OBITUARIES

Note:  As a community service, we publish local obituaries here at no charge. If you would like more information, please contact us BiddefordGazette@gmail.com

OBITUARIES | MAY 10, 2026 | READ DETAILS

__________

Betty Brooks

Oct. 11, 1937 – April 26, 2026

DENNETT, CRAIG & PATE | Betty A., Brooks, 88, of Flag Pond Road, Saco, passed away Sunday April 26, 2026 at the Maine Medical Center in Portland.

She was born on October 11, 1937 in Windham, the daughter of Frank and Ida Ferguson Mushrow.

She attended local schools and graduated from Windham High School. She later earned as Associates Degree in Applied Science Business Administration at Andover College in 1994.

Betty worked at a local shoe shop in Saco and at Evergreen Manor.

She would get irritated when kids made a mess at her patio, during the 19 years she worked at Fun Food Patio at Funtown.

Survivors include a son Gordon Brooks Jr. (Melissa) a cherished daughter-in-law and best friend Shirley, two grandchildren Jason (Sarah) and Joshua (Nicole), grandchildren Colton, Callie, Calia and Calvin.

Betty enjoyed music, traveling, reading the daily newspaper, gardening, going for walks, going to the beach and stopping for Lisa’s pizza and fries.

Her favorite memories were spent listening to the laughter of her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Friends and relatives may call at the Dennett, Craig & Pate Funeral Home, 365 Main Street Saco, Thursday May 7, from 11 to 1 pm.  A graveside service will follow at 1:45 pm at Forest City Cemetery. | READ MORE

_________

Caspian Timothy Benedict-Murphy

June 3, 2003 – April 24, 2026

COTE FUNERAL HOME | Caspian Timothy Benedict-Murphy was born June 3, 2003, in Waterbury, Connecticut and died peacefully on April 24, 2026, in Saco, Maine. He was a multifaceted musician, skateboarder and visual artist.

He will be forever remembered by his parents, Daniel Benedict of Portland and Kelly Murphy of Auburn, his sister Rugosa, his stepmother Simone Palange and stepbrothers Jamie & Cory, his grandparents Mary Lou Murphy of Coventry, RI, Dennis Murphy of Medford, Mass., and Walter & Lanell Benedict of Winsted, Conn., as well as his friends and everyone whose lives he brightened. | READ MORE

__________

Donald P. Maurice

Sept. 8, 1947 – April 25, 2026

COTE FUNERAL HOME | Donald P. Maurice, 78, of Biddeford, passed away on Saturday, April 25th, 2026 at Maine Health Maine Medical Center, Portland.

He was born on September 8th, 1947, the oldest son of Paul and Yolande (Rousseau) Maurice. He was raised in Biddeford and attended Biddeford High School, where he learned carpentry and autobody skills and participated in the ROTC program. He graduated in the class of 1967.

Don met his wife, Helene Coulombe, at a school dance, and later attended the senior prom with her, where their story began. They were married on June 29th, 1968, and raised 3 children together. Most recently, they had taken a memorable trip to Paris together in celebration of Helene’s 75th birthday.

A master of his craft, Don possessed a remarkable talent for working with his hands. He got his start in carpentry while working for independent contractors & builders. He later owned and operated a small carpentry business and in his later years, a maintenance services business.

Don had a large heart and was always willing to help others, especially the elderly. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and did many good deeds. He truly enjoyed being a part of this organization and made lasting friendships.

Some of his favorite pastimes were planting and caring for his vegetable garden, going fishing with his grandchildren, day trips throughout Maine, woodworking, stained glasswork and charitable events with the Knights of Columbus. He loved Christmas and the message of Christ that it holds. A man of great faith, Don was a parishioner of Good Shepherd Parish and attended church frequently. He was loved by and will be missed by many.

He was predeceased by his brother, David Maurice, and brothers-in-law Robert St Michel and Albert Coulombe.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Helene Maurice, and their 3 children; Paul Maurice (and wife Maxine), Christopher Maurice (and wife Esther), and Stephanie Roy (and fiancé Kevin), 5 grandchildren; Sasha, Joshua, David, Kullen, and Cataleya, and one great-granddaughter; Bre’Ann. He is also survived by two sisters, Pearl St Michel and Carole Rousselle (and husband Michael), sisters-in-law Tina Richardson (and husband Dave), and Louise Lank, and many special nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. | READ MORE

__________

Gordon W. Heavner, Jr.

