Interment will be scheduled at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, start a tradition by taking a loved one to lunch.

KATHLEEN FARRIS

BENTON – Kathleen “Kathy” Farris, 91, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 6, 2026. She was born on January 8, 1935, to the late Euna and Omar Adams.

Kathy was a proud graduate of Waterville High School, class of 1955. Shortly after graduating, she began what would become a long and dedicated career with Keyes Fibre Co. (now Huhtamaki), in Waterville, where she worked for 45 years.

In 1956, Kathy married the love of her life, Robert Farris. The couple shared many happy years together until Robert’s passing in 1986. The following year, Kathy met Merle Brann Sr., who became her devoted companion. The two shared nearly four decades together and built a life filled with laughter, travel, and companionship.

Kathy will be remembered for her warm presence, her love of family and companionship, and the happiness she found in life’s everyday moments.

A service was held at Veilleux-Redington Lawry Bros. Funeral Home, on March 13, 2026. Burial will take place at Brown Cemetery in the spring.

To read the full obituary, visit http://www.vrlfuneralhome.com

GEORGETTE M. DESMOND

WINSLOW – Georgette Mary Ann (Breton) Desmond, 85, of Winslow, passed away peacefully Saturday, March 7. Georgette was born in Waterville, on September 2, 1940, to Regina and Just Breton.

She attended Mount Merici Academy, in Waterville, and graduated with the class of 1958.

After graduating from high school, Georgette attended Pierre’s School of Beauty Culture, in Brunswick, fulfilling her dream of becoming a hairdresser. Following the completion of her training, she opened “Georgette’s Beauty Salon”. For 54 years, she proudly operated her salon, ensuring that every person who walked through the door left feeling delighted and beautiful. Her kindness, generosity, and warm personality created an atmosphere where customers quickly became friends and family.

On July 4, 1964, Georgette married the love of her life, Dick Desmond, at St. John Church, in Winslow. This marked the beginning of 61 wonderful years of marriage. Together, Georgette and Dick built a life filled with love and countless memories while raising their four children, Rick, Karyn, Mike, and Lori. Her compassionate and caring nature made her a devoted wife and a wonderful mother.

Georgette loved to sew and proudly carried on the legacy of her mother’s quilting club. “The Happy Quilters” met weekly to create quilts for those in need. Through their efforts, they donated to homeless shelters, humane societies, the Maine Children’s Home, and many other charitable organizations. The impact that Georgette and the quilting club made in the community is immeasurable. The club will miss her enthusiasm, passion, and wit but will continue spreading joy in her honor.

Georgette was known for always having a smile on her face. Those who knew her can attest to her unique and lovable personality that shone wherever she went. She loved her family, her friends, and an occasional Mai Tai from Jin Yuan’s in Waterville. One of her greatest joys was playing card games with her grandchildren. No matter who you were, Georgette would never simply let you win. That competitive spirit was passed down to her children and grandchildren, leading to many late nights filled with laughter and games of Phase 10, Left-Right-Center, and Rummikub.

She was predeceased by her parents, Regina and Just Breton, and her brother, Roger Breton.

She is survived by her husband, Dick; her brother, Leonel (Diane) Breton; her children, Rick (Sherry) Desmond, Karyn (Artie) Gagne, Mike (Kathleen) Desmond, and Lori (Trevor) Loftus; her grandchildren, Christopher Gagne, Brandon (Makayla) Gagne, Rachel Desmond, Michael (Jenica) Gagne, Riley Loftus, Matthew Desmond, and Talon Loftus; and her great-grandchildren, Miya, Aliana, Maliyah, Ellosie, and soon-to-arrive Stetson and Jax Gagne.

A service was held Saturday, March 14, at 9 a.m., at St. John the Baptist Church, 26 Monument St., in Winslow. A followed at St. John cafeteria. A spring burial will take place at a later date.

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

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Happy Quilters. Payable to Beth Perry (Mailing address: The Happy Quilters 17 S. Garand St, Winslow, ME 04901) or sent to Mike Desmond on venmo (@Mike-Desmond-4).

LUCINDA M. GIDNEY

VASSALBORO – Lucinda Marie (Higgins) Gidney, 69, passed away, on Monday, March 9, 2026, at her home, in Vassalboro, following a valiant fight against a debilitating cancer. Cindy was born in early January 1957 to Seth Higgins Jr. and Constance (Boynton) Higgins, in Waterville.

She grew up in the nearby town of South China with four brothers: Seth III, Joel, Michael, and Jonathan. She attended China Elementary and graduated from Erskine Academy, in South China. After attending the Mid-Maine Medical Center School of Radiologic Technology, she worked around the country for a few years as a registered Radiologic Technologist / Ultrasonographer.

After that, she worked at Inland Hospital, in Waterville, in that field, until becoming chronically ill with a tick-borne disease. Thereafter, she spent many years, babysitting her grandchildren, whom she loved very much.

For 41 years, she was united in marriage to Alan Scott Gidney. They lived in Albion for many years, until moving to Vassalboro. Cindy was a loving mother to four children: Alicia (husband, Steve), Kara (husband, Shawn), A.J. (Alan Scott Gidney Jr. – wife, Nikki.), and Jane Chamberlain; her grandchildren (Gavin, Danielle, Chase, Emmett, Kylian, Matyas) and with several nieces and nephews. She was a very loving and caring person to friends and family alike.

