Passages
- March 7th 2025
- Passages/Obituaries
Compiled by Rev. Susan Murphy
Lee Chase, 75, of Sanford, died peacefully on Feb. 24, 2025, at Southern Maine Health Care Biddeford. He was born on June 29, 1949, in Presque Isle to Roy and Capitola (Reynolds) Chase. He was a combustion engine expert, a career welder, a mechanic, and a wood carving craftsman. Lee was a member of the Maine Coastal Cruisers car club and truly enjoyed the camaraderie and socializing with his friends and club members on all things automotive. He had an extensive collection of classic cars and motorcycles he had built over the years and was well known for his knowledge of the classics, often fielding calls from friends for help fixing things. He was also an avid aviation fan, had obtained his pilot’s license, and enjoyed flying his airplane. He enjoyed time with his family and being a grandfather and great-grandfather. Lee is survived by his life partner of 44 years, Connie Lane, son Chad and daughter-in-law (Kelly Lehoux) of North Waterboro, brother Roy Chase of Limington, and sister Patricia Chase of Texas and four grandchildren. His brothers Ronald, Jimmy, Terry Chase, and his nephew Wade Cote preceded him in death. Visiting hours were held on Wednesday, March 5, at Bibber Memorial at Autumn Green in Alfred. https://bibbersautumngreen.com
Carl H. Johnson, Jr., 87, of Sanford died peacefully on Feb. 26, 2025, at York Hospital. He was born on Jan. 9, 1938, in Stonington, CT, to Carl and Margaret (Keen) Johnson. He graduated from Stonington High School in 1955, attended Nasson College from 1956-1960, Connecticut Basic Police Academy in 1963, and the F.B.I. National Academy in 1983, and the University of New Haven in 1985, where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice administration, magna cum laude. Carl began his career as a police officer with the Stonington Police Department in 1963 and retired as chief of police in 1988. He then served as chief of the Concord Police Department in Massachusetts until 1993. Carl became known as the Baseball Guy as he contributed a weekly column on Major League Baseball for the Journal Tribune in Biddeford and published six books on Red Sox Baseball. He remained active and supportive in the community by serving on the boards of Goodall Library and the Nasson College Alumni Association and as an active member of the Dutch Elm Golf Course. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Sandra Manfredi, in 2009 and by his daughter Julie Maggs in October 2024. He is survived by his wife, Janice Longfellow; sons Carl III, Larry, Eric, and Steve; daughters Sandy Sanguedolce; stepdaughter Sandi Santino and stepson Gary Santino; brothers Pat and Stephen; 14 grandchildren, eight step-grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren. Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 8, at Bibber Memorial at Autumn Green, 47 Oak St., Alfred, Memorials to the American Kidney Association may be made in lieu of flowers. https://bibbersautumngreen.com
Joyce Goodwin Lessard passed away peacefully on Feb. 23, 2025, at home surrounded by her family, after a brief illness. Joyce was born in Sanford in October of 1945 to Roland and Hazel Goodwin. She was raised in Shapleigh, attended schools in both Shapleigh and Sanford, and graduated from Sanford High School in 1964. She then attended York Beauty Academy and graduated in 1965, beginning her lifelong career in cosmetology. Joyce was an accomplished cosmetologist, establishing her own business from which she retired after 55 years. She and her high school sweetheart, Norman, married in November 1966 and remained married until her death. The two were blessed with three beautiful children and four grandchildren. Joyce was a talented homemaker who enjoyed many creative pursuits including sewing, gardening and preserving the food that she grew. Joyce and Norman spent many years making wine from neglected grape vines that grew on a neighboring fence. Joyce also enjoyed many years of ice skating, downhill skiing and snowmobiling with her family, in addition to the many summers spent sailing off the coast of Maine with Norman on their sailboat, Sayla Vee. Joyce is predeceased by her father Roland Goodwin and sister Rebecca Goodwin Lapierre. She is survived by her husband Norman, three children, Lisa (Robert) Lancraft, Lori (Ronald) Brooks, and Timothy (Michele) Lessard and four grandchildren. She is also survived by her mother Hazel Goodwin, a brother Richard (Brenda) Goodwin, and sister Ann Marie (Roger) Lajoie, as well as many nieces and nephews. A time of visitation was held on Monday, March 3, with a mass of Christian Burial celebrated on Tuesday, March 4 at St. Therese of Lisieux Parish, Holy Family Church in Sanford. Burial will take place at St. Ignatius Cemetery in the spring. https://blackfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/joyce-lessard-2025
