Passages

Compiled by Rev. Susan Murphy

John D. Ballenger, known as “Jack”, 56, of Sanford died peacefully on October 22, 2024, at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House in Scarborough. Jack was born on July 1, 1968, in Sanford to Edwin and Faith Ballenger. He attended Sanford schools and graduated in 1986. Jack was a proud member of the Class of 1986 and organized many gatherings throughout the years. He was a man of the theater and wanted to share that experience with all who knew him. Jack met many famous actors in the theater, capturing these treasured moments with a photograph of fine thespians and himself together. He once organized a special trip for 40 of his closest friends to take the train to Boston to see a Broadway show. He also loved to travel to NYC for shows. Cherished time for Jack was spent at White Lake waiting for the sunset. He was an avid Boston sports fan, including the Celtics, Red Sox, and Patriots and fan of UConn Women’s Basketball for nearly 30 years, following them to many Final Four tournaments. Jack is survived by his brother Marc, and Jack’s lifelong best friend Mary Morrissett, her wife Debbie and their daughter Avery. He was preceded in death by his parents Edwin and Faith Ballenger. A Celebration of Life will be held from 11 to 2 pm on November 16 at River Junction Brewing, 1491 Main Street, Sanford. https://bibbersautumngreen.com

Richard M. “Ricky” Bernier, 67, of Biddeford, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, at Southridge Rehab and Living Center in Biddeford. Born in Sanford on August 2, 1957, Ricky was the cherished son of Roland and Betty (Tuttle) Bernier. Though he faced the challenges of a lifelong disability, Ricky’s spirit was unstoppable. With his infectious smile and joyful presence, he lived fully and inspired those around him. For over a decade, Ricky was a dedicated employee at Lavalley Lumber in Sanford and worked at Shaw’s Supermarket and in the restaurant industry in Biddeford. Ricky had a deep love for nature and an extraordinary passion for birdwatching. He could identify countless bird species and was an active member of several bird-watching clubs. He enjoyed bowling and loved music, especially the Beatles. Family gatherings held a special place in his heart, and he always brought warmth and laughter to these occasions. Ricky adored spending time with his family, and his great-nieces Betty and Violet brought him immense joy. Ricky’s zest for life, kind-hearted nature, and boundless joy in simple pleasures will forever be remembered. Ricky leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, and a remarkable example of living life with grace and gratitude. He will be dearly missed by his family, friends, and community. Ricky was predeceased by his father. Surviving is his mother, Betty Bernier of Sanford; his sister, Linda (Michael) Houle of Sanford; and a large extended family. A Mass of Christian Burial was held at on October 31 at St. Therese of Lisieux Parish, Holy Family Church. Interment was in the family plot at Limington Village Cemetery in Limington.

https://blackfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/richard-bernier.

Donald (Donnie) Richard Kerrigan, 88, died peacefully in his sleep on October 16th at MaineHealth Maine Medical Center Biddeford. He was born on Dec. 17, 1935, in Sanford, son of the late Charles and Fabiola (Demers) Kerrigan. Donnie attended Sanford High School. He then served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War and took great pride in being a veteran. He married his high school sweetheart, Georgianna (Georgie) Roy on April 21, 1956. They had four children, Diane White, Donna DeWitt, Patrick Kerrigan and the late Charles Kerrigan. Donnie was a carpenter by trade and along with his wife, Georgie, built two family homes, the first in Acton, Maine on Mousam Lake where they raised their four children and the second home in Springvale, where they lived out their retirement years. Donnie loved fishing, hunting and for many years family camping adventures on Sebago Lake in Naples, Maine. Donnie is survived by his wife of 68 years, Georgie, daughters Diane (David) White, Donna (Scott) DeWitt, son Patrick (Debbie) Kerrigan, and 10 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents, siblings Eugene (Gene) Kerrigan, John (Jack) Kerrigan, Nancy Auger, his son Charles Kerrigan, and grandson Travis DeWitt. In Donnie’s words of saying goodbye, “I’ll see you when I see you.” An intimate graveside service will be held at Notre Dame Cemetery in Springvale. Https://blackfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/Donald-Kerrigan.

Michael R. Normand, 68, of Manchester, NH, passed away on Wednesday, September 25, 2024 at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House in Scarborough, ME. Michael was born on December 14, 1955, in Sanford, Maine, one of eight children to Andrew and Marie (Gingras) Normand. He attended St. Ignatius School before attending LaSalette Seminary for high school, where he was part of the final graduating class of 1974. He continued his education at Southern Maine Vocational Technical Institute (SMVTI) in Portland, Me. He had a deep love for the ocean and dreamed of a career in the nautical field. As a young man, Michael was employed at a lumber company, where he suffered a significant injury to his hand. Despite the setback, his resilient spirit never faltered, and he remained active and outgoing. His career aspirations shifted, and he went on to work as a buyer/planner for Cushcraft and Pitco where he retired. He also continued to pursue his love of sailing and spent cherished time each summer, the 1st week of July, sailing on the Schooner Heritage, Rockland, ME, where he met and bonded with kindred spirits who shared his love of sailing. Michael is predeceased by his parents, his sisters Carolyn Normand, Margaret Normand and his niece Mary Hagler. Survivors include his siblings, Rosemary Frank of Sanford, Claire Normand of Springvale, Kathleen (Michael) Roy of Sanford, Anne Stone of Sanford, David Normand of Sanford and a large extended family. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday November 9th, 2024, at 10 am at Saint Therese of Lisieux Parish (Holy Family) 66 North Ave. Sanford, ME. Mass will be said by fellow classmate Father David Raymond. He requested that his remains be buried at sea.

https://blackfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/michael-normand-2024?