OBITUARIES | July 19, 2026 – BIDDEFORD GAZETTE

TERRY R. BELANGER

Dec. 26, 1947 – July 14, 2026

COTE FUNERAL HOME | It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Terry Belanger, born in Lincoln, Maine, to Waltham and Yvonne Belanger.

A graduate of Biddeford High School, Terry was drafted into the Vietnam War. Shortly after returning home, he met the love of his life, Murielle, and together they built a life and family filled with love, challenges, laughter, and treasured memories.

Terry’s life was like a book with many chapters. He overcame hardships growing up, faced the challenges of his service in Vietnam and the lasting effects of those experiences, and continued forward with remarkable strength and determination. Along the way, he found happiness, celebrated many accomplishments, and touched the lives of countless people.

Terry retired from the United States Postal Service after many years of dedicated service. He continued working as a bus driver for the Biddeford School Department until he fully retired.

Although Terry had only one daughter, he became a father figure to many, especially his granddaughter, Alyssa, whom he cherished and loved unconditionally. Terry was always willing to lend a helping hand whether by offering financial support, opening his home to someone in need, or simply being there when someone needed him. His generosity, compassion, and kind heart left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

He was a loyal Biddeford Tigers and New England Patriots fan who loved sharing his opinions and could always spark a lively conversation. Terry enjoyed a little friendly competition like candlepin bowling at Rollaway Lanes, playing cards, cribbage and trying his luck at the casino.

Terry’s final chapter was surrounded by love, with his three girls by his side: Murielle, Angie, and Alyssa.

He will be remembered for his resilience, unwavering strength, generous heart, outspokenness, and the deep love he had for others. Though his final chapter has come to an end, his story will live on through the memories, laughter, lessons, and love shared by all who knew him.

Terry is survived by his beloved wife of many years, Murielle; his daughter, Angie; his granddaughter, Alyssa Stanley and her husband, Tom; his great-granddaughters, Lucy and Layla; his sisters, Jeanne McCabe and Arlene DeSilva; and many in-laws, nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents; his brother, James Belanger; his sister, Nancy Roberge; his son-in-law, Mark Corriveau; his parents-in-law Leandre and Armande Fecteau; his brothers-in-law Raymond, Jean-Luc and Joe Fecteau; and Don Picard, who was like a son to Terry and held a special place in his heart.

A Catholic Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Joseph’s Church, Biddeford, on July 24 at 11a.m. | READ MORE

JANICE NGUYEN

March 24, 1953 – July 15, 2026

DOBSON FUNERAL HOME | Janice Nguyen, born on March 24, 1953, passed away peacefully on July 15, 2026. Janice was the beloved daughter of the late Charles Hale and Shirley Adams. She is reunited in Heaven with her parents, her sister, Norma, and her brothers, Charles Hale and Robert Hale.

She will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by all who knew her. Janice was a bright and loving soul whose kindness knew no bounds. She had a beautiful smile, an infectious laugh, and a heart that welcomed everyone she met. Whether family, friend, or stranger, she had a gift for making people feel loved with her warm embrace and caring spirit.

Her compassion, generosity, and unwavering love will remain in the hearts of those whose lives she touched.

She is survived by her daughter, Melissa Mejia and her husband, Joe Mejia, of Youngsville, North Carolina; her sons, Eduardo Hale and family; Chris Hale and his wife, Tracy, and family; Mario Hale and family, of Biddeford, Maine; and Manuel Hale and his wife, Laurie, and family, of Lyman, Maine.

Janice is also survived by her sisters, Sher Hale and Elizabeth Hale; her brothers, Thomas Echaure and Durward Hale; as well as many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will cherish her memory forever.

Though our hearts are heavy with sorrow, we find comfort in knowing that Janice’s love, laughter, and gentle spirit will live on in the lives she touched. She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten. READ MORE

LEO R. LAVERRIERE

March 30, 1932 – July 11, 2026

COTE FUNERAL HOME | Born in Rhode Island March 30, 1932, died in Scarborough July 11, 2026, lived and loved most of his life in Biddeford.

Upon his passing, Leo, was again welcomed by his parents, Lodia and Odilon and his eight siblings; Claire, Raymond, Robert, Roland, Conrad, Guy, Paulette, and Priscille. He was the last one standing and eager to reunite with his Green Street family and beloved wife, Pauline, to whom he was married for seven decades. We can be sure that he was exuberantly greeted by his many in-laws including Robbie, Oscar, Florence & Andy.

One can only imagine that their Heavenly celebration must have been monumental, blessed with an inconceivable amount of singing and laughter. Undoubtedly, St. Peter is begging them to lower the noise level.

