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Lilla Mae Gillis
WEST PERU -- Graveside services for Lilla Mae Gillis of Rumford, were conducted on May 13, 2011 at the Demerritt Cemetery, with David Blouin officiating.
Pall bearers were Mike Soubble, Lenny Giberson, Ian Hunt, Taylor Bradley, Connor Blais and Michael Taylor Hampton.
Arrangements were under the care of the Meader & Son Funeral Home, Rumford.
Penny Lynn Thornton
LEWISTON -– Penny Lynn Thornton, 47, of E. Livermore, died on May 30, 2011 at the Central Maine Medical Center of natural causes.
Penny was born Feb. 7, 1964, in Lincoln, the daughter of Milan Thornton and Nadine (Young) Thornton Bazzie. She was raised in Millinocket and graduated in 1982 from Stearns High School.
She attended Job Corp, Husson Univeristy and Women Unlimited, becoming a truck driver in 1994. It was at Women Unlimited that Penny met the love of her life, Tammi “Red” Harlow. Together they made their home in E. Livermore for the past 17 years.
When Pen met Red and moved from Waterville to East Livermore, she became a “parent” to five children, a job that at times was very challenging, but always rewarding. Sometimes she was overwhelmed by it all, but nonetheless, she loved “her” kids dearly.
Penny loved life. She could rise to any occasion and be the life of the party. She truly loved to sing and dance. Penny had a very beautiful voice, and could tell you almost any song, artist or album. She was very passionate about music; she loved all genres, especially the 80’s and country music. Penny once donned a Marilyn Monroe dress and sang, “Happy Birthday Baby” to one of her best buds, Chris W.
Penny enjoyed family gatherings, (sometimes they were wild but always fun times). She enjoyed our weekend get togethers with our “sistahs” in Waterville and summer trips to Millinocket to see family and old friends. Above all else, she truly enjoyed statewide weekend, the party, the music and the freedom to be herself.
Pen loved quiet moments spent with her lady red, chatting over coffee, watching television, going for rides, camping and playing poker. She also love to do word search, Facebook and to read the paper.
Penny forged an extremely special relationship with her great nephew, Cambridge. He was her little buddy and she his Aunt P. Some of her most treasured memories were spent with him.
Pen worked as a truck driver, hauling refuse and also worked part time at Pike’s Corner Oasis.
Survivors include her partner, Tammi “Red” Harlow of E. Livermore and “their” children: Joshua, Felicia and Monica Harlow, and Jaimie, Keith and Travis Tibbetts, and their significant others; her parents, Nadine and Russell Bazzie of North Carolina; Milan and Shirley Thornton of Millinocket; her siblings, Mary Booker of North Carolina; Bonnie Saucier and her husband, Ralph of Millinocket; Milan Thornton, Jr. and his wife, Debbie of North Carolina, and Carla Thornton and her fiancé, Rocky Harlow of Livermore Falls; her in-laws, Rance and Sue Ranger, Brian Ranger, Sheree and Brian Rickman, Judy and Rick Dunn and Barbara and Harry Morgan; nieces, Christian Charette and Crissy Marson; nephew, Daniel Saucier; great-nieces and nephews, Dakotah, Chloe, Tyler and Cambridge; eight precious grandchildren who lovingly referred to her as their “Nana P”; and two very special “sistahs,” Sandy Rogers and Cathy Caron of Waterville.
She will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her. Pen touched very many lives. She had many friends from all over.
Penny was predeceased by very special nephews, Joshua Hartley, Justin Hartley; and her grandparents.
Pen, you have forever etched a mark on our hearts; you will live on in our memories and music. Ditto my love, until we meet again!
Naomi Jean Farrar
DIXFIELD -- Naomi Jean Farrar, 41, died on May 15, 2011 at Mid Maine Medical in Portland of a sudden illness. Naomi was born Jan. 13, 1970 in Rumford, the daughter of Foster and Brenda (Brown) Horne.
She graduated from Rumford High in 1988 and from UMF in the class of 1993. Children and ministries to serve them were deeply important to Naomi and she had been teaching her children at home.
She taught and assisted with CEF Good News Clubs, Sunday school, CEF Camp Good News, Vacation Bible School, and any opportunity to help and comfort a soul in need. Naomi was a foster parent and a founder of a ministry to serve crisis pregnancies and new parents in need.
She loved to knit, sew, crochet, cook and walk in the w0ods, but mostly she loved her Lord and her family. God bless her soul.
