A review of local obituaries for the week of August, 9, 2026
CLAUDETTE M. PERREAULT
July 17, 1938 – Aug. 1, 2026
HOPE MEMORIAL CHAPEL | Claudette M. Perreault peacefully departed her family and friends on August 1, 2026, to be with her husband, Norman, whom she missed dearly after their 62-year marriage ended with his passing in 2020. She was born on July 17, 1938, to Josephat Tardif and Lillian Gendron Tardif.
Her final days saw a constant flow of visitors coming to wish her farewell, hear her unforgettable laughter and singing, and marvel at the overwhelming support her family offered as she bravely faced her mortality.
Claudette is survived by her daughter Diane (Perreault) Daigneault and husband Guy; son Mike Perreault; daughter Denise (Perreault) Barnikow and husband Robert; daughter Joanne (Perreault) Boissonneault and husband Pete; daughter Joyce (Perreault) Picard and husband Ken; and son Donald Perreault and wife Michelle. She is also survived by 14 grandchildren with 1 who predeceased her, 15 great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren.
She is also survived by her sisters Jeannine Millette, Celine Champagne, and Priscille Grassi and husband Gregory; her brothers Brother Donald Tardif, S.C., and Raymond Tardif and wife Rachel; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Claudette was educated at St. Andres School in Biddeford, where she was valedictorian and class president. She worked for Fairchild Semiconductor for 24 years and for Shape Inc. for 18 years as a quality assurance inspector, retiring in 1993.
She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, and teaching her grandchildren, whether they realized it or not, how to love life. She also enjoyed traveling with Norman, especially cruises and bus tours.
She enjoyed her walks through town, spending time with her family and friends, and participating in activities at the Wardwell — in particular, the music entertainment that was held every Friday. | FULL OBITUARY
MARYANNE (MAZAKA) GILBERT
Aug. 19, 1955 – Aug. 8, 2026
DENNETT, CRAIG & PATE | Maryanne Gilbert (nee Mazaka), of Biddeford, peacefully passed away in the early morning hours of August 8, 2026.
Maryanne will be forever cherished by her husband John Gilbert of Biddeford, her daughter, Rebecca Cunniff and husband John of Windham; daughter Katherine Gilbert and fiancé Jonathan Koestner of Biddeford; and son Andrew Gilbert and partner Julia Croteau of Saco. She will forever be the greatest Grannie to Molly and Jack Cunniff (Windham) and all her furry grand pups.
Maryanne was born on August 19, 1955. Her formative years were spent in Medford Mass., where she lived with her parents Loretta and Walter Mazaka. She attended Massachusetts Bay Community College where she earned her Associate’s degree and went on to work in Boston. One of Maryanne’s greatest joys in this period of life stemmed from time spent with her young nephew, John McNeely.
While on a girls’ trip to Virgina, Maryanne’s life forever changed at the Blue Bayou when she met and fell in love with John Gilbert. The two had a brief courtship and were married in September of 1979. Together they built a life rooted in love and centered around family. The family moved to Maine where roots were firmly planted and forever friendships were made.
Maryanne was the friend that would stay by your side through life’s highest peaks and lowest valleys, offering a dependable anchor when things got difficult. With her you did not need to edit your words, hide your flaws, or pretend to be someone else. She didn’t just know her friends’ best stories, she was usually part of them. Whether sitting in silence or laughing until your belly hurt, Maryanne was the greatest of friends.
If you had asked her what her greatest accomplishment was, Maryanne would have told you without question it was the love of family. Adopted as an infant, Maryanne was blessed as an adult to be reunited with some of her biological family. Her father William Swansburg (NH) welcomed her with open arms.
Her heart instantly grew and bonded with siblings Kent Swansburg (NH), Kimmy Twomey (LA), and Kristy Swansburg (NH) and their families.
She never missed a birthday call, grabbed every chance for a heartfelt hug, and always said I love you. She made everyone she loved a better person. Listen to the steady lapping of waves greeting the shore, the very heartbeat of the sea, and always be reminded of her unconditional love. Let the warmth of the sun remind you how she lit up a room and filled it with the love she had for family and friends.
A celebration to honor her life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, Maryanne wished for donations to be made to further cancer research or funding for K9 vests. The Gilbert family is so grateful for the outpouring of love and support. | READ FULL OBITUARY
MAXINE BEAULIEU
Sept. 30, 1940 – Aug. 5, 2026
COTE FUNERAL HOME | Maxine Beaulieu, 85, of Saco, passed away on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, in Scarborough.
She was born in Eagle Lake, Maine, on September 30, 1940, a daughter of Paul and Flavie (Vaillancourt) Beaulieu.
Maxine moved to Saco when she was five with her family. She was educated in local schools.
