Memorial Giving
We appreciate your desire to honor someone special with a memorial gift. For your convenience, those whose names are listed below have individual online memorial-giving pages set up. Follow the link to make your gift. If you prefer to send your gift by mail, please download
this Memorial Gift Form.
To set up memorial giving please visit the Memorial/Honorary Gifts page.
Gifts In Memory of
Evelyn Ellsworth Dearborn
to support
Vance and Evelyn Dearborn Scholarship Fund
Obituary
Evelyn Ella Ellsworth Dearborn, 97, of Orono, Maine, passed away on February 13, 2024, after a long, very remarkable, and happy life.
Evelyn was born on September 9, 1926, to Raymond Eugene Ellsworth and Marion Ella York Ellsworth in the unorganized territory of Perkins Plantation, in Franklin County, Maine. She was one of six children. Three of Evelyn’s siblings, Edna Buchanan, Helen Trask, and Wesley Ellsworth, lived to adulthood. She attended East Wilton primary schools and Wilton Academy where she earned top academic and athletic honors. Following her graduation from Wilton Academy in 1945, she went on to study English, History and Psychology at the University of Maine in Orono (UMO). At UMO, she was selected to join Phi Beta Kappa and Phi Kappa Phi honor societies and graduated with honors in English in 1949.
On June 19 of 1949, Evelyn married Vance Dearborn. Together for 66 years, they built a life devoted to family, educational, social, and environmental causes. They made their home, first in Ashland, then Bridgton, and Dexter, Maine. Evelyn taught high school English and coached the girls’ basketball team at Ashland Community High School. Evelyn and Vance added to their family in each of these towns, Shirley (1952), Errol (1953), Susan (1957), and Lynne (1960). In 1962, Evelyn and Vance moved their young family to Pittsburgh, where they both attended the University of Pittsburgh. Evelyn graduated with an MS in Library Science in 1964, subsequently beginning her 25-year career in the cataloging department of UMO’s Fogler Library. While heading the cataloging department, she pioneered some of Fogler’s first transitions to digital catalog databases and taught cataloging for several years in UMO’s Library Science program. Throughout her life, Evelyn encouraged and supported many different women, including her three daughters, to realize their potential in male-centric situations. She brought attention to the accomplishments of women, particularly those from Maine. In 1986, she revealed untold stories of the diverse women in Maine’s history in her Liberal Studies MA thesis, ‘A Sampler of Maine Women.’ She served on the UMO President’s Advisory Committee on Women and the Curriculum, and was a 50+ year member of the American Association of University Women, serving as Chapter President in 1988.
Evelyn’s love of nature and talent in nurturing growing things were gifts instilled by her father, who often took her on walks in the woods when she was young and endowed her with a vast knowledge in plant identification. She passed this appreciation to her children and grandchildren through walks in the UMO forest and constant attention to her countless houseplants and beautiful flower gardens surrounding the family home in Orono. She and Vance shared a passion for nature through their many bird-watching adventures at home in Maine, and in many parts of the U.S. and Canada. They traveled widely in the U.S. and globally, especially following retirement in the 1989. With Vance, she visited all the 50 U.S. states and all but seven counties in those 50 states. Together they visited much of Europe, the coastal countries of South America, sailed to the Falkland Islands, around Cape Horn and through the Panama Canal. Life was always an adventure and they met and made new friends through their travels.
Evelyn was a chef of many family-favorite home-cooked meals and baked goods. She was famous among her children’s friends for her never-empty cookie jar. She was always there to listen and support the next generations of family and friends and was a deeply loved aunt and family genealogist.
Evelyn was predeceased by her husband, Vance; eldest daughter, Shirley; “daughter,” Lorraine Wentworth; and son-in-law, Paul Rouleau.
She is survived by son, Errol Dearborn and his wife, Lauren Stewart; daughter, Susan Dearborn; daughter, Lynne Dearborn and her husband, John Stallmeyer; grandchildren, Erik Colón, Kristin Dearborn, Monica Wilson (Dan), Sunil Dearborn, Karishma Karan, Isaac Dearborn, and Maxwell Dearborn; great-grandchildren, Alex and Julia Wilson, Kahmiya and Karmelo Sampson; and her Norwegian Family, Karen Alsgaard, Tore, Silja, and Magnus Jorgensen.
The Dearborn family wishes to thank Diane, Jessica, and Lianne for the special care and friendship they have given Evelyn.
Relatives and friends are welcome to call from 5-7 p.m. Friday, February 23, 2024, at Brookings-Smith Funeral Home in Bangor, Maine. There will be a celebration of Evelyn’s life 12 p.m. Saturday, February 24, at Orono United Methodist Church, 36 Oak Street, Orono, with the Rev. Dr. Steven Smith, officiating. Graveside services will be held in late spring at the Riverside Cemetery in Farmington, Maine.
