Passages: August 5, 2023

Doris-Elizabeth “Chica” M. Plante, 85, passed away on Wednesday, July 26, 2023 at her residence in Springvale. She was born on July 19, 1938, in Melrose, MA, to Genieve Brigham and W. Francis MacCuish. She attended Nasson College in Springvale, Maine. She also taught in the Sanford-Springvale school system for many years and worked as a librarian at the Springvale Public Library.

“Chica” was quite a craftswoman, making beautiful cross stitch, knitting, crocheting and applique. She is best known for the amazing quilts she made for family, friends and organizations.

Chica is survived by her husband of 64 years, Charles A. Plante Sr., six children, Kathryn, Charles Jr., Patricia, William, James, and Elizabeth, 13 grandchildren and five great granddaughters.

Chica requested no services. A celebration of life will be held at a later time per her wishes.

Marilyn R. Cote, 75, of Sanford died Sunday morning at the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House in Scarborough following a brief illness. She was born in Biddeford on January 2, 1948, a daughter of Alton and Ruth (Campbell) Benson. She spent her early years in Kennebunk, then was raised in Wells by her foster parents Walter and Estelle Ducharme graduating from Wells High School. Marilyn was employed with Sprague Electric in Sanford for 32 years, retiring when the plant closed. Raised in poverty, she was very generous in adulthood, having an affinity for those in need.

Marilyn kept busy in retirement. She enjoyed puzzles, bowling, the beach and family trips to Boothbay Harbor where she indulged in some favorite foods such as lobster and Chinese. As matriarch of a very active family, she could be found at her sons’ and granddaughters’ athletic events, (not always quietly) in the bleachers. She also enjoyed attending concerts in which her granddaughters sang.

She was predeceased by her parents, her foster parents, siblings Shirley Wayne, Betty Cote, DeeAnne Campbell and Noreen Bridges. Survivors include her husband of 57 years, Philip G. Cote of Sanford, 2 sons, Rick A. Cote and his fiancé Kendall Wyman, Thomas P. Cote and his wife Pamela, 4 granddaughters, Jade McKinnon Cote, Sophie Cote, Paige Cote, and Jordan McKinnon Cote. Marilyn is also survived by siblings Robert Benson, Mickey Adams, Ronald Benson, Andrew Belisle, Beverly Jackson, Lori Black, Julie Johnson, Eric Ducharme, Errol Ducharme, Larry Ducharme, brother-in-law Mike Cote and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours for family and friends were held, followed by a memorial service, on Friday, August 4th at the Carll-Heald & Black Funeral Home, 580 Main Street in Springvale. In Lieu of flowers contributions in her memory may be made to the Gosnell Hospice House, 11 Hunnewell Road Scarborough, ME 04074.

Arlene H. Skillin, 98, of Sanford, died peacefully on Sunday, July 30th, in Sanford. She was born in Springvale on September 10, 1924, the daughter of Bert and Mildred (Marston) Stanley. She grew up in Springvale and helped her father on the family farm. Later, she worked at Jagger Mills as a cutter during the war. Arlene married Richard Skillin in 1947 and they shared 44 years of marriage until his death in 1991.

Arlene was a homemaker most of her life, caring for her children as well as her parents. She enjoyed cooking, sewing, making clothing, riding snowmobiles and swimming. She and Richard lived for many years on Loon Pond and spent time traveling around the country in their fifth wheel camper. She always kept the cookie jar filled and her granddaughter described her as “The best grammie ever.”

Mrs. Skillin was predeceased by her husband, two sons, Gary Skillin, and Brian Skillin in 1977 and her daughter, Rebecca Bolduc in 2011. She is survived by her grandson, Anthony Bolduc and his fiancé Kerry Martineau of Acton, her granddaughter, Emily Ronayne of Old Orchard Beach, her great-grandchildren, Jennifer Ronayne and Zoey Bolduc and her great-great grandchildren, Hadley Morin and Christian Roberts.

A funeral service was held on August third at 1:00 pm at the Carll, Heald and Black Funeral Home, 580 Main Street, Springvale. Burial followed at the Riverside Cemetery.