Passages

Compiled by Rev. Susan Murphy

Brother Mark D. Couture, 89, a Brother of Christian Instruction for 70 years, died peacefully on Friday, Oct. 11, 2024, in Sanford. The son of Donat and Rita (Prefontaine) Couture, he was born in Somersworth, NH, on Dec. 1, 1934. He graduated from St. Ignatius High School in Sanford in 1953 and began his novitiate studies for the Brothers of Christian Instruction in 1954 at Oka, Quebec. He pronounced his final vows in 1959. Brother Mark obtained a bachelor’s degree from LaMennais College and taught American history and political science for over 26 years. Brother Mark was busy on the Alfred campus as a groundskeeper until his retirement in 2021. He was predeceased by his parents, his stepfather, Camille Bernier, and his siblings, Dick Couture and Jackie. He is survived by a large extended family and his religious family. Visiting hours were held at the Brothers’ in Alfred on Oct. 16 and a Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Oct. 17. Burial followed in the Brothers’ Cemetery. https://blackfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/mark-couture.

Eleanor Florence Desrochers, 88, of Kennebunk died peacefully on Oct. 5, 2024. She was born on Feb. 8, 1936, in Biddeford to William and Florence (Pinette) Velandry. She lived in Biddeford until age 12, then moved to Sanford in 1948 and graduated from Sanford High School. Eleanor was a tester at Sprague Electric and retired after 22 years of service. She married Robert Desrochers on Nov. 26, 1959, at St. Ignatius Church and together they raised five children. She was an active member of the Children of Mary in the parish. Her hobbies included traveling, playing bingo, eating out, and attending the sporting events of her children and grandchildren. Eleanor was a die-hard Red Sox fan, referring to the players as “her boys.” Eleanor is survived by her children, Deborah (Mike) Adams of Springvale, Brenda (Rick) Laplante of Lewiston, Mark (Linda) Desrochers of Shapleigh and Dennis Desrochers of Sanford; 10 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband of 64 years, Robert (Bob) Desrochers, her son Donald Desrochers, her parents, and her sister Judith Ridley. A funeral mass was held on Oct. 10 at Saint Thérèse of Lisieux Parish-Holy Family Church, in Sanford. Interment followed at Southern Maine Veterans Cemetery in Springvale.

https://memorials.bibbersautumngreen.com/eleanor-desrochers/5497162/index.php

Roberta C. Mescavage, 81, beloved sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully on Friday, Oct. 4, 2024, at Southern Maine Health Care in Biddeford. She was born in Sanford on April 23, 1943, to Edward and Celeste (Roberts) Mescavage, and graduated from Sanford High School. Her journey through life took her around the world, including several cherished years in Ecuador, where she worked as a teacher. Eventually, she returned to her roots in Maine, where she found fulfillment serving as the animal control officer for the Town of Wells for many years before retiring. A gentle and quiet soul, she spent her happiest moments at home in the company of her beloved cats, who were her constant companions. She had a lifelong passion for reading, especially enjoying history and novels, often getting lost in the pages of a good book. Roberta was predeceased by her parents and by her sister Martha Mescavage Garcia. She leaves behind her sister, Jane (Derrick) Cowen of Georgia; her niece, Tracy (Jesu) Endicott, of California; her devoted caretaker, Tammie Flacco of Sanford, and many cousins. In accordance with Roberta’s wishes, services will be private.

https://blackfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/roberta-mescavage.