Judy Knight, 89, formerly of Sanford and a longtime resident of Alfred, passed away peacefully on Feb. 20, 2025, with her loving family by her side. Judy was born on Oct. 16, 1935, in Sanford, the daughter of William (Phil) and Mary Ellen (Ellie) Mitchell. She graduated from Sanford High School in 1954, 33rd out of 133 students. She was athletic, once pitching a no-hitter in softball against Waynflete in Portland. Her nickname was “String Bean.” Judy married Robert (Bob) Knight on Sept. 11, 1954, and together they raised five children. She became a well-known waitress in Alfred at restaurants such as Leedy’s, 6 G’s, D&H, and the Blue Door Inn. She retired in November 1997. Judy was an avid reader, seamstress, and quilter. She could play the piano and organ. Judy’s fondest memories were the motorcycle rides she and Bob would take, mostly spur of the moment trips up the coast of Maine or to the White Mountains. They always towed a little trailer with a bottle of Andre’s pink champagne and two glasses. Judy and Bob loved family gatherings, including baked bean dinners and lobster feeds. Judy’s husband, Bob, passed away on May 12, 2019. She is survived by her two sons, Greg (Heather) Knight and Jim (Karen) Knight, and three daughters, Lisa Knight, Martha (Alan) Withee, and Jane (David) Audie. She is also survived by two sisters, Susan Mitchell and Karen (Barry) Pierce. She is predeceased by two brothers, David Mitchell and William Mitchell, and one sister, Martha Cote. Judy had 10 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. A graveside service will be held in the spring at the Evergreen Cemetery in Alfred. https://bibbersautumngreen.com
Irene G. Melanson, 100, of Sanford, died Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025, just three days shy of her 101st birthday. A beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, Irene lived a long and beautiful life that was a testament to love, faith, and family. She was born on Feb. 29, 1924, in Sanford, one of nine children born to Stanislas and Marie Anna (Guillemette) Belanger. She attended local Catholic schools and spent her working years employed in several local shoe shops, contributing to the fabric of her community with dedication and perseverance. She married Albert Melanson in 1944 and together they raised two sons and shared 25 years of marriage until his death in 1969. Irene found joy in life’s simple pleasures – playing cards and board games, watching game shows and soap operas, and cherishing time at her beloved camp on Granny Kent Pond. As a devoted Catholic, she was a communicant of St. Therese of Lisieux Parish in Sanford and a dedicated member of the Ladies of St. Anne. Above all, Irene was a loving and devoted mother and grandmother who held her family close to her heart and cherished every moment spent with them. Her warmth, kindness, and unwavering love will be dearly missed by all who knew her. Irene is now reunited in eternal peace with her husband, her parents, and her siblings, Leo, Gerard, Emile, Henry, Roland, and Rose. She leaves behind her sons, Roland (Betty) Melanson; Roger (Donna) Melanson; and four granddaughters. She is also survived by her sister, Lorraine Thibodeau; her brother, Raymond Belanger; several great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild and a large extended family. Visitation was held on Thursday, March 6, at Carll-Heald & Black Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Friday, March 7, at St. Therese of Lisieux Parish, Holy Family Church in Sanford. Interment will take place in the spring at St. Ignatius Cemetery in Sanford.
https://blackfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/irene-melanson
