Robert W. Cote
Nov. 11, 1943 – May 11, 2026
HOPE MEMORIAL CHAPEL | Obituary Submitted by the Family
Robert W. Cote, 82, passed away on May 11, 2026, at the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House after a long battle with heart and kidney illness.
Born on November 11, 1943, he was the son of Narcisse and Irene (Croteau) Cote. He graduated from St. Louis High School in 1961 and married the love of his life, Lucille Trottier, on November 14, 1964.
Bob was known for his kindness, happiness, and quick sense of humor. He touched countless lives with his generous heart and unwavering love for those around him.
A well-recognized and respected member of the community, he worked for 52 years at Pizza By Alex, retiring at the age of 69. Through his work, he created an extended family among his coworkers, and his friendly nature and genuine kindness made him a favorite among customers and staff alike. Many viewed him as a father figure, and many continued to stay in touch long after his retirement.
Bob worked tirelessly to provide a loving and secure home and lifestyle for his family. Alongside his wife, he created an environment of encouragement, support, common sense, and spiritual values that his family continues to cherish. Together, they took great pride in maintaining their apartment building for more than 50 years.
He spent many years volunteering his time with the Biddeford Food Pantry, St. Joseph’s Church, and La Kermesse, among other organizations. His life was defined by his deep love for his family and his appreciation for both life’s simple pleasures and joyful celebrations.
Bob was always there to help and support those he loved, serving as the family’s core strength. He made countless sacrifices out of love, often putting the needs of others before his own. He was protective, thoughtful, and deeply committed to his family.
He was predeceased by his parents and by his brother, Norman Cote.
Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Lucille Cote; his son, Robert R. Cote of Biddeford; his daughter, Claire Mercier and her husband Kevin of Limerick; his grandsons, Johnathan Mercier and his wife Megan of Limerick, and Cody Mercier and his partner Lauren Forrester of West Baldwin; his great-grandchildren, Noah and Madelyn Mercier of Lyman; his brother, Raymond “Ray” Cote and his wife Lorraine of Biddeford; his brother, Paul Cote and his wife Kyung Hee of Las Vegas; his brother, Donald “Don” Cote and his wife Sue of Saco; his brother, David “Dave” Cote and his wife Lynn of Saco; and his sister, Priscilla “Pris” Guerin and her husband Ronnie of Biddeford.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, May 22, 2026, at St. Joseph’s Church in Biddeford.
NOTE: As part of the Voices of Biddeford series, an in-depth interview with Robert Cote was conducted by the Biddeford Cultural and Heritage Center. That interview can be found here. VOICES OF BIDDEFORD | Robert Cote
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Betty A. White
May 17, 1949 — May 10, 2026
DENNETT, CRAIG & PATE | Betty A. White, 76 of Buxton Road, Saco, passed away Sunday May 10, 2026 at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House.
She was born in Biddeford on May 17, 1949 the daughter of Frederick and Frances White.
She attended Saco schools and graduated from Thornton Academy in 1967.
Betty was employed as a machinist for Corning for over 45 years until her retirement in 2017. She enjoyed bowling and sitting under the trees in her front yard.
Survivors include three brothers Kenneth White of Saco, Frederick White of Milton, FL., and John White of Saco; two sisters Nellie Davis of Saco and Nancy Keef of Biddeford, numerous nieces and nephews.
Friends and relatives may call Wednesday May 27th, 2026, from 12 to 1 pm at the Dennett, Craig & Pate Funeral home, 365 Main Street, Saco. A 1 p.m. memorial service will follow at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Biddeford. | MORE INFO
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Jeanne Marie (Farrell) Lovell
July 29, 1946 — May 6, 2026
HOPE MEMORIAL CHAPEL | Jeanne Marie (Farrell) Lovell, 79, of Biddeford, died peacefully on May 6, 2026.
Jeanne Marie was born in Portland, Maine, on July 29, 1946, to the late Eugene Francis Farrell and Helen Hay Farrell.
She grew up in the city’s Redbank neighborhood and was a lifelong Red Riot. She later resided in Biddeford for more than 40 years with her husband, Dean Lovell.
