Passages: August 19, 2023

Compiled by Rev. Sue Murphy

Dennis A. Smith, 74, of Sanford, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, August 8, 2023, surrounded by his loved ones. Born on February 7, 1949, in Sanford, Dennis was a lifelong resident, completing his education at Sanford High School in 1968.

In 1976, he was united in marriage with IdaRose Welch, marking the beginning of 47 years filled with love, laughter, and shared memories as they raised their two children. For 42 years, Dennis dedicated his service to the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, retiring in 2012. A man of many talents and interests, Dennis held a pilot’s license in his younger days and delighted in the freedom of flight. Known for his quiet demeanor, he cherished the simple moments — long walks with IdaRose, fixing things around the house with his impeccable handy skills, and working on cars alongside his son.

Memories of riding his motorcycle and trips to California to visit relatives colored his younger days. Above all, Dennis was a pillar of strength and love for his family, a loving husband, father, and cherished grandfather. His legacy will remain in the hearts of those he leaves behind. Dennis was predeceased by his brother, Terry Smith.

His memory will be lovingly carried forward by his devoted wife, IdaRose M. Smith of Springvale; their children, Shawn C. Smith (Jessica) of North Berwick and Tammra M. Smith of Sanford; grandson, Braiden Smith; step-grandsons, Steven and Michael Chaisson and numerous cousins. A funeral service in honor of Dennis’s life was held on Tuesday, August 15th at the Carll-Heald & Black Funeral Home in Springvale, Maine. Interment followed at Oakdale Cemetery, Twombley Road, Sanford. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly suggests memorial contributions to Waypoint (formerly known as Waban), 5 Dunaway Drive, Sanford, Maine 04073.

Barbara Louise Babb Nason, 92, died August 12, 2023, at the home of her daughter Christine and son-in-law Ross, in East Andover where she had lived for nearly 6 years. Born in Rochester, NH, on February 24, 1931, to Guy S. and Helen Gould Shute Babb, she was the middle of nine children, growing up in Somersworth, NH.

Barbara graduated from Somersworth High School in 1948 and attended Maine General Hospital School of Nursing, becoming an LPN. She worked at Rumford Community and Stephens Memorial hospitals.

In 1952 Barbara married John S. Greenleaf of Bethel where they raised three children. Her second marriage to the Rev. Dr. James H. Nason in 1974, meant that she would live in a variety of places from Limestone, Maine, to Cape Ann, Mass., and numerous places in between, wherever the Methodist Conference sent them. In addition, Barbara and Jim traveled to many states, Canada, England, and Scotland. Everywhere they went, Barbara made lifelong friends. Over the years they built their retirement home in Sanford, with Barbara carrying bricks to help build the chimney.

When her first child was born, Barbara learned to sew and never stopped. She made clothes for her family and herself, including several items for Jim’s religious ceremonies. She made many quilts, often by hand, and her children, grandchildren, and friends were the recipients of her works of art. Barbara made and sold American Girl doll clothes, sometimes creating special outfits at the request of a customer. 

While living in Sanford, Barbara volunteered at The Old Timers’ Shop and was an active member of St. George’s Episcopal Church. When she moved to Andover, she belonged to the Andover Service Circle, was active in events at the Andover Congregational Church, and volunteered at the Andover Food Pantry, singing the whole time.

Barbara was predeceased by her parents, Jim, her husband of 43 years and seven siblings. Survivors are her daughters, Christine Swain and husband Ross; Joan Ellen Greenleaf; son Bruce Greenleaf and wife Susan; grandchildren Catharine Mosley and husband Neal; Erin Berube and husband Scott; Abby and Joshua Greenleaf; Rachel Gigliotti; and great granddaughter Annabelle. She has one surviving brother, Conrad and his wife, Flo Babb of Florida; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends. Burial will be private and a public memorial service will be held at the First Congregational Church, Andover, Maine, on Saturday, September 2, 2023, at 1:00 pm.  For a full obituary visit www.bibbersautumngreen.com

Julia Hamel Carpentier, 95 of Sanford, died peacefully at her home on Thursday August 10, 2023. She was born in Sanford on July 14, 1928, the daughter of Louis and Olivia Hamel. Julia grew up in Sanford and despite being underage, traveled by bus to Dover to make fuses for the war effort. After the war, she furthered her education at St. Ignatius Business School, graduating in 1947.

Married in 1949 to Aldas Carpentier they would share 56 years of marriage until his death in 2005. She was a homemaker, raising her children and helping to raise the children of her sister-in-law when she died in 1962. Later in life, Julia joined the workforce again, finding employment at Ames Department Store and later at Sprague Electric where she worked soldering. When she wasn’t working and raising children, Julia enjoyed reading, playing cards with family and friends, canning and preserving the garden harvest, watching Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune and keeping up with the latest news.

Julia was predeceased by her husband; siblings Rose Hamel Carpentier, George, Richard and Patrick Hamel; a step-grandson, Brian Cabana; niece Michele Carpentier and nephew Brian O’Connor. She is survived by her daughters Rachel Carpentier, Claire Cabana, Denise Sillon and her husband Dennis and Vivian Carpentier; four grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at St. Therese of Lisieux Parish, Holy Family Church on Friday August 18.

Anita Gertrude Pelletier, 105 of Sanford died peacefully at the Pinnacle just shy of midnight on Wednesday, August 9, with a cherished niece by her side. Anita was born on February 18,1918 above the Springvale Trust Company building in what she described as a “small hospital.” Anita graduated from Sanford High School and completed a secretarial program at Nasson College. This program prepared her for the next 38 years where she pursued a career working for the “selectmen” at City Hall.

A deeply spiritual woman, Anita was a communicant of Notre Dame Parish and St. Ignatius and Holy Family where she enjoyed singing in the choir and was a lector for 15 years. Any opportunity for travel was enthusiastically embraced and she enjoyed many church sponsored trips to various shrines as well as a special road trip to California to visit one of her godchildren.

Never married, Anita was “adopted” by Drs. Paul and Georgia Basko and their children, Aaron and Georgia. The Baskos loved Anita dearly and were as much family as her own. She spoke fondly of all the overnights spent in their little cottage at their Lebanon homestead. These always involved very competitive games of Hand and Foot, a game she would challenge anyone to, especially friends at the Trafton Center, another favorite haunt.

She was an avid reader and could easily devour several books in a week’s time. Evenings meant watching TV and her favorite shows, playing Bingo and making puzzles were other favorite pastimes. Invites to lunch or a ride to the beach to enjoy a lobster roll and some chowder and she was on board. Most of this Anita enjoyed until she passed. Anita’s smile, and her friendly, outgoing nature made her a beloved resident at the Mayflower and Pinnacle. Anita’s family is grateful for the care and attention they provided and more recently the Hospice team from Compassus who provided invaluable end of life support. Anita was pre-deceased by her parents Helen (Stebbens) and Charles Pelletier and four siblings Leo, Rudy, Paul and Shirley Brocato. She will be fondly missed and remembered by her 16 nieces and nephews. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on Friday, August 25th at St Therese of Lisieux Parish, Holy Family Church, located on North Avenue in Sanford. Interment will be at Notre Dame Cemetery in Springvale. In lieu of flowers please consider a contribution to the St. Therese Food Closet.