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AUGUSTA
Ester Victoria a.k.a. (Esther) Bentsen - age 101, passed away Monday July 22, 2002 at MaineGeneral Rehabilitation & Nursing Care at Glenridge Drive where she had been a resident for 3 1/2 years and where she gained the nickname “Feisty Norwegian”. She received great care and compassion from all that facility’s staff.
Mrs. Bentsen was born in Oslo, Norway on April 20, 1901, the oldest of six children of Peder and Emma (Carlsen) Pedersen. Ester came to the United States in 1923 and became a U.S. citizen. She resided in Brooklyn, New York for more than 50 years before moving to Riverside, California in 1972.
Ester was a homemaker for most of her life and took great pride in her two daughters, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and all other members of her family. She was an avid sewer and did endless pieces of embroidery, needlepoint and hooked rugs. It always delighted her to give pieces of her handiwork as gifts. Ester was a giver all her life, that is what made her most happy. She traveled extensively over the years going to Europe and all over the U.S. She also enjoyed entertaining and hosted many parties because she loved to cook and enjoyed good company. Her recipe for a good long life was: moderation, hard work, many friends and good food and drink.
Ester was predeceased by: two husbands, Torvald Nilsen and Anders Bentsen, a daughter, Edna Fowler; and a grandson “R.J.” Fowler.
Survivors include a daughter, Florence Benedict of Augusta; five granddaughters: Susanne Campbell, Juliet Lounsbury, Laura Benedict, Patricia Toulouse and Janis Fowler; seven grandsons: Robert Benedict, William Benedict, Jeffrey Benedict, James Benedict, Peter Benedict, Ronald Benedict and Thomas Fowler; 16 great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; a nephew and three nieces of Norway.
There will be no public visiting hours. The family will have a private celebration of Ester’s life. Following cremation, she will be laid to rest in the family lot in Riverside, California.
AUGUSTA
Marguerite W. Berube – age 82, of 25 Elm Avenue, died July 21, 2002 at her home after a brief illness. She was born in St. Johns, N.B., Canada
on January 17, 1920 the daughter of Albert V. Wright and Marguerite H. (Cogswell) Wright.
Mrs. Berube was a 1937 graduate of Cony High School. Right after high school she went to work for Augusta attorney Burleigh Martin. She then worked for Central Maine Power Company and later, Edwards Manufacturing Company. Prior to her retirement in 1994, she was employed by the State of Maine Taxation Department for 25 years. After her retirement, she worked part-time for Friendly’s Restaurant for two years as a bookkeeper.
Mrs. Berube was a longtime member of Penney Memorial United Baptist Church of Augusta.
She married Paul Emile Berube in 1950, and he preceded her in death in 1959.
Surviving are four sons, Raymond P. Berube of Augusta, Paul J. Berube and his wife Susan of Augusta, Alan D. Berube of Sidney and Donald R. Berube of Windsor; one daughter, Susan A. Berube of Augusta; four grandchildren; Christine M. Berube, Paul J. Berube, Samantha M. Berube and Jared S. Berube. She lived her life for her children and grandchildren.
Visiting hours are 2-4 & 7-9 PM Thursday at Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant Street, Augusta where a funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday. Burial will follow in Mt. Hope Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice Volunteers of Kennebec Valley, 150 Dresden Avenue, Gardiner, ME 04345 or American Cancer Society, One Main St., Suite 300, Topsham, ME 04086-1240.
WINTHROP
Paul O. Blanche – age 91, of Western Avenue, and formerly of Summer Haven Road, Manchester, died August 27, 2002 at Nicholson’s Long-term Care & Rehabilitation Center, Winthrop after a long illness. He was born in Whitneyville, Maine on May 25, 1911 the son of George Blanche and Adelaide (McReavy) Blanche.
Prior to his retirement, Mr. Blanche was employed as a farmer by Gilman Farm for several years. He was previously a self-employed farmer for many years.
Paul was a member of North Manchester Meeting House.
His wife, Harriet E. (Knowles) Blanche, died on August 6, 2001. Although Paul never had any children of his own, he became a loving father to Harriet’s children, Aldeah Rouillard and Melvin Thompson, who also preceded him in death.
He is survived by three grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins who will remember him with love.
Visiting hours are 7-9 PM Thursday August 29th at Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant Street, Augusta, Maine where a funeral service will be held 10:00 AM Friday. Burial will be in Manchester Forks Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to either North Manchester Meeting House, c/o Arlene Lebel - treasurer, 284 Prescott Road, Manchester, Me 04351 or to the Manchester Fire Department, c/o Manchester Town Office, P.O. Box 18, Manchester, ME 04351.
PORTLAND
Lucienne A. Boucher – age 93, of Ocean Avenue and formerly of Churchill Road, Augusta, died July 30, 2002 at Cedars Nursing Care Center, Portland after a brief illness. She was born in Augusta, Maine on Feb. 6, 1909 the daughter of David Giroux and Clara (Busque) Giroux.