Naomi is survived by her husband of nearly 17 years, Rodney Farrar; children, Esther, Vernon, Elizabeth, Katherine, and Mary, all of Dixfield; her parents, Foster Horne of Peru and Brenda Swan of Dixfield; father-in-law, Rodney Farrar Sr. and his wife, Irene of Hodgdon; mother-in-law, Linda McLaughlin of Linneus; brother, Ralph Horne and wife, Barbara of Mexico; sister, Terry Hathaway and husband, Mark of Attleboro, MA; sisters-in-law, Dr. Carol Farrar and her husband, Brian Marzan of Lewiston, Susie Farrar of Orrington, and Jill Faulkner and husband, Jeff Minchin of Pittston; aunts, Gloria Donahue and Betsy Waleik; several nieces and nephews; and special friends, Michelle, Kelly, Bonnie, Jeannean and Sarah.
Vito F. Puiia
AUBURN -– Vito F. Puiia, 96, of Franklin Street, Rumford, died on May 13, 2011 at the Hospice House, Auburn.
He was born in Rumford on September 24, 1914, the son of Joseph and Giovanna (Vallone) Puiia. He graduated from Stephens High School in Rumford Class of 1932.
During World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy.
Vito owned and operated Puiia’s Shoe Repair Shop on Waldo Street in Rumford for many years until retirement.
He was a Communicant of St. Athanasius–St. John Church, a 50-year member of the American Legion and a 50 year and 3rd degree member of the Knights of Columbus. Vito helped organize Little League basketball and baseball in the area. He was a member of the semi pro basketball team “Rumford Redskins” prior to WW II.
He was married in Rumford in 1946 to the former Lena Gagnon, who died in Rumford on April 18, 1996.
Survivors include his daughter, Gayle Puiia McDevitt of Orrington; grandchildren, Stephen Merrow of Boston, MA, and Aric Merrow and wife, Nicole of Orrington; three
great-grandchildren, Brooke, Allie and Christopher Merrow of Orrington; and a brother, Anthony Puiia of Mexico.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Friday at St. Athanasius–St. John Church, Maine Avenue, Rumford. Interment with Military Honors will be at St. John Cemetery, Rumford. In lieu of flowers, please contribute to the Hospice House, 236 Stetson Rd., Auburn, ME 04210 in his memory.
Doris L. Putnum
RUMFORD -– Doris L. Putnum, 99, of South Rumford, died on April 21, 2011 at the Rumford Hospital.
She was born in Rumford on July 6, 1911, the daughter of Arthur and Agnes (Skinner) Locke. Doris graduated from Stephens High School in Rumford, Class of 1929. She graduated from the Farmington State Normal School in Farmington, Class of 1931 with her degree in education. She received Bachelors degree in education from Boston University (BU) in 1944.
Doris began her teaching career at Middle Dam, where she had only a single student. She then taught in Corinna for a short time. She returned to Rumford in 1933 to teach seventh grade in the Virginia Elementary School. After graduating from BU, she taught in the Winchester, MA school system for a year.
She returned to Rumford in 1945 to become the town’s first remedial reading teacher. She initiated Benet IQ testing into the town's school system. She taught here until her retirement in 1972.
Doris enjoyed and was well known for her cribbage playing, traveling with her husband and later with her close friend, Evelyn Charron. She also enjoyed her time and walks with her dogs.
Doris was a member of the Rumford United Methodist Church, where she was active in the Mary & Martha Club and the Maine State Teachers Retirement Association. She was a former member of the Greater Rumford Senior Citizens Club, the Mollyockett Square Dance Club, the Rumford Center Grange, and the Rebecca Lodge, I.O.O.F. She was the District Deputy Marshall of the Rebecca Lodges.
She was married in Rumford on June 24, 1945 to Francis P. Putnam, who died in Rumford on Feb. 7, 1988.
Survivors include a son, Stephen Putnam and wife, Christine of Pasadena, MD; daughters, Cynthia Sexton and husband, John of Manchester, and Elizabeth Putnam of Rumford; grandchildren, Mary Ellen Guimond and husband, Jeremy of Manchester, Julie Anna Sexton of Winthrop, Francis and Mary Putnam of Pasadena, MD; great-grandson, Aidan Guimond of Manchester; brother, Stuart Locke of Schenectady, NY; and many nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her parents; husband; and a brother, George Locke.