Those who wish to remember Evelyn in a special way may make gifts in her memory to the Orono United Methodist Church, 36 Oak Street, Orono, ME 04473, or the University of Maine Foundation
Gifts In Memory of
Andrew Britt
to support
Men’s Ice Hockey
Obituary
Andrew Hamilton Britt., passed away unexpectedly at his Branch Pond home, January 16, 2024. Andy was born December 22, 1947 in Tonawanda, NY to Richard Warren Britt and Crystal Cornell Britt. He is survived by his wife, Ann Dubraska Britt of Branch Pond; daughter, Mary Elizabeth Britt of Rockland; and sister Tracy Ann Britt of Lisbon Falls. He will be fondly remembered by Tony Libertore and his wife Joanna, and their children Alexa, Alanna and AJ. Tony was like a second son to Andy and his kids were treated like his grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents and his son, Richard Andrew Britt.
Andy grew up in Tonawanda, NY and graduated from Tonawanda High School. After graduating from the University of Maine at Orono with a degree in civil engineering, he embarked on his lengthy career with H.E. Sargent. He shared his expertise in road construction with his neighborhood, expertly maintaining the road to their home and becoming the president of the Phillips Way Road Association for 20 years. Lake life was important to Andy as he enjoyed his days on the water, boating and fishing. But more than anything, he loved his family and his Golden Retrievers.
He was also passionate about the University of Maine hockey teams. A season ticket holder since 1983, Andy and his family followed the team religiously attending all home games and traveled with them to Ireland, Alaska, all frozen fours and most away games.
A Celebration of Life gathering will be held in the summer. In lieu of flowers, Andy and his family would appreciate your support of the University of Maine Men’s Ice Hockey Program. It was Andy’s wish to have the new Equipment Room named in honor of their son, Richard Andrew Britt, who was the manager of the 1999 Championship team when he passed away. Memorial gifts to support University of Maine Mens Ice Hockey can be made online, our.umaine.edu/britt or mailed to the University of Maine Foundation, Buchanan Alumni House, Two Alumni Place, Orono, Maine 04469. Please indicate in memory of Andy Britt in the memo line.
Condolences to the family may be expressed at jordanfernald.com.
Gifts In Memory of
Victoria Kane
to support the
School of Social Work
Obituary
Victoria A. Kane, 62, died on December 1, 2023 at Mount Joseph at Waterville after living with early onset Alzheimer’s Disease for the past 10 years. Her devoted partner of 30 years, Martha (Muffy) Eastman, and her loving brother, Bruce Kane of South Easton, MA, were at her bedside. Victoria is also survived by her lifelong best friend, Susan Marsden of Middleboro, MA, her chosen sister, Kate Whouley of Barnstable, MA, loving aunts, uncles and cousins, and many dear friends. She was predeceased by her mother, Rosalie Bingham, her father, Joseph Kane, and her stepfather, Thomas Perry.
Born in Dorchester, MA on March 3, 1961, Victoria graduated from Middleboro High School in Middleboro, MA in 1979. She attended college at the University of Maine, where she spent a semester abroad in British Columbia. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology and Philosophy in 1983. While a student at the University of Maine, Victoria formed close bonds with two University of Maine professors, Sandy Ives and Jim Acheson, assisting them with various research projects. In 1993 Victoria reached out to folklore professors and archivists throughout the U.S. and Canada to coordinate a nomination for the annual Presidential Public Service Award; she assembled an extensive nominating portfolio for Sandy Ives, who won the award that year.
Mentored by her stepfather, Victoria had learned to shoot a rifle at the Old Colony Sportsmen Association in Pembrooke, MA and began competitive rifle shooting during her pre-teen years. A member of the University of Maine Rifle Team, Victoria was awarded a varsity letter.
After college Victoria worked at Pepino’s Restaurant and later as a Food Manager at the University of Maine Division of Student Affairs, first at the Bear’s Den and then at Fernald Snack Bar. An enthusiastic learner, she earned an Associate Degree in business from the University of Maine at Augusta in 1991. In the late 1990s, Victoria left food service and became an administrative assistant, first working for the departments of Sociology, Native American Studies and Multicultural Programs at the University of Maine, and later serving for thirteen years at the School of Social Work.
Known on campus and beyond for her trademark greeting, “Gracious Hello,” Victoria worked tirelessly to support students, faculty, other staff, and School of Social Work alumni throughout the state. She participated on the Classified Employee’s Advisory Council and was a member of the Friends of Women’s Basketball. For several years on campus Victoria coordinated participation in the Move and Improve program sponsored by Eastern Maine Medical Center, and she welcomed Spring by collecting donations for the American Cancer Society’s annual Daffodil Day. She enjoyed cycling and often rode her bicycle from Bangor to Orono, especially on “Commute Another Way to Work” Day. In 2004, she participated in the first cohort of the University of Maine Diversity Leadership Institute, and she was recognized in 2006 as the Outstanding Classified Employee at the University of Maine.
