Obituaries
Page 12B, The Bridgton News, March 10, 2011
Evelyn K. Leighton
Dianne S. Murphy
SCARBOROUGH — Evelyn Kristine Leighton, 93, died peacefully on Friday, March 4, 2011, at Scarborough Terrace surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Minneapolis, Minn., on Jan. 7, 1918, the daughter of the late Ludwig and Eleanor Westwig of Norway. Evelyn was a first generation American and very proud of her Norwegian heritage. Evie, as many called her, moved to South Portland in 1938 with her family after graduating from Edison High School in Minneapolis, Minn. A short time later, Evelyn met the love of her life, Verdi L. Leighton. They were married for 53 years, until his death in 1993. They raised six children in Cape Elizabeth and York. After her husband’s death, she moved to Teal Point in Scarborough to be closer to her family and lived in her condo independently before moving to Scarborough Terrace a couple of years ago. Evelyn was very creative and talented with a multitude of hobbies. Her handmade projects included knitting, quilting, crewelwork, embroidery, rug hooking, painting, canning, and sewing, all self-taught. She was a wonderful cook and always enjoyed feeding a crowd. Other interests were reading, dancing, bowling, golfing, gardening and traveling all over the world with her husband and friends. Evelyn was a deaconess at the First Parish Church in York. She was a lifelong member of the Sons of Norway, various garden clubs and quilting and rug hooking groups. She is survived by her loving children, Bruce F. Leighton of Olongapo, Philippines, Miriam A. Ayers of Scarborough, David A. Leighton of Naples, Deborah J. Ragozzino of Rexford, N.Y., Barbara L. Anatra of Wellington, Fla., and Jeffrey S. Leighton of Scarborough; her beloved sister, Helen L. Wallace of Virginia Beach, Va.; 14 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a grandson. With Evelyn’s passing, we remind others that her long life was one to be celebrated. Graveside services and interment will take place at the First Parish Cemetery, York, at a later date. Arrangements by the Hobbs Funeral Home, 230 Cottage Road, South Portland. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.hobbsfuneralhome.com For those who desire, contributions in her memory may be made to: Scarborough Terrace Activity Fund, 600 Commerce Drive, Scarborough, ME 04074 or Gosnell Hospice House, 11 Hunnewell Rd., Scarborough, ME 040074 or Hospice of Southern Maine, 180 U.S. Route One, Scarborough, ME 04074.
WINDHAM — Dianne S. Murphy, 73, of Windham, died unexpectedly on March 1, 2011, surrounded by family. She was born in Portland on Aug. 4, 1937, the daughter of Howard and Katherine Jones Eaton. Dianne graduated from Portland High School, Class of 1957. She retired from Fairchild Semiconductor. Dianne was an avid Red Sox, Celtics and Tiger Woods fan (not necessarily in that order). She was predeceased by her parents; son, Perry; sisters, Nadine, Cherry, Joanne and Jeanine; and brother, Howard Jr. Survivors include her husband of 53 years, Michael; children, Cynthia and Michele of Windham, Michael Jr. of Farmington, N.H., Howard of Westbrook, Sean of Scarborough and Corinne of Naples; 13 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and sisters, Katherine, Robin and Darryl. Visiting hours were held on Friday, March 4, at the Dolby Funeral Chapel, 434 River Road, Windham. A funeral service was held at the chapel on Saturday, March 5. Burial will follow at a later date at Calvary Cemetery, South Portland. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to: Windham Food Pantry, c/o Windham Town Office, 8 School Street, Windham, ME 04062.
