OBITUARIES | Sept. 27, 2026 – BIDDEFORD GAZETTE

A review of this week’s obituaries from the Biddeford-Saco area

GEORGE A. POISSON

Feb. 22, 1948 – Sept. 20, 2026

COTE FUNERAL HOME | George A. Poisson, 78, of Lyman, a proud veteran of the United States Air Force, passed away on Sunday, September 20, 2026 at MaineHealth Maine Medical Center in Biddeford.

George was born in Biddeford, on February 22, 1948, one of four children to Francois “Frank” and Lucille (Marcoux) Poisson. He grew up in Saco, and graduated from Thornton Academy, class of 1967.

George enlisted in the U.S. Air Force shortly after graduation and was sent off to fight in Vietnam. He was honorably discharged in 1971 reaching the rank of Sergeant.

After returning from Vietnam, George went to work as a machinist for the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. He retired on March 30, 2021 after working there for over 30 years.

George married Lucille Gendron in Las Vegas on February 17, 1996. Early in their marriage they settled in Saco, but later moved to Lyman. Together, they enjoyed taking daytrips to visit many of Maine’s beautiful sights, from coastal lighthouses to car rides in the mountains. George and Lucille also flew to Florida every year to visit his mom.

George was a diehard New England sports fan. He was an avid bowler, often playing on a league with some of his buddies. George was a talented woodworker. He poured his heart and his skills into renovating his home as well as making special gifts for family and friends. Dear to his heart was their family camp on Little Ossipee Lake where George spent many hours relaxing on his boat.

Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with family and friends, especially with his grandchildren. He will be sadly missed by many.

George was predeceased by his parents, and recently his sister, Patricia Boissonneault on August 16, 2026.

He is survived by his loving wife, Lucille Poisson, of 30 years; his son, Jason Poisson; his daughter, Tricia Bodge and husband Steve; and his three step-children, Tom Delekto and wife Sheila, Matthew D’Amico, and Stephanie D’Amico; and by his six grandchildren, Kaylee, Chloe, Bethany, Philip, Caleb, and Carter. George is also survived by his sister, Jacqueline Reny; his brother, Renald Poisson; as well as several nieces and nephews. | FULL OBITUARY

RONALD R. ZEHNER

July 21, 1938 – Sept. 21, 2026

COTE FUNERAL HOME | Ronald R. Zehner, 88, of Old Orchard Beach and formerly of Saco, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 21, 2026, at St. Andre’s Healthcare in Biddeford, with family at his side.

Ron was born in Effingham, Illinois, on July 21, 1938, the son of Raymond and Catherine (Vonderheide) Zehner. He graduated from St. Anthony High School in Effingham in 1956.

Following high school, Ron proudly served his country in the United States Navy. He later earned a bachelor’s degree in business from the University of Illinois.

Following his military service and completion of his education, Ron began a successful career in the shoe industry, where he spent 20 years in management. His career took him to several states before eventually bringing him to Maine, the place he would come to call home.

A lifelong hard worker with an admirable work ethic and someone who was rarely content to sit still, Ron went on to spend 20 years as a self-employed general contractor.

He also owned and operated K.Y.C. Gardens & Nursery, putting his many talents and entrepreneurial spirit to work. Later, Ron also brought his experience, dedication and steady presence to Biddeford High School, where he served as an Ed Tech for 15 years. His varied career reflected his willingness to take on new challenges and contribute wherever he could within his community. He served as chairman on the Saco planning board and was an active member of the local Rotary for 25 years.

On September 28, 2001, Ron married his wife, Diane. Together, they built a life filled with love and companionship, just seven days shy of celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary.

Outside of work, Ron was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He enjoyed traveling, attending the symphony with Diane, eating out, and spending countless hours on his tractor caring for his property on the Buxton Road in Saco. Above all, he treasured time with his family, especially his grandchildren, whom he cherished deeply. Time spent with them brought him tremendous joy and held a very special place in his heart.

Ron was predeceased by his brother, Martin Zehner.

He is survived by his wife, Diane Zehner; his sons, Gregory Zehner and Matthew Zehner; his stepdaughter, Jessica Merrill and her husband, Lance; his grandchildren, Madeleine Merrill, Avery Merrill, and Helen Zehner; and a nephew, Craig Zehner.

