Passages

Compiled by Rev. Susan Murphy

Doris M. Jalbert, 89, of Sanford, passed away on June 20 at Pinnacle Health and Rehabilitation in Sanford. Doris was born in Sanford on May 30, 1935, to Frank and Mary (Cormier) Melanson. She attended St. Ignatius School and later married Joseph R. Jalbert in 1957. Together, they raised two daughters and cherished 27 years of marriage until Joseph’s passing in 1984. Doris worked in local shoe shops and later in the kitchen at Sanford Nursing Home. She had a passion for sewing, creating doll clothes from her own patterns, and enjoyed collecting paper dolls and beanie babies. Doris loved to travel and enjoyed the friends she made while out and about shopping and meeting them at Wendy’s and McDonalds. Doris will be remembered as a devoted mother and grandmother and will be dearly missed by all who knew her. She was predeceased by her husband, Joseph, her parents and six siblings: Anne Beaulieu, Matty Levesque, Bernadette Levesque, Laurie Melanson, Alberta Sevigny, and a young infant brother. She is survived by her daughters, Loriann (Phil) LaFoe and Darlene (Mark Sr.) Johnstone and her grandchildren, Alyssa LaFoe and her partner Cait and Mark (Carolee) Johnstone, Jr.; special niece, Rita Mailhot; and numerous nieces and nephews. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Wednesday, June 26th, at St. Therese of Lisieux Parish, Holy Family Church and interment followed at St. Ignatius Cemetery.
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Martha Spendlove Strohl of Saratoga Springs, NY died on September 7, 2023. Martha was born on November 24, 1942, in Sanford to Albert and Dorothy Symonds Spendlove. The family moved to Worcester, MA, in 1946, where her sister Katherine was born. The Spendloves spent many happy summers on Mousam Lake, in Emery Mills, ME. Martha married Dale Strohl in 1964. They divorced in 1985. They share one daughter, Laura Strohl Sanzel, Martha subsequently married Thomas B. O’Connor, Jr. She cherished the time she spent with Tom and his large, loving family of three sons. Martha leaves her daughter, Laura Strohl Sanzel, son-in-law Ken and granddaughter Maya; sister Katherine (Pierre) Talmadge Salle. She had a quick wit and bold perspective; her interests were many and varied. She made friends wherever she went, and her legacy will be those friendships. A Celebration of Life was held in November 2023 in Saratoga Springs and burial was in Sanford at Oakdale Cemetery on Saturday June 22.

Benjamin Yunker of Springvale died on June 11 at the age of 47. Ben was born on July 4, 1976 to Colleen and Ken Yunker and he grew up in Freeport, Maine. A free spirit and adventurer at heart, Ben lived his life with an unyielding passion for rock climbing and an unquenchable thirst for living on his own terms. Ben always had natural curiosity and a fearless spirit. Ben was known for his warmth, humor, and generosity. He had an incredible ability to connect with people from all walks of life, sharing his love for the outdoors and inspiring others to pursue their passions with the same fervor he did. Ben is survived by his parents, his siblings Liesl, Katrina, David, Tom, Brian, Ken and countless aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and fellow climbers who will forever remember his spirit and zest for life. In honor of Ben, a celebration of his life will be held on June 29 at 69A Ramshackle Road, West Newfield at 2:00 PM where friends and family will gather to share stories and remember the incredible person he was. Read his full obituary

Donald J. Saucier, 75, of Springvale, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 23 at Rochester Manor in Rochester, NH. Born on November 19, 1948, to George and Rita (Lajoie) Saucier in Keegan (now Van Buren), where he grew up and attended local schools. A proud veteran, Donald served in the Army during the Vietnam conflict. Upon returning home, he married his beloved wife, Rose LaPlante, with whom he shared 50 wonderful years of marriage and raised two children. Donald’s career at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard brought him to the area, and his work took him across the United States to Georgia, Virginia, California, and even internationally to Scotland. Donald was a lifelong learner, continually expanding his knowledge through night classes, which earned him two bachelor’s degrees. He had a passion for reading, camping, and was an avid NASCAR fan. He followed New England sports with enthusiasm, especially during championship seasons. Online card games were another favorite pastime, allowing him to forge friendships with people from around the globe. Family time was precious to Donald, and he cherished the many memories made during camping trips, particularly at Mighty Joe Campground in New Hampshire. He is predeceased by his parents George and Rita Saucier. Donald is survived by his devoted wife, Rose Saucier of Springvale; his son, Brian Saucier, and his wife, Nadia, of Alton, NH; his daughter, Tracy Fairbrother, and her husband, Steven, of Springvale; his beloved grandchildren, Kyle Saucier, Bailey Beck and Jacob, and Jonathan Fairbrother, his brother Robert Saucier and his wife Terry of Sumnerfield, FL, his sister Phyllis Foley of Westbrook, and his brother Gary Saucier, of Scarborough. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins, and a multitude of dear friends. Donald will be remembered for his warmth, his love of learning, and the joy he brought to those around him. His legacy of love, family, and friendship will continue to inspire all who knew him. A graveside service at the Southern Maine Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery will be held at a date and time to be announced.

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