Leo attended Biddeford parochial schools, including St. Louis high school. He was a proud member of the former St. Louis alumni Association, Saint Jean the Baptiste fraternity & the green lantern club where he enjoyed countless card games with his brothers and friends as well as honed his billiard skills on the next man up. That’s right, a concurrent card and pool shark. Leo’s, athletic prowess rendered him a stand out in softball and bowling; accepting trophies that declared him victorious. Although less proficient on the golf greens and tennis courts, but let’s not talk about that, right dad? He was likewise, proud of his Water Street lightweight boxing stint between the ages of 15 and 17, a sport enjoyed by him his father and brothers. An Olympic caliber cribbage player, Leo learned to count by playing the game with his father before he began school. His ability to peg out was nearly as quick as his inclination to count his, as well as your hand at a glance. His technique was both strategic and thoughtful and as a result, he was undaunted by numbers & math.

Leo was lucky to enjoy 32 years of retirement as a former superintendent at Biddeford Textile. He was fascinated by textiles and happy to discuss and educate you regarding thread count. An honored army Korean War veteran who served in the European theater, he loved his country. A registered Democrat – but he would want you to know he did not always vote party line. Rather, he let the candidate’s values and character determine his allegiance.

Leo was a benevolent, clever, competitive and proud man, with a magnificently epic sweet tooth (clearly a dominant gene inherited by his children). He was quick to relinquish a nickel to not only his kids, but neighborhood children of Tachereau Avenue so they could indulge in a treat from Mike’s market. His Catholic faith was his bedrock, as was his standing as a fourth-degree Knight of Columbus.

Remember Leo for living a bountiful and joyous life, rich with memories of celebrations, generosity, honesty and courage.

Leo is survived by his children and their partners; Normand, Sandra and John, Cynthia and Lauren, Jane and Norm, Donna and Mark and Lynn and Frank. Grandchildren Jacob, Tina, Tracy, Kelly, John, Stephanie, Jeffrey, Kasie, Maxwell, Heather and Addison, along with a gaggle of great grandchildren.

The celebration of life will take place at Cote’s funeral home on July 25, 2026. Visiting hours begin at 11 AM, and the service will occur at noon. | READ MORE

RICHARD F. ‘KIKI’ NOLETTE

May 7, 1951 – July 11, 2026

COTE FUNERAL HOME | Richard F. Nolette, affectionately known as “Kiki,” 75, of Biddeford, Maine, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 11, 2026, with his beloved wife, Julia, holding his hand.

Kiki was born on May 7, 1951, to Pauline C. (Blanchette) Nolette and Robert E. Nolette. He graduated from Biddeford High School in 1970, where he proudly wore the black and orange while playing sports and learning the trade of stone masonry alongside his father.

Following graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army, serving as a Cannoneer stationed in South Korea, where he was responsible for the mechanics and operation of artillery. After proudly receiving his honorable discharge, he ventured to southern Louisiana, where he worked as a tugboat mate.

Eventually, Kiki returned to his hometown, picked up his trowel once again, and resumed his passion for stone masonry, working alongside family and friends before establishing his own masonry business in 1995. He quickly became recognized as one of the area’s finest masonry contractors. He took immense pride in his craftsmanship, especially the beautiful fireplaces with their signature arched designs, as well as countless chimneys, commercial buildings, foundations, mausoleums, and other stonework throughout southern Maine.

His work left a lasting mark on the community, including relocating the large Jesus statue from St. Andres Church, restoring it, adding stone pavers, and creating the beautiful setting that now stands in front of St. Joseph’s Church in Biddeford, restoring Biddeford High School’s Liberty Bell, contributing to the buildings at Waterhouse Field, and creating the iconic stone flower planters that still line Main Street in downtown Biddeford.

Above all else, Kiki’s favorite title was “Pepere.” Over the past 15 years, if he wasn’t outdoors or watching football, everyone knew exactly where to find him—cheering on his grandsons. Whether it meant driving across northern Maine, western Massachusetts or spending several days away at tournaments, he never hesitated to be there.

Practices, games, meets, tournaments—he rarely missed one. Being their grandfather was, without question, the role he treasured most, and he was endlessly proud of both of them.

Kiki was predeceased by his parents, Pauline and Robert Nolette, and by his best friend, M&M, the family’s beloved golden retriever.

He leaves behind his loving wife of 37 years, Julia (Burke) Nolette; his daughter, Melissa “Missy” Nolette-Bald and her husband, Joel Bald, of Biddeford; his son, Mason Nolette and his partner, Angelica Racine, of Colorado; his grandsons, Lance Corporal Royce Bald, proudly serving in the United States Marine Corps and stationed at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, and Rocklen “Rocky” Bald of Biddeford; his brother, Norman Nolette and his partner, Laura McKinney, of Florida; his nieces, Kayla Nolette and her partner, Jamie Poitras, and Sherry Albert and her husband, Doug Albert; his nephew, Dustin Nolette and his wife, Nikki (Poitras) Nolette; along with two great-nieces, one great-nephew, and countless extended family members, friends, former coworkers, and members of the Biddeford community whose lives he touched. | READ MORE

TANNER HUNTER S. HOWARD

Oct. 17, 1995 – July 7, 2026

DENNETT, CRAIG & PATE | Tanner Hunter S. Howard, 30, of James Street, Saco passed away at his residence.