Stanley S. Armstrong BUXTON — Stanley Sewell “Stan” Armstrong, 90, of Buxton passed away on March 3, 2011, after a long, fulfilling life. Born in Fort Fairfield on June 17, 1920, to Ernest and Sarah (Sloat) Armstrong, Stan attended local schools and worked the farm along with his 12 brothers and sisters. After moving to Hartford, Conn., he enlisted in the U.S. Army to serve in the Pacific from 1942-1945. In 1947, he married his wife of 64 years, Hilda Marie (Cowett) Armstrong, who has always been by his side. In 1953, he established a farm business in Norridgewock. Later, he moved back to Fort Fairfield to take over the potato farm after the death of his father. Stanley was a classic Maine can-do-anything man — master plumber, excavator, builder — all of which he plied when he and Hilda moved to Buxton in 1984. He enjoyed fishing, boxing and being a Red Sox fan — through two championships in his lifetime. Most of all Stanley loved his family, and about everyone he met. People found him generous, caring, charitable, and quick to smile and tease. He was spiritually rich and served as deacon of Living Waters Christian Church. He and Hilda had five children, which were their life’s pride. He is predeceased by his son, David Brian Armstrong. He is survived by his daughter, Jennifer Marie of East Boothbay; sons, Jeffrey Michael of Fort Fairfield, Stanley Donald of Raymond and Daniel James of Buxton; six grandchildren; a great-granddaughter; and sisters, Emma Deering and Shirley Cofran, both of Portland. A remembrance visitation service was held at Dennett, Craig and Pate Funeral Home, located on the corners of Routes 202 and 4A (13 Portland Road), in Buxton (Bar Mills), on Sunday, March 6, 2011. A family interment ceremony will be held in late spring at the Madison Forest Hill Cemetery. As Stanley’s loving wife, Hilda, is still coping with Alzheimer’s disease, the family would appreciate donation consideration for the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org), in lieu of flowers.
M. Louise King M. Louise King, 94, of Bridgton, died at Bridgton Hospital on Tuesday, March 8 after a short illness. Visiting hours will be held Friday, March 11 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Raymond Wentworth Funeral Home, Elm St., Bridgton. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 12 at First Congregational Church, 33 South High St., Bridgton. A full obituary will be published in next week’s Bridgton News.
Memorial Service Elizabeth C. Denison
There will be a memorial service for Elizabeth C. Denison, 81, of Harrison (who passed away on Feb. 20, 2011 in Bridgton) on Saturday, March 12 at 2 p.m. at the Calvary Community Church in Harrison. Arrangements under the care of Oxford Hills and Weston Funeral Services, 1037 Main Street, Oxford.
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Gertrude R. Fielding RAYMOND — Gertrude R. Fielding, 87, of Raymond, passed away on March 7, 2011, with her family by her side. Mrs. Fielding was born in Portland, on Aug. 29, 1923, the daughter of Frank and Eva (Nelson) Perry and was educated in Scarborough schools. She attended Blackpoint Congregational Church in Scarborough and was a member of the Scarborough Lionesses, Women’s Fellowship at First Congregational and a Cub Scout leader as well. Gertrude was married for almost 60 years to William James Fielding, who predeceased her in 2003. Together they operated a service station on Route 1 in Scarborough for many years. She and her husband both loved planes. Gertrude had been flying in planes since the age of 16 and her family has continued the tradition. The family would fly their floatplanes on Panther Pond in Raymond where Gertrude enjoyed spending time. She was also a collector of dolls for many years. Survivors include three sons, William Fielding, Perry Fielding, and Peter Fielding; one daughter, Linda Dutremble; nine grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren, with one on the way. Visiting hours will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 12, 2011, at the Black Point Congregational Church, Black Point Road, in Scarborough, with a funeral following at 11 a.m. Interment at Black Point Cemetery will take place in the spring. Arrangements by the Hobbs Funeral Home, 230 Cottage Rd., South Portland. Online condolences may be expressed at www.hobbsfuneralhome.com In lieu of flowers, a donation in Gertrude’s name may be made to: Maine Children’s Cancer Program, 295 Forest Ave., Portland, Maine 04101.