Funeral services will be conducted 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Meader & Son Funeral Home, 3 Franklin St., Rumford, with Rev. Justin Thacker officiating. Interment will be conducted at 1 p.m. Wednesday, June 8 at the Sunnyside Cemetery, Rumford, with Pastor Carol Stevens officiating. In lieu of flowers, please contribute to the Heart Rehab Program, c/o Rumford Hospital, 420 Franklin St., Rumford, ME 04276 in her memory.
Annette M. (Langevin) Arsenault
AGAWAM, MA -- Annette M. (Langevin) Arsenault, 77, died on June 10, 2011 at Mercy Medical Center in the presence of her family.
She was born in Rumford to the late Antonio A. and Avetta M. (Peare) Langevin. Annette was a graduate of the University of Maine Class of 1956, as well as the University of Connecticut and Southern Connecticut State University.
She taught English in Agawam, West Springfield and in Maine. Annette then worked the next 30 years as a school librarian at McAliester Middle School in Suffield, CT. She was a member of the National Education Association and Connecticut Education Association.
Annette was predeceased by her beloved husband of 42 years, Eugene M. Arsenault Sr. in 2000.
She is survived by her three loving children, Mary Ellen Russell and her husband, George of Westfield, Eugene M. Arsenault, Jr. and his wife, Kelly of Southwick, and Brian D. Arsenault and his wife, Jodi of Feeding Hills; her sisters, Clara Allen of Maine and Jean Weiss of Maryland; her brothers, Richard A. Langevin of Maine, Paul A. Langevin of Maine and Peter B. Langevin of Virginia; and her six cherished grandchildren, Lauren, Jared, Paige, Cameron, Jillian and Matthew.
Vance A. Bryant
FARMINGTON -- Vance A. Bryant, 83, of Wilton, died on June 16, 2011 at Franklin Memorial Hospital, where he had been a patient for four days, following a long illness.
He was born Feb. 7, 1928 in Livermore Falls, a son of Ronald and Lurenia (Stanley) Bryant. He received his education in Jay and Livermore Falls schools and proudly served in the United States Army.
He was employed at International Paper Co. for many years, was a real estate broker, owned and operated his own garage (Foreign Car Repair) in Wilton, and was a driver for Community Concepts as well as a driver for Al Tuttle and Car Clinic.
He was a former member of the Wilton Lion's Club and was a member of the Farmington Elks lodge #2430. He enjoyed camping, horse racing, playing cards and going to Florida.
Survivors include his beloved wife of 52 years, Helen (Tripp) of Wilton; their sons, Gary and his wife, Nancy of Farmington, Darrell of Dryden, Scott and his wife, Leona of Dryden; their daughter, Kim Mosher and her husband, Dick of Temple; daughter-in-law, Mary Mel Bryant of Verona Island; six grandchildren, Ronnie Bryant and his wife, Kym, Michael Bryant, Cecil Bryant and his fiance Hailey Gagnon, Darrick Bryant and his fiance, Melisa Barden (to be married June 18, 2011), Vanessa Mosher, Amanda Mosher; great-grandsons, Landon Bryant and Kyler Bryant; great-granddaughter, Shelby Bryant; one brother, David Bryant and his wife, Betty of Jay; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was predeceased by his folks; two sons, Stephen Bryant and Randall Bryant; a brother, Clinton Bryant; and sister-in-law, Florice Bryant.
Pauline Bernard Esposito
KLAMATH, OR -- Pauline Bernard Esposito of Klamath, OR, 82, died on June 13, 2011 following a lengthy illness.
She was born in Rumford on Feb. 18, 1929, the daughter of Mae Fitzmorris and Edmond Bernard. She graduated from Mexico High School in 1947.
She married Anthony Esposito in 1951. He died in 2006.
She is survived by two sons, Anthony Esposito of Klamath Falls, and Edward Esposito of California; three brothers, Rene, Thomas Bernard of Mexico, and Stephen of Rumford.
She was predeceased by five borthers, Teddy, Eddie, Norman, Frank and Roy Bernard; and a sister, Charlene Allen.
The funeral will be held at a later date in Rumford.
Elizabeth S. “Bette” Hodsdon
CANTON -- Elizabeth S. “Bette” Hodsdon, 98, died on June 18, 2011 at the Victorian Villa Nursing Home in Canton.
She was a resident of Davis Street in Rumford.
Born in Lewiston on March 15, 1913, she was a daughter of Earl and Martha (Reed) Spaulding. She attended Rumford schools and was a high school graduate.
