Our Dearly Departed
by Bob Anastasoff

 

Patricia A. Archer, 77, of Saco, and formerly of Westbrook, passed away on Wednesday, November 9, 2011, at Gosnell
Memorial Hospice in Scarborough.
She was born in Scarborough on December 6, 1933. She graduated from Scarborough High School, class of 1951.
Patricia married Darrel Archer on June 6, 1954.
Earlier, she was employed by Casco Paper & Box Company in Portland and by Union Mutual Life Insurance Company. 
Later, she was self employed and ran a home cleaning business for 25 years.
A graveside service was held Nov. 16, 2011, at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Saco. The family would like to thank the Gosnell Memorial
Hospice House for their care and support.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Maine Medical Center-Gibson Pavilion (22 Bramhall St., Portland, ME 04102)


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Dr. Donna Jean Carr, 63, of Portland, passed away on October 25, 2011, in Portland.  Donna was born on October 6, 1948, in Newton, Mass. 
Dr. Carr was a 1979 graduate of Smith College and a 1986 graduate of the University Of New England College Of Osteopathic Medicine.
Following her residency at UMass Medical Center in Worcester, Mass., Dr. Carr specialized in family medicine and obstetrics from 1989 until her death.
She worked for Unum for several years in the Benefits area.
Donna's family wishes to thank the staff of the Gibson Pavilion at Maine Medical Center and Hospice of Southern Maine.  A memorial celebration was held
on October 29.  Donations can be made in her name to: Birth Roots (101 State St., Portland, ME 04101-3720)


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Doris R. Cyr, 81, of Punta Gorda, Fla. passed away December 9, 2011.  She was born March 13, 1930 in Leavenworth, Kan. and moved to Florida
in 1990 from Portland. Mrs. Cyr retired from Unum Insurance Company in Portland.  She is survived by her husband of 60 years Robert J. Cyr, Sr.
Memorial services were held December 21, 2011 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Portland.
Memorial donations may be made to:  Alzheimer's Association (14010 Roosevelt Boulevard, Suite #709, Clearwater, FL 33762)


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Richard Bruce Dalbeck, known to most as Dick Dalbeck, died on December 20 at the age of 82.  Mr. Dalbeck, who was a
longtime resident of Cape Elizabeth, had recently moved into an assisted living facility in Falmouth, where he found comfort, peace and
happiness in his final months.

Richard Bruce Dalbeck was born on May 17, 1929 in Cambridge Mass. Dick grew up in Belmont, Mass. and graduated from the Belmont
Hill School. After graduating as a Phi Beta Kappa undergrad from Dartmouth College in 1952, he received an MBA with Distinction from
its Amos Tuck School of Business Administration in 1953.

Following college, he attended Navy Supply Officer training and rose to Lieutenant Supply Corps Officer in the United States Navy
Reserve.  While in the Navy, he met and married Shirley Wells, a nurse at Mass General Hospital in Boston. 

His career, which progressed into the top ranks of business leadership, spanned The Navy Supply Corps, General Electric, A.T. Kearney Management Consulting, and
what is now Unum.  In 1969, Maine called Dick 'home'. After searching for the right company fit, Dick joined Unionmutual Insurance as Vice President of Corporate
Marketing and Planning at the encouragement of Dick Stanley, Colin Hampton, and Carl Lane.  Hired for his strategic marketing and planning skills, Dick managed by
walking around, immersed himself in the business of insurance, earned his CLU degree, ushered in new concepts and systems to the company, and successively
progressed through the ranks. Over the years, Dick became involved in virtually every operation of the company, offered insights and straightforward leadership, and
found opportunities for his team to grow.

He retired from Unum in 1991 as an Executive Vice President and a Director.  Dick is survived by his wife Shirley Wells Dalbeck of Cape Elizabeth.

A memorial service with a reception was held on December 28 at St. Alban's Church in Cape Elizabeth. Interment will be held privately at a later date at Riverside
Cemetery in Cape Elizabeth. 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Richard's name, to Sweetser or to a charity of your own choice.

