Dr. Kenneth J. Gallant, 59

Caring physician, ?enjoyed sailing, Maine history

Dr. Kenneth Joseph Gallant ,D.O., 59, of South Portland, died at his home on Sunday, Jan. 16, 2011.

He was born Feb. 20, 1952 and raised in North Yarmouth. A graduate of Greely High School and Bates College, he received his medical degree from the Kansas School of Osteopathic Medicine. He practiced medicine for many years in Arundel.

He was a kind, caring and loving physician who enjoyed sailing and Maine history. He performed as a Maine humorist.

He was predeceased by his parents, Clifford and Elizabeth Gallant and a brother, Tom.

He is survived by his children, Aaron and Chloe and a stepdaughter, Alexandra; his siblings, Cliff, Gaye, Elaine, Steve and Scott and their spouses and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

A celebration of his life was held at Allen Avenue Unitarian Universalist Church, Portland. If desired, memorial donations may be made to the North Yarmouth Historical Society.

Anne J. Phillips, 86

Enjoyed genealogy

Anne Joyce (Johnson) Phillips, 86, longtime resident of South Portland, died on Sunday, January 16, 2011 at Gorham House.

She was born on September 21, 1924 in Providence, R.I., the only child of Leon H. and Mildred B. (Joyce) Johnson. The family moved to Portland in 1933. She graduated from Deering High School in 1943.

In 1947, she married her high school sweetheart, Andrew S. Phillips Jr. Also in 1947, she earned her R.N. from New England Baptist Hospital School of Nursing in Boston. She proudly worked as a nurse in Bangor and Portland, in Boston, Mass. and in Middletown, Conn.

She was a longtime member of the First Congregational Church UCC of South Portland. In addition to regularly attending worship, she served on and chaired the library committee and served on the nominating committee. She also took great pleasure in working on the Holly Daze bazaar every year. She also served on the nominating committee of the Mount Pleasant Cemetery Corporation.

She and her husband spent 35 years researching and studying their genealogy. Their research often led to travel, which they both enjoyed. She also enjoyed reading, gardening, cooking, recipe collecting, and spending time with her family.

She was predeceased by her husband, Andrew S. Phillips Jr.

She is survived by her two sons, Barry E. Phillips and wife Nancy of Portland and Dean H. Phillips and wife Kimberly of Port St. Lucie, Fla. She is also survived by three grandchildren, Chris Phillips, Laurie Mathisen,, and Andrew Wing; three great-grandchildren, Alexi Mathisen, Andrew Wing Jr. and Dylan Mathisen and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

There will be no memorial at this time. Services will occur in spring 2011. She had requested donations be made to the First Congregational Church Crisis Ministries Fund, 301 Cottage Road, South Portland ME 04106. Arrangements are by Hobbs Funeral Home.

John H. Wetmore Jr., 92

World War II veteran

John H. Wetmore Jr., 92, of South Portland, died in Scarborough on Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2011.

He was the son of John and Lena Wetmore Sr., and was born and educated in South Portland. He was a graduate of South Portland High School class of 1936. He married Ina L. Strout in 1939.

He enlisted in the Naval Reserves from 1936 to 1940. He was employed by New England Ship Building Company as lead man ship fitter from 1940 to 1943. He enlisted in the Navy as a ship fitter from 1943 to 1945. He served on the repair ship U.S. Oahu in the South Pacific and was part of the Western Caroline Islands operation.

After his honorable discharge, he was employed by Roy Darling Construction Company from 1946 to 1950, then worked for Suburban Propane Gas Company for 28 years, retiring in 1988.

He was a member of the South Portland First Congregational Church since 1940, and a member of the Eskimo Men’s Club, Woodfords Club and 60+ club. He enjoyed golf, bowling and woodworking.

He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Ina Wetmore of South Portland; daughter, Patricia Wetmore and her partner Karen Emerson of Windham; son, Steven Wetmore and his partner Richard Stone of Washington, D.C.; and several cousins.

A memorial service was held at the Hobbs Funeral Home, South Portland. Interment will be at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to The Gosnell Memorial Hospice House, 11 Hunnewell Rd., Scarborough, ME 04074.

Dorcas D. Hathaway, 92

Long-time volunteer

Dorcas Davis Hathaway, 92, of South Portland, died on Friday, Jan. 21, 2011, at Falmouth by the Sea.

