Passages

Cecile Melanson, Roland Frechette

Passages compiled by Rev. Susan Murphy

Cecile Marie Melanson, 88, of Sanford, passed away on Friday, Feb. 23, 2024, surrounded by the love of her family at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House. Cecile was born in Sanford on Dec. 17, 1935, the daughter of Leonadis and Olive (Bouchard) Vallee. She grew up in Sanford with her 14 siblings and attended Sanford schools. Cecile married the love of her life, Laurie (Larry) Melanson, on Nov. 8, 1952. They were married for 66 years and raised six children in a home filled with faith and love. Cecile will be missed for the unconditional love she gave freely. She was a wonderful baker and cook, making pies that were second to none. She loved to sew, crochet, make puzzles, flower garden and do crafts with her daughters and granddaughters. Cecile had a love for life itself. She was predeceased by her loving husband, Laurie J. Melanson; her beloved son, Larry J. Melanson; her grandson, Jeffrey K. Beattie and son-in-law, Kevin L. Beattie. She is survived by her children, Janice Hussey, Arline Laclair, Sandra Pollack, Melinda Beattie, Michelle Osmer, 16 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at St. Therese of Lisieux Parish, Holy Family Church on Tuesday, Feb. 27 at 10:00 am. Spring burial will be in St. Ignatius

Cemetery. The full obituary is here: https://blackfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/cecile-melanson.

Roland H. Frechette, 94, of Sanford, joined his beloved wife in heaven on Feb. 17, 2024. He was born in Sanford on July 22, 1929, the son of Albert and Leonie Frechette. Roland attended St. Ignatius High School, where he was a superstar on the basketball court and salutatorian of his class. He was a veteran of the United States Air Force and worked at General Electric in Somersworth, N.H., until his retirement. Roland was predeceased by his loving wife, Jane Yvonne Cookson Frechette, whom he met at a local dance hall in York. They wed on May 1, 1954, and shared 67 years of marriage. A fixture in Sanford up until his passing, Roland was the oldest member of the Elks Club. He was an avid golfer and member of the Sanford Country Club. Known for his musical talents, beautiful singing voice and amazing harmonica playing, Roland sang in the St. Ignatius choir for years alongside his wife. His children will always remember him for his amazing magic tricks, his incredible artistry, his wicked sense of humor, his love of music, and his penchant for much-talked about Christmas decorations. In addition to his wife and parents, Roland is predeceased by his brother, Fernand R. Frechette. He will forever be held in the hearts of his children, Michael Frechette of Los Angeles, Linda (Paul) Blouin of Augusta, James Frechette of San Francisco, Janet (Archie) Held of Novato, Calif., and Nancy Belanger of Sanford. Known fondly as “Pep,” he is also survived by his beloved six grandchildren as well as several nieces and nephews. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 am on Wednesday, March 27, at St. Therese of Lisieux Parish, Holy Family Church. Interment with military honors will follow at the Southern Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery and a memorial luncheon will follow the services at the Elks Club in Sanford. The full obituary is here: https://blackfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/roland-frechette.