18 minute read
In Memoriam
Class of 1943
Geraldine “Gerri” (Toulouse) King
died on July 12, 2022, with family and friends by her side.
Gerri was a graduate of Milton LA Forrest Williams High School and Thomas College in 1943. The College’s founder, Mr. Thomas, was her teacher. She married Allie King, Jr. in 1952.
Her first job was at the American Woolen Mill. After 24 years as office manager, she temporarily retired to take care of her son. Gerri then worked at Lawrence Jr. High School as the principal’s administrative assistant, until retiring in 1986.
Gerri and her husband spent five winters in Florida. After he passed away, she focused on charitable work. Gerri loved to volunteer and fundraise for the Fairfield Interfaith Food Pantry. She also loved to make mittens, hats, and shawls for needy children for the pantry and Catholic Charities. She volunteered at the Lawrence Library and at the lab at MaineGeneral. She was on the board of Sunset Home, and she assisted Catholic Charities, Immaculate Heart of Mary, Corpus Christi Parish, and the Fairfield Chapter of the Knights of Columbus. She coordinated the
For alumni questions or updates:
CHELSEA MOELLER VP of Advancement (207) 859-1318 chelsea.moeller@thomas.edu
BONNIE BUCKMORE Database Director (207) 859-1221 devdb@thomas.edu publishing of three cookbooks, raising funds for Immaculate Heart of Mary, Knights of Columbus, and Sunset Home.
Class of 1951
Gerald “Gerry” M. Bickford, 90, of Oakland, died on July 5, 2022, at the Maine Veteran’s Home.
Gerry worked on the family dairy farm with his parents and two brothers. He helped to care for the animals, grow vegetables, and harvest firewood. He attended school in a one-room schoolhouse next door to the family farm. In 1949, Gerry graduated from Belgrade High School, and in 1951, he graduated from Thomas College with an associate degree in Accounting and Business Administration. He met his wife, Hilda Baldic, at Thomas; they married in 1952.
That same year, Gerry was drafted into the Army and deployed to Korea. In 1954, he and Hilda built a home in Oakland and started a family. They had three children, Robin, Glen, and Heidi.
Gerry’s first job was as an accountant. He then went to work for Texaco in Boston. Next was the Hathaway Shirt Company, and then the Maine Revenue Service, Income Tax Division, with the State of Maine. He was a member of the Maine State Grange as well as the American Baptist Men of America. He and Hilda contributed to their church and participated in many community projects as members of Oakland Cascade Grange and the United Baptist Church of Oakland.
Janice Pearl Bradbury, 89, of Waterville, passed away July 27, 2022, with family by her side.
At age five, she moved to Waterville, where she lived with her aunt Pearl Loud and uncle Johnny, who raised her as their own. She attended Waterville schools and graduated from Thomas College with a degree in business.
Her love and passion for animals led to a lifetime of service rescuing animals. She loved to dance, go on adventures, and everything about the outdoors. Her nieces and nephews, who lovingly referred to her as “Aunty Jan,” meant the world to her.
Janice was an active and beloved member of her Jehovah’s Witness congregation from the age of 18, attending the Waterville Kingdom Hall. Using her degree, Janice worked bookkeeping jobs and retired from the office of Woodlands Senior Living at the age of 85.
Class of 1956
Francis A. Lapointe, 90, passed away on July 20, 2022, with his wife and his loved ones by his side.
He graduated from Skowhegan High School, class of 1950, where he played football. Francis served four years in the Navy on board the USS Monrovia (APA 31). He married Shirley Hodgdon in 1955 and graduated from Thomas Business College in 1956.
Francis held financial executive positions in paper mills in Augusta and Madison from 1955-1980. He and Shirley owned their own accounting and income tax business in Madison from 1980 until their retirement in 1996.
Francis enjoyed boating trips on Maine lakes, going for long drives, dining out, and anything chocolate. He especially enjoyed playing cards with his longtime friends, Richard and Germaine Goulette and brothers Bob and Gerry Lapointe until his late 80s.
Class of 1957
Eugene “Gene” E. Couture, passed away in Waterville on August 1, 2022.
He graduated from Waterville Senior High School, class of 1949, then graduated in 1957 from Thomas Business College with a degree in Business Administration and Higher Accounting, receiving the Thomas College Higher Accounting Award. He went on to serve in the Air Force from 19501954.
Gene worked for the family business, W.A. Taylor, from age 12. After his military service, he returned to his father’s business. In 1970, he became General Manager until his semi-retirement in 1994. During this time, he met Judith Traynor Couture, whom he married in 1966 and spent 56 wonderful years. Gene was employed for 49 years at W.A. Taylor, finally retiring in 2003 at age 72.
He was a member of the American Legion Post #5 and a collector at the Parish of the Holy Spirit, worked the Sunday soup kitchen for St. Francis, and was the Director of Keso Federal Credit Union for 15 years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, Senior League Bowling, and family outings and trips.