Feb. 8, 1949 – April 27, 2026

COTE FUNERAL HOME | Gordon W. Heavner Jr., 77, of Biddeford, passed away on Monday, April 27, 2026 at home.He was born in Berwick, Pennsylvania on February 8, 1949, a son of Gordon Sr. and Barbara May Scott Heavner. Gordon received his Associate’s Degree in Music Education.

After college, he enlisted to serve his country in the United States Marine Corps.

Gordon was employed as a chef in New York City for many years. He moved on to Berkeley California working as a chef for TKE Fraternity at UC Berkeley, a job he truly enjoyed. In 2017, Gordon moved to Biddeford, Maine.

Gordon will have a graveside service with military honors in Southern Maine Veteran’s Cemetery in Springvale. These services are private. | READ MORE

_____

Arthur Stackpole

Nov. 12, 1941 – April 24, 2026

COTE FUNERAL HOME | Arthur E. Stackpole, 84, of Biddeford, passed away peacefully on the morning of April 24, 2026, at MaineHealth Medical Center in Biddeford.

Born in Biddeford on November 12, 1941, Arthur was the son of Kenneth and Mildred (O’Connor) Stackpole. He was a proud graduate of Thornton Academy.

Arthur grew up surrounded by the natural beauty of Maine, where he developed a lifelong love for the outdoors. He cherished the time he spent hunting and fishing alongside his father and uncles—memories he held close throughout his life.

Following his graduation, Arthur worked as an inspector in the local tannery. He later spent 13 years as a dedicated janitor at MaineHealth Medical Center in Biddeford.

In 1985, Arthur met Carol Grenier, the love of his life. They were married on December 24, 1990, and together built a life centered around their blended family.

Arthur found joy in life’s simple pleasures. He loved dancing with Carol, playing darts, and spending time on Ossipee Lake aboard his boat, Sunkist. Summers at the family camp were especially meaningful, filled with laughter, togetherness, and lasting memories.

He was predeceased by his parents; his beloved wife, Carol Stackpole; and his son, Carl Stackpole.

Arthur is lovingly remembered by his daughters, Kelly Stackpole. Lisa Crozier and husband Rick, Laurie Daigle and husband Paul, and; his sons, Jeff Stackpole, John Stackpole, and Ronald Grenier and wife Monique; his sister, Charlene Johnson; his four nieces; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In keeping with Arthur’s wishes, no services will be held. READ MORE

_____

Sr. Jacqueline Lambert, pm

Feb. 25, 1949 — April 3, 2026

LAMBERT FUNERAL HOME | Sister Jacqueline Lambert, pm, 77, of the Sisters of the Presentation of Mary, died April 3, 2026.

She was born in Biddeford, Maine on February 25, 1949, the second of four children of the late Raymond and Gilberte (Neault) Lambert. She made her religious profession with the Sisters of the Presentation of Mary on August 15, 1971 and served in the congregation for 54 years. Sister Jackie earned her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education at Rivier College and for most of her life she taught and was director of pre-schools at various schools in Massachusetts.

After retiring from teaching, she served as Mission Coordinator at Presentation of Mary Academy, Methuen, Mass. Over the years, she also took pride in being able to be of service in various areas at Lazarus House Ministries in Lawrence, Mass.

Sister Jackie also served her religious community in various leadership roles such as Vocation Director, Local Superior and Provincial Councilor. She also helped in various community services in MA and at the Marie Joseph Spiritual Center in Biddeford, ME. She retired at St. Joseph Residence II in Manchester, NH in 2023.

Sister Jackie is predeceased by both parents and she is survived by her two brothers, Leo Lambert and his wife, Kathy; Raymond Lambert and his wife Connie; and her sister, Rachel Griffin and her husband, William. Several is also survived by several nieces, nephews and grandnieces/nephews.

