Clara Pauline Pate
Dec. 4, 1934 – June 22, 2026
DENNETT, CRAIG & PATE | Clara Pauline Pate, 91 formerly of Wildwood Drive, Saco passed away peacefully at St. Andre’s in Biddeford on June 22, 2026. Born on December 4, 1934, in Saco, she was the daughter of Joseph and Pauline (Wojaulian) Litwinowich, first generation immigrants from Poland. A graduate of Thornton Academy, she participated in sports and was a cheerleader.
Clara was a long-time cashier and front-end manager at Shaw’s. She was a talented crafter: she could knit and crochet, she made everyone in the family personalized Christmas stockings. She sewed beautiful quilts, smocked dresses and made Halloween costumes for her grandchildren. She made teddy bears and porcelain dolls; she made lovely wreaths and floral arrangements from her beautifully tended gardens.
She was a fabulous cook and baker and had so much fun cooking with her grandchildren. She was a “rockhound”, collecting rocks of many shapes, types and sizes from the many places she travelled. Clara enjoyed collecting “Cat’s Meow” wooden houses, traveling all over New England with her daughter-in-law, just to complete their collections of the wooden replicas of landmarks.
Clara was also passionate about genealogy; her research took her all over the world, to many archives, libraries and cemeteries, researching her roots. Her favorite trip was to Belarus to meet long-lost family who became pen pals as they stayed in touch for many years after.
Clara’s greatest joy was her family; each grandchild and great-grandchild brought her so much joy. She was their biggest fan, whether they were on a field, on the ice, at a musical or dance recital, Nana was there to cheer them on! During the pandemic and the start of her cognitive decline, she kept busy working on puzzles and enjoyed trading them with family and friends.
Clara was predeceased by her husband of 72 years Robert Pate, her parents, brother Raymond “Red” Litwinowich and sister Josephine Choroszy.
Survivors include her three sons Dr. David Pate of Fairport, NY and wife Susan, James T. Pate of Saco and wife Lisa, Stephen D. Pate of Old Orchard Beach and wife Gina; five grandchildren Lainey Kempton and husband Nick, Benjamin, Jonathan and fiancée Molly, Katherine, Jessica Warren and her husband Alec; and four great-grandchildren Jack and Natalie Kempton, William and Eleanor Pate.
Calling hours will be held on Sunday, June 28, 2026 from 3 to 5 p.m. at Dennett, Craig & Pate Funeral Home, 365 Main Street, Saco.
A funeral service will be held on Monday, June 29, 2028 at 11 a.m. at the funeral home with Rev. Beverly Lowell officiating. Burial will follow at Laurel Hill Cemetery, where she will be reunited with her beloved husband Bob. READ MORE
. . .
Rodolphe A. Lauzon
March 19, 1928 – June 23, 2026
HOPE MEMORIAL CHAPEL | Rodolphe A. Lauzon, 98, of Biddeford, passed away on June 23, 2026, at St. André’s Health Care in Biddeford.
Born on March 19, 1928, in Biddeford, Rudy was the son of Henri and Alma (Perreault) Lauzon. He was raised in Biddeford and attended St. Louis High School, graduating with the Class of 1947. During his years at St. Louis, he excelled on the football field as a talented running back alongside friends Bob Cote and Babe Loranger. Rudy also participated in baseball and basketball. “The game was new to us, so we were just trying to learn the rules!”
Rudy dedicated much of his working life to the automotive industry, serving as a lead mechanic for Paul’s Motor Sales for nearly 30 years. In 1972, he and Renette purchased the Shady Pine Motel in Scarborough, where they welcomed guests and created lasting memories for 32 summers.
A familiar face in the Saco community, Rudy was a proud member of the Elks Lodge for decades. He spent countless enjoyable hours at the lodge playing one of his favorite games—pool. His skill at the table earned him numerous tournament victories over the years. If the winnings were cash prizes, he always donated his winnings to Reinette so she could enjoy a shopping spree.
