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Funeral Alternatives, 25 Tampa Street, Lewiston, ME (2025)

12/18/2025

Karen (Midge) Imogene Keene-Short
With her family by her side, Karen (Midge) Imogene Keene-Short, 77, of Auburn, passed away on December 11, 2025. Born in Lewiston, Maine, on April 9, 1948, to Harold F. Sr. and Dorothy F. Rollins-Keene, Karen’s life was filled with love, laughter, and devotion to those she cherished.
A proud graduate of Edward Little High School, class of 1966, Karen married Joseph F. Short that same year, and together they raised three daughters. After more than 30 years together, Karen and Joe parted ways, but their shared legacy lives on in their family.
Karen’s career began in the office of a car dealership in Auburn, followed by work in the local shoe shop industry. She balanced her professional life with her devotion to her children, sewing shoes at home while being a stay-at-home mom. As her children grew, Karen became the Activity Director at Bolster Heights Nursing Home in Auburn, where she dedicated approximately 20 years before retiring due to health reasons.
Karen’s passions included country music, oldies, and dancing, especially line dancing and teaching her children and grandchildren how to jitterbug. She was an impeccable seamstress and could create things out of almost anything. Her creativity was extraordinary. She cherished time spent with her daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and found joy in card parties, day trips with her siblings, and any adventure that came her way.
She was predeceased by her parents, siblings – Dorothy, Phyllis, Florence, Clyde, Harold Jr, David, Randall, and Ronald, and her former husband, Joseph Short.
Karen is survived by her beloved daughters, Sherri Vallee (John Frey), Tracy Stevenson, and Kelly Tremblay (Rich Tremblay); her grandchildren, Brian Leighton (Molly), Courtney Vallee, Brett Vallee (Noelle), Dylan Stevenson, Beau Stevenson (Nicole), Brooke Stevenson, Devin McMahan (Eliza), and Whitney Murray (Branden); and her ten precious great-grandchildren: Bryce, Maisie, Millie Leighton, Emerson, Elle, Nash Duquette, Lane Stanley, Silas, Bodie Vallee, and Francesca McMahan.
Karen is also survived by many siblings—sisters Margaret (Peggy), Eleanor, Patricia, Eugenia (Genie), Carol, Brenda, Mary, Theresa, Linda, Susan; brothers Dennis, Lawrence (Chuck), Donald, James, and Danny—as well as countless nieces and nephews who adored her.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to Andwell Hospice House and Bolster Heights Residential Care in Auburn for their compassion and care during Karen’s final days.
In accordance with Karen’s wishes, there will be no public funeral service. A private gathering of family will be held later to celebrate her life.
Karen’s legacy of love, laughter, and adventure will live on in all who knew her.

12/18/2025

Bailey M. Cloutier

April 13, 2002-December 13, 2025

Bailey Morgan Cloutier, age 23, of Richmond, passed away Saturday December 13th at Maine Medical Center in Portland, from a recurrence of acute leukemia.

Bailey was born April 13, 2002 in Brunswick to Nicole M. (VanCour) and Philip M. Cloutier of Topsham.

When Bailey was 10 years old, both of her parents remarried. Being the old soul child that she was, Bailey was thrilled to have gone from being an only child in 2012 to the middle child of 5 by 2014. She finally had the older siblings she had been asking for (3 brothers) and a younger sister as an added bonus!

Bailey was a longtime member of Maine 4H, attending conferences in Maine and Washington DC as well as serving as an intern through the UMaine Cooperative Extension Office; she was a member of the National Honor Society; and the Woodside One Wheelers Unicycle Club, riding a 6 ft unicycle in local parades as well as performing in the 2012 Independence Day Parade in Washington DC. For her senior project Bailey organized an "Empty Bowls" fundraiser for the local hunger prevention organization, raising over $7,000; the largest fundraising event of the year for the food pantry.

