A review of this week’s local obituaries from the Biddeford-Saco area
BARBARA R. PENDLETON
July 22, 1955 – Aug. 16, 2026
COTE FUNERAL HOME | Barbara Ruth Pendleton, 71, of Old Orchard Beach, passed away surrounded by family on August 16, 2026.
She was born in Monterey, California on July 22, 1955, the daughter of Gunter and Johanna (Lamminger) Liepmann.
Being a child of a United States Army officer, Barbara experienced many relocations throughout her childhood. She graduated from Berlin American High School in Berlin, Germany class of 1973.
After high school, Barb followed her parents and moved to Maine where she attended the University of Maine Farmington until 1977, receiving a degree in Elementary Education. Her passion for teaching began long before obtaining her college degree. She knew from a young age that she wanted to be an educator and spent hours playing “school” with her siblings as a child.
Upon graduation, she was employed by Sweetser in Saco for 10 years, followed by 25 years as a kindergarten teacher at Governor John Fairfield School in Saco, retiring in 2012. She always commented that she felt fortunate that she had found her calling in teaching, it never felt like true work because of how fulfilled she was by working with and caring for kids. She would constantly tell stories to her family about all the students she loved and there was no trip to a grocery store that wasn’t complete with a big hug or wave from a former student.
During her time employed at Sweetser, she met the love of her life, her husband Carlton Pendleton. There was no question that they both considered one another true soulmates. They saw one another as an equal partner, they balanced and respected each other for the 47 years they were married. Their children would frequently come down the stairs as kids and find them dancing in the kitchen to a song on the radio or just talking, laughing, and enjoying one another’s company. There was nothing they enjoyed more than a long drive to a memorable location such as Stowe, VT or North Conway, NH. They truly have a transcendent love.
Not to be forgotten was the love she had for her children, Carlton II, Corey, Stuart, and Janna and grandchildren, Carlton III, Brady, Cameron, Katherine, Madison, Damien, Brogan, Johanna, Mathilde, and great-grandchildren; Natalie, and Carlton IV (Danny). She took deep pride in being a parent and “Grandmom” or “Meme”.
As the lifelong teacher, she spent many hours with her kids and grandkids raising monarch caterpillars to butterflies, picking whatever fruit was in season, playing at Bayview Beach, and shuttling her kids to and from all their activities. She never said no to a child who wanted to read a book and the voices she gave to the characters in the story will be a lasting memory.
Her passing has left a void in the lives of her family that can never be filled. She was kind beyond measure, wonderfully funny, and never afraid to laugh at herself. Her smile and vibrant energy had a way of making everyone around her feel a little brighter.
In her memory, we strive to carry on her legacy by embracing the simple pleasures she cherished—a long walk, tea with a friend, the quiet beauty of a hummingbird, and, above all, the reminder that there is very little in life that a bowl of popcorn and a good book cannot fix.
She is survived by her husband Carl, her two sisters Nancy Liepmann and Bettina Perkins; and sister-in-law Eslie Parquette, brother-in-law Craig Pendleton (Susan), her son Carl II (Pepper) CJ, Brady; Corey (Yadera) Cameron and Katherine ; Stuart (Rona), Madison, Damien, and Brogan; daughter Janna (Nate) Johanna and Mathilde; numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. She was predeceased by brother-in-laws David Parquette and Roger Van Duzer Jr., brother Spencer Liepmann, and parents Gunter and Johanna Liepmann.
Burial will be private at a later date in Laurel Hill Cemetery, Saco. To view Barbara’s memorial page or leave an online condolence, please visit www.cotefuneralhome.com
Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider donations to Eslie J. Parquette School – c/o Sweetser – 50 Moody Street, Saco, Maine, 04072
“When great souls die, after a period, peace blooms, slowly and always irregularly. Spaces fill with a kind of soothing electric vibration. Our senses, restored, never to be the same, whisper to us. They existed. They existed. We can be. Be and be better. For they existed” — Maya Angelou | FULL OBITUARY
HELEN E. THIBODEAU
June 16, 1939 – Aug. 17, 2026
HOPE MEMORIAL CHAPEL | Helen E. Thibodeau, 87, of Biddeford, passed away peacefully on August 17, 2026, at New Communities Biddeford Estates.
She was born June 16, 1939, in Biddeford, a daughter of Raoul “Nemo” and Laurette Lambert St. Onge. She grew up in Old Orchard Beach and graduated from St. Andre’s High School class of 1958.
On May 9, 1959, she married Roger E. Thibodeau in St. Margaret’s Church in Old Orchard Beach. The couple raised two daughters and three sons.
Helen worked as a secretary for the Biddeford Police Department for more than 26 years.
She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, sewing, and playing cards with family and friends. Her five children, eight grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren were her pride and joy.
Helen is predeceased by her husband Roger E. Thibodeau, August 31, 2010, and a daughter in-law Carol A. St. Onge Thibodeau, April 4, 2024.
Surviving are two daughters, Debra Thibodeau Levasseur and her husband, David, of Biddeford; Carol Thibodeau Lakin and her husband David of Limington; three sons, James Thibodeau of Biddeford; Paul Thibodeau of Biddeford and Richard Thibodeau of Biddeford; eight grandchildren, Roger, Jenna, Jeremy, Abigail, Meagan, Isabel, Lydia and Kyle; seven great grandchildren, Kayleigh, Reid, Charlotte, Ryleigh, Nathaniel, Jackson and Caden; two brother in-laws, Raoul “Pete” Thibodeau and wife Wilma; Raynald “Bill” Thibodeau and wife Rolande; several nieces and nephews.