She was born in Paterson, N.J., on July 2, 1918, the daughter of Edmund Hall and Frieda Krogel Davis. She was educated at Paterson High School and Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, N.Y..

She married Edward W. Hathaway on June 8, 1940. They were married for 54 years. They were wonderful parents to their two daughters. She was primarily a homemaker and mother, but also taught home economics in Paterson Schools and at Adelphi Academy in Brooklyn. She was active in her communities as a volunteer social worker for the School Settlement Society, Brooklyn and Family and Children’s Society, Elizabeth, N.J.

In Maine, she was a volunteer docent at the Spring Point Museum at SMCC for many years. They retired to Yarmouth in 1979. They greatly enjoyed traveling, playing golf at Val Halla and Freeport Country Club, and attending Mariners hockey games in Portland.

She moved to South Portland to be near her children after her husband died in 1994. She enjoyed going on outings, playing bingo and line dancing with new friends at the South Portland Rec Center.

She is survived by her sister, Evelyn Shipley, Bellport, N.Y.; her daughters, Dorcas H. Alley, Cape Elizabeth and Evelyn H. Horton and her husband Michael of South Portland; grandsons, Thomas E. Turner and his wife Christine and Chad W. Turner of Hollis; three great grandsons, John, Sean and Jacob Turner, and two great granddaughters, Lauren and Jennifer Turner, all of Hollis; three nephews and two nieces.

The family would like to thank all of the staff at Falmouth by the Sea, Charlotte, Tracy and Dr. Marino, for their kindness and the wonderful care she received over the past two years. At her request, there will be a memorial service only, held at the Hobbs Funeral Home, South Portland. The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the Portland Harbor Museum, 510 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04102.

Alice Thibodeau, 96

Alice Thibodeau, 96, of Scarborough, died on Friday, Jan. 21, 2011, at Seal Rock Nursing Home in Saco.

She was born in Limerick on Dec. 19, 1914, the daughter of Zepherin and Amanda Cote Martell and attended Limerick schools.

She worked for several years at the Limerick Yarn Mills and worked for over 27 years at the Holmes-Stickney Shoe Company in Portland, from where she retired. One of her favorite things to do was read the daily newspaper. She will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her beloved husband, Milford Thibodeau and 13 siblings.

She is survived by her son, Peter Martell of Scarborough and several loving nieces and nephews.

A memorial service was held at the Watson, Neal & York Funeral Home, Cornish. If desired, memorial donations may be made to Beacon Hospice, 54 Atlantic Place, South Portland, ME 04106.

Glenys D. Milton, 87

Played basketball and served in Navy during World War II

Glenys Dyer Milton, 87, of South Portland, died on Saturday, Jan. 22, 2011.

She was born in 1924 to Ernest E. Dyer and Edith Strout Dyer. As the youngest of six, she was affectionately known as “Babe”. She attended South Portland schools where she excelled at sports, especially basketball.

After high school, during World War II, she enlisted in the Navy and served as a WAVE, stationed on Staten Island in the transportation division. She also played basketball for the Navy team.

After the War, she worked in the family business, Dyer’s Flower Shop and then as a buyer for RCA in Portland. She told the story that she was almost fired for buying Elvis records because “they would never sell.” She and her husband owned a dry cleaning business for many years at Woodford’s Corner. She also loved her work in the lab at Osteopathic Hospital of Maine where she made many life-long friends.

She spent her later years caring for and spoiling her four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Always looking out for kids she and her sister would knit mittens and hand them out to children she met who didn’t have mittens. She helped out for many years with community recreation programs, Little League and Babe Ruth League.

She is survived by her brother, George Dyer; her son John and his wife Beth, son Harry and daughter Michelle (Susie).

At her request there will be no funeral. Memorial donations may be made to the activities fund at Maine Veterans Home, 290 U. S. Route 1, Scarborough, ME 04074.

Bonnie L. Rideout, 58

Enjoyed time spent with grandchildren

Bonnie Lavern Rideout, 58, of South Portland, died on Sunday, Jan. 23, 2011, at Maine Medical Center with her loving family by her side.

She was born on Jan. 14, 1953, in Portland, the daughter of Lavern Sr. and Jacqueline (McCormack) Nason. She was educated in local schools and attended Deering High School.

She worked as a chip specialist at Fairchild Semiconductor for 25 years.

She married Darryll G. Rideout Sr. on July 4, 1977, in Steep Falls. She loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her parents and two brothers, Richard Weymouth and Gerald Nason.