Clifford L. Harmon Jr. Clifford “Junior,” L. Harmon Jr., 84 of Bridgton, passed away at his home on March 5, 2011. The son of Clifford L Harmon Sr. and Orilla L. Douglas Harmon, he was born in Lovell, Maine on March 27, 1926. In his youth he graduated from Bridgton high school, where he then was enlisted into the U.S. Marine Corps. As a Marine he was wounded and awarded the Purple Heart after fighting on Iwo Jima. After being discharged from the war Junior was an active life member of the Norway Paris fishing game. He also spent time guiding people for hunting and fishing. He devoted over thirty plus years with the youth baseball programs in the Lakes Region. Junior was an avid bowler at the Sacopee Valley Lanes. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, spending time in the outdoors, and collecting bait for his shop that he ran from his house. He loved playing cribbage with family and friends. Junior most of all loved watching the Red Sox play. He loved going to baseball games of all types. Junior is predeceased by his parents, Clifford L. Harmon Sr. and Orilla L. Harmon, a brother Frank Harmon, a sister Grace Cates, and a niece Gail Drummond. He is survived by three brothers: Alphonso Harmon, Clinton Harmon, and Charles Harmon, all of Bridgton; nephews: Mike Harmon, John Harmon, Scott Harmon, Mark Harmon, Bruce Harmon, Micky Harmon, David Harmon, Christopher Harmon, and Chester Ash; nieces: Wanda Thompson, Betsy Noble, Teri Pike, Brenda Harmon, Debbie Potts, and Linda Ash; and all of their spouses, and many greatgrand-nieces and nephews and many other family members. He resided at his home in the care of a family member. A memorial gathering will be held at the Mason hall on Rt. 117 in Bridgton on Sunday, March 20th, 2011 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. In lieu of flowers contributions in memory of Clifford L. Harmon may be made to BRAG – “Bridgton Recreation Advancement Group.”
Florence E. Proctor CASCO — Florence E. Proctor passed away peacefully on March 3, 2011 at the Bridgton Hospital. She was born in Mapleton on January 4, 1930, a daughter of Theodore “Ted” and Gladys Burtsell. Florence enjoyed her life. She was dedicated and devoted to her husband, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her children remember her for her enthusiasm for life, her strong will, always thinking of others before herself and most of all for the times she listened and supported each one. Florence enjoyed baking, being outdoors, gardening, bird watching, holiday get-togethers, cookouts, and parties with family and friends. She attended Casco High School and graduated from Lake Region High School. She was a member of the Crescent Lake Sunshine Club, and Nashua Ladies Auxiliary Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 483. Florence was past President of Casco PTA, and served as an EMT several years ago on the Casco Rescue Unit. Surviving are her husband of 63 years, Lawrence Sr. of Casco; six children, Pamela Spearrin of Casco; Lawrence F. Proctor Jr. and companion Sally Davis Ricciardelli of Naples, Fla.; Shirley Labonte and her husband Robert of Milford, N.H.; Timothy Proctor and his wife Jackie of Kissimmee, Fla.; Delores Desrosier and her husband Stanley of Roosevelt, Minn.; Scott Proctor of Raymond; three sisters, Dot Emmons and her husband Crosby of Naples; Claudia Gordon and husband Ed of Windham; Cindy Coffin and husband Donald of Naples; two brothers, Richard Burtsell and wife Jeanne of Naples; Ted Burtsell of Casco; eight grandchildren; five great-grandchildren and her aunt Lois Ferguson of Presque Isle. Florence was predeceased by her sister Beverly Leach as well as her brother Arthur Burtsell. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Casco Rescue Unit at P.O. Box 117, Casco, ME 04015. A graveside service will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 13, 2011 at the Green Grove Cemetery in Casco. A bereavement luncheon will follow the service at the home of Lawrence F. Proctor, 42 Webbs Mills Rd., Casco. On-line condolences may be left for the family at hallfuneralhomeinc.com
N. Michael Charest 1943-2011 LEWISTON — N. Michael Charest, 67, of Blake Street Towers, Lewiston, died peacefully on March 3, 2011 at Central Maine Medical Center intensive care unit from complications of pneumonia, with family at his side. He was born July 17, 1943, the first son of five, of the late Normand and Bertha Libby Charest. He grew up in Lewiston and was educated in local schools, graduating from Lewiston High School in 1961. Mike led a full and varied life of many paths. He worked for a time for the Lewiston Sun-Journal, and at the State House during Gov. Brennan’s administration, and at various times was co-owner of Gingerbread House Antiques and Auctions in Manchester, coowner of Slate’s Restaurant in Hallowell, and co-owner of a barber shop in Fryeburg. Living in Texas for most of his later years, he managed an upscale deli for Central Market, of Kroger, Colo., in Dallas. He was an avid reader and an accomplished oil and watercolor artist, but his greatest pleasure was cooking and baking. Living most recently at Blake Street Towers in Lewiston, “Mikey” quickly found his niche doing what he most enjoyed, planning meals and cooking for residents and events, and will be remembered for always having something new and fresh out of the oven in hand for someone to try. He will be honored at Blake Street Towers by having the new kitchen and dining facilities named after him. Michael was predeceased by his father, in 1995, and by his brother Barney Charest in 2007. He is survived by his mother, Bertha Libby, whose 89th birthday fell on the day of his death, and by his sister Joanne Ducharme and husband Paul; his sister Monique “Nicci” Leamon and husband Jim; his sister Dianne Dubois and husband Jerry; brothers Leonard Charest, Daniel Charest and longtime companion Sue Cheuka, Ron Charest, his sister-in-law, Louise Charest, and the many nieces, nephews, and great- and great-great-nieces and nephews that made up his immediate and extended family. The family extends its heartfelt thanks and gratitude to the physicians and nursing staff of CMMC’s intensive care unit, whose kindness, compassion and dedication were a gift to us all in the saddest and most trying of times. Condolences may be expressed online at www.albertburpee.com. A graveside committal and family memorial service will take place in the spring.
