Passages
- March 20th 2025
- Passages/Obituaries
Compiled by Rev. Susan Murphy
Theresa B. Cormier, 92, of Sanford, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House. She was born on May 9, 1932, to Joseph and Marie (Vezena) Boutin at their home in Springvale. A lifelong resident of Springvale, Theresa attended local schools before beginning work in the shoe mills. She married the love of her life, Donald Cormier, in 1953 and together they raised two sons. Once her boys were a bit older, she began working as a beloved lunch lady at Sanford Junior High School, a role she held for nearly 30 years until her retirement. Theresa was a devout Catholic and a dedicated parishioner. She always kept active, walking every day and keeping an immaculate home. An avid baker, Theresa was known for always having homemade treats on hand for her husband and family. She will be remembered for her kind heart, generous spirit, and devotion to her family and community. Theresa is predeceased by her beloved husband of 70 years, Donald Cormier, and siblings Joseph Boutin, Cecile Genest, John Boutin and Jeanette Legere. Survivors include her sons, Ronald Cormier and his wife Debbie of Sanford and Paul Cormier and his better half Lisa Hoyt of San Diego, CA, her four grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. A mass of Christian burial was celebrated on Friday, March 21.
Barbara Gallant, a devoted wife, mother, sister, and aunt, passed away peacefully on March 14, 2025, at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House in Scarborough. Barbara was born on Oct. 14, 1952, to Roland and Dorothy Lemieux in Sanford. She worked for 17 years at Augat Inc. in Sanford, where she helped manufacture IC sockets for games and computers. Her hard work and dedication to both her career and family will always be remembered and appreciated by those who knew her. Barbara had many passions and talents. A self-taught painter, she lovingly decorated birdhouses with hand-painted flowers. She found joy in old movies, dance music, sudoku puzzles, birdwatching, and crafting. Beyond her hobbies, Barbara was blessed with a great sense of humor and had a positive attitude in life, always lifting someone’s spirits and offering words of encouragement. She had a loving heart and wasn’t afraid to show it. Loving unconditionally, she had great determination and achieved many goals in life. She is survived by her husband, Ron; son Tom; her sister, Donna; and many cherished nephews and great-nephews. She will be deeply missed. A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Wednesday, March 19 at St. Thérèse of Lisieux, Holy Family Church. Burial will take place at the Southern Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery in the spring.
Thomas Freeman Penney, 90, passed away peacefully on March 12, 2025, at the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House, surrounded by his loving family. Thomas, one of six children, was born on Jan. 7, 1935, in Springvale to Thomas and Violet (Dunham) Penney. His father passed away when Tom was just 12 years old, and his mother later remarried Carl Eagle, who played an important role in Tom’s life. Tom married his beloved wife, Ferne Penney in 1954, and they shared an inseparable bond for over 60 years until her passing in 2018. Tom proudly served in the Army, stationed in Germany, where he and Ferne welcomed their son, Thomas Penney, into the world. Tom had a lifelong passion for antiques, particularly motorcycles, cars, and guns. He was known as the go-to person for antique car parts, always having exactly what was needed to get a vehicle running again. One of Tom’s favorite pastimes was hunting, especially with his son and grandson. Tom also loved attending antique car shows, especially in Carlisle and Hershey, PA, where he could indulge in his passion for cars and connect with others who shared his enthusiasm. Known for his kindness, strength, and generosity, Tom was a man who would always lend a helping hand. His calm, steady presence will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. Tom is survived by his sister, Maxine Flint of Lebanon; his son, Thomas R. Penney and his wife, Susan of Shapleigh; his two grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. A time of visitation was held on March 18, with a funeral service that followed at Black-Heald Walker Funeral Home, 580 Main Street, Springvale.