She loved to travel and spent a great week at Disney World with her Dad when she was 11, 10 days in London, England with Mum2 during the Platinum Jubilee celebrations, and a week in Ireland with Gabe after going into remission from leukemia. She was planning a trip to France in the fall with her father. She took many trips to Northern Maine with her Mom1 and enjoyed yearly visits to Rangeley Lake with her parents and close family friends in her first 8 years. She made numerous visits around New England, as well as to NC and Maryland with family and friends.

Bailey attended Topsham schools, graduating from Mt Ararat High School in 2020. She studied for her Bachelor of Arts in Social Work at the University of New Hampshire, from 2020 until she was forced to take a year off from school for leukemia treatment. She graduated with High Honors this past May, and was planning to start studying for her Masters in Social Work in the Spring.

Bailey was an especially hardworking young woman and was working as the Housing Coordinator for The Sisters In Arms Shelter for homeless female veterans in Augusta, as well as keeping her part time job as a waitress/bartender/all around ray of sunshine at Pat's Pizza in Brunswick.

She was predeceased by her brother Cameron Pelkey, maternal grandfather Steve "Poppy" VanCour, and paternal grandfather Théophile "My Pepere in Heaven" Cloutier.

Bailey is survived by her mother and stepfather, Nicole & Michael Pelkey of Litchfield; her father and stepmother, Philip & Suzette Cloutier of Topsham; her brother and sister in law, Evan Bellevue & Lisa Kilby, nephews, James Hathorne and Oliver Bellevue; brother Joseph Bellevue, all of Richmond; her sister Emily Pelkey of Brunswick; her maternal grandmother Flora VanCour of Brunswick, her paternal grandmother Jeanne Cloutier of Topsham, her god children Karsen & Olivia Alley; as well as too many cousins, aunts, uncles, friends, coworkers and loyal customers to mention individually. Bailey collected people as she went through her life, considered everyone she loved family, and was the most giving soul many have ever met.

She is also survived by her former partner and dutiful caregiver, Gabriel Crowley of Brunswick, without whom she would not have been able to get through the first rounds of treatment and stem cell transplant. Her family is forever grateful to him.

Our thanks, also, to the outstanding staff of CFT7 and CFT6 at ME Med as well as the entire staff of Maine Health Cancer Care of South Portland, and most especially to Dr. Kellie Sprague and Noelle Cooper, NP, for their exceptional support and dedication to Bailey's wellbeing over the last 2 1/2 years.

Plans are being made for a celebration of life at a later date.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Bailey M. Cloutier Memorial Fund: https://gofund.me/872d832a4

12/17/2025

Glenith "Gigi" Gray passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, December 13. She is survived by her husband, daughter, two grandsons, and four great-grandchildren.

A graduate of Evergreen College in Washington, Gigi dedicated her life to service and community. She volunteered with the Thursday Club, donated property for Sedgwick's new fire station and the Forest Home Cemetery, served two terms in the Maine Legislature, ran for Senate, and held multiple positions in the Sedgwick Town Office.

She was also an avid gardener, known for her beautiful flowers, and created the flower gardens for the movie Sarah, Plain and Tall. She ran successful landscaping and real estate companies and was a lifelong self-educator. Known for her kindness and generosity, Gigi will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and colleagues.

Condolences may be mailed to the family at 240 Barnstable Rd., Unit 16, South Portland, ME 04106. The family deeply appreciates the kind words, cards, and memories shared during this time.

Memorial Donations In lieu of flowers, donations are welcomed to help place a memorial bench along Caterpillar Hill in loving memory of Glenith "Gigi" Gray. This bench will serve as a place of reflection and remembrance for all who visit. Contributions may be sent to Joe Gray at the above address.

