Funeral Alternatives

01/12/2026

Jean Eleannor Blanchard, passed away peacefully on Christmas Morning, Wednesday December 25, 2025, at Winterberry Heights Bangor Maine with family at her side. Christmas was her favorite day and we have so many wonderful memories. Jean was born on December 18, to Mary and Stanley Pasternak of Elizabeth, New Jersey where she was raised with her two brothers Stanley, Alfred and sisters Florence and Dorthea who predeceased her. She is survived by two sons, four grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.
Leaving Elizabeth Jean attended Tufts University where she met her future husband, Zane Blanchard. She went on to the Boston School of Occupational Therapy and graduated as an occupational therapist. They raised their family in Yarmouth Maine. Many of our summers were spent on our boat cruising Casco Bay back when you could actually explore the islands of the bay. After raising two kids my mom decided to return to her passion of Occupational Therapy at Maine Medical Center. She came to MMC part-time 1970, began full-time in 1973 and was the Director of the Occupational Therapy Division retiring in 1994. Probably the best way to describe her at work is “Jean is one of the originals!....a stable, dependable influence” as she was in life. Mom also loved “entertaining” with Karen Miller’s Dance Class where she had many life long friends and danced into her 80’s wearing out two hips. She was an avid reader, enjoyed daily walks and exercise and experiencing the pleasures aging can bring. Many of my and my brother’s friends called her “ma” that says it all. At her request her remains will be distributed where she requested and loved, Casco Bay. She also requested a party celebrating her life which will be held this summer in the Yarmouth/Falmouth area at a date to be determined. Please contact Bret if you are interested in attending. bretsblanchard@ hotmail.com. Gifts of remembrance may be sent to Gentiva Hospice

https://www.funeralalternatives.net/obituaries/obit-details.php?Blanchard-3991

01/10/2026

James J. Gilman, 69, of Phippsburg, Maine, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 4th, 2026, at Mid Coast Hospital, with his loved ones by his side.
James served in the United States Army as a paratrooper during the Vietnam war era.
Throughout his life, James worked in a variety of trades. He was a seafood harvester, digging clams and supporting local restaurants and businesses. Harvesting seafood gave him both the freedom and joy of working outdoors, close to nature. He was also a welder at Bath Iron Works, a wood harvester, and a partner in a farming and farmstand business. The farmstand meant a great deal to him, and serving his community in this way gave him deep pride and satisfaction.
One of James's greatest passions was cats. He loved them dearly, and his home was never without the companionship and affection of a cat.
James is survived by his sister, Patricia J. (Gilman) Staples, of Phippsburg; two half-brothers, Anthony Gilman of Phippsburg and Alexis Gilman of Virginia; a niece, Brandy M. Staples of Phippsburg; a nephew, Wesley J. Staples of Lewiston; and many very special and dear cousins, great-nieces and great-nephews, and friends.
He was predeceased by his parents, Virginia L. (Perkins) Brown and James W. Gilman; a half-sister, Lisa A. (Brown) Keen; a stepmother, Lucrecia (Morales) Gilman; and a brother-in-law, Charles C. Staples.
Arrangements are being handled by Funeral Alternatives of Brunswick, Maine. Condolences and memories may be shared on their guestbook page as soon as James's obituary is posted to their site.
A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, James would be honored if donations in his memory were made to the General Assistance Fund, Phippsburg Town Hall, 1042 Main Rd., Phippsburg, ME 04562 or Phippsburg Fire and Rescue, 1060 Main Road, Phippsburg, ME 04562

01/08/2026

Geraldine (Jerri) St. Peter passed away peacefully on December 26, 2025. She was born on March 1st 1947 to parents Patrick and Laura (Bernier) Lizotte in Lewiston.
She is survived by her 2 daughters Audrey (St. Peter) Todd of Auburn and Rebecca (St.Peter) Richards of Leeds.
Grand children Ryan and Alicen Aube of Hebron
Taylor and Rhianna Richard of Pennsylvania and Carley (Bradstreet) and Paul Southwick of Brewer.
4 great grandchildren.
Brothers Larry Lizotte of Leeds and Richard Lizotte of Hebron.
Sisters Noella Dawson of Jay and Laurianne Jarvis of New Gloucester.
Several nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her parents Patrick and Laura (Bernier) Lizotte and brother Jerome Lizotte.
There will be a celebration of life held in the spring.