Class of 1968
Reginald “Reggie” David Lessard
passed away on July 26, 2022.
Reggie’s birth mother passed away when he was a few months old; he was raised by his aunt Delina and uncle Maurice Breton. Reggie spent 30 years in the Navy and retired in 1993 as an E9 Command Master Chief.
Class of 1969
Jane A. (Gidney) Robertson, 75, passed away on June 14, 2022, at Maine Medical Center, following a lengthy illness. She was married to John Robertson for 40 years.
Jane was a graduate of Cony High School and Thomas College. She was a teacher and taught business courses at Cony High School for 29 years until her retirement.
Jane was an active volunteer with John for different civic organizations, and they were active with the WWF Railway in Alna. Jane was also a member of Delta Kappa Gamma.
Class of 1972
Wilma Annie (Kyes) Hobbs, 94, passed away on July 2, 2022, in Venice, FL, with her son at her side.
Wilma graduated from Farmington High School in 1945, from Burdett College in 1947, and she earned a BS degree from Thomas College in 1972, cum laude, and a master’s degree from UMO in 1981.
She worked at the Ingalls School, Mantor Library, UMF; she taught at Waterville High School for seven years and for 13 years at Jay High School, retiring in 1992.
Wilma was a member of Henderson Memorial Baptist Church, where she served as church clerk, Christian education chair for 12 years, diaconate of the church, mission ministries, church schoolteacher, as well as numerous committees. She served as a member and past President of the Irene R. Luce Philathea; member and past President of the Women’s Missionary Society; and past member of the State Baptist Children’s Committee.
She was past President of the Business Education Association of Maine, where she served as membership chair for the State of Maine at the national level; past President of Jay Teacher’s Association; member of Delta Kappa Gamma; past worthy matron of Farmington Chapter #143 Order of Eastern Star; past President of Business and Professional Women; secretary of the Garden Club; past President of Franklin County Retired Teachers; and member of Farmington Historical Society, as well as Monday Club.
Wilma enjoyed being with her family and friends, spending winters in Florida, playing bridge, gardening, sewing, and traveling.
Class of 1975
Paul Adalbert Lauziere, 76, of Lewiston passed away on July 12, 2022 at the VA Hospital in Togus, ME, from multiple cancers. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandpa, uncle, brother, and friend.
Growing up, he was involved with scouting, achieving the rank of Eagle Scout Troop 118. He graduated from Lewiston High School in 1965 and then enlisted in the Army. He served in Vietnam from 1966-1967 and was honorably discharged in 1968. Following this, he worked at the Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland as a cryptographer. Paul earned two associate degrees in Business Management and Business Administration at the Auburn Maine School of Commerce. In 1975, he earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Thomas College. That same year, he married Helene Maheu—they were together for 47 years and raised two wonderful children.
Paul worked for the Auburn Post Office for 36 years and retired in 2010. During those years, he was involved with the union and ended his career there as the expeditor. He was an excellent private investigator and constable for 12 of those years, working for different lawyers. Paul also enjoyed building different things, especially toy chests. He was a member of Tranquil Lodge, Webster Lodge, Kora Temple Shriners Provost Unit, and a 32-degree member of the Valley of the Androscoggin and Valley of Portland. He was proud to be a member of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association and the Widows Sons Masonic Riders Association. Paul belonged to the American Legion, VFW, DAV, NRA, and ADA. Before his decline, he was also a member of a Bible study group. Paul was a communicant of Holy Cross Church, Prince of Peace Parish. He enjoyed giving his grandchildren rides in his golf cart at Wild Acres in Old Orchard Beach. Most of all, he enjoyed riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle.
Class of 1977
A special angel Lorna Hamanne, 67, went to heaven on July 30, 2022, at her residence in Peru.
Lorna was a graduate of Rumford High School, class of 1973, and Thomas College with a degree in accounting. She worked as a CPA and as a real estate broker with her father. Lorna loved working at Top Hat Antiques with her mother, and she loved Worthley Pond.
Class of 1981
He graduated from Waterville High School, class of 1967, from Husson College in 1971 with a bachelor’s degree in accounting, and from Thomas College in 1981 with a master’s degree in accounting and finance. Professionally, he was a Certified Public Accountant.
He worked as Administrative Director of WMCA between 1986-1990, and he owned and operated Gilbert’s Sports Cards in Waterville and Wilton. Ron was also Business Manager in the CDS system from 1997-2007 and finished his professional career as Business Manager at SAD 12, retiring in 2008.
Ron’s hobbies included reading, crossword puzzles, karaoke, and collecting sports memorabilia.
Class of 1982
Susan (Stinson) Field died September 12, 2022, in Denton, TX, following a short illness.