12/15/2025

Lewiston – Denis Roger Caron, 76, of Lewiston passed away on December 11, 2025, in the comfort of his home and in the care of his family. He was born on October 24, 1949 to Lionel and Laurette (Goulet) Caron in Lewiston, Maine.
He was educated in the Lewiston School System. He began working for the City of Lewiston Public Works Department in 1971. He worked various positions, ultimately becoming a Master Electrician. During his career with the Public Works Department his positions included Highway Superintendent and Electrical Superintendent. Denis took pride in all his work for the City of Lewiston and was devoted to keeping its citizens safe and healthy. He ended his career by retiring in 2020, after 49 years of service.
When not working Denis loved nature and spent time hunting and fishing. In later years he enjoyed exploring Coastal Maine and New Hampshire towns with his best friend, love of his life and wife, Patci. His most special time was spent with family on his front porch swing.
Denis was appreciated and very loved by his family and friends and will be greatly missed by all.
Denis is survived by his loving wife Patricia Caron (Lemire), his daughters, Lee Caron-Tremblay and her husband Larry Tremblay; Lisa Gosselin; Cynthia Perry and her fiancée Dave Morgan. Grandchildren Jenna Lynn Tremblay, Katy Sue Gauthier, Travis Alan Perry and great grandson Grayson Robert Merrill. He is also survived by his brother Gerard Caron and his wife Rita, his sister Suzanne Martin (Caron) and her husband Bruce as well as by many special cousins and several generations of nieces and nephews.
Denis is predeceased by his parents, Lionel and Laurette Caron and his son-in-law Paul Gosselin.
A private service for immediate family will be held in the future. Condolences may be shared at FuneralAlternatives.net. In lieu of flowers donation may be made in his memory to the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org

12/15/2025

Suzanne Marie Gagnon, 65, of Sabattus passed away peacefully on December 8th at her home in Sabattus after a courageous battle with cancer.
Sue was born on August 6th 1960 at n Lewiston to Alton F. Merrill and Judith A. (Page) Merrill. She attended Sabattus schools and graduated from Oak Hill High School.
After high school she attended college in New Hampshire for computer programming, upon returning home from college she quickly realized that if she wanted to use her degree she would need to move away from her hometown, which she really didn't want to do at the time. This marked the beginning of her lifelong career in the service industry, which she loved so much. Sue started serving and bartending in the local area and quickly became a staple within the industry in the Lewiston/Auburn area. She worked at the Ramada in Lewiston, back in its heyday before moving over to the Harvest House in Lisbon, she spent many years there throughout its many iterations, Showcase 21, The Kamalot, And the Black Bull Steak House. She also worked at the Chickadee in Lewiston, Grazianos in Lisbon, as well at the American Legion Post 158 in Lisbon, just to name a few, and most recently the Fairground Cafe in Topsham.
Sue touched many lives throughout her long service career, she brought life to any room with her humor and sassy attitude.
She was active in the American Legion Auxiliary for many years and spent a great deal of time at the Legion with her friends, where she bartended for many years. Sue loved her legion Family.
Throughout her life Sue enjoyed many things Such as four wheeling, snowmobiling, camping, and lounging by the pool. She loved the sun and never missed an opportunity to be out in it.
She is predeceased by her Husband, Rodney A. Gagnon, who she married on July 2nd 1989, and her Father, Alton F Merrill.
She is survived by her Son, Dan Gagnon of Mechanic Falls, her two grandchildren Carter Gagnon and Addilyn Gagnon of Mechanic Falls, her mother Judith Merrill of Sabattus, her Brother Dan Merrill and his wife Nancy of Sabattus, her Brother George Merrill and his partner Don of Sabattus, and her two nephews Chad Merrill and Adam Merrill, both of Sabattus.
A celebration of life will be planned at a later date to occur at the American Legion Post 158 in Lisbon.

12/15/2025

Louise Ida "Lou" Fortin (née Robitaille), of Lewiston, Maine, passed away peacefully on December 2, 2025, in her hometown. She was 78 years old.

Born on May 15, 1947, in Lewiston, Louise led a life defined by resilience and dedication. Her strong connection to her roots remained a guiding force throughout her journey.

In the late 1970s, Louise began her professional career as a computer programmer for Bristol County, Massachusetts—an early pioneer in a rapidly evolving field. During the 1980s, she co-owned Brouilette and Fortin Construction, contributing to homes built with care and integrity. In the 1990s, she joined Dirigo Construction as a drywaller, taking pride in the precision and craftsmanship of her work.