He was born October 27, 1995 in Kalispell, Montana, the son of Dennis Pearson and Debbie Howard Krichel and later adopted by Leon DeBoer.

He attended schools in Montana and graduated from Columbia Falls High School in 2014.

He worked in concrete and woodworking.

Tanner moved to Maine in February of 2023.

He was employed in security and enjoyed woodworking, drawing, writing and playing video games.

Survivors include his parents and three sisters Angel Creech, Amber Hewitt and Misty Shepherd and several nephews and nieces.

Private family services will be held at the convenience of the family. | READ MORE

TAMMY PATRICIA MACEDO

BLACK-HEALD WALKER FUNERAL HOME | Tammy Patricia Macedo passed away suddenly on June 29, 2026, at home in Sanford, Maine.

Born in New Bedford, Mass., she was the daughter of the late Irene Gail (Rousseau) Macedo.

She is survived by her daughters: Savanna Arral and her husband, Mike Davis; Mariah Arral and her husband, Nicholas Weber; and Sierra Arral. Tammy was a Care Coordinator at Spurwink Services, a career to which she was deeply dedicated.

She is remembered for her joyous laugh, her love for her girls and chosen family, and her passion for music and dance. Her spirit is twirling in harmony as she has returned to our natural universe.

The family invites all those who knew Tammy to a celebration of her life on Saturday, July 18, 2026 from 12 to 4 p.m. at the Waterboro Grange Hall, 31 West Road in Waterboro, Maine.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks any donations be made in Tammy’s memory to Spurwink, in support of the community she cared about. | READ MORE

ROBERT M. LABONTE

May 5, 1933 – July 16, 2026

COTE FUNERAL HOME | Robert M. Labonte, 93, of Biddeford, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday morning, July 16, 2026, surrounded by family.

He was born in Biddeford on May 5, 1933, a son of Donat and Dora (Labbe) Labonte. Robert was raised alongside his brother and two sisters in Limerick, ME, until moving to Biddeford when he was nine years old.

Robert was educated in local schools before being drafted into the United States Army in 1950. He served until he was honorably discharged.

He was employed at Bruce Shoe Company for 25 years as a sole layer. Afterwards, he moved on to Lyn-flex Industries for 20 years until retiring in 1997.

In his free time, Bob would paint on ceramics pieces that he created. He also enjoyed dancing in his younger years, though his age did not deter him from convincing his friends to take him dancing. He was well known for his funny sense of humor. He greatly enjoyed the happiness and laughter he brought out of people.

Robert was a homebody who never strayed too far from where he felt most comfortable. He would occasionally make his way north to Canada, but loved to spend time at his home with his family. He had a close relationship with his siblings and enjoyed having them around along with his nieces and nephews. He will be sadly missed.

Robert was predeceased by his parents, his sister: Estelle Labonte-Lachance, and his sister-in-law: Yolande.

He is survived by his twin brother: Ronald Labonte, his sister: Annette Labonte, as well as his nieces and nephews.

Visiting Hours will take place from 10 to 11 a.m. on Wednesday, July 22, at Cote Funeral Home Chapel, Saco. A funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. at Cote Funeral Home with a graveside service afterwards at St. Joseph Cemetery, Biddeford. | READ MORE

MARIE L. DEVOU

Nov. 1, 1946 – July 16, 2026

COTE FUNERAL HOME | Marie L. Devou, 79, of Biddeford, Maine and beloved wife of Robert Devou, passed away on July 16, 2026, after a brief illness.

Marie was born at Postville Community Hospital, Iowa to parents, Lawrence and Irene (Feil) Gilson of Dorchester, Iowa. Marie was always proud of her German and Norwegian heritage and her Lutheran faith.

During her school years, Marie was a Sunday school teacher at a Lutheran Church in Eitzen, Minnesota, where her grandparents lived, Otto and Sara Feil. Marie was raised on the family farm along with her sister Barbara and brother Jerome. After graduating from Waukon High School in Iowa, class of 1964, she moved to Lacrosse, Wisconsin and attended secretary school. This is where she met Linda Larson and the two became roommates and remained lifelong friends until Linda’s passing in 2018.