In 1950, Rudy married the love of his life, Reinette Y. Lauzon. Together they shared nearly 72 years of marriage, building a life centered on family, faith, and devotion to one another. Their remarkable marriage endured until Reinette’s passing in 2022.
Rudy was predeceased by his beloved wife, Reinette; his brothers, André, Paul, Bernard (“Joe”), and his sisters, Rachel Montembeau and Gertrude Agreste.
Rudy leaves behind a loving family who will cherish his memory. He is survived by his children, Robert and his wife Bonita of Alfred; Denise Perreault of Biddeford; Marc and his wife Sheila of Old Orchard Beach; Theresa Bissonette and her husband Gary of Lyman; and Richard and his wife Cindy of Saco. He was the proud grandfather of 15 grandchildren and great-grandfather of 26 great-grandchildren, as well as nine nieces and nephews and several step-great-grandchildren.
The true hallmark of Rudy’s life was the strength of his moral character. He showered his family with love, patience, and kindness, and his quick wit kept those around him laughing. Anyone who spoke his name did so with a smile, a reflection of the joy he brought to others. Rudy was a devout and faithful man, and we know it was his deep faith that carried him through life’s hardest moments. He will be missed every day for the rest of our lives, and the lasting impression he made on all who knew and loved him will never be forgotten.
Visitation will be held at Hope Memorial Chapel on Monday, June 29, 2026 from 10 a.m. to noon, followed by Mass at St. Joseph’s Church at 1 p.m. and burial at St. Joseph’s Cemetery. READ MORE
. . .
Reba Alice Martel
Oct. 10, 1944 – June 25, 2026
DENNETT, CRAIG & PATE | Reba Alice Martel, 81 of Olive Street, Saco, passed away peacefully on June 25, 2026. She was born in Biddeford on October 10, 1944, the daughter of Carroll and Dorothy (Nutter) Hannaford.
Reba was educated in the Biddeford schools and worked for many years as a CNA at Notre Dame in Biddeford. Reba was an active member of the Cornerstone Baptist Church in Scarborough.
She enjoyed knitting baby items for the newest members of her church. She enjoyed quilting, shopping and reading. She loved time spent with her beloved husband Richard; whether they were camping, trips to the Mountains, walking the Eastern Trail, they loved their time together.
She was predeceased by her parents and her son Robert Faulkingham.
Reba is survived by her husband Richard Martel of Saco, her daughter Janice Chambers and her husband James of Corvallis, Ore.; her son Daniel Faulkingham of Saco; her stepsons Shawn Martel of Saco, Rick Martel of Limington and Steve Martel of Florida; a brother Roland Hannaford of Raymond and sister Jo Ann Barstow of Buxton; granddaughters Tori Laughlin, Ashley Foster Kate Woolf and Desarae Birmingham, 11 great-grandchildren and a niece and several nephews.
Family and friends are invited to a memorial service at Cornerstone Baptist Church 415 US Route One, Scarborough on Thursday, July 2, 2026 at 11am with Pastor Ken Jackson officiating. Burial will follow at Laurel Hill Cemetery, 293 Beach Street, Saco. Arrangements are in the care of Dennett, Craig and Pate Funeral Home, Saco. READ MORE
. . .
Theresa Chasse St. Ours
August 10, 1940 – June 17, 2026
HOPE MEMORIAL CHAPEL | Theresa Chasse St. Ours, 85, of Biddeford Maine, passed away peacefully at home on June 17, 2026, surrounded by her loved ones.
She was born in Fort Kent, Maine, on August 10, 1940, to Alcide Chasse and Arlene (Dechaine) Chasse and attended schools in Saco. Theresa loved taking care of her family and also worked outside the home, retiring from South Ridge Living Center in 2005. After she retired, she enjoyed reading, going for drives with her husband and spending time with their friends, having coffee and chatting.