At a gathering of family and friends at Pilgrim Lodge on June 12, 1993, Victoria began her 30-year plus partnership with Martha (Muffy) Eastman, now of Brewer, ME, a partnership that she renewed each year “for a year and a day.” Muffy also became her devoted care partner in their 20th year.
A curious and voracious reader, Victoria often read 2-3 books a week, consuming everything from Carl Sandburg’s multi-volume Abraham Lincoln, mysteries, or fantasy to romance stories and fan fiction about Xena, Warrior Princess. Quick-witted and verbally astute, puns came easily to Victoria. She often quoted Walt Whitman, saying “I am large, I contain multitudes,” a very true statement. She loved board games, especially Cranium. Victoria shared her love of words and reading as a literacy volunteer and spent much time serving on the Board of the Hersey Retreat. Over the years she held several roles at the Hersey Retreat, ranging from camp counselor to a brief stint as fill-in cook. Victoria enjoyed vacationing with Muffy and her family at Baxter State Park, and she hiked Mount Katahdin many times. She delighted in hosting Susan’s children, Elizabeth, Michael, and her godson, Sam, and Victoria also loved visiting her sister Kate on Cape Cod. She enjoyed country music, motorcycling, contra dancing, and cross-country skiing. Ethical, sensitive, empathetic, playful, generous, and helpful, Victoria will be remembered for her ever-present thoughtfulness and many acts of kindness. Quick to make amends, Victoria did her best to practice 12-step principles in all her affairs.
Victoria was a lifetime member of Weight Watchers; she knew exactly how many points to count for the number of Tootsie Rolls she wanted to eat. In 2014 and 2015, after her dementia diagnosis, she participated in the American Lung Association’s Cycle the Seacoast in Portsmouth, NH. Living with dementia, she enjoyed attending Memory Joggers and My Friends’ Place at the United Methodist Church on Essex Street in Bangor, ME, where she met many new friends.
Those who wish to honor Victoria’s memory may donate to the “Gracious Hello” team of the Alzheimer’s Association Longest Day fundraiser at https://act.alz.org/site/TR?fr_id=17194&pg=personal&px=10564602 or to the University of Maine School of Social Work online at our.umaine.edu/kane or mailed to University of Maine Foundation, Two Alumni Place, Orono, Maine 04469 in memory of Victoria.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the on March 3, 2024, from 1-3 p.m. at the Buchanan Alumni House, Two Alumni Place, Orono, ME.
Gifts In Memory of
George and Dorothy Hayes
to support the
Mark S. Hayes Music Scholarship
Obituary
In loving memory of George and Dorothy Hayes
George H. Hayes 93, died September 26, 2023, at Eastern Maine Medical Center. He was born November 11, 1929, in Bangor, ME, the son of Gray H. and Margaret P Hayes.
Two and a half weeks later, Dorothy D Hayes, 93, died October 13, 2023, at the Maine Veteran’s Home. She was born December 18, 1929, in Bucyrus, Ohio, the daughter of George and Amanda Dustman.
George and Dorothy were married for 70 years. It was a match meant to be.
George graduated from Brewer High School in 1948. George attended the University of Maine in Orono, ME. It is notable that George hitchhiked from Brewer to Orono to attend classes every day. In 1952, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering.
Ready for an adventure, George secured a job with Lockheed Martin in Hollywood, CA. He rented an apartment with three other men right around the corner from Grauman’s Chinese Theatre.
Meanwhile in Ohio, Dorothy graduated from Bucyrus High School in 1947. She attended Bowling Green State University. She decided to hop on a bus with two of her girlfriends, destination Hollywood, CA.
Dorothy and her girlfriends went to finishing school, secured secretarial jobs and rented an apartment coincidentally across the hall from four eligible men. Before long, George and Dorothy met, fell in love and were married on August 12, 1953. The headline in the Bangor Daily News read, “Man marries woman from Ohio.”
Shortly after, George joined the army and the couple were stationed in Philadelphia, PA. In 1956, George was discharged from active duty and the couple with two small children moved to Bangor ME. On October 31, 1962, Dot and George moved into the house they built together in Brewer, ME; they lived there for almost 60 years.
Throughout his career George held positions as a civil engineer, private practice architect and assistant professor at the University of Maine in Orono.