Some of Jeanne’s fondest memories of growing up in South Portland include meeting her lifelong best friends, Sandra, Lorene, Cheryl, who met when they were 4 years old. A member of the South Portland High School Class of 1964, Jeanne and her much-loved classmates celebrated their 62nd reunion this month.
She admired her father’s service to our country in the U.S. Army in World War II. She told of Frankie leaving his five brothers, two sisters, and his mother on Parris Street in Portland, expecting to see them in 6 weeks. He returned 2 years later. He served in New Caledonia in the southwest Pacific Ocean, and was forever changed. Jeanne recalled watching the television show, “MASH,” with her father, who would reflect, “War isn’t funny.”
Jeanne was proud of her country, its servicemembers and veterans.
The Farrell family, especially Thomas F. Farrell, was very special to Jeanne. She will be happy to reunite with many aunts, uncles, and cousins, whom she loved fiercely.
Jeanne cherished the relationship with her beloved baby sister, Joan Mooney, of Cape Elizabeth.
Jeanne’s children recall the long conversations they’d have with her about her life, politics, family and faith. Our mother lived her faith every single day, often teaching us what she had learned along her journey. She would never ask for anything for herself, but would give away her last dime.
Jeanne worked as a lunch lady in the Biddeford School Department for more than 30 years, with most of those years spent at Biddeford Middle School. She made sure no child went hungry, and every Christmas, she and others selected a student in need to receive gifts for the holiday. She also cherished the Alateen group she helped facilitate. | READ MORE
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Doris B. Dumont
Dec. 28, 1935 – May 9, 2026
HOPE MEMORIAL CHAPEL | Doris B. Dumont, 90, of Shapleigh, passed away peacefully on May 9, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.
Born on December 28, 1935, in Biddeford, Doris was the daughter of the late Marie-Ange Houle and Fred Drown. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Henry A. Dumont, and her son, Richard H. Dumont. In addition to her parents, husband, and son, Doris was predeceased by her brothers, Albert Houle, Harry Drown, and Phillip Drown.
Doris dedicated many years of hard work in local factories throughout her life, including Allied Shoe, Encore Shoe, Nike, Thomas & Betts, and Sprague Electric. She was known for her strong work ethic, resilience, and devotion to her family.
Doris enjoyed the simple joys in life. She loved drawing and coloring, gardening, bird watching, puzzles, crafts, and sewing costumes for her children and grandchildren.
She cherished attending family special events, amusement parks, long walks along the beaches of Kennebunk and Biddeford Pool, spending time with her beloved dog, Penelope, traveling and visiting casinos. Above all else, Doris treasured time spent with her family.
Those who knew Doris will remember her as outspoken at times, caring, and full of life. She was always willing to help and care for the people she loved, and she brought warmth, laughter, and strength wherever she went.
She is survived by her children, Diane Mayrand, Debra (Daniel) Paradis, Linda Butler, Lawrence Dumont, William Dumont, and Charity Desrochers; her sisters, Alice (Richard) Cyr and Julie (James) Gerrish; as well as 12 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. | READ MORE
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Jacqueline M (Parent) Cote
August 3, 1933 – May 10, 2026
HOPE MEMORIAL CHAPEL | Jacqueline M (Parent) Cote passed away peacefully at home on Sunday May 10, 2026.
She was born in Biddeford on August 3, 1933, the fourth of five daughters born to Raymond and Jeanette (Lachance) Parent.
On November 10, 1951, Jackie married Sheldon R Cote and they moved to Wilmington, Delaware to begin their life together and started their family. In 1959 they returned to Biddeford where they remained. Jackie was a wonderfully caring woman who loved her children and family unconditionally.
Since childhood, she loved going to the movies and reading. She had a great sense of humor and wit, which came out when telling stories about her life and adventures. She traveled often to Quebec, Montreal, Massachusetts, Florida, and Georgia to visit her sisters and family. Her greatest travel adventures were trips to Italy and Istanbul with her sister, Claudette.
She is predeceased by her parents; husband, son Sheldon Jr “Ricky”, daughters Elaine and Lisa Ann, sisters Theresa Gagnon, Lorraine Woodworth, Dorothy Neault, and Claudette Paras.