Theresa married Leo H St. Ours in November of 1960. They raised three boys together. Many fond memories were made on the Saco River boating and fishing with her family. She loved watching her boys play sports, going to every game she could. Later, she enjoyed watching her grandchildren compete. Her three great-granddaughters always made her smile.
She is preceded to heaven by both of her parents and her brother Rosaire (Bob) Chasse.
Theresa is survived by her husband of 65 years, Leo H St. Ours; her three sons Mark St. Ours and his partner Marcia, David St. Ours, Steven St. Ours and his wife Leslie; six grandchildren, Eric Smith, Julie Smith and her partner Ben, Kelsey Leighton and her husband Corey, Ashley St. Ours and her husband Jon, Steven St. Ours and his wife Kerry, Jack St. Ours and his partner Monica. Three great granddaughters: Brooklyn, Ayla and Ella.
There will be a private ceremony at 11 a.m. on Monday, June 29, 2026, at Hope Memorial Chapel. READ MORE
. . .
Lee A. Ketchum
May 17, 1934 – June 18, 2026
HOPE MEMORIAL CHAPEL | Lee A. Ketchum, 92, passed away peacefully at Hawthorne House in Freeport June 18, 2026 after a short illness.
Lee was born May 17, 1934 in East Brunswick, the son of William H. Ketchum and Annie Pearl (MacDougall) Ketchum. He grew up in West Bath, attended Morse High School and graduated in 1952. In his senior year, Lee was recognized as Top Craftsman at Morse High School and earned a first-place award in the draftsman and machinist division in the Southern Division of the Maine Future Apprenticeship Competition.
After high school he entered the Saco-Lowell Apprenticeship program from 1952-1956. He became a full-fledged draftsman and was widely recognized as a top performer in this field. Lee’s work ethic and talent gained him many positions in the field of mechanical design engineering.
He held positions as a development engineer, sales engineer, senior project engineer with special emphasis on machinery, automation and robotics.
Lee served in the XII US Army Active Reserve Corp from 1955-1962, Fort Devens, Mass., for eight years as a master machinist. He was honorably discharged in May, 1962.
Lee married Lorraine M Rochon February 19, 1955. They made their home in Saco and raised three children, Debbi Ketchum of Saco, Linda (Ketchum) Koch of Harpswell, and John Ketchum of Springvale. After an amicable divorce, Lee and Lorraine remained good friends until Lorraine’s death in 2009.
Lee married his long-time partner Priscilla Chase in 2000. They spent many years loving life, the outdoors, and their many adopted kitties. The couple traveled and explored this country’s best Dude Ranches, their favorite vacation choice, until Priscilla’s death in 2012.
Lee was a brilliant engineer and used his talent designing and building a home for his family in Saco, and later in life, model airplanes and boats. He loved to “tinker” and make design improvements on anything from doorknobs to major home improvements, but his lifelong dream was to build a “rod.” So, while married to Priscilla, he designed and built a replica of a 1932 Ford High Boy. Together they worked on the car until her death, leaving it unfinished for many years. Lee later took interest again and finished the car with the help of friends and family. He was able to take a ride in the car before his illness.
Lee is predeceased by a brother, William Ketchum Jr, a sister, Mary Ketchum, first wife Lorraine (Rochon) Ketchum, and second wife, Priscilla (Chase) Ketchum. He is survived by a brother, David Ketchum of Provincetown, Mass., his three adult children, Debbi Ketchum, Linda (Ketchum) Koch, husband Rick Koch, and John Ketchum.
Lee has three adult grandchildren and their spouses, Amanda (Andersen) Doyle, husband Arthur Doyle Jr, Christopher Koch, wife Sarah (Thompson) Koch, Jessica Koch, husband Schaefer White, great grandchildren Graysen and Graham Doyle, step-great grandchildren Adam and Caleb Hayes, and nieces and nephews.
There will be a celebration of life July 10, 2026 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Hope Memorial Chapel, Biddeford, Maine. READ MORE
. . .