Cindy had known about God all her life. She developed a strong relationship with Jesus, as a young adult, and had studied God’s word faithfully throughout her adult life. Her faith and her walk with God were very important to her; so much so, that she invites those who read this to seek a closer relationship to God and his son, Jesus.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Bud and Connie, and two of her brothers, Mike and Jon. Cindy is survived by her husband, Scott, her children, grandchildren, and her two older brothers.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the American Cancer Society here in Maine, MaineGeneral Hospice or to a charity of your choosing.

CARIBEL M. PELLETIER

VASSALBORO – Caribel Marie Pelletier “Cabby”, 89, of Vassalboro, peacefully passed away in her sleep at home on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. Cabby was born on July 22, 1936, in Oakland, to Gladys Porter (Webb) and Oliver T. Porter.

She attended Oakland schools and graduated from Williams High School in 1954. Shortly after graduation she married Alberic Pelletier and moved to Winslow, where they raised their family.

Early in her married life, Cabby worked at Hathaway Woolen Mills, in Waterville. After a fashion, she transitioned to being the bookkeeper and “Jill” of all trades for Alberic’s gas stations and garages in the Winslow, Fairfield, and Waterville area.

Cabby and Al belonged to St. John the Baptist Church, in Winslow. She was an avid reader and loved music. On weekends, holidays, and vacations, she and Al would take the family camping and fishing around The Forks, Moxie Pond, and 10,000 Acre Woods, in Maine. In her late 50s, Cabby got her motorcycle license and bought a Honda Shadow. She also loved visiting casinos and playing slots.

After they sold the business, she and Al wintered in Casa Grande, Arizona, eventually moving there full time. In later years, they moved back to Maine and settled in Vassalboro to be closer to family.

Cabby was predeceased by both parents many years ago; and the love of her life, Alberic, in 2018. Cabby was also predeceased by her sisters Dorothy Westerland, Joanne Christensen, Rachel Livingstone, Delphine Zimba, and Josephine Wheeler and their respective spouses.

Cabby is survived by her children, daughter, Judith Rogde and her significant other, Richard Russell, sons, Peter Pelletier, and spouse, Sally, Randall Pelletier and spouse, Erlile, and daughter, Jennifer Pelletier and her significant other, Scott Reynolds; grandchildren include Brian Pelletier and spouse, Victoria, Lance Pelletier and spouse, Heidi, Scott Pelletier, Jasmine Morse (Pelletier), Jayde Pelletier, Jarrett Pelletier and significant other, Jorge Saldago, Allison Scopino (Rogde) and spouse, Dan, Tasha Gregory, and Ernest Day; plus nine great-grandchildren.

Visiting hours will be at Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm St., Waterville, ME 04901 on Friday, March 20, from 5 to 7 p.m. From 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. there will be time to share short stories about Cabby. Due to constraints from the Veterans Cemetery, a short service will be held under the Gazebo at the Maine Veterans Cemetery, 143 Blue Star Ave., Augusta, ME 04330, on Monday, March 23, at noon. She will then join Alberic in their forever together resting place. The family invites you to gather afterwards at 1:15 p.m., at the North Vassalboro Fire House, 681 Main St., Vassalboro, ME 04989.

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

Others Departed

DIANE J. HOLMES

SKOWHEGAN – Diane J. Holmes, 76, passed away on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, from the longterm effects of Dementia/ Alzheimer’s.

The last of seven children, born to Manley and Althea (Moody) Corson on September 17, 1949, in Athens. She grew up and completed her education. Graduating in 1967 from the last graduating class of Somerset Academy.

Her working career varied, retiring from New Balance in 2009 after 25 years. She also stayed at home raising three children when they were younger.

I thought it would be difficult to put into words and express my love for the one who made my life complete. She is no longer with me in body, but in her spirit will live on in my heart until one day I join her in eternal rest. We married on Jan. 24, 1970, after a short courtship, and bought our home that same spring and made it ours, in which she remained until her final breath.

She leaves behind her husband Gary; three children, Jason, of Skowhegan, Kevin, of Clinton, and a daughter Jennifer (Holmes) Black and husband Dale, of Sabattus; grandchildren Riley Holmes, companion Olivier Parker, and Riley’s daughter, her great-grandchild Haven Holmes, of Clinton, Mikala Black (Drew) and Husband Devon, of Sabattus, Cameron Black, of Sabattus, and Corey Shutz, of Norridgewock; and sister-in-law Linda Celentano and brother-in-law Michael, of Clinton; four remaining siblings, Nathalie Williams and her significant other George, of Cornville, Brice Corson and his significant other Diane, of Madison, Marilyn and John Provencial, of Skowhegan, and Rachel Parsons, of Norridgewock; two cousins, Errol and Leora Corson, of Athens; many more nieces, nephews, and cousins who know who they are.

Predeceased by her brother Keith, of Athens, and sister Cathy Parsons, of Norway, and brother-in-law Parker Parsons, of Norridgewock.

The family wishes to keep her passing fairly quiet. Cremation under the direction of Somerset Valley Remembrance Center, Skowhegan. There will be no celebration of life. Remember her in your own hearts.