She was employed at Pepperell Manufacturing as a spinner. She also worked in Dover NH, for five years at Davidson Rubber. Later, she was employed at Saco Defense where she worked for over 13 years.
Maxine was a classic, no-nonsense Mainer. She enjoyed nature, especially when it came to wolves and bears. In her younger years, she volunteered to help her father in the woods as he worked with lumber.
She was a homebody who enjoyed working on jigsaw puzzles whenever the opportunity arose. She also would join friends at The Golden Rooster for brunch. Maxine’s pragmatic nature and caring disposition will be missed by many.
She was predeceased by her parents and her brother Roger Beaulieu.
She is survived by her brother Nelson Beaulieu, and many nieces and nephews.
A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, August 12, at St. Joseph Cemetery, Biddeford. Arrangements are by Cote Funeral Home, Saco. | FULL OBITUARY
ERNESTINE ‘TINA’ MARIE ATKINS
Feb. 7, 1966 – Aug. 6, 2026
DENNETT, CRAIG & PATE | Ernestine “Tina” Marie Atkins 60 passed away peacefully at her home after a lengthy illness. She was born on February 7, 1966 in Portland, the daughter of Donald and Patricia Vaillancourt Knight.
Tina graduated from Deering High School, and then Southern Maine Community College with an associate’s degree in accounting and from Andover College with a bachelor’s degree in business administration.
Tina worked with her mother at National Semiconductor for a period of time, then went to work in insurance industry. She worked at UNUM for more than 20 years as an adjuster then worked at the Prudential, the Hartford and Aetna.
She loved the beach and spending time with her children and grandchildren. She was a big sports fan, and especially loved watching her team, the Patriots!
She was predeceased by her parents.
She is survived by her husband Anthony “Buddy” Atkins; her sons Joe Auger and his wife Erin and their children Jack and Emmy of Gorham and Chris Auger and his wife Kayla Finch and their children Payton and Hayleigh of Baldwin; stepsons Craig O’Donnell, Chad O’Donnell and Anthony Atkins; step-grandchildren Cassidy Walls and Cadence O’Donnell and step-great-grandchildren Logan Walls and Gracelyn Walls, with another on the way.
She is also survived by her sisters Barbara Chandler and her partner Dan Carbee; and nephews Chandler and Daniel of Woodsville, NH and Ileen Knight of South Portland.
A graveside service will be held on Thursday, August 13, 2026 at 1 p.m. at Brooklawn Memorial Park, 2002 Congress Street, Portland where she will be laid to rest with her parents. Dennett, Craig & Pate Funeral Home, Saco is entrusted with her arrangements.
Donations may be made in Tina’s honor to the Parkinson’s Foundation, 1350 Broadway, Ste 1530, New York, New York 10018 or the Alzheimer’s Association, 383 US Route One, Scarborough, ME 04074. | FULL OBITUARY
MARY T. MAXWELL
Jan. 14, 1930 – July 30, 2026
DENNETT, CRAIG & PATE | Mary T. Maxwell, affectionately known as “Nanny” and “Tommie,” passed away peacefully on July 30, 2026, at the age of 96.
Mary was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend whose greatest joy was her family. Nothing made her happier than having as many of them gathered around her as possible. Her home—and her heart—were always open, creating countless memories that her family will carry with them.
Mary embraced life with remarkable energy and enthusiasm. She stayed active throughout her life, enjoying biking, golfing, kayaking, trips to the gym, and Tai Chi Chih. She was an avid reader and passionate learner. She found joy in making things with her hands and sharing them with those she loved.
One of Mary’s happiest places was the family camp on Kennebunk Pond, where she and her beloved late husband, Archie, spent countless hours together enjoying the beauty of nature and the company of family and friends. Those days at the camp became treasured memories that will live on for generations.
Mary’s greatest legacy is one of kindness and compassion. She lived by example, always willing to lend a helping hand, offer words of encouragement, or simply be present for those in need. Her warmth, quiet strength, and unwavering love enriched the lives of everyone who knew her.
Mary is lovingly remembered by her four daughters: Susan and husband Rob; Linda and husband David; Martha and husband Jeff; and Laura and husband Jeff. Her beloved 11 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren, along with extended family and dear friends, will also deeply miss her.
Mary’s love, generosity, and gentle spirit will continue to inspire all who were blessed to have known her. She lives on in the family she cherished and the many lives she touched.
Calling hours will take place on Saturday, Sept. 12, at 1 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 2 p.m., at Dennett, Craig & Pate Funeral Home, 365 Main Street in Saco. Reception to follow the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions in memory of Mary be made to the Biddeford Historical Society (PO Box 200, Biddeford, ME 04005; www.biddefordhistoricalsociety.org) FULL OBITUARY
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