In October of 1965, after secretarial school, Marie moved from Lacrosse Wisconsin to Madison Wisconsin with another roommate Carolyn. While Marie was away visiting her parents for their 20th anniversary, February 22, 1966, Bob Devou, Marie’s future husband was stationed at Truax Field, Madison, Wisconsin in the United States, Air Force. Bob ended up at Marie’s apartment for a party along with several people and Marie’s other roommate Rita. Bob saw a picture of a very pretty girl and asked Rita who the girl was. Bob obtained a telephone number called Marie a couple of days later and set up a date. The date February 22, 1966 was at a local tavern for young teens, The Three Bells. It was love at first sight. Marie earned a lifelong nickname (Snake) after Bob made a wise remark and Marie stuck her tongue out at him quickly. Marie and Bob were engaged six months later and married on February 11, 1967 at Saint Patrick’s Church Waukon, Iowa. Two weeks after Bob received his honorable discharge from the United States Air Force.

The couple moved to Biddeford about a week after their wedding. While living in an apartment on Birch Street in Biddeford, Marie and Bob had three beautiful daughters Kristine, Debra and Tanya. They bought their first home on Plymouth Drive in Biddeford in the 70s and then a larger second home on the Guinea Road in the 80s where they remained until Marie’s passing.

Bob worked as a police officer in Biddeford for years and Marie, who was really smart and pretty as a movie star was a sales clerk at JCPenney, a bank teller supervisor, and a secretary for local doctors. Before computers, Marie was an excellent typist. She always amazed employers because she could type over 70 words per minute without making a mistake.

Marie was pre-deceased by her parents, Lawrence and Irene Gilson and her brother Jerome. She is survived by her loving husband of 59 years Bob, daughter, Kristine Adams and grandchildren Haley and Christian Adams of Standish, daughter Debra (Bob) Dipietrantonio, of Saco, daughter Tanya Devou of South Portland, her sister Barbara (Dave) Verhey of Mosinee, Wisconsin, her sister-in-law, Janet Devou (Gary) of Old Orchard Beach, sister-in-law Lorraine Lamontagne of Scarborough, her brother-in- law John Devou of Portland, and several nieces and cousins.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. with prayers at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, July 22 at Cote Funeral Home Chapel, Saco.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1 p.m. Thursday, July 23, at St. Margaret’s Church in Old Orchard Beach. Burial will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery in Biddeford. | FULL OBITUARY

BEATRICE A. SMITH

Jan. 10, 1954 – July 10, 2026

HOPE MEMORIAL CHAPEL | Beatrice Ann Smith, 72, of Jay, died July 10, 2026 at CMMC in Lewiston surrounded by the love of her family. She was born in Lewiston, ME on January 10, 1954, the daughter of John R Packard and Joanne M (Begin) Packard.

Beatrice loved getting together with friends at their prayer groups. She loved nothing more than being at church and praying for the lost souls to come to Jesus. Bea’s strong faith meant the world to her. She loved helping anyone that needed it. She would give the shirt off her back to anyone in need or just to make them happy. She made her home a place to go to with the crosses so anyone could go and pray before them. Those things filled her heart with love and joy.

She was caregiver for many years with hospice and had always taken care of the elderly. She would often bring the elderly that needed help into her and Ken’s home. She would cook at nursing homes and Sunday River and many different restaurants and loved it.

Every other Friday, her and her loving husband Kenny would go to the food pantry and pick up food and deliver to those that could not travel. She was a very hard worker and never stopped until the job was complete. She was the jokester of the family and loved to tell a good joke. She often reminisced and missed her mother, brother and sister playing guitar and singing. She will be forever singing with her family that is with her in heaven.

Beatrice is survived by her loving husband Kenneth Smith. They were married on September 2, 1995. She enjoyed attending the jam sessions with her husband and occasionally singing. Beatrice adored spending time with her family and friends.

She was predeceased by her parents John R Packard Sr. and Joanne M (Begin) Packard; her brother John Packard Jr who is survived by his wife Donna Packard; her sister Barbara Roy who survived by her husband David Roy.

Beatrice is survived by her daughter Sheryl and her husband Gary Hamilton of Defuniak Springs Fla.; her son Raymond Lovejoy of Limerick; her sister Carol Packard and her partner Richard Pate of Biddeford; her brother Michael Packard and his wife Michelle of Arundel; her brother Timothy Packard of Biddeford; her niece Mary Ann Packard; her niece Marijo and her husband Nicholas LaRiviere; her nephew Joey Pepin; her niece Amanda Packard; and Ryan Belanger a nephew in heart.

She is also survived by her granddaughter Amber and her husband Thomas Spearman; her great nephew Aaron Hazlerig and great niece Isabella Hazlerig; her great nephew & niece Nick Jr. and Anna LaRiviere; and her great grandchildren Nevaeh Spaid, Connor and Callen Spearman.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, July 22, 1 p.m. at St. Brendan’s Chapel, 40 L.B. Orcutt Boulevard, Biddeford. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in Biddeford. | READ MORE

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