01/08/2026

Vincent “Lucky” Oppedisano II, 57, born July 21st 1968, originally from Great Island, died unexpectedly on November 20th 2025 suffering from a medical event after a day of hauling. Lucky lobstered from age four until the day he passed.

He always worked hard from graduating high school, to the making the dean’s list at SMVTI where he graduated with an Electricians degree. But no matter what he was always drawn to the ocean. He urchined, shrimped, and what he loved most of all was lobstering. He was involved in The Lobstermen Association and NEFSA, every boat parade and Harpswell Boat races – where he used to race his dad’s boat with his brother Kirk Oppedisano when they were younger. He also loved to go watch and support his fellow lobstermen. He helped as much as he could when he was out on the water, from showing up to boat explosions, a distress call from a sinking boat to help whoever was in need on board. He was courageous and selfless when it came to helping anyone on and off the water. Lucky and his son Nicholas fished out of the same wharf, Ash Cove in Harpswell. Sometimes Nick going with his dad to help if he needed a hand that day. His family meant the world to him and spent as much time as he could with them.

In his spare time, Lucky enjoyed baseball, softball – where he went to the national championship in Alabama when he was in his early 20’s. & hockey, he loved it so much when his son, Nicholas was old enough to stand in skates he was teaching him how to play hockey. Back when his children were young, they used to take trips up to Greenville with the whole family and go four wheeling and camping. He absolutely loved coffee, drank it any time of day no matter what. He liked to take his daughter Kaylee on coffee runs to hang out and catch up together ever since she was young.

He is survived by His parents Vincent “Lucky” Oppedisano Sr and Virginia “Ma” Oppedisano. His brother Kirk Oppedisano. His children Nicholas Oppedisano & Kaylee Oppedisano Beauchemin.

His grandchildren Brayden Oppedisano & Nehemiah Oppedisano.
The Oppedisano family have plans to spread ashes on his fishing grounds, the family’s island and a couple near and dear spots that mean a lot to the family.

The family is going to hold a celebration of life in the spring/summer, so details will be following later.

01/08/2026

Adrienne Arline ("Ajay") Fairfield, 90 years old, of Islesboro, Maine, and formerly of St. Augustine, Florida, died on December 28, 2025, in Lewiston, Maine. Adrienne moved to Islesboro, Maine, from Florida. When she put her new husband's car in the ditch one snowy night, the islanders dubbed her "Ajay" (after Nascar driver AJ Foyt); it was easier to say.

She was born on May 13, 1935, in St. Louis, Missouri to Mildred B. Gasta and Harold A. Krueger. Although she grew up in St. Louis, she, her sisters and mother relocated to south Florida in the 1950s, which was where she called home.

She wore many employment hats during her lifetime including seamstress, bookkeeper, housekeeper and organist. Her first purchased organ in her 20s came with one free lesson, and from there, she was self taught. She played until a few years before her passing.

She was a member of Eastern Star for short time, and was a great bowler. She was also a competitive roller skater in her early years, and a member of Islesboro Sewing Circle.

But her love was golf. She was an avid golfer, only learning to swing a golf club at age 55. She was interested long before, but was told by her golfer uncle that she "didn't have the right swing." That deterred her for a few years, but then her redheaded stubbornness kicked in and she gave it her all. She belonged to several golf clubs over the years, including Key West and St. Augustine. She even made several holes-in-one.

She was a gifted seamstress. She made most of her girls' clothes when they were little, and even made her daughters' and niece's wedding dresses.

She is predeceased by her first husband, Eurell T. West, of Florida, and her second husband Frank "Fernald" Fairfield, of Islesboro, Maine, who helped finish raising her daughter, Kellie, and whom Ajay loved until he passed; daughter, Vicki L. Humes, of Florida; daughter, Barbara Connor, of California; sisters, Betty L. Ebert and Carol ("Pat") Schrader, nieces, Ladonna Kemp, and Susan Schrader, all of Florida; and nephew Michael Schrader, of Montana.

