Passages

Compiled by Rev. Susan Murphy

Keith E. Austin, 62, of Springvale, passed away at his home on Sunday, March 10, 2024. Born on March 28, 1961, in Biddeford, Keith was the son of Ernest and Lois (Hustus) Austin. He spent his formative years in Lyman and attended Massabesic High School. Keith held various jobs during his working life before taking a position at Flemish Master Weavers in Sanford where he had been employed for the last 25 years. An avid outdoorsman, Keith found solace in nature. He cherished moments spent camping, fishing, and crafting his own fishing flies. Despite his quiet demeanor, Keith’s love for his family shone brightly. He found joy in their company and treasured every moment spent together. Keith’s affinity for animals, especially his beloved dogs, was evident to all who knew him. He took delight in observing the wildlife that frequented his yard, finding peace in the simple pleasures of nature. He is survived by his loving wife, Wendy Austin of Springvale; his daughter, Wendy Beaulieu, and her husband, Jeff, of Biddeford; his step-daughter, Theresa Welch of Springvale; his cherished grandchildren, Roxanna Lyman of Sanford and Cameron Beaulieu of Biddeford; his sister, Pamela Austin of Sanford; his nephew, Glen Austin of Lyman; and two nieces, Vicky Plowman of Gorham and Jenny McLendon of Sanford. A graveside service to honor Keith’s life will be held in the spring at Oakdale Cemetery in Sanford. Read his full obituary here https://blackfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/keith-austin-2024.

Darlene Marie Palmer-Brackett, 60, died unexpectedly on March 8, 2024, at her home in Springvale. Darlene was born on July 26, 1963, to George and Lorraine (Marcoutte) Palmer in Biddeford. Darlene was an accomplished seamstress and worked at WestPoint/Pepperell, Windows Pretty, and Walmart. She enjoyed fishing, lobstering, and relaxing on her swing at home. She loved animals and was partial to cats. The family will greatly miss her famous brownies. She is survived by her husband, Robert. Memorial services will be at 11 am on Saturday, March 23 by Bibber Memorial at Autumn Green. Visiting time will begin at 10 am prior to the service. Read her full obituary at https://memorials.bibbersautumngreen.com/darlene-palmer-brackett/5394065/index.php

Paul J. Cloutier, 88, of Sanford, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at Summer Commons in Sanford. Paul was born on September 30, 1935, in Sanford to Arthur and Irene (Tremblay) Cloutier. He grew up in Sanford and attended the local Catholic schools. Paul proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps from 1953 to 1956. Following his honorable discharge, he returned to Sanford, where he embarked on a fulfilling journey. Paul married Anita Blouin in 1963 and together they shared nearly 61 years of marriage, raising three children. Paul’s professional life was diverse, eventually finding his niche with the Laborer’s Union, where he dedicated many years until his retirement. Even after retiring, he continued to work part-time at Associated Eyecare in Sanford for an additional 18 years. Paul was an avid outdoorsman with a passion for hunting, fishing, and playing horseshoes. Paul loved hosting gatherings for friends and family. He also found joy in woodworking, crafting cherished heirlooms for loved ones. Paul was deeply involved in his community. He was a 3rd and 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus, a member of the Marine Corps League, and the American Legion. Paul will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and family man. Paul was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Sylvia Royal, and his daughter-in-law, Christine Cloutier He is survived by his loving wife, Anita Cloutier of Sanford; his children, Lucille (Chris) Rivard, Gerard Cloutier, and Claire (Christopher) Bell, five grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and an extended family. Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 pm on Friday, March 22 at the Carll-Heald & Black Funeral Home located at 580 Main Street in Springvale. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 am on Saturday, March 23 at St. Thérèse of Lisieux Parish located on North Avenue in Sanford. Read his full obituary at https://blackfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/paul-cloutier.

