Passages
- April 25th 2025
- Passages/Obituaries
Compiled by Gail Burnett
Gordon Joseph Parker, 82, of North Shapleigh, died on March 1 after a three-year fight with cancer. He was born on April 24, 1942, the youngest child of Joseph and Valeda Parker of Parkman, in Piscataquis County. As a boy, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and hauling pulp wood for his father with a horse and skid. His family home had wood heat and no indoor plumbing, but life was good, and blessedly simple. After graduating from high school, Gordon followed his older brother, Stillman, to Sanford, where he worked for a time in the woods and in local shoe factories before going to work at Cyro Industries, where he stayed for more than 30 years. He always made time to go back home to Parkman and see his folks, eventually moving them to North Shapleigh so he could better care for them. Shortly after moving to Sanford, Gordon met Vera Ann Hill of North Shapleigh. They were married Sept. 1, 1962, and spent 58 years together in North Shapleigh, until she passed away in November 2020. With the help of family, the couple built the foundation of their lifelong home out of recycled cement blocks, carrying timber that came from the old movie theater in Springvale. They lived in the foundation until they saved enough money to build the house. Over time, they welcomed three children into the world, Aaron, Rhonda, and Bridget, and the foundation grew into a four-bedroom cape. In retirement, Gordon enjoyed working on cars, going to bluegrass festivals, and visiting friends and family, sometimes on his Harley-Davidson motorcycle. He was a caretaker for his wife in her later years. Gordon is survived by his son Aaron Parker and his wife, Linda, of Shapleigh, daughter Rhonda Burnell of Springvale, and daughter Bridget Lister and her husband Scott of Lebanon; four grandchildren, Amanda Bond and her husband Cal of Newfield, Joseph Parker of Shapleigh, Ashley Fish, her husband Aaron and son Jacob of Warren, and Jordan Lister of Chicago. At the request of the family, services will be private.
https://www.tributearchive.com/obituaries/42087018/gordon-joseph-parker
Elizabeth Hughes Jagger passed away peacefully on April 16, 2025, following a four-year struggle with ALS. Born on Nov. 23, 1948, in Glynneath, South Wales, Great Britain, Elizabeth was the beloved daughter of the late John and Edna (Evans) Hughes. Her early years were devoted to church and Girl Guides (similar to the Girl Scouts), where she earned the highest achievement of “Queen’s Guide,” the equivalent of Eagle Scout in the United States. She also received the prestigious Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, recognizing exceptional character and service, from Prince Philip at Buckingham Palace. She attended Hendon College, part of the University of London, and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in 1971. While visiting relatives in Springvale, Maine, in 1969, Elizabeth met Richard “Dick” Jagger. Their bond was instant, and though she returned to her studies and Dick resumed his work as a merchant mariner, fate brought them back together when his ship docked in England months later. They were engaged that Christmas and married in July 1971, beginning 53 beautiful years of marriage. Elizabeth and Dick raised two sons, Aaron and Robert. She volunteered extensively with the First Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday School, shared her deep faith with children and families, and most memorably, sang in the church choir. Elizabeth also gave generously of her time to the Pine Tree Council of the Boy Scouts of America. In her later years, she split her time between Florida and Mousam Lake in Shapleigh, where she spent summers creating cherished memories with her grandchildren. Elizabeth is survived by her husband, Richard Jagger; her sister, Anne VanMechelen, and nieces Victoria and Hannah of Great Britain; her son, Robert Jagger, and his wife, Corinne, of Saco, and her treasured grandchildren: Rose and Ruth Jagger of Saco and Benjamin Jagger of Orlando, Florida. She was predeceased by her parents, John and Edna Hughes, and her beloved son, Aaron Jagger. A celebration of life will be held at 2 pm on Saturday, May 3, at the First Baptist Church of Springvale.