She is survived by her daughter, Kellie Coombs, of Greene, Maine and formerly of Key West; daughter, Diane Rolerson, of Islesboro, Maine; her niece, Lorena Hutchenson of Thonotosassa, Florida; her granddaughters, Hannah Flanagan, of Topsham, Maine, Adrienne Diaz and Kristin Graves, both of Florida, and Andrea Cross of Knox, Maine; grandsons, Cory Ober of Manchester, Maine, Lee Humes of Oklahoma, Douglas Scott of Florida, and Jonathan Scott of Colorado. She also had several great and great-great grandchildren, as well as great and great great nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in her name to any learn to golf or learn to play an instrument program; the American Cancer Society; or The American Humane Society.

There will be a grave side service at the Upland Island Baptist Church, Islesboro, Maine, where her ashes will rest near her husband, Fernald Fairfield, as well as some scattered in the Florida Keys and on Pebble Beach, in honor of the sport she loved, followed by a Celebration of her Life at the Islesboro Sporting Club.

https://www.funeralalternatives.net/obituaries/obit-details.php?Fairfield-3984

01/07/2026

Auburn – Frederick James Robinson, 90 of Sabattus, ME passed away on November 29th, 2025 at Bolster Heights in Auburn. He was born in Milo, Maine on October 27, 1935 to Almeda Lona Robinson and James Manfred Robinson.
Fred attended school in St. Andrews and McAdam, New Brunswick, Canada. He worked for the Canadian Pacific Railroad, Massey Furgeson Harris and was a lineman for 32 years which he retired from and continued his love for carpentry to fill his days. His loving wife Norma J. Warren Robinson who has since passed.
Fred is survived by his children; Ricky J. Robinson, Robert G. Robinson, and Nancy J. Leeman, four grandchildren; Jamie M. Robinson, Christopher G. Robinson, Brian L. Leeman and Andrew M. Leeman.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother Walter “Robbie” Manfred Robinson.
Serviced for Fred will be held on Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at 12Pm (Noon) at the First Assembly of God Church, 70 Hogan Rd., Lewiston, ME 04240

Obituary record for Frederick Robinson, provided by Funeral Alternatives of Maine.

01/07/2026

Robert H. Switser, ‘Bob’, aged 94, of Mechanic Falls, Maine, passed away and went to meet the lord on December 30, 2025, at the Maine Veterans Home in South Paris, Maine.

Bob was born on February 22, 1931, to Blanche Kennison Switser and Harry E. Switser, in Pittsford, Vermont.

Bob raised broiler chickens on his farm in Hebron, Maine, being recognized as the number one grower in the state of Maine for many years. He also drove school bus and semi-trucks throughout his life. Bob retired from both Central Maine Community College and from the Poland school district as a maintenance employee.

Bob was proud to be a Veteran of the United States Marines, having served during the Korean Conflict. He was also served as a past Grand Master of the Hebron Grange.

He enjoyed western shows, four wheeling, music, square dancing with his wife Annie, cutting wood, and having a cup of joe in the community, at local diners. Bob enjoyed his farm, all the animals, and gardening, eventually making his family self-sufficient.

Bob is predeceased by his wife Annie Davis Switser, a son, William H. Switser, and recently, a daughter, Tina M. Desrosiers. He is also predeceased by both of his parents, three sisters and four brothers.

Bob is survived by a son, Michael A. Switser and his wife, Tamara; daughter, April J. Whiting and her sons, Frank W. Bennett III and his wife Patti; Robert H, Bennett, his wife, Gail; daughter, Robin A. DuLac, her Partner, Robert J. LaVine, her daughters Samantha L DuLac and Julia J. DuLac, and her child, Demarese C. Gauthier; daughter, Janelle S. Littlefield, her husband, Stuart A. Littlefield, their children, Madeline G. Littlefield and Jackson D. Littlefield, and wife Savannah Gluck Littlefield; and grandsons Matthew L.M. Desrosiers and wife, Margaret, and their daughters, Emily and Arya; Aaron J. Desrosiers. And a lifelong friend, Vern Hodgkin III. He will be missed by many nieces, nephews and great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren. Bob also leaves behind one sister, Grace Switser Hall.

Service Info/Calling hours, a celebration for the life of Robert will be held in the spring with advance notice.