Barbara Dias, 98, of Sanford, died at the Pinnacle in Sanford. She graduated from Sanford High School in the class of 1943. She was Head Majorette for the high school band and received the Tribune Cup for “Character, Leadership and Highest Mental and Physical Achievement.” She was predeceased by her husband of nearly 60 years, Anthony “Tony” Dias. She was a lifelong communicant at St. Georges Episcopal Church where she was on the alter guild and sang in the choir. Other interests included Girl Scout leader and Director of Bauneg Beg Girl Scout Camp, downhill and cross-country skiing, tennis, running, biking, hiking, walking and she was a member of the National Ski Patrol. While hunting with her husband, she tagged the “biggest buck in Maine.” She was a member of the Appalachian Club and worked on maintaining a section of the trail with her dear friend, Thelma Thomas, and others, well into her 80s. She is survived by three daughters, Susan (Tom) Ackley, Nikki (Carl) Clevenger and Jill (Tom) Dias Wozniak, two granddaughters and three great-granddaughters. A memorial service was held at St. Georges Episcopal Church in Sanford on Tuesday, March 1, 2024.

Linda Jane Field, 76, of Saco passed away at her home on March 14, 2024. She was born in Sanford on July 22, 1947, the daughter of Leroy and Doris (Michaud) Field. She was educated in the Sanford school system and graduated from Sanford High School, Class of 1965. Linda went on to receive her teaching degree from Gorham State Teachers College in 1969. After graduation, she began a career teaching in the Saco school system which spanned more than three decades. In 1970, Linda married Richard Belanger and they settled in Saco where they raised their two wonderful children, Eric and Lori. Linda had an incredible passion for interior decorating. Her home was her showpiece and she enjoyed sharing her design gift with friends, helping them make their house a home. She had countless other interests, including reading, painting, word puzzles, brainteasers and logic puzzles at the top of her list.

Her family was by far her main priority. She loved supporting her children and grandchildren by attending all of their sporting events, recitals, school activities and theater performances. Linda looked forward to family gatherings with anticipation and joy. She is survived by her son, Eric Belanger; her daughter, Lori Roop and husband, Mark; her three grandchildren, her partner, Patrick Daley; her brother, George (Diane) Field and sister, Carol Clough.

Visiting hours will take place from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm, with a celebration of life service beginning at 1:00 pm on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at Cote Funeral Home Chapel in Saco.

Marie Pauline Morgan, 79, of Sanford, passed away on February 18, 2024, at Pinnacle Health Care in Sanford. Born on November 24, 1944, to Albert and Alma Gauvreau in Sanford, Marie led a life filled with love, compassion, and dedication to her family and community. Pauline attended local schools in Sanford and graduated from St. Ignatius School. She further pursued her passion for cosmetology, attending Pierre’s School of Beauty and she dedicated herself to her career in the beauty industry. She owned Pauline’s Beauty Salon and The Looking Glass Salon. Hand working as a stylist was an art form she approached with pride and dedication. She actively participated in her church community and devoted countless hours to volunteering, knitting hats for children, packing boxes for missions abroad and participating in children’s ministry. Pauline cherished her children, Kathy and Ken, instilling in them a passion for music that they carry with them today. She had three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren and leaves behind a large extended family. A memorial service was held on March 14, 2024, at the Sanford First Baptist Church. Read her full obituary at https://blackfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/marie-morgan.

Sharon L. Remick, 76, of Sanford, died peacefully Wednesday, March 13, 2024, in Scarborough. She was born in Portland on July 10, 1947, the daughter of Russell and Leatrice (Meloon) Martin. She was a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother and educator who graduated from Sanford schools in 1965 and the University of Maine in Gorham in 1969. She was married to Franklin Remick for 57 years. Her career in Sanford spanned 45 years resulting in her working in all five elementary schools. Sharon was a member of the Baptist Church and the Eastern Star and assisted with the Terrific Kid Program with the schools through the Kiwanis Club. She also oversaw the “Beat the Winter Blues” event for several years, which brought all of the Sanford schools and social service agencies together for families once or twice a year. Sharon was an active supporter of her children’s and husband’s sports activities, helping out at the Snack Shed during soccer season, baseball or softball. She cheered teams on and provided transportation for teammates as necessary. Sharon’s favorite “team” was her “Book Club” group which started at Lincoln School in 1996 with staff and friends and has continued to meet monthly. Sharon was predeceased by her parents and her brother-in-law, Stanley Hill. She is survived by her husband, Franklin; her son, Darrell (Cindy) Remick, her daughter, Karen Remick Lear; her five grandchildren and an extended family. A memorial service was held at the Carll-Heald and Black Funeral Home on March 20, 2024. Read her full obituary at https://blackfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/sharon-remick.