Louise found joy working outdoors with family on projects where no task was too large. She cherished time spent in the sunshine, sharing her vision and demonstrating her skills—always reflecting on a job well done.

She is lovingly remembered by her son, David Fortin; daughter, Sandy Fortin Mack and husband Jeffrey Mack; grandchildren, Joshua Zarrella, Sydney and Cameron Fortin, Garrett and Sarah Louise Mack; great-grandson Liam; sister and best friend Jane Robichaud; and brothers Norman and Donald Robitaille.

She was predeceased by her parents, Romeo and Therese Robitaille; brother Lucien Robitaille; and dear friends Gilles Lefebvre and Philip Lessard.

In accordance with her wishes, Louise was cremated. Her ashes will be spread in special places that held meaning for her. A celebration of her life will be scheduled.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to Andwell Health Partners, whose compassionate support during hospice care was deeply appreciated.

May Louise's memory bring comfort and inspiration to all whose lives she touched.

12/12/2025

George B. Harwood, 78, of Mechanic Falls passed away on December 3rd 2025 at Andwell Hospice House in Auburn. He was born on January 19th 1947 to parents Gerald B and Minnie M Harwood.

George worked at Panolam in Auburn for over 30 years! He was a member of Legion Post #150 in Mechanic Falls. George enjoyed hunting, fishing, and woodworking.

He is predeceased by his parents Minnie and Gerald Harwood.

George is survived by his wife Carol Harwood, daughter Shannon Lee Harwood, and three grandsons Cruz, Stone, and Chase.

There will be no services at this time.

12/05/2025

Ronald F. Maxim, Sr., a longtime resident of Greene, passed away peacefully on December 3, 2025. He was born on February 19, 1939 to Gilbert and Agnes (Huntington) Maxim of Litchfield.

He leaves behind his wife Priscilla of 42 years, his sister Mary Ann Stevens and her son Edward, 2 stepdaughters- Wanda (Rob), Mary (Corey), 1 daughter Lynn (Mike), 1 stepson Jim, 2 daughters Tammy and Karen, 1 son- Ron, many grandchildren, and great grandchildren, his in laws Roberta (Paul) Peters, June Bubier, Fern Davis, Tim Rines, and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was a kind, funny, and loving man, and was always willing to lend a helping hand. He was an expert carpenter. He loved playing Bingo, doing word searches, reading Uncle Henry, eating hot dogs, and watching his Boston Red Sox. His favorite pastime was family time. He was dearly loved, will be sadly missed, and fondly remembered by all who love him.

Burial will be in spring 2026.

12/01/2025

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Pauline (Morin) Paladino, 71, of Lewiston Maine, on November 15, 2025. She was surrounded by those she loved and passed peacefully after a long battle of several health issues at Andwell Hospice House in Auburn.

Pauline was born in Lewiston on October 8, 1954. She was the first child of Eddy and Irene (Pratt) Morin. She grew up in New Auburn, attended Auburn schools, and graduated from ELHS with the Class of 72. She remained friends with many classmates and loved getting together with them every Friday morning for breakfast.

Pauline was a hard worker. Starting her first job as a young teenager at a neighborhood fruit stand on Riverside Drive in New Auburn. She also worked at local shoe shops, had a position at ACT Ambulance and Poland Rescue. She later went on to work at Dead River Company until she made the decision to stay home full time, taking care of her terminally ill mother, Irene

On August 18, 1979, she married the love of her life, Gary Paladino (Who passed June 1, 2018) Within 39 years of marriage together they bought a house in Oxford where they went onto raise 3 children- Stefan, Sarah, and Shirley Paladino. In the early 2000's they purchased a store that they renamed ''Dino's Variety'' also located in Oxford, where it ran for many years until they decided to close the store and live out their later years. Gary and Pauline traveled cross country in their 89' Corvette, took cruises and traveled to the Bahamas and Jamaica. Enjoying the life they made together and the family they grew.