Richard R. DesRoberts
Aug. 16, 1942 – June 19, 2026
COTE FUNERAL HOME | Richard R. DesRoberts, 83, of Biddeford, passed away at home on Friday morning, June 19, 2026.
He was born in Biddeford on August 16, 1942, a son of Paul Rudolphe and Beatrice (Bergeron) DesRoberts.
Richard was a graduate of Thornton Academy, class of 1961. After high school, he worked with his father Rudy, for P. Rudolphe DesRoberts General Contractor, for 22 years.
He went on to work 26 years for the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, retiring in 2003. While working in the Shipyard, Richard went back to school at the University of Southern Maine in Gorham in 1992. He received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Vocational, Occupational and Technical Studies.
Not one to sit still, Richard continued to work during retirement for himself, DesRoberts Construction, LLC. He enjoyed the interactions with his customers who became his friends. He spoke highly of these relationships right up until his passing. He will be sadly missed.
Richard had several hobbies. He enjoyed woodworking but his favorite pastime was identifying minerals. He taught mineralogy and geology at several middle and high schools to pass his knowledge on to others. Some of his works have been donated to Thornton Academy for others to enjoy.
He was predeceased by his wife Gloriette (Labarre) DesRoberts on January 25, 2017.
He is survived by his daughter Michelle Disotto of Scarborough and James Jacques of Biddeford, and son Kevin DesRoberts and wife Amy of Saco and grandchildren Lilly, Lindsay, Lucy, Jack and Gianna.
Visiting Hours will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at Cote Funeral Home Chapel, Saco. A Funeral Service will start at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at Cote Funeral Home Chapel, Saco followed by a Graveside Service at St. Joseph Cemetery, Biddeford. READ MORE
. . .
Alan Roland Antoine Sr.
March 16, 1950 – June 19, 2026
COTE FUNERAL HOME | Alan Roland Antoine Sr., 76, passed away June 19, 2026 at his home in Arundel, Maine after a long two-year battle of cancer. He lived a life by kindness, quiet strength, and an unwavering love and devotion for his family.
He was born March 16, 1950 in Saco, Maine, a son of the late Rosa and Ernest Antoine.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister Barbara Morin, and by his sister-in-law Tina Antoine.
Alan served his country in the United States Air Force for two years, 1969-1971, where he was stationed at Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, NM, then the National Guard from 1971-1973. He later settled in Saco, Maine where he dedicated many years of his life to the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard as a submarine technician.
He will be greatly missed and remembered by many. People will reminisce over the love he had for his family, the extensive knowledge and love for muscle cars, and for the extreme joy he had for hunting and fishing. He lived his life for hunting trips and made them a priority, and they won’t be the same without him.
Alan is survived by his wife Jeannie Antoine of Arundel, Maine. He was also a proud parent of one daughter Cheryl Zuk and her husband Chirstopher Zuk of Sanford, Maine; and his three sons, Alan Antoine Jr. and his wife Michele Antoine of Alfred, Maine; Jason Fuller and his wife Bridgette Fuller of Bridgton, Maine; and Jeffrey Antoine and his wife Stephanie Antoine of Bridgton, Maine; one step daughter Ashley Hill and her husband Justin Hill of Blue Springs, Missouri and step-son Jeremey Emery of Blue Springs, Missouri. Alan is also survived by 14 grandchildren; by 9 great grandchildren; by his brother Brian Antoine of Dayton, Maine; and by 3 nieces and nephews.
A memorial service celebrating Alan’s life will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Monday, June 29, 2026 at Cote Funeral Home in Saco, Maine. Family and friends are invited to gather, share memories, and honor a man whose love, humor, and presence touched so many lives.
Burial will be private. READ MORE
.
The Biddeford Gazette publishes these local obituaries each week as a free community service. For more information, please CONTACT US
.
THE BIDDEFORD GAZETTE
“Keeping You Connected to Biddeford”
Editorial Standards & Policies
© 2026 Biddeford Gazette, Inc. All Rights Reserved
BIDDEFORD GAZETTE 