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Joseph James Doucette, a devoted father, husband, golf enthusiast, retired actuarial executive from Allstate Insurance Company,
Chicago, Ill., died on January 30, 2012, from a brief battle with cancer at the age of 82.  Joe was blessed to be surrounded by his seven
children and loving wife at the time of his passing.  Joe was born on December 5, 1929, in Allston, Mass.  Joe graduated from St. Mary's
of Waltham, Boston College and Boston Teachers College.  He attended Brown University for graduate work.   Joe married Mary Louise
 Lillis on June 12, 1954. 
 He entered the insurance field at John Hancock in Boston.  Joe completed the 11 actuarial exams to become a Fellow in the Society of
Actuaries.  He continued his career at New England Life in Boston and then moved his family to Scarborough, to start the pensions
department at Unum.
Joseph is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Mary Lou.  Visiting hours were held February 2, at the Conroy-Tully Crawford South
Portland Chapel, in South Portland.  A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Feb. 3, at Saint Maximilian Kolbe Church in Scarborough.
In lieu of flowers, Mass offerings are requested in Joe's memory.


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Harold E. Emerson, 73, of Brunswick, died peacefully on November 21, 2011, in Hospice care at Bodwell House surrounded by
family and friends after a long, courageous battle with prostate cancer.
He was born in Brunswick on September 7, 1938.  Upon graduating from high school in 1956, Harold served his country in The United
States Air Force as air traffic controller and enjoyed the time he spent in Japan on deployment.
After his service in the military, Harold secured a job with Union Mutual (now Unum) in Portland where he worked as an analyst for
36 years before retiring in 1997.
Harold is survived by his wife Patricia of 44 years.

The family would like to thank all the wonderful caregivers at Bodwell House who showed so much love for Harold and brought him so
much comfort in his last days with us.  Visiting hours were held November 28, at the Brackett Funeral Home in Brunswick. A funeral
service was held at the Brunswick United Methodist Church in Brunswick, where a Masonic service followed. Interment was at the
Riverside Cemetery, Brunswick.
If desired, donations can be made to: Brunswick United Methodist Church (320 Church Rd, Brunswick, Me 04011)


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Alfred B. 'Al' Harper, Jr., 80, of Rye, formerly of Portland, died peacefully, February 14, 2012 at his home after a lengthy illness. 
Born in Bingham, Maine, he graduated from MIT with a degree in mathematics and his career was as an actuary for Mutual Benefit Life, Union Mutual Life and John
Hancock Insurance.  He, and two associates, formed a consulting company dealing with actuarial and insurance software.
He leaves his wife of 56 years, Shirley E. (Cartmill) Harper of Rye.
Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.
If desired, the family suggests a donation to a charity of one's choice.

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Karl David Kraul (Chip) passed away peacefully on February 13, 2012, with his sister Brenda by his side.  Chip, as he preferred
to be called, was born in Portland on December 2, 1963.  At the age of 14 he was injured in a swimming pool accident that left him a
quadriplegic and he spent the rest of his life in a wheel chair.  This never stopped Chip and despite his challenges, with a positive attitude
and infectious smile he returned to Jack Junior High where they dedicated the 1979 year book to him.
He then went on to graduate from Falmouth High School and Andover College. After graduation Chip worked for Unum Insurance for 10
years and lived independently in his own apartment. Chip was frequently asked to assist or mentor people that were newly disabled.  This
was something that he always accepted with a positive attitude and helped numerous people to positive and productive lives.
The family would like to thank the staff at MMC R4, Seaside Nursing Facility and Gosnell Memorial Hospice House for the love and care
that Chip received.  Chip was fully in charge of his destiny and per his request he enrolled in the Anatomical Donor Program at UNE, were
he will continue to help others learn and grow.  There will be a celebration of life at a later date when his friends from Pine Tree Camp
and Seaside Nursing Facility can be there.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to: The Chip Kraul Scholarship Fund (Care of Brenda
Makela, 23 Olympia St., Portland, ME 04103)


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Arlene S. Lerch, 87, passed away peacefully with family by her side after a short illness on January 16, 2012.   She was born
on January 10, 1925, in Austin, Pa.  She graduated with honors from Austin High School.  Her education continued at Bryant and
Stratton Business College in Buffalo, N.Y., where she graduated in 1944.
In 1947 Arlene moved to Portland to marry Donald Lerch.  She worked full-time while selflessly dedicating herself to raising three
daughters.  In 1992 she retired from Unum.

Private funeral services were held for Arlene at the convenience of the family on January 20.
Internment was at Evergreen Cemetery in Portland. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: 
The Cleo Fund (346 Dan forth St., Portland, ME 04102).


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Lorraine Libby, 77, beloved wife of Sherwood Libby, died unexpectedly at home on November 6, 2011.  She was born Joan
Lorraine Ramsdell March 1, 1934 in Standish.
Lorraine was an accomplished scholar, graduating with awards from Standish High school in 1951, and later with an associate degree
from Nasson College in Springvale, Maine.  Lorraine was also a classically trained pianist.