Sue graduated from Sumner Memorial High School in 1979 and earned a degree in accounting from Thomas College. In 1995, Sue married George Field. The couple explored several areas of the U.S., settling in Dallas, TX.
Sue was an avid poet, composing original verse for homemade greeting cards and social media. She delighted in all kinds of crafting and was a talented seamstress and knitter. Nothing gave her more joy than working with a local dog rescue organization in Texas. She lovingly helped numerous animals over the years, providing them with affection and compassion while nursing them back to health.
Class of 1984
Cathy “Cath” (Hunkins) McKeel
was an awesome mom. Always overprotective and full of loving advice, she always put others before herself. After fighting a two-year battle with brain cancer, she passed on September 3, surrounded by most of her closest family members.
Cath grew up in Kittery, spending her early years with her three older siblings and traveling the countryside in an RV with her parents. She graduated from Traip in 1982 and earned her associate degree from Thomas College in 1984. She married her high school sweetheart, Dan, in 1987. From there, she raised Katie and Steven, nurturing them through high school and watching them play sports, and volunteered in the community.
Cath enjoyed reading, relaxing, and spending time with family and friends. Every year she would look forward to “real Spring” when the tulips were in full bloom and the
In Memoriam
sun was warm. Even though she didn’t like to cook, she was always enthusiastic about making dishes for her annual Easter brunch. She couldn’t wait for “neighbors’ weekend” at her friend’s lake house and would get excited watching the kids play soccer. She had a wealth of knowledge when it came to navigating Disney World, and was the perfect co-pilot on long road trips along the Atlantic coast.
Cath was a hardworking, dedicated employee who made many friendships in the workplace. She enjoyed her profession and the teams she worked with. Even after surgery to remove her brain tumor, she couldn’t wait to get back to work.
Class of 1988
Kenneth “Ken” Cole of Silver Spring, MD, entered eternal rest on March 24, 2022, after a battle with pancreatic cancer. His devoted wife, Elizabeth (“Liz”), was by his side. Ken was blessed to have a wonderful family, including daughter Marilyn, son Anthony, six grandchildren, and four greatgrandchildren.
Ken was born in the BelgiumCongo, Africa, while his parents served as missionaries. The family then settled in Maine, where his brother Curtis was born. The two brothers enjoyed an idyllic childhood. Ken started delivering newspapers at age 13. He described how he loved getting up on cold mornings, sometimes seeing the spectacular Northern Lights while on his route. After graduating from college, he enlisted in the Air Force. He served active duty for five years and then served the next 15 years in the Air National Guard in Maine.
After serving, Ken had several jobs, one of which was working for the Maine Children’s Home in Waterville. In 1998, Ken moved to Maryland and worked the next 24 years at APS (American Physical Society, a professional organization for physicists) until he retired in 2018. Ken enjoyed many hobbies, including: racquetball; long walks in nature; serving as a volunteer elections officer; singing baritone in a barbershop quartet; and, in retirement, playing pickleball. He gained recognition for his self-taught photography skills and was the resident photographer at many events. Ken was a member of Liberty Grove United Methodist Church for 16 years and served on many committees. During the Covid Pandemic, he enjoyed working in the food pantry helping the community.
Robert “Rob” B. Callahan
FORMER STAFF & CLASS OF 1988 & 1996
ROBERT “ROB” B. CALLAHAN, age 56, a Mishicot, WI, resident, passed away unexpectedly on July 30, 2022, in Myrtle Beach, SC.
Rob graduated from Cony High School in 1984. He then furthered his education at
Thomas College, receiving a bachelor’s degree in 1988 and a master’s degree in 1996, later obtaining a PhD in 1991. Rob married Carolyn Drouin in Augusta, ME. He entered the higher education field with two main goals: to help his students, staff, and faculty in any way possible and to become a President. He held various positions in ME, NY, OH, and IA and then moved to Manitowoc, WI, where he fulfilled his goal of becoming President at Holy Family College. Most recently, he returned to the classroom to focus on the students as a professor of Business at Lakeland University.
Rob brought positive energy and an infectious spirit to every situation. His smile and laughter were contagious. Rob was an avid Boston Red Sox and Dallas Cowboys fan. He was an amazing father and husband. He was his daughter’s softball team’s biggest fan and could be found making his home run sprint, giving high fives after every homerun the team hit. Use #highfivesfromheaven when posting a memory about him.
Robert is survived by his wife Carolyn (Drouin) Callahan ’89 and two children Jonathan and Katelyn; his father Brian; his mother Joan; three sisters Patricia, Linda Church, and Amanda; and his mother-in-law Nancy Drouin.
Class of 2013
On August 4, 2022, Adam Thomas Zibura, loving husband, brother, and son, passed away at the age of 33.
He received his Associates degree from Kennebec Valley Community College in 2010 and graduated from Thomas College in 2013 with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. He worked at the Kennebec County Correctional Facility as a corrections officer before working as a dispatcher for the Maine State Police.