https://memorials.bibbersautumngreen.com/elizabeth-jagger/5584858/index.php
Patrick Fagan Sr., 85, died on April 14, 2025. He was born on Oct. 5, 1939, to Napoleon and Cecile (Cabana) Fagan. At that time, he and his sister, Claire (Fagan) O’Clair, lived on the East side of Sanford. Patrick attended St. Ignatius schools, graduating in 1957 as valedictorian. He was offered a full scholarship at Bentley College but decided to enlist in the Navy in order to stay with the love of his life, Irene Fagan (Tebbetts). They were married Nov. 4, 1958, and settled down on Brook Street, next door to his parents. After the birth of their first child, Patrick received orders to report for active duty in Vietnam, but the order was pulled when the couple discovered they were expecting a second child. The couple bought their first home, on Dorrington Avenue in Sanford, where they lived for about 60 years. Patrick started work at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, where he worked his way up from clerk typist to head of his group. After the birth of their third child, Patrick returned to school and earned an associate’s degree in real estate. After retiring from the shipyard at age 46, he went to work for Dubois Realty, then later moved to Coldwell Banker, where he worked with his friend Steve Brunette. His final position was with the Massiello Group, and he retired at age 70. He and Irene purchased their dream home on Mousam Lake in 1977. Friends and family were welcome there anytime. Patrick was never happier than when his family was all together. He was not afraid to share his opinion. He knew everyone – who their parents were, their siblings, addresses, jobs, etc. He had his wits right to the end. He spent most of his time at the camp after his wife’s passing. He got his wish to stay at his camp until his final days. Patrick was predeceased by his loving wife, Irene, on Dec. 2, 2021, and by his parents. He is survived by his sister, Claire Fagan (Burbank) O’Clair, and her daughters Bette and Donna Burbank, and great niece, Alix Burbank; his daughter Kathy (Eastman) Fagan and her fiancé (of 30+ years) Paul Lemieux; his son, Patrick Fagan Jr. and his wife, Joanne Fagan (Desrochers); and his son, Christopher (Chris) J. Fagan, and by many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Thérèse of Lisieux Parish, Holy Family Church on Monday, April 28, at 10 am. Burial will be at the Southern Maine Veterans Cemetery.
Richard Jude Gerard Michaud, 89, of Sanford passed away peacefully on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025. He was born on Aug. 23, 1935, in Madawaska to Mary Ann (Cyr) and Wilfred Michaud. The family moved to Springvale when Richard was five years old and spoke only French. Richard graduated from Sanford High School in 1953, where he was captain of the football and basketball teams. He served as a quartermaster in the Army for two years. He then trained as a machinist at SMVTI for two years and worked at Hamilton Standard, where he helped craft propellers for President Eisenhower’s personal aircraft, the Columbine. He worked as an engineering technician at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard for 31 years, drafting technical designs for nuclear submarines. Richard lived a life of service; he was faithful as a citizen, employee, husband, and father. He was a student of military history and was fascinated by any book that further explained either the Civil War or World War II. Though he loved music and had a beautiful voice, you would only ever hear him sing in church. Quiet and reserved, he appreciated people for who they were, tending to see the best in people. He is survived by his wife of almost 63 years, Annette (Gagnon); son James Michaud and his wife Michelle; son Daniel and his wife Susan; daughter Sharon (Michaud) Quintiliani and her husband Gary; grandchild Paul Michaud and his wife Dahlia (Seggelin), daughter Charlotte and daughter Betsy; 10 grandchildren to whom he was affectionately known as “Peps,” and a sister Gloria (Michaud) Soucy and her family. He was predeceased by his parents and brothers Patrick and Roderick Michaud. Visiting hours will be held from 4 to 7 pm, Monday, April 28, at the Black-Heald Walker Funeral Home at 580 Main St. in Springvale. At 7 pm, the family will lead a saying of the rosary for any who wish to participate. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 am on Tuesday, April 29, at St. Thérèse of Lisieux Catholic Church.