She worked for the Rumford school department in the hot lunch program for many years. She also volunteered at the Rumford Public Library and the Rumford Community Hospital. She was a member of the Rumford United Methodist Church and the Rumford Hospital Auxiliary.
She was married in Rumford on April 15, 1939 to the late Jesse W. Hodsdon Sr., who died in Rumford on April 4, 2009.
Survivors include three daughters, Dorothy Hopkins and her husband, George of Lewiston and Florida, Martha Hanington and her husband, Al of Rumford, Mary Pulsifer and her husband, Jim of Peru; two sons, William Kimball and his companion, Sandy Skillins of Dixfield, and David Kimball of Villages, FL; a step-son, Jessie W. Hodsdon, Jr. and his wife, Rita of Tallahassee, FL; 19 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren.
She was predeceased by two grandsons, Gordon Hanington, Jr. and Gary Kimball.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday at the Virgin Memorial Chapel of the Rumford United Methodist Church on Linnell Street, Rumford, with Pastor Carol Stevens officiating. Interment will be in the Sunnyside Cemetery, Rumford.
Friends are invited to call 6-8 p.m. Friday at the Meader & Son Funeral Home, 3 Franklin St. Rumford. Those who desire may contribute to the Rumford United Methodist Church, c/o James Robertson, 724 Forest Ave., Rumford, ME 04276 in her memory.
Steward W. “Bummie” Young Sr.
LEWISTON -– Steward W. “Bummie” Young Sr., 77, of Backkingdom Road, Mexico, died on June 15, 2011 at the Central Maine Medical Center.
He was born in Mexico on October 29, 1933, a son of George and Ferdona (Spaulding) Young. He graduated from Mexico High School Class of 1951 as class president and also served as a counselor for Tent City at Roxbury Pond while he was still in high school.
Bummie worked for Mr. Pollard moving mobile homes from Indiana to Maine and enjoyed his trips with his son by his side. He had owned a service station in Mexico with his friend, Clayton Poland. He always had a back hoe and dump truck and loved to move dirt.
In 1975, he went into the construction business with his son, Steward and successfully formed the S.W. Young Construction Company. Along with all these side jobs, Bummie worked at Boise Cascade Paper Company until 1995. He also owned and operated Young’s Trailer Park on Backkingdom Road in Mexico.
He had enjoyed racing at Oxford Plains Speedway where he was well known for the car that had a horse on the top, and his many trips to Loudon, NH. He loved going to Daytona 500 and spent many winter months in Florida. He enjoyed camping at Bar Harbor and spending time at his camp in Trenton.
He also enjoyed tinkering with his heavy equipment and working around his property. He loved spending time with his family and grandchildren. For many years he was involved with the Boy Scouts and the 4-H Club which included horses and boarding horses.
He was married in Mexico on July 24, 1953 to the former Georgie G. Hayden, who died on Apr. 30, 2002 and then was married in Weld on October 29, 2004 to the former Leisa Marie Dyer, who survives of Mexico.
Other survivors include his mother, Ferdona Young of Mexico; daughter Karen Barrett and husband, James of Mexico; step-children, Amanda Archer and husband, Fred of Dixfield, Charles “Chuck” Beardsley and Coty Beardsley of Mexico; grandchildren, Brooke Young, and Amanda Jacques and husband, Mike of Mexico; step-grandchildren, Sophia and Dominic Archer of Dixfield; great-grandchildren, Beth and Jonathan Myles of Mexico; sisters, Noreen Millidge and husband, John, and Delores Mowat and husband, Thomas of Mexico, Dona St.Cyr and husband, Richard of Rumford, Sheila Weld and husband, Bruce, and Joette Carlton and husband, Raymond of Dixfield; brother, Gary Young and wife, Ellen of Livermore.
He was predeceased by a grandson, James “Jimbo” Barrett.
A celebration of his life and memorial services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Saturday at Proctor’s Garden, on Rte 142 in Weld. In lieu of flowers, please contribute to the Oncology Department, c/o Rumford Hospital, 420 Franklin St., Rumford, ME 04276 in his memory.
Bernice B. Comeau
RUMFORD -- Graveside services for Bernice B. Comeau of Rumford were conducted on May 16, 2011 at St. John Cemetery, with Fr. Phil Tracy officiating.
Arrangements were under the care of the Meader & Son Funeral Home, Rumford.