01/06/2026

Robert R. Drummond
November 8, 1935 – December 20, 2025
Robert R. Drummond, a lifelong Mainer, devoted family man, and respected community leader, passed away peacefully in his sleep on December 20, 2025, at the Maine Veterans’ Home in Augusta. He was 90 years old.
Robert was born on November 8, 1935, and was preceded in death by his parents, Guy V. Drummond and Grace D. Drummond; his beloved wife, Pamela S. Drummond (Selwood); his granddaughter Britta Drummond; his nephew Shawn Rodgers; and his brother-in-law Bob Pomerleau.
He proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1954 to 1956, a commitment that reflected his lifelong sense of duty, honor, and integrity.
Robert was deeply involved in civic and business leadership in the Augusta area. He served as President of the Augusta Jaycees in 1963, President of the Augusta Area Chamber of Commerce from 1969 to 1970, and was honored as Outstanding Maine Man of the Year in 1969. These recognitions reflected both his professional accomplishments and his dedication to the community he loved.
Robert spent the majority of his career in the family automobile business. He served as President of Midway Motors from 1957 to 1965, and later as President of Drummond Motors from 1965 to 1996. He took great pride in working alongside his father and other family members, building a business rooted in honesty, hard work, and family values.
For many years, Robert lived on China Lake, where he enjoyed fishing, family cookouts, and time spent along the shore with loved ones. Later in life, he and his wife Pam spent 12 happy years in Florida, enjoying golf, bocce, shuffleboard, participating in plays, and spending time with close friends.
An avid outdoorsman, Robert especially loved fly fishing. He tied flies, participated in sportsmen’s shows, and generously taught others the art of fly tying, always eager to share his knowledge and enthusiasm.
Above all, Robert was an extremely kind and loving man. His caring nature, warm smile, and gentle manner made everyone feel welcome. He will be remembered as a true gentleman who left a lasting impression on everyone he met.
Robert is survived by his children: Dennis and Wendy Drummond; Debby and Bob Menard; Douglas and Michaline Drummond; Dianne and Normand Michaud; Robby and Vicki Drummond; Michael and Winnie Kinsella; and Eric and Becca Robbins. He also leaves behind many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; his sister Joan Pomerleau; his niece Pammy Pomerleau; and his loving partner Ruth Palmer.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of the Maine Veterans’ Home in Augusta, whose compassionate, respectful, and loving care made Robert’s final year so meaningful and comfortable.
Funeral arrangements are as follows:
Location: Green Street United Methodist Church, 9 Church St., Augusta, Maine
Date: January 24, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM
In lieu of flowers, donations in Robert’s memory may be made to the Maine Veterans’ Home or The Kennebec Valley Humane Society in Augusta.
Condolences may be shared online at www.funeralalternatives.com

01/06/2026

Danney Roy Glaser, Sr., 79, of West Gardiner, Maine, passed away peacefully. He was born August 10, 1946, in Dubuque, Iowa, to June Lenona Glaser and Earl Vernus "Mike" Glaser. He spent his early childhood in Iowa before moving to the family farm in Gray, Maine, where he was raised and attended school.

Danney served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War era, earning his GED and serving as a Boatswain's Mate Second Class (E-5). His service included time aboard the USS William H. Standley (CG-32) and later the USS Sunbird (ASR-15).

He worked in a variety of trades throughout his life. He loved the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing, but animals, particularly dogs, were central to his life. He always had a dog at his side, a true member of the family, and cherished the unconditional bond they shared.

In later years, Danney found community and purpose through Alcoholics Anonymous, where he maintained long-term sobriety and generously mentored others with warmth, patience, and compassion.

He is survived by his loving partner of 14 years, Mary-Ellen Goddard of West Gardiner, Maine; his daughter, Kara L. Glaser and her partner, lan MacDonald, of Lewiston, Maine; his son, Danney R. Glaser Il and his wife, Nicole Glaser, of Nottingham, New Hampshire; his sisters, Margaret Wilson of Gray, Maine, and Robin Hart of Pownal, Maine; seven grandchildren, Gwyneth, Sebastian, Grafton, Gus, Abigail, Graeley, and Alex; eight nieces and nephews; and many great-nieces and great-nephews.