Dot raised their three children, coached Lassie League softball, and volunteered in schools and the First Congregational Church. She returned to work running campaigns for the local office of the American Cancer Society and Girl Scouts of America. Her last job before retirement was as a bookkeeper at Kinney Electric in Brewer, ME.
George is known to many as an avid fly fisherman. He enjoyed tying flies and spending time at the Penobscot River catching salmon. He was an accomplished painter who also enjoyed playing tennis, bridge, and especially golf.
Dorothy also enjoyed playing bridge along with other card games, as well as golfing with her daughter Linda and friends, and cross stitching.
Both loved spending time with their family.
George and Dorothy were predeceased by their son, Mark S. Hayes and their daughter, Linda Sue Hayes. Surviving are their daughter and son-in-law, Catherine and Steve Lufkin, of Middleton, Massachusetts; grandsons, Matthew Lufkin and his wife, Jamie; and their daughters, Elizabeth and Gabrielle Lufkin, of Georgetown, Massachusetts; Andrew Lufkin, and his family of Tijeras, New Mexico; and granddaughter, Jaclyn Lufkin, of Lynnfield, Massachusetts.
Family and friends are welcome to a graveside service at 1:00 on Saturday, November 4, 2023, at Woodlawn Cemetery, 598 North Main Street, Brewer, ME. Those who would like to remember George and Dorothy in a special way may make gifts in their memory to the Mark S. Hayes Music Scholarship.
Love Never Dies.
Gifts In Memory of
Grace Rogge Perez
to support the
University of Maine Scholarship Fund
Obituary
Grace Esther Rogge Pérez died at Juniper Village, State College on October 1, 2023, after a struggle with Alzheimer’s and dementia. She was 100 years old. Born May 6, 1923, in Detroit, Michigan to parents, Francis Clinton Rogge and Ruth Esther Cairns Rogge, her family moved to Newark, NJ when she was 4. There, she, her mother and brother, lived with her grandparents until she was in her teens. She shared many memories of growing up with many cousins, aunts and uncles. A favorite memory was summers spent in Maine with her grandparents and extended family.
She graduated from Eastside High School, Paterson, NJ, in 1941. A two-year degree at NJ State Teachers College, was followed by a bachelor’s degree in history from University of Maine in Orono. She also enjoyed studying and learning several languages.
Working at Squibb, she met her future husband, Louis C. Pérez. They married Aug 12, 1950. They lived in Ann Arbor, Michigan while Lou completed his graduate degrees in Spanish and Spanish Literature. They then moved to Williamstown, Massachusetts where he taught at Williams College for 10 years and where they started their family. Because of both Lou’s and Grace’s fluency in Spanish, they were able to teach all their children Spanish before they learned English.
A year in Spain was then followed by a move to State College, Pa., and a position as professor of Spanish at Penn State for Lou. While raising their family, she found time to earn a Master’s degree in Library Science at University of Pittsburgh. Grace worked at Penn State’s Pattee Library for many years as well as serving as research assistant for several professors.
After retiring in 1988, Lou and Grace traveled extensively in Europe and, for 20 years, spent each winter quite happily in Luquillo, Puerto Rico. She was predeceased by her brother, Edgar Rogge, her parents, her husband in
2009, and daughter, Roberta Leyde, in 2021. Lou and Grace were married for 59 years.
Grace is survived by 2 children, Alison Luse (Shelby) in Centre Hall, and David Pérez (Rebecca) in Glendale, Wisconsin. Also surviving are her 12 much loved grandchildren, Daniela Moravec (Nathan), Christina Pérez, Jessica Blasko, Robin Gail Pérez, James Pérez (Chelsea), Justin Umbower (Madeline), Brian Leyde (Lydia), Karen Leyde, Laura Leyde Humeny (Nicolas), Josiah Luse (Kayla), Emily Pérez and Jeffrey Luse (Breanna). Also surviving are 6 great grandchildren, Kristian Moravec Gorn (Igor), Nathan and
Anna Moravec and Rosalie, Veronica and Camden Umbower.
Grace also is survived by nieces and nephews in Kansas, Oregon, California and by several cousins in New England. She was especially close to her cousin, Edith Weik, of Lakeside, Connecticut.
The legacy she leaves her treasured family is a lifelong love of learning, a love of nature and history, especially family history, and curiosity and respect for other cultures and peoples.
Funeral arrangements are with Koch’s Funeral Home. Services will be at the convenience of the family. Donations in her memory may be made to University of Maine Scholarship Fund.