Jackie is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law Donna and David Watson of Georgia and Jennifer and Michael Ackley of Maine, 5 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the staff at The Wardwell and Northern Light Home Care and Hospice for their friendship, care, and compassion allowing Jackie to stay in the comfort of her residents until her death.
A graveside service will be held Monday, October 5, 11 a.m. at St Joseph Cemetery in Biddeford. | READ MORE
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Noella Annette Michaud
Dec. 25, 1944 – May 13, 2026
HOPE MEMORIAL CHAPEL | Noella Annette Michaud, 81, passed away on May 13, 2026, at Maine Medical Center in Portland after a brief illness.
Born on December 25, 1944, she was the daughter of Alfred Boutin and Carmen (Jalbert) Boutin. She graduated from St. Andre’s High School in 1963 and married Richard P.K. Michaud on July 4, 1964.
Noella worked for more than 40 years at Fairchild Semiconductor and National Semiconductor. She enjoyed traveling, especially to Las Vegas and Florida, and enjoyed quick getaways to Foxwoods to play bingo.
Most of all, she loved being surrounded by her growing family at her lakefront home in Waterboro. She enjoyed long, slow boat rides and sitting in the hot sun watching the lake and the animals on the property.
She was predeceased by her parents; sisters Doris (Boutin) Janelle, Jackie (Boutin) Cote, and Rachel (Boutin) Huot; and granddaughter Ashley May Stevens.
She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Richard P.K. Michaud; son Daniel Michaud and wife Janet of Biddeford; daughter Lisa A. Stevens and husband Arthur of East Waterboro; granddaughter Aimee Doscher and husband J.T. Doscher; granddaughter Kristen Johnson and husband Curtis; granddaughter Bryanna Theriault and husband Maxime; grandson Patrick Michaud and wife Suzette; granddaughter Lindsay Garrity and husband Patrick; and great-grandchildren Olivia Johnson, Elena Johnson, Nico Theriault, Theodore Doscher, Margot Doscher, Nellie Theriault, Sophia Michaud, and a soon-to-be great-granddaughter Marceline. She is also survived by her brother Alfred Boutin, Jr. and wife Claire; sister-in-law Rachel Michaud and brother-in-law Raymond Michaud as well as many nieces and nephews. | READ MORE
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Ronald P. LaBranche
March 30, 1942 – May 8, 2026
COTE FUNERAL HOME | Ronald P. LaBranche, 84, of Biddeford, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, May 8, 2026, while working outside of his home.
He was born in New Market, N.H., on March 30, 1942, the son of Paul and Loretta (Arsenault) LaBranche. He grew up in Saco and graduated from Thornton Academy, class of 1961.
Following his graduation, Ron went to work for Lund Manufacturing, and remained with them for 25 years. He later dedicated 16 years with Pratt & Whitney in North Berwick, and retired in 2004 at the age of 62.
Ron married his beloved wife, Denise Beaulieu Pelletier, on June 24, 1977 at St. Andre’s Church in Biddeford. The couple settled in Biddeford.
Ron enjoyed boating, antique cars, and trail riding of his ATV. He always looked forward to Christmas, his favorite holiday, because of the family gatherings that were so important to him. He loved gathering for Lobster feeds with friends and family.
Time spent at the family camp in Blanchard Maine was especially meaningful to him, and he loved the togetherness it fostered.
Most of all he cherished the time spent with his family, especially his grandchildren. He will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Ron is survived by his wife, Denise LaBranche, of nearly 49 years; by his two sons, Matthew LaBranche and wife Kim, and Michael LaBranche and wife Stacy; by two step-daughters, Charline Perro and husband Ronald, and Josee King and husband Dan; by one step-son, Steve Pelletier and wife Bethany; by his sister, Carole LaBranche Bragdon; by his grandchildren, Tristan LaBranche, Morgan St. Clair and spouse Sierra, Jimmy Nemit, Jessica Sawyer and spouse Timothy, Samantha Burns and spouse Danny, Doria and Ethan King, Alice and Forest Pelletier; by his great-grandchildren, Rosalie, Theodore and Jules; and by his niece, Stephanie Bartlett. | READ MORE
Richard ‘Dick’ Somerville
August 24, 1944 – May 9, 2026
COTE FUNERAL HOME | Richard “Dick” Somerville passed away on May 9, 2026, leaving behind a family who loved him deeply, countless stories, and a legacy built on hard work, humor, stubbornness, and a life fully lived.