Mrs. Boucher was educated in Augusta schools and, as a young woman, had been employed by Edwards Manufacturing Company for several years. She was a homemaker in her own home for most of her life.
Mrs. Boucher was a member of St. Andrew’s Catholic Church. Lovingly referred to as Memere by all who knew her, she had a strong commitment to her family to whom she devoted her entire life. Her family was always a source of comfort and strength for her, and she will be sadly missed.
Her husband, Wilfred E. Boucher, died on May 5, 1965. She was also preceded in death by a daughter, Theresa P. Smith on July 7, 2002; a grandson on Oct. 31, 1969; as well as nine brothers and eight sisters.
Surviving are three sons, Harold Boucher and his wife Sandra of Augusta, Vincent Boucher and his wife Linda of Augusta and William Boucher of Vassalboro; eight grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; a son-in-law, Richard Smith of Rome; a sister-in-law, Muriel Giroux of Augusta and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Visiting hours are 7-9 PM Wednesday and 2-4 & 7-9 PM Thursday at Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant Street, Augusta. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11 AM Friday, August 2nd at St. Augustine Catholic Church with Rev. Michael Seavey, pastor of St. Andrew’s Catholic Church, officiating. Burial will follow in St. Augustine Cemetery.
AUGUSTA
Arthur R. Brunelle – age 91 of the Outlet Rd. died unexpectedly Friday, July 5, 2002 at his home. He was born in Concord, NH on October 20, 1910 the son of Charles and Cecilia (Gagne) Brunelle.
Mr. Brunelle had been employed by Bates Mfg. Co. – Edwards Div. For over 20 years and had previously worked for Taylor Shoe Co.
He was a communicant of St. Augustine Catholic Church.
Mr. Brunelle was pre-deceased by a daughter-in-law, Darlene Brunelle in 1997 and three sisters, Yvette Woods, Olive Syvinski and Jean Petit.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Eva (Royer) Brunelle of Augusta; four sons, Robert E. Brunelle and his wife Nancy, Arthur G. Brunelle, Roger H. Brunelle and his wife Yvette and Richard C. Brunelle and his wife Nancy all of Augusta; a daughter, Elizabeth Brunelle Gay and her husband Raymond of Augusta; 19 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Relatives and friends may visit on Monday, July 8th from 6-8 PM at Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday at 11 AM at St. Augustine Catholic Church, Northern Ave., Augusta. Burial will follow in Holy Family Cemetery, Townsend Rd., Augusta.
SIDNEY
Donald Bumford – age 68, of Spruce Trail, died August 11, 2002 at the Thayer Unit of MaineGeneral Medical Center, Waterville after a long illness. He was born in Augusta, Maine on September 10, 1933 the son of Jasper O. Bumford and Eva (Gregoire) Bumford.
Don graduated from St. Mary’s School and attended Cony High School.
He was employed by Augusta General Hospital which later became MaineGeneral Medical Center for 25 years. He was previously employed by E.E. Taylor Shoe Company for over 20 years.
Don was a member of St. Augustine Catholic Church and Cushnoc Senior Citizens.
He was preceded in death by a brother, Raymond Bumford on Aug, 26, 2000.
Surviving is his wife of 42 years, Grace (Jean) Bumford of Sidney; two sons, Jerry Bumford and his wife Janet of Augusta and Roger “Bo” Bumford and his companion Amanda Horne of Belgrade; one daughter, Louise Dube and her husband Mike of Sidney; one brother, Richard Bumford and his wife Lorraine of Sidney; three sisters, Lillian Peters and her husband John of Augusta, Shirley Marceau and her husband Mike of Sidney and Louella Rouillard of Manchester; three grandchildren: Ryan Dube, Forrest Bumford and Kiersten Bumford; several nieces, nephews and cousins.
There are no public visiting hours scheduled. A Memorial Mass will be offered 9:00 am Friday, August 16th at St. Augustine Catholic Church. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Augusta. Memorial contributions may be made to The American Liver Foundation, 75 Maiden Lane – Suite 603, New York, NY 10038.
AUGUSTA
Nancy J. Champagne – age 65 of North Belfast Ave., passed away on Sunday, September 29, 2002 at her home following an extended illness. She was born in Augusta on January 4, 1937 the daughter of Alfred J. and Rosa (Picard) Boucher.
She attended Augusta schools and was a communicant of St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Augusta. She enjoyed crafts, crochet, and, most of all, her family.
She was employed by the Post Office Station, located first in Mr. Market, then at L & M Cleaners and finally to Aubuchon Hardware, for 29 years.
She was pre-deceased by her husband, Armand O. Champagne on April 29, 2000. Also preceding her in death was a brother, Robert J. Boucher and 2 sisters, Martha St. Hilaire and Madeline Levesque.