Gifts In Memory of
Margaret “Maggie” Mollison McIntosh
to support the
Donald & Margaret McIntosh Scholarship Fund
Obituary
In Loving Memory of Margaret Mae (Mollison) McIntosh
October 22, 1929 – July 1, 2023
Margaret Mae (Mollison) McIntosh, of York Harbor passed away on Saturday, July 1. Born on October 22, 1929 in Swanville, Maine she was the daughter of Scottish immigrants, Edwin and Catherine Hamilton Mollison, who owned and operated the Oak Hill Granite Quarry. Devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and public servant, Margaret was predeceased by her husband of 36 years, Donald Waldron McIntosh in 1999. They were married on July 20, 1963 during a total solar eclipse in Bangor, Maine. She was also predeceased by her brother, James Watt Mollison, in 1999. She is survived by her daughter,
Meredith McIntosh Murphy, son-in-law Thomas Patrick Murphy and two grandsons, William James Lewis and Logan Patrick Murphy, all of Wellesley, MA.
Margaret was a first generation college graduate, earning a BA degree in Economics in 1950 and a Masters degree in Education in 1952, both from the University of Maine. Margaret continued to be a champion of “land-grant schools” and education in general, working for the University of Maine Alumnae Association from 1953 to 1963 and teaching for various public secondary schools. Margaret was appointed to the Maine State Board of Education by Maine Governor Curtis in 1968 and she served on the York School District for 14 years including building the new York High School in 1977.
Margaret was a pioneer before her time and most of all enjoyed being engaged in financial and political endeavors. For those that spent time with her, she would most enjoy a conversation about the local or world political scene. She was a longtime member of the Republican Committee and an active participant in town and state politics. She was a devoted public servant, serving on many local town committees including the York Public Library, York Art Association, and the York Historical Society. Margaret was elected as the Town of York Treasurer, commencing in 1990 and was re-elected 9 more times. Margaret served in this role for 28 years and was 87 at the time of her last election. At the age of 88 Margaret resigned from the role as a result of physical limitations of her ability to get to the town offices. Margaret was well-known for her financial acumen in this role, ensuring she was a fiduciary steward of the town coffers.
Margaret over the years has also served in leadership roles in various organizations such as President of her sorority chapter of Tri Delta. She was President of her University of Maine class of 1950 and was elected President Emeritus as well. Margaret was a recipient of the University Of Maine’s Golden “M” Award. This award is voted on by classmates at the 50th Reunion, and is presented to a member of the 50th reunion class for outstanding class service and/or class leadership since graduation. Most recently Margaret was elected as the resident council representative at Durgin Pines, her home for the past 3 years.
A celebration of Margaret’s life will be held on Sunday, August 6, 2023 at 1pm at the First Parish Church, 180 York Street, York, Maine 03909. All are invited to a reception immediately following at the York Harbor Reading Room, 491 York Street, York Harbor, Maine 03911.
Gifts in memory of Margaret McIntosh may be made payable to the University of Maine Foundation, Two Alumni Place, Orono, ME 04469-5792, for the Donald & Margaret McIntosh Scholarship Fund.
Gifts In Memory of
Bradford “Brad” Claxton
to support the
UMaine Alumni Association
Obituary
Bradford Wayne Claxton
September 26 1934 – April 9, 2023
Bradford (Brad) Wayne Claxton passed away peacefully on April 9th at his Carmel home surrounded by his adoring family. Brad was born September 26th, 1934, in Teaneck, New Jersey to the late John and Alice (Calvin) Claxton. He graduated from the University of Maine in 1956 where he met the love of his life Patricia Gillette Claxton, they were married for 63 years.
Brad received his master’s degree from Temple University and had an illustrious career in Association Management highlighted by 25 years as Executive Director of the American Academy of Dermatology. He received numerous accolades including being elected President of PCMA, ASAE and CSAE. Even though he was extremely accomplished in his professional career his family always came first, he will be dearly missed.
Brad was preceded in death by his beloved wife Patricia and his brother Bruce. Brad is survived by his children, Karen (Kelly) Hindman, Brian (Gladys) Claxton, Brad (Veronica) Claxton and Cynthia (Chris) Stump; grandchildren Kyle (Mary), Allie (Alfredo), Patricia, Andrea, Matthew, Brad III, Kaila, C.J. (Maggie) and Corinne; great grandchildren Terrance and Aaliyah; sisters-in-law Marilyn Claxton and Joan Totton; brother-in law Gene Gillette.
Thank you to his beloved caregiver Jenny Hughes, Vania with Paradigm Hospice and the caring staff at Senior 1 Care who helped him leave this earth on his terms with dignity and courage.
Family and friends are invited to gather Friday April 14th from 4:00 – 7:00 pm at Flanner Buchanan- Carmel, where the funeral service will be held at 10:00 am Saturday April 15th.
Memorial contributions may be made to the University of Maine. Please visit www.flannerbuchanan.com to sign the online guest register.
Gifts In Memory of
Janice Pelletier, M.D.
to support the
Raymond A. Pelletier and Janice Pelletier, M.D. Memorial Fund
Obituary
Janice Pelletier, M.D.