Pauline will always be remembered as ''the life of the party''. Attending any functions, music gigs, hosting pool parties and family gatherings where she would share her funny stories she liked to call ''The perils of Pauline'' , even if the story she was telling wasn't funny in the moment, she always had a positive outlook on memories looking back. She loved camping, dancing, her family, and shopping. Anyone who knew Pauline knew she loved finding ''good deals''. Marden's is going to miss her! but most importantly she will be remembered as someone who had the biggest heart and was always there for anyone in need. She was always a Wife, Mom, Sister, Grammy, or Auntie to someone. She loved all her siblings (Eddy, Alison, and Gina Morin) her children (Stefan, Sarah, and Shirley Paladino) Her grandchildren (Leo Furguson, Chase and Lilly Knight) her nieces and nephews (Caitlin Knight, Rusty, Shawn, Andrew, and Sheila Morin) her great nieces and nephews (Chloe Doughty, Michelle, Travis, Ryan, Desiree, and Landon Morin) and her great-great niece and nephews (Avery, Kayden, and Jaxton Morin) Taking them to parades, the circus, the beach, fireworks, and theme parks like Funtown Splashtown. Family and friends truly meant everything to her, just like she has meant so much to us.

Pauline is pre-deceased by her husband Gary, her parents, Eddy & Irene Morin, and her great-great niece, Harper Grace. She is loved and missed by many. Til we meet again, fly high and we will continue to tell the stories of the ''Perils of Pauline''
Services will be held at St.Peter Cemetery- 217 Switzerland Road in Lewiston on December 12th at 2pm. Any and all are welcome.

11/28/2025

Frederick Francis Donovin, 94, passed away in Lewiston, Maine on November 23, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Frederick was born to Frank and Katherine Donovin, at home, in Garfield, New Jersey on May 1, 1931.

Frederick graduated from Garfield High School and enlisted in the United States Marines Corps. He was honorably discharged after serving as a Sargent in the Korean War. Following his discharge, he served in the Marine Corps Reserve.

After his military service he attended Alfred University where he met Patricia O' Hearn on a blind date, marrying her in 1954. They were married for 67 years, raising their five children, Kathleen, Michael, Christopher, Mary and John, in Schooley's Mountain, New Jersey.

Fred worked in sales for the transportation industry and always found time for church and his community. He served as a Eucharistic Minister and worked as a part-time police officer for many years.

Fred's passion was fishing, eventually leading him to get his Captains license chartering many offshore excursions along the Jersey shore.

Fred also loved to fly, earning his pilot's license, and flying his Piper aircraft with friends and family.

The tall man with the twinkling eyes and the ever-present pipe loved God, loved his family, loved the Marines, loved to learn, loved to read, loved meeting new people, and loved being in the outdoors, specifically on the water fishing. He loved sharing his passions with his five children, eight grandchildren, and several great grandchildren.

He began his retirement in Maine, where he volunteered for the Casco Rescue Squad and the Casco Library. He continued his retirement in North Carolina, fulfilling a lifelong dream to live and fish the coastal Carolina waters.

In his later years, his gregarious personality and broad smile made him the perfect candidate to be the Ambassador for the Woods, welcoming residents at his North Carolina independent living facility.

His final months brought him back to Maine where he was blessed with new friends, beautiful weather, an abundance of wildlife and greenery, his new great grandson and additional friends and family members.

Pre-deceased by his wife, Patricia, his parents, sister Constance and many other longtime friends and family members; Fred is survived by his children, daughters Kathleen Casparius and Mary Donovin, sons, Michael, Christopher and his wife Betty, John and his wife Nancy, grandchildren, Charles Casparius and his wife Kelly, Christopher, Jeffrey, Dustin Moore, Luke Stefanacci, Megan, Joseph, Patrick and his wife Siena; great granchildren, Cailyn Casparius, Liam Casparius, Corbin Moore, and many nieces and nephews.

Services will be held at Holy Family Church in Lewiston Maine on December 5, 2025, at 11:00 am and in North Carolina in the Spring of 2026 which will include a military service for Frederick before being laid to rest with his wife, Patricia at Coastal Carolina State Veterans Cemetery at Camp Le June North Carolina.