Mrs. Champagne is survived by 2 sons, Jeffrey A. Champagne and his wife Tina of Newburyport, MA and Shaun A. Champagne and his wife Megan of Columbia Station, OH; a daughter, Kathy A. Champagne-Tavano and her husband Charles of Hampton, NH; 4 sisters, Lorraine Levesque, Gertrude Chase, Constance Rodrigue and Dorothy Higgins all of Augusta; a brother, Raymond Boucher of Augusta; 4 grandsons, Michael, Alex, Nathan and Benjamin Champagne; a granddaughter, Brittany A. Tavano and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Relatives and friends may visit on Tuesday, October 1st from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday at 9 AM at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church, St. Andrew’s St., Augusta. Burial will follow in Holy Family Cemetery, Townsend Rd., Augusta.
Those who desire may make donations to either: HealthReach Hospice, P.O. Box 829, Waterville, ME 04903-0829 or Hospice Volunteers of Kennebec Valley, MaineGeneral Medical Center, 150 Dresden Ave., Gardiner, ME 04345.
AUGUSTA
Julia B. Corey – age 95, of Mount Vernon and formerly of Santa Rosa, CA and Taftsville, VT, died July 26, 2002 at MaineGeneral Rehabilitation & Nursing Care at Glenridge Drive, Augusta after a long illness.
She was born in Lowell, Mass. on August 20, 1906 the daughter of Milton R. Corey and Julia (Reid) Corey.
Ms. Corey received her Bachelor of Art degree from The Massachusetts College of Art and a Masters degree in Art from Montana State University.
She was an artist and homemaker for most of her life.
Surviving are her two daughters, Cynthia M. Knudson of Mt. Vernon and Elaine M. Bailey of Santa Rosa, CA; seven grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
At her request, there will be no public visiting hours and no public services.
AUGUSTA
Annie F. Coulombe – age 85, of Gray Birch Drive, died August 21, 2002 at MaineGeneral Medical Center after a brief illness. She was born in Augusta on August 22, 1916 the daughter of Otto A. Fitch and Annie (McFadden) Fitch.
Annie attended Augusta schools, graduating from Cony High School.
Her husband, Henry J. Coulombe, died on May 11, 1990.
Surviving is a daughter, Joan Cloutier of Augusta; three sisters, Louise Merrill of Fayette, Cecilia Adams of Winthrop and Greta Gorneau of West Gardiner; three grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Visiting hours are 2-4 & 7-9 PM Sunday at Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant Street, Augusta. A funeral service will be held at noon on Monday, August 26th at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church. Burial will follow in Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Old Belgrade Road, Augusta.
AUGUSTA
Raymond Gideon Couture, 65, of the Burns Road and formerly of Mt. Vernon Avenue died Wednesday, August 21, at his home, after a year long struggle with cancer.
Raymond was born on January 27, 1937, in Ste. Samuel, Quebec, the son of Alphe Couture and Ludivine (Boulet) Couture.
Ray was a member of Ste. Augustine Parish where he married Rose Marie (Soucy) Couture on February 5th, 1966. He is survived by his loving wife, Rose, of Augusta and their daughter Lisa Marie Couture of Augusta as well as his only Grandchild, Joshua Gideon Gagnon also of Augusta, by whom he was greatly admired. Raymond was also pre-deceased by his and Rose’s youngest daughter, Nicole Marie.
Raymond worked many of his early years in the woods and lumber mills of Canada, Maine, and New Hampshire before becoming a highly skilled Sheet-rocker working for several of the more prominent Dry Wall Companies in Maine, including Jean Paul Pepin Dry Wall Co. and Mike Lavigne Dry Wall. Raymond had a strong work ethic but enjoyed his off time as well - taking special pleasure in wood working, hunting and fishing, planting his garden, and bird -watching from his back porch.
Raymond was one child in a very large family. He was preceded in death by his brothers,
Paul Couture of Ste. Cecile, Quebec, and Gerard Couture and Bertrand Couture both of NH, and his sister, Yvette Lacroix, of Lac Megantic, Quebec.
He is survived by his two sisters Irene Martin and Dolores DuBois both of Lac Megantic, Quebec and his six brothers, Emilien Couture of Londonderry NH, Fernando Couture, Irenee Couture, and Jean Luc Couture all of Lac Megantic, Quebec, Benoit Couture of Nantes Quebec, and Viateur Couture of Ste. Gedeon, Quebec, several aunts and uncles also countless nieces and nephews.
At Raymond’s request, there will be no visiting hours. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 2:00 P.M. Monday August 26 from St. Augustine Catholic Church. Burial will be in the family lot Holy Family Cemetery, Townsend Road, Augusta.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his memory to Hospice Volunteers of Kennebec County, 150 Dresden Ave. Gardiner, Me. 04345.