May 15 1957 – October 23, 2022
Janice L. Pelletier M.D., 65, passed away on October 23, 2022, surrounded by loved ones at her home.
Jan was born on May 15, 1957, the second of six children of Raymond A. Pelletier and Jeanne I. (Poulin) Pelletier of Winslow. In 1983 she married Dr. Leonard J. Kass, together with whom she raised two children, Nigel and Eleanore (Elea) Kass. Jan and Len were partners in every sense, having shared a loving marriage and family life; having lived together in multiple states and countries; and having collaborated professionally on research, teaching, and other work, numerous written articles, and a host of academic publications. They enjoyed international travel and experiences in various cultures. Jan was always generous with family, friends, and acquaintances. She was a devoted and loving wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. Jan lit up the lives of all who knew her.
Jan attended Winslow High School, class of 1975, and Harvard University, class of 1979, with a degree in psychology. Jan was accomplished both as an athlete and a scholar, and also pursued a wide range of other interests. In high school she engaged in field hockey, track, gymnastics, band, and cheerleading (some in the same season), and at Harvard she participated in the crew team and played soccer (again in the same season). At Harvard Jan was particularly proud to be one of the “originals” who worked from 1975-76 to transform women’s soccer from a club sport into Harvard University’s first Varsity Women’s Soccer Team. The team won the Women’s Soccer Ivy League Championship in 1978, a mere two years after Jan helped transform it from club status. Jan was a Harvard Class Marshall, a two-year Harvard varsity letter winner in soccer, and a winner of the Catherine Innes Ireland Fellowship, granted to students “strong in academics and extracurriculars.”
After Harvard Jan attended the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in NYC, graduating in 1984. She completed her medical residency at Massachusetts General Hospital and her fellowship at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto. She was a clinical professor at Tufts, the University of Vermont, and the University of New England, and an ad hoc professor at the University of Maine. She was a prolific writer and contributor to medical research, having authored, co-authored or otherwise contributed to more than twenty grants and fifty publications. Jan’s resume, spanning a full eleven pages, evidences the tremendous breadth and scope of her professional career.
Despite these many accomplishments, Jan would like to be most remembered for her more than forty years of service in Maine as a pediatrician and as a member of the Maine Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. As its president she came to national prominence, accepting positions at the district and national levels. Jan was a social activist, having provided testimony in twenty-five legislative cases and having written twenty-two editorials, all towards improving the health and well-being of children. In 2017 she was honored with the “Giraffe Award” from the Maine Children’s Alliance, for unsung community heroes who go above and beyond their job descriptions to “stick out their necks” for Maine children, youth, and families. Jan was a healer, an advocate, and a builder of lasting works for the benefit of others. She freely gave her time to her family, friends, and various communities and causes.
Jan is survived by her husband of 39 years, Dr. Leonard Kass of Orono; her two children, Nigel Kass of Anaheim, CA, and Eleanore Kass of Austin, TX; her brother, Ronald Pelletier and wife, Ning Sawangjaeng, of Lincolnville; her sister, Karen Pelletier and partner, Anu Makynen, of Portland; her brother, Mark Pelletier and wife, Leslie King Pelletier, of Winslow; her brother, Dominic Pelletier and wife, Beth Audet Pelletier, of Raymond; her brother, Jeffrey Pelletier and wife, Lilly Ampai Chiu Pelletier, of Carlsbad, CA; and her father’s partner and fiancée of thirty years, Martha (Grindall) Audet of Winslow. On Jan’s husband’s side of the family she is survived by seven sisters- and brothers-in-law: Marjorie (Kass) Martens and husband John Martens of Rock Island, IL; William Kass and wife Patricia Robertson of Awendaw, SC; Richard Kass and wife Cheryl (Brockman) Kass of Bastrop, TX; Donald Kass of Wilmington, NC; David Kass and wife Cynthia (Rossi) Kass of Downers Grove, IL; Dean Kass of Chippewa Falls, WI; James Kass of Branson, MO. Jan is also survived by forty-three nieces and nephews, as well as their partners and children.
Janice was predeceased by her parents, Raymond A. Pelletier and Jeanne (Poulin) Pelletier; her father- and mother-in-law, Adolph and Eleanore (Klein) Kass; and her sisters-in-law, Nancy (Willey) Pelletier, Ingrid (Renken) Kass, Eileen Kass, and Patricia (Fitzgerald) Kass.
Jan loved spending cherished moments with family and friends, entertaining colleagues during her numerous professional presentations, and making all around her smile and enjoy life. Jan was a born pediatrician as she adored caring for young children. As a physician her clinical skills were unparalleled, combining medicine with true empathy and love.