Letters
(Continued from Page 11B) testors are all unemployed or else have part-time benefit-free jobs at McDonald’s or WalMarts that free them up to counter-protest the “bloated,” “arrogant” publicly-employed school teachers, janitors, maintenance workers, etc. But then again, maybe the Tea Party protestors are so wealthy they don’t have to work for a living. It has been said that the money spigot they draw from in the guise of that great nonprofit Americans for Prosperity are the billionaire Koch brothers who made their fortunes feeding off the oil industry subsidized by American taxpayers. But never mind. I’m not a corporation, but an individual living (like so many others) on the margins of poverty. What right do I have to speak on behalf of my sister, a hard-working protesting high school social science teacher in Wisconsin, quite willing to take a cut in pay, put more of her own salary into medical and pension plans for the sake of the present state deficit and asks only to permit her union to have collective bargaining rights. And this, as millionaires and billionaires and multi-national corporations ask for continued tax exemptions for themselves. Am I to believe that this is what it means to be a patriotic American? Well, hopefully I can keep writing and occasionally be published in the local paper though I don’t get paid for it. And the Bible and my preacher tell me to “forgive” and “turn the other cheek.” I can sort of go with “love the sinner and not the sin,” but that’s not easy. Forgive me Dear Lord. Virginia (Tilla) Durr Sweden
Middle East
To The Editor: If you want to see the longterm future of that gargantuan house of cards called the global financial empire, take a good look at the Middle East. For 65 years since the end of World War II, we’ve made a devil’s bargain with the sheiks, sultans, emirs and military dictators of that region. We’ve
propped up their corrupt, brutal regimes with American military and monetary aid. In return, they’ve kept cheap oil flowing to the United States. Thugs like Mubarak in Egypt and Gadhafi in Libya have amassed multibillion-dollar fortunes while the common people in their countries struggled in grinding poverty. Now that brittle system is cracking along its fault lines. The common people are saying, “Enough! No more!” No one can predict how all of this turmoil will proceed, but when it ends, nothing will look the same in that part of the world. Jesus warned about “a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds came and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash,” (Matthew 7:26-27). After ignoring the unrest in the Middle East for a couple of weeks, the Wall Street wizards finally are waking up to the fact that their financial empire is built on a foundation of sand — the sand that lies above all that oil. The world’s oil supply is now under serious threat. In response, greedy speculators are bidding up crude oil prices and gasoline and heating oil prices are shooting up in response. Beware the day when that oil supply gets seriously disrupted. It will cause the nearly instantaneous disintegration of the global financial house of cards. When that house falls, the crash will be heard on Mars. So, what can we do to stop it? Not much. Forget military intervention. We have no troops left. We’ve squandered them for the past decade, fighting George W. Bush’s wars of choice in Afghanistan and Iraq. Now, when we really need them, they’re all committed elsewhere. To tell the truth, we don’t know how to operate in a world where we can’t pull enough strings, spend enough money, or send enough troops to guarantee our supply of oil. Our economy can’t function without it, so we’d better learn some new ways of conducting foreign policy, and fast. Thanks to the shortsighted policies of the past, we’re in for a bumpy roller coaster ride and there’s nothing at the end of the track but a brick wall. Rev. Robert Plaisted Bridgton