As a dispatcher, Adam truly found his calling in life. He had a natural talent for helping people, and he saved countless lives. His selflessness continued in his efforts as a volunteer firefighter with the Windsor Fire Department. Adam loved listening to his police scanner to stay up to date on any emergencies in the area that required assistance. He was always the first person at the scene of a car crash, fire, or other emergency, and he never hesitated to be there—in any weather and any time of night.
Adam was also known for his wonderful sense of humor and ability to make people laugh in any situation. He had a passion for Boston sports, pickup trucks, first responder vehicles with lights and sirens, and animals. He loved caring for his horse, Beamer, and was adamant about having rescue pets to ensure they had a wonderful home.
Former Trustee and Faculty
Joanna Ruth Berggren Dennis, 91, of Punta Gorda, FL, and Waterville, ME, died September 6, 2022.
In her school days, she was an ambitious swimmer, winning numerous state, New England, and national competitions. Her high school yearbook notes she was “rapidly developing into America’s finest mermaid!” She was invited
to train for the Olympics, but she opted to go to college instead.
Joanna graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Tufts University in 1952, and the following day married her first husband, David Lovejoy. She taught high school physical education, health, and physiology for 30 years in CA, MA, WV, NY, NJ, and ME. She left teaching and became a realtor and real estate broker. She created Dennis and Beedy Real Estate in 1985 with her friend and partner, Pamela Beedy, and excelled in the real estate world.
Joanna developed a real estate curriculum for a local college and taught courses for the National Association of Realtors. She was selected as the Realtor of the Year for the state of Maine by the Maine Association of Realtors and was named national Realtor of the Year by the National Association of Realtors in 1987. Joanna served on the Maine Real Estate Commission and was the Chairman of the Commission during her second term.
She was proud to be one of the three founders of the Kennebec Valley Girls’ Club, which merged with the Boys’ Club shortly thereafter. She served on their board from 1976-1983.
Joanna was one of the two first women to join the Waterville Rotary Club, at a time when women were not really welcomed. (When the two women joined, two men quit the Club!) In 1992, she became the first woman President of that Club.
She retired to Florida with her second husband, Dr. Richard Dennis. From there, they skied the Alps, visited Paris and Russia, passed through the Panama Canal, traveled the inside passage to Alaska, journeyed on the Orient Express, and, many times, sailed the Caribbean Sea in self-chartered boats.
Joanna raised four children to be goodhearted, successful adults, and gloried in visits with their families in Florida and at her summer lake house in Maine. n
John W. Rowe
FORMER TRUSTEE AND HONORARY ALUM ’07
JOHN W. ROWE, 77, of Naples, FL, passed away September 24, 2022.
He was chairman emeritus of Chicago-based Exelon Corporation, an electric utility serving Chicago, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington, D.C. Rowe led Exelon from its formation in 2000 through the completion of its acquisition of Constellation Energy in 2012. Rowe previously held CEO positions at the New England Electric System and Central Maine Power Company, served as general counsel of Consolidated Rail Corporation, and was a partner in the law firm of Isham, Lincoln & Beale. Rowe was a past chairman of Edison Electric Institute. He was the non-executive Chairman of the Board of SunCoke Energy and previously served on the boards of Northern Trust, Allstate, UnumProvident, and Bank Boston. He was a former Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Illinois Holocaust Museum and the Advisory Council to the Oriental Institute. Rowe was a former chairman of the Commercial Club of Chicago, the Chicago History Museum, The Field Museum, and Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT). He was a member of the boards of the Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Artis-Naples, Kids First Chicago, the Illinois Network of Charter Schools, New Horizons of Southwest Florida, the Northwestern University Settlement House, The Pritzker Military Library, and a past President of the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation. He was a co-chairman of the American Business Immigration Coalition.
The Rowes founded two Professorships of Architecture and a Chair in Sustainable Energy at IIT, as well as the Rowe Chair in the History of American Politics, the Rowe Professorship in Byzantine History, and the Rowe Professorship in Greek History at the University of Wisconsin. They also founded the Rowe Center in Virology at the Morgridge Institute, the Curator of Evolutionary Biology at the Field Museum, and the Rowe Professorship in Egyptian history at the University of Chicago. The Rowes co-founded the Rowe-Clark Math and Science Academy and the Rowe Elementary/Middle School. They also served as patrons of the Pope John Paul II parochial school.
John held undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Wisconsin, where he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa and the Order of the Coif. He has also received that university’s Distinguished Alumni Award. Rowe holds honorary doctorates from the University of Wisconsin, DePaul University, Illinois Institute of Technology, Drexel University, University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth, Bryant College, Thomas College, and Dominican University. John resided in Naples and Chicago with his wife, Jeanne, as does their son, William.