In lieu of flowers, gifts in memory of Janice Pelletier can be made to her memroial fund at our.umaine.edu/pelletier. Notice of a remembrance of life event (date TBD) honoring Jan will also be posted on the CaringBridge site and on other social media in the near future.
Gifts In Memory of
William “Bill” Munsey
to support the
Bill and Helen Munsey Scholarship Fund
Obituary
William John “Bill” Munsey
October 16 1936 – December 12 2022
Bangor – William John “Bill” Munsey passed away December 12, 2022 after a long and productive life. He was born on October 16, 1936 in New Bedford, MA to Frances Edward Munsey and Ruth Constance (McMeehan) Munsey.
Bill graduated from Coburn Classical Institute in 1955 and the University of Maine, Class of 1960, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. He went on to earn a Master’s Degree in Higher Education from Boston University in 1964. Upon graduating from B.U. he went to work in the Admissions Office at SUNY New Paltz as an admissions counselor which began his 50 year career in University Admissions.
Bill met the love of his life, Helen Wallace at the University of Maine where they were both students. They were married in Orono in 1962 and enjoyed 51 years of marriage before her passing in 2013. Bill and Helen have two children Julia and Stephen.
Bill and Helen moved back to Maine in the fall of 1965 when he was named Director of Admissions at Gorham State College, later University of Maine Portland-Gorham, and now the University of Southern Maine. In 1980 he was named Director of Admissions at the University of Maine where he remained until the fall of 2014. Bill was a passionate believer in giving young people the opportunity to be all that they could be. He loved meeting students and families and helping them explore the opportunities that higher education could offer them. In announcing Bill’s departure from the University of Southern Maine in 1980, then President Bob Woodbury selected the word integrity to describe Bill.
During his 50-year career in college admissions, Bill participated in and led many organizations and committees committed to higher education excellence. Some of those include the National Association of College Admissions Counselors, New England Association of College Admissions Counselors, New England Association of College Registrars and Admissions Officers, College Board, New England
Association Schools and Colleges, and Maine State Principals Association. In 1990 Bill was awarded the Harry R. Carroll Distinguished Service Award from the New England Association of College Admissions Counselors. This award recognizes outstanding contributions, achievements and dedication to academic excellence, fair and impartial work on behalf of students, and a commitment to the ethical standards of the admissions profession. As one young admissions professional stated after meeting him, “Bill Munsey, he’s a legend.”
Bill was an active community volunteer and leader. He served on the Board of Directors for the Maine State YMCA Camp for 50 years, as well as the Old Town Orono YMCA, and Greater Portland YMCA. He served on the Board of Directors for the Frenchman Bay Conservancy in Hancock where he and Helen had a summer home for 30 years. As a passionate UMaine Alum, he was awarded the 2010 Black Bear Award by the UMaine Alumni Association for his devotion and loyalty to the high traditions of the University of Maine.
Bill was smart, funny, thoughtful, and gracious and always had a twinkle in his eye. He was known for his firm handshake and great smile. He loved music, theater, art, sports, and the outdoors. But above all else he was a loving husband, father, colleague, and community member. He believed that everyone could make a difference in the world and he used his life to do just that. His favorite saying, and he had many, was “The best use of your life is to so live your life, that the use of your life outlives your life.” There is no doubt that he achieved that.
Bill is survived by his daughter Julia Munsey and husband John Dougherty of Bangor and his son Stephen Munsey and partner Jill Irish of Salt Lake City, Utah. Also surviving him is his sister Connie Ann Wright, sisters in law Pat Wallace, Gerry Williams and husband Bob Williams, and many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Special thanks to the team at the Sylvia Ross Home for their friendship,care, and compassion Bill received during his time there, as well as the team at EMMC for their care.
A celebration of Bill’s life will be held Tuesday, December 20 at 11:00 a.m. at Buchanan Alumni House, University of Maine, 160 College Ave., Orono, Maine. A reception will immediately follow the service. Those wishing to remember Bill, and continue his legacy of giving, may make a gift in his memory to the University of Maine Foundation, Bill and Helen Munsey Scholarship Fund.
Gifts In Memory of
Dr. Mary-‘Vesta Martson-Scott
to support the
Babb-Marston-Scott Scholarship Fund
Obituary
Dr. Mary-‘Vesta Marston-Scott
April 5, 1924 – July 16, 2024
Dr. Mary-‘Vesta Marston-Scott, age 100 died peacefully at home in Orono, ME on July 16, 2024. She was predeceased by her husband, John Paul Scott, Ph.D., of Bowling Green, OH.
Mary-‘Vesta was the daughter of George Frank Marston of Jonesboro, ME and Mildred Babb Marston of Calais, ME. After her fourth year she and her mother made their home in Calais with her maternal grandparents Silas and Hanna Potter and her uncle Silas Jay Babb.
