Passages

Passages Compiled by Rev. Susan Murphy

Clara Belle Burgess died suddenly March 6, 2024. She was born in Dixfield on January 23, 1934, the youngest of eight children, to Osborne R. Burgess and Hazel Littlefield Burgess. Clara, aka “Claire”, attended school in Dixfield and at the age of 15 moved to Alfred to live with mother and stepfather. When she was sixteen, she married Roger Fillion and they lived in Sanford until relocating to Hartford, CT to work at Pratt & Whitney Aircraft for eight years. When they returned to Springvale, Clara worked at Jagger Bros., Aletta Dress, and several years at Sanford Weaving (Tenneford). Claire was a neat and tidy homemaker who loved to cook, bake, sew, knit, crochet and needlework. She was predeceased by her father Osborne Burgess; her mother Hazel Crawford and stepfather Harold D. Crawford; and seven siblings. She is survived by her sons Timothy (Gayle) Burgess of Shapleigh; Jeffrey (Jennifer) Burgess Springvale and five granddaughters. Also, her half-sister Gloria Pillsbury and husband Wayne of Shapleigh; five granddaughters, 17 nieces and nephews and three cousins. At Clara’s request, there will not be any services. Read her full obit here https://memorials.bibbersautumngreen.com/clara-burgess/5410857/index.php

Martha I. Dube, 85, of Springvale, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at Southern Maine Health Care in Biddeford. The daughter of Ralph and Clara (Roy) Chasse, Sr. she was born on January 24, 1939, in Norway, Maine. She moved to Sanford at the age of 10, where she attended local schools and graduated from Sanford High School. Throughout her career, Martha dedicated herself to caring for others as a med tech and CNA at Goodall Hospital and Greenwood Center until her retirement in 1995. She was a dedicated member of Curtis Lake Christian Church. When she was younger, her passion for music shined through her participation in the choir for over a decade. Martha found joy in the simple pleasures of life, often taking daily walks along Main Street and indulging in her hobbies of completing jigsaw puzzles and baking. Renowned for her delicious whoopie pies and intricate cake decorating skills, Martha’s culinary creations brought smiles to many faces. In her later years, Martha found companionship and community at the Lodges in Springvale, where she embraced the vibrant social life and activities with gusto. She cherished the time spent with her friends and will be fondly remembered for her warmth and kindness. Martha was preceded in death by her daughter, Denise Neal, and two sisters, Geraldine Bouchard and Dorothy Couture. Her legacy of love and devotion extends to her family, where she leaves behind a lasting impact. She is survived by her five children: Rita (Edgar) Sevigny of Sanford, Roger (Eileen) Dube of North Carolina, Darin Dube of Wells, Brian (Sheila) Dube of Sanford, and Dennis (Darcy) Dube of Wells. Martha is lovingly remembered by her 17 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and her siblings: Ralph Chasse, Jr., Donald Chasse, Carl Chasse, Verna Vezina, and Lorina Dryden, along with numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation was held on Monday, April 15, at the Carll-Heald & Black Funeral Home. Interment will take place at a later date at Oakdale Cemetery in Sanford. Read her full obituary at https://blackfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/martha-dube

Raymond “Chief” M. Parent, 80, of Sanford, passed away on April 10, 2024, at his residence. Born in Biddeford on June 12, 1943, to the late Albert and Aline Parent, Raymond grew up and attended local schools, graduating from Biddeford High School. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served for four years as a Communications Specialist in Key West. At the age of 15, Raymond met the love of his life, Pricille Jarry, whom he spent nearly 56 years loving and caring for. Raymond embarked on his lifelong career in the fire department in 1964 starting as a firefighter and ambulance attendant and eventually retiring as chief. His natural leadership skills propelled him through the ranks, serving as captain, deputy chief, and finally, chief. He also served as communications director for Sanford 911 and dedicated three years to building fire engines with Mike Anton. Raymond’s commitment extended beyond the fire department, serving double duty as interim town manager and fire chief for six weeks and chairing the Veterans Memorial Cemetery Association that established the Southern Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Springvale. Raymond’s true joy came from his family. His wife and children were his priority and he cherished every moment spent with them. Known for his zest for life and gratitude for each day, Raymond maintained an open-door policy at his home, always willing to lend an ear or offer guidance. Raymond is predeceased by his beloved wife, Pricille, an infant son, Rodney and two sisters, Yvette Sylvester and Nancy Neault. He is survived by his daughter, Noreen Parent, of Sanford; son, Eric (Marie) Parent of Hollis; 2 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren; his sisters Claire Ouellette and Elaine Cobeil and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Visiting hours will be held on Friday, April 19, from 5-8 PM at Carll-Heald & Black Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, April 20, at 10 AM at St. Thérèse of Lisieux Parish, Holy Family Church in Sanford. The burial will take place at a later date. https://blackfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/raymond-parent