A Funeral Mass and burial will be private for Sisters and family members only. She will be buried in the Presentation of Mary Cemetery in Hudson, NH.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Presentation of Mary Retirement

Fund, c/o Sr. Lucy Veilleux, 495 Mammoth Road, Manchester, NH 03104. | READ MORE

__________

Julie M. ‘Jarry’ Desaulniers

Dec, 8, 1970 – April 20, 2026

HOPE MEMORIAL CHAPEL | Julie Marie Desaulniers, 55, of Saco Maine, passed away on 20 April 2026 at the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House, surrounded by her immediate family.

Born in Portland Maine on 8 December 1970, to Donald and Jeannine Jarry, Julie grew up and attended local schools, graduating from Thornton Academy in 1989, and the University of Southern Maine in 1999 with a bachelor’s degree in nursing.

Julie served the local community as a Registered Nurse at multiple nursing homes, Southern Maine Medical Center, and provided care and support to many elderly patients in their greatest hours of need. She was often praised by the families of those she cared for. Her patient’s smile lifted her heart and brought her joy.

Julie met the love of her life and married Danny Desaulniers in August of 2010. She lived her life in Maine with most of her time in Saco. Julie loved her family, friends, horses, and her many dogs and cats.

Julie was diagnosed with stage four cancer late in 2019, with a grim prognosis. After much prayer, and multiple rounds of chemo, surgery, and radiation treatments, she was declared in remission in the summer of 2020. God granted her over three and half years with friends and family before the cancer came back. Julie was very grateful for getting cancer free time with her family. She enjoyed a bucket-list trip to Hawaii with her mom and visited her brother, sister-in-law, nephew, and niece for the best family Halloween ever in October of 2022. Her grandchildren visited her multiple times making memories that will last a lifetime.

Julie was best known for helping her family, friends, patients and their families, the horses at the Ever After Mustang Rescue, love of live local cover and original music, and loving her many fur babies.

Julie is preceded by three incredibly important family members in her life, her grandmother Yvonne Gallucci, Godmother Priscille Parent, and Godfather Raymond Parent. Julie talked with them almost daily until they passed. She was looking forward to being in their company.

Julie is survived by her husband Danny Desaulniers, father Donald Jarry, mother Jeannine Jarry (Leblond), her brother Jeffrey Jarry, sister-in law Claire Jarry, stepson Joshua Desaulniers, brothers-in-law Chris and Wayne Desaulniers, nephews, nieces, grandchildren Voilet and Harrison, numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Visiting hours are at the Hope Memorial Chapel, 480 Elm Street, Biddeford, Maine on Sunday, 26 April, from 4-7 PM. Mass will be celebrated on Monday, 27 April at Saint Joseph’s Church, 178 Elm Street, Biddeford Maine, at 1100. A burial at St. Josephs cemetery will immediately follow mass. Attendees are welcome to stay for a luncheon at St Joseph’s. READ MORE

__________

Joan M. Gamash

Jan. 14, 1943 – April 21, 2026

DENNETT, CRAIG & PATE | Joan Gamash, 83, of South Street, Dayton, passed away Tuesday April 21, 2026 at her son’s residence.

She was born in Biddeford on January 14, 1943, the daughter of William and Edna Jose Corcoran. Joan attended Saco schools and graduated from Thornton Academy.

She worked as a waitress at Wormwoods Restaurant in her younger years.  Joan was a homemaker when her children were younger, then working for Shape and then as a CRNA at the Wardwell Home.

She enjoyed walking on the beach, dogs, going to Bingo and gardening.

Joan is predeceased by her husbands John Gamash and Warren Gamash and a sister Cecilia Grantham.

Survivors include her three sons Keith of Dayton, who was also her caretaker, Chris “Kip” Gamash of Dayton, Erick Gamash of Biddeford, 2 daughters Krista Sawyer of Dayton and husband Jeff and Judy Weaver of Dayton and husband Ron, 7 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.

Visiting hours will be held Monday April 27, 2026 from 11 am to 1 pm at the Dennett, Craig & Pate Funeral Home, 365 Main St, Saco.  A 1 pm funeral service will immediately follow at the funeral home, burial to follow at Laurel Hill cemetery, where she will be laid to rest next to her husband John. READ MORE

_____