Richard was born in Houlton, Maine, while his father was serving in Europe during World War II. When his father returned, the family moved to Old Orchard Beach and later to Saco, Maine.
The family relocated to South Carolina with Saco Lowell Corp, but Richard returned north after a short time to live with his beloved Yiayia, his Greek grandmother, in Old Orchard Beach. He graduated from Old Orchard Beach High School and went on to Maine Maritime Academy, an accomplishment he was especially proud of, following in the footsteps of his uncle Peter Scontras and cousin Robert Somerville.
Richard served in the Merchant Marines during part of the Vietnam War and later worked aboard cruise ships, manning the engines before marrying his first true love, Patsy, who sadly passed away far too young. After her passing, Richard spent time in Greece to decompress and reconnect with his roots before returning to the United States. He began working at Travelers Insurance Company while pursuing his MBA at Northeastern University.
In 1979, Richard joined Thermo Electron (Thermo Fisher Scientific NYSE: TMO), where he became Director of Risk Management and made a lasting impact over a 35-year career. He helped establish Thermo Fisher’s captive insurance companies in Bermuda, served on the Board of Directors of Medmarc Insurance Company, and later consulted for Aon before retiring.
Richard married Betsy Reiss, and together they had two children, Andrew and Rachel. In 1993, he married Vanja, with whom he had two sons, Eirik and Adrian. He spent many years raising his family in Wellesley, Mass., and later enjoyed his retirement years in Saco, Maine. | READ MORE
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Ann Ochs
Feb. 3, 1939 – May 10, 2026
COTE FUNERAL HOME | Ann Ochs of Saco, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 10, 2026. Ann, the daughter of Peter and Anna Vebrosky, was born on February 3, 1939, in Minersville, PA.
Ann’s husband, Keith, and her parents, Peter and Anna, preceded Ann in death. Ann was also the last surviving sibling of eight children including Helen Yenelavage, Martha Vebrosky, Joseph Vebrosky, Beatrice Walters, Alma York, Eleanor Vebrosky, Evelyn Guest, and Joan Grimes.
Ann is survived by her daughters, Dana Ochs Hamilton and her husband John and grandson Austin Hamilton of Golden, Colorado; Leslie Ochs and her husband James Nicholson of Portland, Maine; and many nieces and nephews. | READ MORE
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Conrad ‘Gus’ L’Heureux
Feb. 12, 1935 – Jan. 28, 2026
COTE FUNERAL HOME | Conrad “Gus” L’Heureux, 90, of Biddeford, passed away early Wednesday morning on January 28, 2026 at his home.
He was born in his home in Biddeford on February 2, 1935. Conrad was the youngest child of Ernest and Albertine (Perras) L’Heureux.
After school, Conrad enlisted in the in the United States Air Force. He served as an aircraft repair technician for four years. Gus worked as a civil servant for the United States government.
He was a lifelong master gardener of beautiful flowers and flourishing vegetables. Many would say Conrad had a green thumb. He shared his fresh produce with family, friends and those in need. Many benefited from his generosity and kind heart. He will be sadly missed.
He was predeceased by his wife Marie (Gionest) L’Heureux on March 8, 2014 and by brothers Roger, Fernand, Renald, Rene, Ralph, Leopold, Denis and Normand L’Heureux and sisters Yvette L’Heureux, Germsaine Collard, Anita Fleurant. Rena Gilpatrick, Fernande Martin, Claire Mattarazzo and Rachel Dee.
Gus is survived by his family and very dear friend Raymond L’Heureux and wife Jarilyn, and his children Nicholas and Emma, closest friend Beef and Shirley and many nieces and nephews. He was well loved by many. | READ MORE
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