Ron will be deeply missed by his family and all who knew him, but the love, laughter and memories he shared will live on in the hearts of those who loved him.

A graveside service with military honors will be held in the spring at Laurel Hill Cemetery’s military columbarium, with the date and time to be announced. | FULL OBITUARY

LEE ANN OUELLETTE

Jan. 7, 1957 – Sept. 15, 2026

HOPE MEMORIAL CHAPEL | Lee Ann Racine Ouellette, 69, passed away surrounded by loved ones at her home in Arundel, Maine, on Tuesday, September 15, 2026. She was born on January 7, 1957, in Reading, Mass., to Harvey and Elizabeth Racine.

Lee Ann was known for her love of animals. There were wagging tails everywhere she went. Over the years, she raised countless dogs, cats, birds, horses, miniature horses, goats, bunnies, chickens and ducks. Helping animals in need filled her heart.

She is forever loved by her husband of more than 30 years, Paul R. Ouellette; her children, Michelle, Thomas, and Heather; and her fur babies, Nina and Chloe.

A private celebration of life will be held at her home. | FULL OBITUARY

JEANETTE ‘JAN’ DESCOTEAUX

May 1, 1929 – Sept. 20, 2026

HOPE MEMORIAL CHAPEL | Jeannette “Jan” Theresa Descoteaux of Saco, Maine and Sophia, North Carolina, died on September 20, 2026 at Greybrier Nursing Facility in Trinity, North Carolina following a long period of declining health, her daughter Janet, always close by to care for her every need.

Jeannette was born in Biddeford on May 1, 1929, the youngest daughter of Francois Roussin, and Irene (Champagne) Roussin.

In her early years, she attended St. Mary’s School, going on to Biddeford High School leaving in her sophomore year to start work. She worked for J.J. Newberry’s on Main Street for several years. She later went on to work for many years at the former Bruce Shoe Company and then in the kitchen of the former Webber Hospital on Elm Street. She retired when her husband, Albert retired from government service.

On August 3, 1946 she married Albert J. Descoteaux at St. Joseph’s church in Biddeford. Together they raised three children and shared 52 years of marriage until his death in September of 1998.

In addition to her husband, Jeannette is predeceased in death by her parents and an older sister, Rita Frechette of Bryan, Ohio.

She is survived by three children, son Renald and his wife Jeannine from Sanford, Maine; son Michael and his wife Mary from Saco, Maine; and one daughter, Janet Griffin from Sophia, North Carolina and Lisbon Falls, Maine. She also leaves behind three grandchildren; Carmen and husband Jerry Bernier from Biddeford; Norman and wife Lisa Descoteaux from East Waterboro; and James Barnes from Biddeford, Maine. She also leaves behind three nieces; Diane (Kenneth) White, Claire (Randy) Climo and Jeanne (Douglas) Armstrong all of Ohio and Florida, and several local nieces and nephews. She was especially fond of Henry and Priscilla Petit who remained close to her through many years.

She was especially proud of her great-grandchildren; Mario Lemieux, Niklas Lemieux, Casey Descoteaux, Christian Descoteaux, Isabel Descoteaux, Seth Barnes, and great great grandchildren, Zoeigh Barnes, Wendy Descoteaux, Jonah Descoteaux, Henri Lemieux, and Madeline Lemieux.

During her life, Jan enjoyed baking cakes, cookies, pies, and breads. While she ate little of her own creations, she shared them freely (and often) with her family and friends.

For more than 20 years she spent summer Sunday afternoons with family members cruising the warm waters of Bauneg Beg Lake in Sanford. She loved boat rides on “her” 20-foot pontoon boat. She was an avid reader, enjoyed challenging crossword puzzles, and until 86 years young, had a very active library card at Dyer Library in Saco. She had a very generous heart and cared deeply for her family.

Visitation will be at Hope Memorial Chapel located at 480 Elm Street in Biddeford, on Thursday, October 1, 2026 from 8 – 10 a.m. A brief prayer service will be held at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at the Central Maine Veterans Cemetery in Augusta, Maine, alongside her husband Albert. | FULL OBITUARY

The Biddeford Gazette publishes local obituaries as a community service with no charge to the families and survivors.

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