In her early years Mary’Vesta played violin in many orchestral groups. She graduated from Calais Academy in 1941. She received a BA in Psychology from the University of Maine in Orono in 1946 where she was a member of Phi Kapa Phi Honor Society.
After graduation, Mary-‘Vesta worked at the Jackson Lab where she began her long career. Following the Bar Harbor Fire of 1947, she pursued her goal of becoming a nurse.
In 1951, Mary-‘Vesta received her Master of Nursing degree from Yale University in New Haven, CT; in 1957, she received her Master of Public Health from Harvard University in Boston, MA. She later studied psychology at Boston University, where she earned a MA in psychology and received her Ph.D. in 1968.
Mary-‘Vesta had widespread experience in Public Health Nursing; she influenced nursing education and research on many fronts.
After graduating from Yale School of Nursing, she worked for Grace New Haven Community Hospital and later the New Haven Visiting Nurse Association. Also, she worked as a public health nurse for the Maine State Department of Health. After receiving her MPH she became a Reserve Corp Officer with the National Division of Nursing and spent 5 years in the U.S. Public Health Nursing Service, first on the Navaho Indian Reservation in Arizona and later as Nurse Consultant and Researcher in Washington, D.C.
Mary-‘Vesta taught at the Yale School of Nursing and was an Associate Professor of Public Health at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, OH. Following this she became a tenured Professor at Boston University and one of the first directors of a Doctoral Program in Nursing in the United States. After leaving Boston University, she was an Associate Professor at the University of Chicago for several years before her retirement in 1994.
Mary-‘Vesta was perhaps best known for a paper entitled “Compliance with Medical Advice; A Review of Literature,” which was identified as a citation classic in 1970; since that time her work has been cited by countless scholars from around the world. She has been identified as a most quoted Nurse Author in the U.S. and listed in the Who’s Who.
A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. at the United Methodist Church on Essex St. in Bangor, ME on Friday, July 26, 2024. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Babb-Marston-Scott Scholarship fund c/o University of Maine Foundation, Two Alumni Place, Orono, ME 04469.
Gifts In Memory of
Marilyn Mills MacLeod ’50
to support the
Roland and Marilyn MacLeod Hockey Scholarship
Obituary
Bangor – Marilyn MacLeod was born on November 23, 1927, to Ruth Mower and Thomas Mills in St. Albans, ME. She left us on a beautiful starlit evening, September 30, 2024. Marilyn grew up in St. Albans, and along with her brother, James, was raised by her mom and her extended family. She especially loved her Aunt Meridith and Nana Ada.
She entered the University of Maine during the glory days following World War II, where she met handsome Roland MacLeod. They married at the beginning of their senior year, graduating in 1950. They moved to Bangor, where they happily made their home for the rest of their lives. Marilyn worked as a dietitian at Eastern Maine General Hospital, later E.M.M.C. She was the first one out of the house every morning and was committed to the highest standards of her profession. She valued all her co-workers, and developed lasting friendships with Florence, Wanda, and Doris. In her retirement, Marilyn loved the simple pleasure of sleeping late. Marilyn and Mac loved to socialize with their many friends, and often got together for dinner and drinks. They took a memorable trip to Europe, and after losing Mac, Marilyn and her dear friend, Arline, traveled together near and far. Marilyn was an accomplished homemaker, a wonderful baker of cookies and desserts, and a gracious hostess. She loved to have people stop by, and enjoy coffee and muffins with Pat, or a gin and tonic with Barbara, Patty and Dave. Marilyn was a longtime member of All Souls Church, where her favorite contribution was making fudge for the Church Fair with Linda and Karen. In the 1970s, the MacLeods joined a group of Bangor families renting seasonal camps near Greenville. We all shared the happiest memories of skiing together every weekend and vacation of the long snowy winters. She was determined to stay fit and active in her later years, and enjoyed her walks around the neighborhood and swimming with her friends at the Hampden pool.
Marilyn loved her family: Julie Hayes and her husband, Jim; Jim MacLeod and his wife, Rebecca; grandson, Iain Becker, his wife, Emily, and their children, Lydia and August; and granddaughters, Ally MacLeod and Caroline MacLeod. She loved her many friends, most of whom have gone before her. She still has her dear, steadfast friend, Barbara, a treasured companion for more than 70 years. Our family would like to acknowledge BaySquare in Yarmouth for 5 years of wonderful care and friends, especially Tamara, Louise, Chantal and Chantalle. The past 2 years brought a return to Ross Manor in Bangor, where Marilyn found a new community of caring and friends, including Irma, Bonnie, Jane, Betty, Ginny, Rosalie, Brian, Casey, Lacey, and Hayley.