11/26/2025

James S. Curit, 66, passed away on November 24th, 2025. He was born in Brunswick Maine on November 15th 1959 to parents Eugene and Mary (Poole) Curit. He married the love of his life Carol Woodsum in 1979.

Jim had a love of Hit or Miss Motors, Marine Engines and his 47 Chevy 1/2 ton. Throughout his working years he was a very knowledgeable mechanic. He could work on anything and know how to fix the problem. He was apart of MAPA and MATA

He is predeceased by his mother, father, and his sister Susie.

Jim is survived by his loving wife Carol of 46 years, 2 brothers Alan and spouse Terry, Steve, one sister Sharon Alexander and her husband Dwayne, and many nieces and nephews.

There will be a celebration of life on May 9th 2026 at the Durham AMVETS hall in Durham, ME from 12-4PM.

11/20/2025

For 91 years, the heart of Mary’s life was family, especially the holidays that wove generations together. Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Fourth of July were more than dates on a calendar in the Rogers, Webber, and Barnard families; they were sacred reunions where cousins, siblings, nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles gathered around laughter, food, games, and shared stories that grew deeper every year. That tradition began before Mary was born, continued through her childhood, her marriage, her own children, and into the lives of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mary truly lived a life where family wasn’t just important; it was the very center of who she was.

Mary Lee was born on March 17 in Natick, Massachusetts, daughter of George Marshall and Lydia Webber Rogers. She graduated top of her class from Natick HS and attended Bates College, graduating in 1956. She learned her secretarial skills at Katharine Gibbs Secretarial School in Boston in 1957. She took those skills to New York City where from 1957 until 1960 she worked as a secretary at the United Nations and then Columbia University.

In 1960 she married Kenneth Barnard and they settled in Auburn Maine where they raised their 3 children: Karen, Chuck and Amy. They lived most of their life until retirement in Auburn. Ken was an architect and Mary a librarian at Fairview Elementary school for 15 years until semi-retirement took them to Gorham, Maine and Orono, Maine. There she found secretarial jobs before their big retirement adventure in Albuquerque NM. They were active members of High Street Congregational Church while in Auburn. Mary was involved with the League of Women Voters and other civic and service organizations while in Auburn.

Albuquerque was home for 15 years during their early retirement with return trips to Maine for the children and grandchildren twice a year. They found many ways to stay busy while in New Mexico. Mary worked in an artists consignment shop in Old Town Albuquerque and they enjoyed being part of Life Long Learners programming Albuquerque provided.

In 2008 they returned to Maine, with the assistance of their eldest grandchild who helped with the driving, to live in Augusta at Granite Hill Estates. This allowed them more regular participation in the sports, music, and theatric endeavors of their 10 grandchildren. They were a part of the Augusta community until 2020. With their daughters traveling more than Mary and Ken wanted for appointments etc the decision was made to become part of the Montello Heights community in Lewiston, Maine, and they moved in February 2020.

They weathered the pandemic years in their independent apartment space at Montello Heights until Ken’s death in 2023. They had 63 years together. Mary then joined her daughter Amy’s family until her dementia threatened her safety. At that point she moved to Schooner Memory Care where the caring staff there embraced and cared for her like family. We are very grateful to them for their dedication to everyone but especially to Mom.

Mary is survived by: her brother George Rogers, Jr. and his wife Judy of Litchfield; children - Karen Choate and husband Andrew of Lewiston, Charles Barnard of Portland/Raymond, and Amy Baxter and husband Butch of Lewiston; nephew George and husband Pat of Massachusetts; grandchildren: Rebekah Choate, Marshall Baxter, Ruth Choate, Kiah Baxter and husband Carter, Tom Choate and wife Amanda Nadeau, Heather Baxter and husband Will, Charles Barnard and girlfriend Julie, Anneke Barnard, Kenneth Barnard and William Barnard; as well as great-grandchildren Arden, Phoebe, Teddy and another due in January.

In lieu of flowers gifts may be made to your local library or Donna H Barnard Scholarship fund ℅ Chuck at 93 Hobart St Portland ME 04102. A service of remembrance will be held in 2026 at the convenience of the families.

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