OBITUARIES | May 31, 2026

Rita G. Labbe

Feb. 25, 1945 – May 22, 2026

COTE FUNERAL HOME | Rita G. Labbe, 81, of Biddeford passed away Friday evening, May 22, 2026, surrounded by family at Cape Memory Care Senior Living Facility in Cape Elizabeth.

She was born in Biddeford on February 25, 1945, a daughter of Roland (Red) and Judith (Petit) Hevey.

Rita attended St. Joseph’s Elementary School and in 1963 graduated from St. Joseph’s High School.

She married the love of her life, Leonel Labbe on May 5, 1966, at St. Joseph’s Church in Biddeford.

Rita attended the Plus School of Business started her career as a key puncher at the West Point-Pepperell before leaving work to become a wife and mother of her two boys Michael and Marc Labbe. She returned to the workforce several years later working in the deli and bakery departments of her local Hannaford Brothers Supermarket which she retired from after almost 20 years.

She was predeceased by her husband of 58 years, Leonel Labbe.

She is survived by her sons Michael and Marc Labbe, Daughter in Law Deena, and Granddaughter Sarah. | READ MORE

_____

Anne E. Lagerstrom

Jan. 11, 1938 – May 25, 2026

COTE FUNERAL HOME | Anne E. (Booth) Lagerstrom, a retired pricing clerk at Hannaford, died on Monday, May 25, 2026 at the Barron Center in Portland after a year of declining health. She was 88.

Born Anne Evelene Booth on January 11, 1938, she was the youngest child of Harold and Irene (Carver) Booth. She spent her entire childhood in Saco, enjoying the small town’s oceanfront. She graduated from Thornton Academy in 1955.

Following graduation, Anne briefly attended Rivier College.  Working a summer job at the Soda Fountain in Ocean Park, she met George Lagerstrom. They married the following winter, settling in Scarborough, where they raised their four children.

Like most women of that time, Anne was a “stay at home Mom,” spending most of her time caring for her husband, children and home. She was a great cook, with nightly dinner always including a homemade dessert.

Anne enjoyed summers spent at Camp Ellis at the family beach house on the Saco River. She enjoyed the close bonds of community, with neighbors and children considered family.

She loved sports and never missed her children’s basketball, field hockey or other games they played at schools in Scarborough and Portland.

In her later years, with her children grown, Anne went to work as pricing clerk at Hannaford where she made many friends. Her love of sports never waned. She was a huge fan of New England sports teams, particularly the Boston Celtics. Her favorite college basketball team was Duke.

In more recent years, Anne was a fan of the WNBA, delighting to see the progress women athletes had made over the course of her lifetime.

She is survived by her daughter, Kristi Flaherty (Mark); sons George Lagerstrom Jr., Carl H. Lagerstrom and Eric (Trina) Lagerstrom; by nine grandchildren, Eddie, Michael and Molly Flaherty; Dannah, Hans, Owen and Spencer Lagerstrom; by two great-grandchildren, Hope and Adam. She is also survived by a brother J. Haley Booth; a dear niece, Kathryn Booth; and devoted friend, Mary Lary, who visited her regularly at the Barron Center.

She was predeceased by her parents, one brother, Lewis Booth, and her former husband, George Lagerstrom.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 12, 2026 at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Saco. | READ MORE

_____

Joseph Robey

May 19, 1946 – May 21, 2026

HOPE MEMORIAL CHAPEL | Joseph Robey, 80, of Biddeford, passed away on May 21, 2026. Joe was born on May 19, 1946 to Raymond and Patricia Robey.

Joseph’s wife Jeanne writes: “My husband Joe attended Scarborough schools in his early years. He then attended and proudly graduated from Cheverus High School. Joe continued his education and received his degree from SMVTI, learning trades that would serve him well throughout his life.

Joe spent more than 50 years working for Allied-Cook Construction. He took great pride in his work, and also the company he represented.

My husband loved his blended family. He loved fishing, especially when the kids were with him. Music was a part of his daily life. He was a true animal lover. He was a good man, and a kind man. I will desperately miss him every day of my life.”

Joe was predeceased by his mother Patricia Robey and his father Raymond Robey. He was also predeceased by his former wife and lifelong friend Jeannie Lovell.

Joe leaves behind his wife of 45 years, Jeanne Robey; his sister Barbara Haskell; loving daughter Jennifer Parks; son Jeffrey Robey; step-sons William and Robert Nadeau; step- daughters Celeste Baragni and Elizabeth Nadeau; mother-in-law and step mother Lenora Robey; step-sisters Stephanie Hartbush and Christina Cristitis; grandchildren Maddison Heisler, Joshua Parks, Sabelle Baragni, and Annaliese Baragni; and great grandbabies Joshua and Rosalie. | READ MORE

_____

Gordon F. Stearns

Sept. 16, 1940 – May 23, 2026

HOPE MEMORIAL CHAPEL | Gordon F. Stearns, 85, of Biddeford, Maine, passed away on May 23, 2026. Gordon was born on September 16, 1940, to Arthur and Alice (Franklin) Stearns.

A graveside service will be held for Gordon on Friday, May 29, 2026 at 2:00 pm at Puritan Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery, 185 Lake Street, Peabody, Mass., 041960.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Gordon’s name to Gosnell Memorial Hospice House, 11 Hunnewell Rd, Scarborough, Maine 04074. | READ MORE

_____

Leo Tellier

Sept. 25, 1951 – May 26, 2026

HOPE MEMORIAL CHAPEL | It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Leo Tellier, who passed away peacefully on May 26th, 2026 at the age of 74.