Surviving are her husband Darryll of South Portland; a daughter, Danyelle Rideout of Scarborough; two sons, Leon Rideout of Coco Beach, Fla. and Sgt. Darryll G. Rideout Jr. U.S. Army, Afghanistan; two sisters, Donna Conners of Portland and Kelly Nason of Nevada; brothers, Wayne Nason of Portland, James Nason of Hollis Center, Randy Nason, Jody Nason and Josh Nason, all of Standish and Joseph Nason of Reno, Nev., and four grandchildren, Brianna Hanscom, Gracie Rideout, Julia Rideout and Landon Rideout.

Final arrangements were by Conroy-Tully Crawford South Portland Chapel. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ctcrawford.com.

Geraldine F. Kierstead, 86

Famous for baking

Geraldine F. Kierstead, 86, of South Portland, died in Portland on Monday, Jan. 24, 2011 surrounded by family.

She was born in Portland, a daughter of Leo and Katherine Bellefontaine. She worked in the South Portland Shipyard as a cashier and later part time for International Caterers. She was active and volunteered many hours to the South Portland Quarterback Club.

She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and enjoyed the many large family gatherings and lobster bakes. She loved to cook and was noted for her famous chocolate chip cookies.

She was predeceased by her husband, Roy, of 39 years, three children, one grandson, five sisters and one brother.

Surviving are her three daughters, Mrs. John (Sharon) French, Mrs. Walter (Norma) Fossett and Ms. Betty Millett; four sons, Roy I. and wife Sharon, Robert B. and wife Debbie, Ronald L. and wife Karen and Rodney B. and wife Leigh; 13 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank all of the devoted staff at The Cedars during her short period of time there and for the support from the staff of Hospice of Southern Maine. Her funeral service was held at Hobbs Funeral Home. The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the American Diabetes Association, 10 Bangor Street, Augusta, ME 04330 or to the South Portland Quarterback Club, 637 Highland Avenue, South Portland, ME 04106 or a charity of your choice.

John Rico, 94

Veteran of World War II

John Rico, 94, of Scarborough, died on Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2011, at Maine Veterans Home in Scarborough.

He was born in Providence, R.I. on Dec. 23, 1916, to Nicola and Antoinetta (Robbio) Rico.

During World War II, he served his country in the Army Air Corps in England, France and Germany.

He was a roofing and sheet metal worker at Bangor Roofing and Sheet Metal, and moved his family to Portland in 1956 and after working for Portland Copper, and the Texas Towers off Cape Cod, retired from Douglas Bros. in 1978.

He married Theodora M. Cormier in 1943 and they had four children together.

He was predeceased by his parents; eight siblings and his only son, John L. Rico.

He is survived by his former wife, Theodora Rico of Scarborough and three daughters, Marcia Risbara and husband Rocco of Scarborough and Punta Gorda, Fla., Marilee Pandiscio and husband James of Scarborough, and Rosemary Rico and husband William Hodge of Gibsonton, Fla. He is also survived by five grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

He will be remembered for his constant smile, wit and great love for family. He will be sadly missed. He generously donated his body to the University of New England in Biddeford for study and training for future physicians. There was a Mass to celebrate his life at St. Maximilian Kolbe Church, Scarborough. If desired, memorial donations may be made to Residential Unit Activities Fund, Care of Renee LaPlante, Maine Veterans Home, 290 U.S. Route 1, Scarborough, ME 04074.

Richard D. Googins, 81

Korean War veteran

Richard D. Googins, 81, of Scarborough, died on Monday, Jan. 24, 2011, at the Maine Medical Center.

He was born in Scarborough on Jan. 8, 1930, the son of Fred B. and Amy (Skillins) Googins, and was educated in Scarborough schools.

He enlisted in the United States Army where he served during the Korean conflict until his honorable discharge. He married Theresa Desrochers on June 10, 1988.

He was employed as a machinist at Saco Defense for 36 years. He was active as a volunteer firefighter for Engine Four out of Pine Point, Scarborough. He liked watching the New York Giants, Red Sox and keeping up with the current events on the news. He enjoyed going to Foxwoods, watching and caring for the wildlife in his yard. He loved going to the co-op to check on his sons’ lobster boats.

