Passages: July 29, 2023

By Rev. Sue Murphy

Debbie A. Plante, 58, of Sanford passed away peacefully at her home on July 17th, 2023. She was born on July 25th, 1964, to Archie and Stella (Roux) Plante. She graduated from Sanford High School in 1982. She spent most of her career working as a Logistics Engineer at Sappi North America in Portland Maine. Debbie loved being around her family, especially her nieces and nephews. She did everything she could to make things fun for the kids. Her son Jarrett was her absolute pride and joy. Her world revolved around him, and she was so proud of the kind and caring man that he grew up to be. He was there at her side in her final weeks to take care of her, keep her comfortable, and to share stories and love. Their bond was deep, and she will be forever loved, remembered and missed. Debbie was predeceased by her father Archie Plante in April 2021; she missed him greatly and we know that they are now reunited. Survivors include her son Jarrett Plante (Kailah Andersen), of Rochester, New York, her mother Stella (Roux) Plante of Sanford, her sisters Joanne (Danny) Payeur of Sanford, and Laurie Plante (Roland Cote) of Wells. Her brothers Ken (Corinne) Plante of Sanford and Kevin (Jennifer) Plante of Charlotte, North Carolina as well as many nieces and nephews. Visitation was held on Monday, July 24th from 4:00 to 6:30 PM with a memorial service that followed at the Carll-Heald & Black Funeral Home. Interment will be at St. Ignatius Cemetery at a future date.

Geraldine May Morrill Blanchard Cole, or Nana as she was known to many, passed to her eternal reward on July 18, 2023. She was born on November 20,1929 in Springvale to Bernard Morrill and Eva Metcalfe Morrill. Gerry enjoyed the hard work and fun that came with growing up on a farm with loving parents, two older sisters, Peggy and Connie, and a younger brother, Eldon. She was not afraid of hard work and demonstrated that in the many ways she served her family and church. Geraldine graduated with honors from Sanford High School in 1947 and went on to study at the Baptist Institute for Christian Women in Philadelphia, PA. She put this study to good use as she served throughout her life in various leadership roles in the community and her church. She will be fondly remembered by the many she taught in Temperance Union, Jr Church, Sunday School or Kids Choir. Geraldine married Wesley Blanchard on August 14, 1948. Together they had four children, Cheryl, Diane, Cindi, and Guy. Family was the central priority in their lives and they spent countless hours with Wesley’s brother’s and sisters’ families until Wesley passed away in 1965. Gerry had the distinction of being the first female school bus driver in Lebanon, as well as substitute rural letter carrier for Lebanon, a CNA at Sanford Goodall hospital and a certified chiropractic assistant. She helped advance recognition and training for chiropractic assistants by forming a Chiropractic Assistant Association. Gerry received numerous awards for her hard work and contributions. Gerry married Vaun Cole Jr. on July 2,1966 and lovingly welcomed two bonus sons, James and Jack Cole. Throughout their 40 years of marriage, Vaun and Gerry enjoyed watching their children grow up, marry and have grandchildren who became the center of their universe. At the time of her death, Gerry had 11 grandchildren, 25 great- grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren and one on the way. Gerry was predeceased by her parents, both her husbands, her sister Peggy, her half-brother Ralph, stepson Jim and two grandchildren Eric and Laura. Gerry had a smile that lit up a room and she took pleasure in making others feel comfortable. There will be a celebration of Gerry’s life on August 6, 2023 at 3:00 at the Lebanon-North Berwick Baptist Church on Little River Road in Lebanon.