Leo Tellier was a devoted father, loving grandfather, cherished brother, uncle, cousin, and faithful friend whose life was marked by service, faith, and dedication to those he loved. A proud veteran, he served his country honorably and carried the values of duty, integrity, and selflessness throughout his life.

His faith was the foundation of his life. As a dedicated member of his church community, he found great purpose in worship, fellowship, and serving others. His kindness, humility, and willingness to lend a helping hand touched countless lives and left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Among his greatest joys was spending time with family and friends. He especially treasured fishing trips and antiquing with his cousin Andy. Whether they were casting lines before sunrise, sharing stories on the water, or simply enjoying each other’s company, those moments brought him immense happiness and created memories that will be cherished forever.

Above all else, Leo Tellier loved his family. He took great pride in his children and grandchildren, celebrating their accomplishments, offering guidance when needed, and surrounding them with unconditional love. His steady presence, wisdom, sense of humor, and generous spirit will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

He is survived by his children (Jeremiah D. Tellier, Roxanne Tellier, Joshua D. Tellier, Jacob D. Tellier, Danielle N. Tellier, and Jonah D. Tellier) Grandchildren (Darien Gagnon, Kenneth Gagnon, Keishawn Gagnon, Dillon Tellier, Jackson Tellier, London Tellier, and Harper Tellier. His brothers and sisters (Jeanine Pitale, Lionel Tellier Jr, Pauline Desrosiers, and Andy Tellier). He was preceded in death by his father Lionel Tellier and mother Beatrice Marie Tellier, his sisters Patty Desrochers, Susanne Dennison, Janet Sullivan, and his brother Roger Tellier.

Visitation will be held at Hope Memorial Chapel 480 Elm Street, Biddeford, on Wednesday, June 3, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., followed by a service celebrating his life. Burial at Southern Maine Veteran’s Cemetery in Springvale, Maine will be held at noon on Thursday, June 4. | READ MORE

_____

Jocelyn Dube Boucher

July 9, 1956 – May 26, 2026

DENNETT, CRAIG & PATE | Jocelyne Dube Boucher, 69, passed away unexpectedly on May 26, 2026, in Limerick, Maine, surrounded by her loving family. Born on July 9, 1956, in Packington, Canada, she was the daughter of Marie Rose and Joseph Dube. Jocelyne later made her home in Biddeford, Maine, where she spent most of her life and attended Biddeford schools.

She met Richard Boucher, the love of her life, with whom she shared 48 wonderful years of marriage with. Together, they welcomed a daughter in 1979 named Crystal. Over the years they have built a beautiful life filled with love, laughter, family, and adventure. The two enjoyed traveling across the United States with family and friends, especially taking trips to casinos, as Jocelyne loved playing slot machines and making memories with the people she loved most. One of their most cherished moments together was renewing their vows in Las Vegas.

Known lovingly by family and friends as “Kikin,” Jocelyne was a warm, funny, and feisty woman whose love for her family was evident in everything she did. She had a personality that could light up a room and a spirit that left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Jocelyne dedicated 24 years of hard work to WestPoint Pepperell before retiring. After her retirement, she continued caring for others while working as a part-time caregiver at Bayview Convent. Her hardworking nature and compassionate heart carried through every stage of her life.

Jocelyne found joy in many things throughout her life. In her earlier years, she loved painting statues and gardening, often filling her porch with hanging flowers and beautiful wind chimes. To those who loved her, the gentle sound of wind chimes will forever serve as a reminder of her presence. She was also a devoted sports fan who loved cheering on the Yankees and the Patriots and enjoyed watching Wimbledon tennis.

Above all else, Jocelyne was a devoted mother and grandmother. She was a loving mother to her daughter, Crystal Bastarache, and a cherished mother-in-law to Jason Bastarache. Her greatest joy came from being “Memere” to her beloved granddaughters, Brianna and Taylor Bastarache. From golf cart rides after school to trips to Uncle Bert’s bowling alley to play in the arcade, she created countless memories that her family will treasure forever.

In addition to her husband, daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughters, Jocelyne also leaves behind many siblings, extended family members, and dear friends who will miss her deeply. She was predeceased by her parents, Marie Rose and Joseph Dube, as well as several brothers and sisters.

Though her passing leaves an immeasurable void, Jocelyne’s love, laughter, strength, and memories will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Family and friends are invited for visitation on Tuesday, June 2, from 10 a.m. to noon followed by prayers at Dennett Craig and Pate Funeral Home (13 Portland Road Buxton, Maine) from Deacon Paul of St. Matthew’s Parish. | READ MORE

_____

William ‘Bill’ Carney

March 20, 1937 – May 19, 2026

DENNETT, CRAIG & PATE | William “Bill” Carney died peacefully at his home in Saco, Maine on May 19, 2026.

Born in Bucksport, Maine, Bill earned a Business Education degree but ended up trading the classroom for retail. A part-time job turned into a thirty-year career where he rose through the ranks to manage one of the largest Sears stores in the country.

Bill loved tennis. After a well-placed return volley, he was known to turn to his opponent and ask, “Any questions?” He was fun, funny, and always in charge.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Helen Carney; his son Tim Carney and daughter-in-law Christina Carney; his daughter Catherine Carney and son-in-law Jamey Evans; one grandchild; and three great-grandchildren.

He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. | READ MORE

What do you think?