Lorraine worked as a secretary for Two Rivers Poultry Farms, was a night supervisor of data processing at Unum, and kept the books
in several commercial ventures.  She retired with her husband in the early 2000's.  Lorraine was predeceased by her beloved husband
of 58 years.
A Celebration of Life service, with reception immediately following, was held at Limington Congregational Church, Sokokis
Avenue Limington Maine, on Nov. 14.  The family requests that in lieu of flowers contributions may be made in her memory to: 
The Francis Small Heritage Trust (PO Box 414, Limerick Maine 04048)


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Linda Ann Nuesse, wife of Dr. William E. Nuesse, died on November 24, 2011, at the Knox Center for Long Term Care in
Rockland.  She died of complications from a stroke, which occurred on June 14, 2011.
Linda was born 64 years ago in Scarsdale, N.Y.  She graduated from Yarmouth High School in 1965 and obtained a B.S in
International Affairs from the University of Maine in 1969. Linda earned a master's degree in 1976 in Education from the University
of Maine.
Linda began selling life insurance for Union Mutual in Portland under Jack Burwell's guidance and she liked the work.

On July 24, 1982, she married Bill Nuesse and lived in the Camden- Rockport area.
Her survivors include her husband Bill of Rockport.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Knox Center for Long Term Care of PenBay Healthcare (22 White St.,
Rockland, Maine 04841)


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Teresa Reid Parker, age 46 of Old Orchard Beach, died November 17, 2011, with her family surrounding her with
love as she lost her courageous battle with cancer.
Teresa grew up in Portland, the youngest of eight children and was a 1983 graduate of Catherine McAuley High School. 
She began her business career at Unum and later moved to Duncanson & Holt and Custom Disability Solutions.

Teresa is shown with her daughter Katherine.

In May of 1988, Teresa married Randolph Bryan Parker. Teresa opened and operated Shore Things Variety in Old Orchard, until his death in 2005.
Visiting hours were held November 21.  A Mass of Christian burial was held November 22 at Holy Cross Church in South Portland, followed by burial at Calvary
Cemetery, South Portland.
The family would like to extend special thanks and appreciation to all of the staff and volunteers at the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House for the wonderful care that they
provided for Teresa during her lengthy stay at their facility.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to:
The Center for Grieving Children (P.O. Box 1438, Portland, ME 04104) or:
Gosnell Memorial Hospice House c/o Hospice of Southern Maine (Attn: Development   180 US Route One, #1 Scarborough, ME 04074) or:
Calvary Cemetery (1461 Broadway, South Portland, ME 04106)
These places held very special meaning to Teresa

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Edward Daniel Seeley lost his battle with cancer at age 71 on October 11, 2011.  He died peacefully at home, surrounded by family, friends and his adored
cat Hogan.  Ed was born in New Haven, CT attended Hamden High School and graduated in 1958.  After high school, he served his country as a Petty Officer in the
United States Navy.  Upon discharge he completed his Bachelor’s degree at the University of New Haven.  Ed’s insurance career began with John Hancock in Boston,
and later became Sales Manager for Union Mutual, Lincoln National, Employers Health and Humana insurance companies.  For the past five years Ed passionately
enjoyed his commitment to the staff and visitors of the Vero Beach Museum of Art.
Ed is survived by his loving wife of over 16 years Janet G. Seeley.
A private celebration of his life was held on Thanksgiving, his favorite family holiday.
In lieu of flowers, the family would request donations to the American Cancer Society, VNA of Vero Beach or your favorite charity in his honor.
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Elinor McFarlane Shuman, 85, of Portland, died on Wednesday, November 23, 2011, at St. Joseph's Rehab
and Residence. 
She was born in Portland on March 4, 1926. Elinor attended local schools and was a 1943 graduate of Deering High
School.
On June 25, 1949, she married Arnold L. Shuman and began to raise a family. Arnold died in 1955 leaving Elinor a widow at
age 29 to raise four children.  Elinor later worked for Union Mutual Insurance, retiring from Unum in 1993.
Visitation was held November 28, 2011 at Conroy-Tully Crawford Funeral Home, in Portland. Prayers were recited at the
funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Patrick's Church, in Portland.  Burial followed at Calvary Cemetery,
South Portland. 
Memorial donations may be made to:  The Alzheimer’s Association Maine Chapter (383 U.S. Route One, Suite 2C, Scarborough,
ME 04074)


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