Passages

Compiled by Rev. Susan Murphy

Raleigh L. Folsom, 97, of Springvale, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, Dec. 23, 2024. He was born in Springvale on Nov. 18, 1927, to Lysle and Mary (Rhodes) Folsom. He spent his formative years in his hometown, attending local schools before continuing his education at Gorham State Teachers College. Raleigh proudly served in the U.S. Army. He met and fell in love with Rhoda Bailey, and they shared 60 years of marriage. On their first anniversary, Raleigh purchased a property on Mousam Lake and personally built a summer cottage, lovingly named “Anniversary Lodge.” It was a cherished retreat where they spent every summer. For much of his career, Raleigh taught woodworking and drafting at East Windsor High School in East Windsor, CT. He also took great pride in his role as a driver’s education teacher teaching thousands of students. Despite his commitments in Connecticut, Raleigh’s heart always remained in Maine, where he and Rhoda returned to live full-time upon his retirement. A dedicated volunteer, he served at the local soup kitchen for 25 years, offering his time and kindness to those in need. His many talents were showcased in his hobbies, as a deer hunter, beekeeper, apple grower and wine maker. He built a sailboat, crafted countless pieces of furniture for his family, and was most assuredly a problem solver. He was driven, clever, had a dry sense of humor, was very independent and cheered for the Red Sox and Patriots. Raleigh leaves behind an enduring legacy of commitment, lifelong learning, hard work, and masterful craftsmanship. Raleigh is predeceased by his beloved wife, Rhoda, his parents, and a sister Barbara Boyle. Survivors include his children, Mark Folsom and his wife Shelly of Somers, CT, MaryAnn Ratteree of Springvale, seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. A burial with military honors will be held at the Southern Maine Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery in the spring of 2025.

https://blackfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/raleigh-folsom.

Judith B. Fitzgerald, 73, of Sanford, passed away peacefully with her devoted husband by her side on Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024. She was born in Sanford on Sept. 13, 1951, to the late Maurice and Alma (Arsenault) Bisson. Judith was a lifelong resident of Sanford who found joy in helping others. She spent her career as the secretary to the Sanford town manager for 25 years, where her professionalism and warm demeanor left a lasting impact. Judith was an amazing woman, admired for her strength, energy, and a heart as big as her sense of humor. She was a loving wife, a devoted mother, and a proud grandmother and great-grandmother. She is predeceased by her sister Rita Bisson. She leaves behind her loving husband Rodney Fitzgerald; her daughter, Nicole Gregoire; sisters Jeanne Ivery and Annette Jones, and a large extended family. Her legacy of love and kindness will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. A time of visitation was held on Friday, Dec. 27, with a funeral service that followed at Carll-Heald Black Funeral Home.

https://blackfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/Judith-Fitzgerald.

Andrew Byron Marby, 82, a longtime resident of Springvale, died peacefully on Dec. 23, 2024. He was born April 15, 1942, in Pittsfield, MA, to Joseph and Anna Cole Marby. After graduating high school and a year of college, he worked briefly as an insurance agent before embarking on his lifelong career in the printing business. He worked for several printing companies in Massachusetts and Maine. In 1983, Andrew and his business partner, John Poor, bought Lincoln Press in Sanford, which he co-owned and operated until his retirement in 2008. Andrew was a very active member of the Sanford-Springvale community, serving as a board member of the Sanford Chamber of Commerce, president of the Credit Union, member of the Sanford Water District Board, 27-year member and past president of the Sanford Kiwanis Club, and as a business sponsor for the Sanford Mainers. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Elizabeth Ann Marby Gerdin, and his brothers George and Joseph. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Elaine Guillemette Marby; daughters Lorri Perkins (Craig) of McAlpin, FL, Sara Marby of Savannah, GA, Joanne Shorey (David) of Dracut, MA, and Michelle Shaw of Maine; seven grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, 14 nephews and five nieces. Visitation with a eulogy was held on Friday, Jan. 3, at Bibber Memorial at Autumn Green in Alfred. Burial will be at St. Ignatius Cemetery in Sanford in the spring.

https://Bibbersautumngreen.com.

Richard E. Nash, 91, of Springvale passed away on Dec. 16, 2024, at Pinnacle Health and Rehab in Sanford. He was born in Jamestown, NY, on April 29, 1933, the youngest son of Lewis and Mattie Nash. He grew up in Westfield, NY, picking vegetables and grapes on the family farm, where his love of gardening sprouted. He followed his brother Milton into the Navy in 1950 to serve in the Korean War. After leaving the service, he lived in Virginia, worked in camera sales and service and became the owner of REN Camera Repair. Richard and his family moved to Maine in 1967, lived in Shapleigh and then settled in Springvale in 1974. Richard worked for the Springvale Post Office as a letter carrier for 23 years, retiring in 1991. After retiring he drove for York County Community Action, bringing local residents to appointments all over southern Maine and chatting them up the whole time. Richard was also the proprietor of Mousam Valley Apiary, managing a small roadside stand where he sold his honey and honey products along with a variety of vegetables, rhubarb, and firewood. If you stopped to purchase any of his items, you needed to be prepared to sit a while and talk. He is survived by his six children: Douglas Nash of Sanford, , Thomas (Ann) Nash of Falmouth, Sherri Nash-Parry (Jeff) of Shapleigh, Paula Nash of Old Town, Scott Nash of Springvale, and Timothy (Amanda) Nash of Sanford; his brother James (Judi) Nash of Warrensburg, NY, nieces Jillian and Janelle, and five grandchildren. He was predeceased by his father Lewis Nash, mother Mattie Tucker, and brother Milton Nash. Visiting hours were held Friday, Dec. 27, at Bibber Memorial at Autumn Green, followed by a military burial at the Southern Maine Veterans Cemetery.

Https://bibbersautumngreen.com

Ferne Davis, 95, passed away on Dec. 29, 2024, at The Lodges assisted living facility in Springvale. She was born July 17, 1929, one of four children of William and Carrie Smith. She lived in the same vicinity of Main Street and Boothby Avenue beginning at nine years old. She and her future husband, Ray Davis, met as kids when they all played in the neighborhood. They were married for 67 years, from Aug. 16, 1947, until Ray passed away in 2015. They had three children, Linda, Bob and Ken. Ferne was a mill worker who spent many years in the Waterboro leather mill and Brooks Woolen in Sanford. Ferne and Ray retired early and traveled extensively, including two different trips around the world with Ray’s parents, Bun and Louie Davis. They spent many winters in Florida and especially loved visiting Disney World. Their last big trip together was a cruise to Alaska. The family camp in Ham’s Cove on Mousam Lake was a favorite in the summers. Ferne drove the boats, rode a Vespa scooter and drove many different kinds of cars, from a Model A to a minivan. Some of her favorites were the yellow Volkswagen bug and the PT Cruiser. She attended many sporting events, school concerts and anything her grandkids and great-grandkids were participating in. She lived independently and continued to drive until she was 94. She moved to The Lodges in March 2024. She was predeceased by her parents, her siblings, her in-laws, her husband, her son Bob, son-in-law Gil and great-grandson AJ. She is survived by her daughter Linda Dionne, son Ken Davis and his wife Sue, and her daughter-in-law Sandy Davis. She will be missed by her five grandkids and two great-grandkids. A time of visitation will be held on Sunday, Jan. 5, from 1 to 3 pm, with a memorial service at 3 pm at Carll-Heald & Black Funeral Home.

https://blackfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/ferne-davis.