A celebration of life will be held at the American Legion Post #86 in Gray, Maine, on January 25, 2026, at 1:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Greater Androscoggin Humane Society.

01/06/2026

Evelyn M. Garand
1942-2026
Augusta - Evelyn M. Garand, 83, of Middle Road, passed away Friday, Jan 2, 2026, at Gray Birch.

She was born October 26, 1942 in Whitefield, the son of Leland and Gertrud (Mood) Cunningham. She was educated in Augusta schools.
On November 30, 1963, she married Viateur Garand.
Evelyn was a homemaker most of her life and enjoyed cooking, gardening, making puzzles and camping.
She was predeceased by her mother, father, stepfather Edward Robinson and a brother Everett (Skip) Cunningham.
She is survived by her husband Viateur, of 62 years; sons, Paul Garand, Timothy Garand arid wife Paula and David Garand and wife Mikel; grandchildren, Nicole Barnes and husband Jake, Megan Curtis and husband Tyler, Olivia Garand and Tanner Garand and great-grandchildren, Nathaniel, Avery, Beau, Emma and Macie. Her sisters Alberta Folger, Sandy Moody and Debbie Henderson.
No services are being held per Evelyn's request.

01/05/2026

Bente Lis Belanger, born in Copenhagen on July 28, 1941, died unexpectedly January 1st. She is predeceased by her parents William and Jytte Olufsen, her younger brother Jørn and her husband William. She worked as a Frisør (Beautician) in the late 50's and 60's before meeting her future husband in Germany. She worked various jobs while raising her family, but her primary and most loved role was mother and grandmother. Bente led a quiet life dedicated to serving her family. She was loved by all who knew her, adored by her husband and cherished by her children, Robert and Tina. She is also survived by her sister Helle, her brother Bent, her grandchildren Hannah, Jaden, Andrew and Logan. She will also be greatly missed by her extensive extended family. A small graveyard service will be had in the spring. Date to be determined.

01/05/2026

John A. Ustach, 71, passed away on December 28, 2025, at his home in Lewiston, Maine, after a hard-fought battle with cancer.

John was a caring and intelligent man whose easy warmth and genuine interest in others put people at ease. He treasured conversation and time spent with family and friends, always taking joy in connecting with those around him.

Family was central to John's life. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and son, he showed his love through steady presence, encouragement, and unwavering support, deeply invested in the lives of those closest to him.

John was born on November 24, 1954, in Boston, Massachusetts, to Francis and Mary Ustach. Raised in a large Irish and Polish family in South Boston, where faith, family, and community shaped his values, he attended Boston Latin School and earned his bachelor's degree from Eastern Nazarene College.

John had a fulfilling career in technology, beginning at the Federal Reserve Bank in Boston and then Unum, which brought his family to Maine. He co-founded a technology company in South Portland and later continued his career through business consulting, valuing both his work and the relationships it fostered.

Faith and service were important to John throughout his life. He was an active member of St. Matthew's Episcopal Church in Lisbon and later Pathway Vineyard Church in Lewiston. He was trained as a hospital chaplain and, later in life, found meaningful connection through his cancer support group.

John enjoyed travel, RVing, gardening, reading, Boston sports teams, and life at home, many of these shared alongside his wife, Linda. He especially enjoyed tinkering and hands-on projects, most recently watch-making and maple syruping.

He was predeceased by his parents, Francis and Mary Ustach, and his sister, Marybeth Ustach of Boston, Massachusetts.

John is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Linda; his children, Michelle Dagneau of Harrisburg, PA; Mark Ustach of Poland, ME; Julia Riggott and her husband Chris of Scarborough, ME; Kate Beyer and her husband Rick of Framingham, MA; and his seven grandchildren, Jacob, Andrew and Hunter Ustach, Emily McKinstry, Hadley and Landon Riggott, and Madison Beyer.

He is also survived by his siblings, Francis (Butch), Stephen, and Thomas Ustach, and Patricia (Tricia) Raftery, along with their families.

John will be remembered for his kindness, generosity of spirit, and deep devotion to family and community.

A Celebration of Life for John will be held in Spring 2026; details will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John's name to The Snell Foundation, Westbrook, ME (www.snellfoundationmaine.org).

https://www.funeralalternatives.net/obituaries/obit-details.php?Ustach-3976