He is survived by three sons, Stan and his wife Patty, Keith and his wife Sue and Rick and his wife Debbie; nine grandchildren, Kyley, Devin, Jonathan, Nicholas, Shannon, Corey, Kyle, Jake and Janelle; one great-granddaughter, Sydney; a sister Gloria Carson and several nieces and nephews.

His funeral was held at the Hobbs Funeral Home, Scarborough. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.hobbsfuneralhome.com.

Elise A. Minor, 76

Devoted life to nursing

Elise A. Minor, 76, of Scarborough, died on Friday, Jan. 14, 2011, at Gosnell Hospice House after a brief illness, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on May 21, 1934 in Jackson, Miss., the daughter of Lester Robert and Virginia Blanche (Battley) Adcock. She was a 1952 graduate of Madison Ridgeland High School, where she was the class salutatorian. She was the recipient of the American Legion Scholarship Award and was an active member of her class. She was a member of the high school marching band, the Beta Club and was an outstanding athlete playing on the basketball and track teams. She also was active with the 4H Club. She married Edward A. Minor in 1955 in Jackson, Miss. She graduated from the University of Tennessee in 1956 with a BS in nursing.

She began working as a staff nurse at a Memphis hospital, as well as doing private duty nursing. After moving to Maine in 1958, she worked briefly at Mercy Hospital and then began a teaching career at the Mercy Hospital School of Nursing. She worked as a staff nurse at Mercy and later at Maine Medical Center for many years.

In 1973, she began teaching full time at Westbrook College School of Nursing, as well as continuing to work at Maine Medical Center as a clinical instructor. In 1975, she accepted a position at Southern Maine Vocational Institute teaching nursing. In 1991, she earned her master’s degree in nursing from the University of Southern Maine. She was a member of the Maine State Board of Nursing Association. She served as a member of NCLEX (National Certification Licensing Examination). This board prepared the examination questions for the national nursing exam. She retired in 1997.

She enjoyed reading, scrapbooking, camping and sailing (as long as the weather was good). She loved to travel, and spoke often of her trips to Hawaii, Arizona and her tour of England and Scotland. Her greatest pleasure came from spending precious time with her children and grandchildren. She devoted her entire life to caring and nurturing others.

Survivors include her beloved husband of 55 years, Edward of Scarborough; her daughter Monica and her husband George Schalk of Salem, N.H.; two sons, Mark and his wife Kelley of Naples, Fla. and Matthew and his wife Joanne of Westbrook; one sister, Anita and her husband David Beaton of Salem, Ore.; one brother, Jeff and his wife Gwen Adcock of Madison, Miss.; six grandchildren: Amanda Schalk of Londonderry, N.H., Andrew Schalk of Salem, N.H., Maria (Minor) and her husband Jacob Newcomb of Bath, Nicholas and Joshua Minor of Westbrook and Kaitlin Minor of Naples, Fla. She is also survived by several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held at St. Maximilian Kolbe Church, Scarborough. Spring interment will be at Black Point Cemetery, Scarborough.

Memorial donations may be made to V.N.A. Hospice, 50 Foden Rd. So. Portland, ME 04106 or to St. Maximilian Kolbe Church, 150 Black Point Road, Scarborough, ME 04074.

Phyllis ?M. Frost, 82

Loved dancing and traveling

Phyllis M. Frost, 82, of Scarborough, died at her home on Sunday, Jan. 16, 2011.

Born in Frackville, Pa., she was a daughter of Douglas L. and Mildred (Brown) Mowery. She was a graduate of Frackville High School and attended Kutztown State Teachers College where she met her husband-to-be, Vernard E. Frost.

Known for her quick smile and laughter, she was at her happiest when she and her husband were enjoying the dance floor with friends in both Maine and Florida. Always ready to go traveling to nearby places like Bailey Island and far away places like the Rhine River, it was her summers with family at Lake Thompson that she loved the most.

Mrs. Frost was predeceased by a granddaughter, Shawnda.

Surviving her are her husband of 63 years; two daughters, Shelly and husband John and Holly and husband Patrick; a sister, Virginia of Arizona; two grandsons, Brady and Stephen; and three great-grandchildren.

A memorial service and burial will be announced in the spring. Arrangements are under the direction of the Dolby Funeral Chapel, Windham. Online condolences may be left at www.dolbyfuneralchapels.com. If desired, donations in her memory may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, Maine Chapter, 170 U.S. Route 1, Suite 250, Falmouth, ME 04105,