The family extends a heartfelt thank you to the CNAs and staff at New Communities Biddeford Estates and to the nurses at Hospice of Southern Maine and Andwell Health Partners for the comfort, dignity, and gentle care they provided.
A celebration of life will be held on August 30, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Amvets Post 1, 147 Alfred Street, Biddeford. | FULL OBITUARY
RICHARD ‘DICK’ JOSEPH PONZETTI
June 1, 1927 – Aug 13, 2026
DENNET, CRAIG & PATE | Richard (Dick) Joseph Ponzetti passed away on August 13, 2026 in Biddeford, Maine at the age of 99.
Born on June 1, 1927 in Bridgeport, Connecticut to Helen Crennan Ponzetti and Joseph Ponzetti, Dick was very proud of his Irish/Italian heritage, celebrating St. Patrick’s Days with green beer and spaghetti. Dick is predeceased by his wife of 75 years, Anna Carpenelli Ponzetti, his parents, his brother John, sister Mary, and his best friends, Angie and Jim SaNogueria.
Growing up in Bridgeport, Dick worked in the family business, the Bonnie Brae Restaurant. Eager to join the war effort in 1944, Dick graduated from high school at 17 and enlisted in the Navy, where he served on a destroyer, the USS Charles R. Ware.
After the war, Dick returned home, took classes for sports broadcasting, and attended the University of Bridgeport studying engineering.
In 1948, he married Anna, the girl next door and love of his life. He spent his engineering career at GE in Pittsfield, Mass., and Avco Lycoming in Stratford, Conn. In his forties, Dick decided on a career change, moving his family to Limerick, Maine and starting the Bonnie Brae Construction Company with his son Joseph and his brother John.
Dick was a strong believer in volunteering being a frequent blood donor, Little League Coach, treasurer of the PTA, Limerick Planning Board, and life-long member of the American legion. Dick and Anna retired to Florida and spent their days golfing, traveling, and hosting family and friends eventually returning to Kennebunk, Maine.
Dick, Dad, Papa will be remembered for his endless puns, morning coffee with Sudoku and crossword puzzles, evenings with a Scotch watching old TV shows, feeding chickadees from his hand, campfire sing-alongs, enjoying a game of bocce, horseshoes, or cards, but mostly spending time with his family. Dick was quick to laugh and tell you that he loved you. He was reluctant to complain; everything was always “copasetic”.
Dick is survived by his children: Jacqueline and John, Joseph and Nancy Ann, Nancy Ellen and Ron, Lynn and Roger, seven cherished grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and beloved nieces and nephews.
A private ceremony with military honors will be held in September at the Springvale, Maine Veterans’ Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in Richard’s memory to the Buxton Hollis Historical Society, PO Box 34, Buxton, Maine 04093. | FULL OBITUARY
RICHARD ‘RICK’ A. SAWYER
June 20, 1947 – Aug. 17, 2026
COTE FUNERAL HOME | Richard “Rick” A. Sawyer of Saco passed away August 17, 2026, at the age of 79 after a brief illness.
He was born June 20th, 1947, in Bridgton, Maine, son of Clifford and Anna (Scappaticci) Sawyer. He grew up in Jay, Maine. In 1969 he graduated from Husson College and married Elaine Morin; they had three children: Laurie, Russell, and Carolyn. After his divorce, he married Cornelia Hand Kohler in 1992, and acquired two more children: Brian and David Kohler.
Rick worked in the property/casualty insurance industry for most of his career, first at Maine Bonding, then Hanover of Maine. In 1992 he co-founded Acadia Insurance, which he grew to a multistate property/casualty Insurance company. In 2000, Rick left the insurance industry and became the franchise owner of three UPS Stores, including one in Saco. He retired in 2019.
Rick would never have wanted a fuss made over him, but choosing to be an organ donor is one of the most fitting things he could have done.
Rick was a leader all his life—not because he sought attention, but because he was always willing to step up, help others, and give of himself. He freely gave in so many ways, whether it was money, a meal, a place to stay and, perhaps most importantly, his time.
He never hesitated to give what he could to make someone else’s life a little better. Knowing that even in his passing he is giving others a chance at life would have meant so much to him. We believe he would be thrilled to know that his final act of generosity could help save lives and give other families more time with the people they love.
Rick leaves behind his brother, Walter Sawyer and his wife Nancy of St. Joseph, Michigan; his wife, Cornelia Sawyer and their blended family: children Laurie Sawyer and her wife Dianne, Russell Sawyer, Carolyn Sawyer and her husband Marc LeBoeuf, Brian Kohler and his wife Stefania, and David Kohler and his wife Joanna Bowersmith; and grandchildren Francesca Petrucci, Geoffrey Waycotte, Gavin Kohler, Alexandra Sawyer, Nicole LeBoeuf, Serena Kohler, Brayden Kohler, Gabriel Kohler, Cameron Kohler and Elizabeth Kohler; and countless friends.
Arrangements are in the care of Cote Funeral Home. A private burial will take place later at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Saco.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Seeds of Hope, 35 South Street, Biddeford, Maine, 04005. | FULL OBITUARY
PATRICIA P. BOISSONNEAULT
Feb 23, 1950 — Aug 16, 2026
COTE FUNERAL HOME | Patricia P. Boissonneault, 76, of Waterboro, and formerly of Saco, passed away on Sunday, August 16, 2026 at MaineHealth Maine Medical Center – Biddeford.
Pat was born in Biddeford, Maine on February 23, 1950, a daughter of Frank and Lucille (Marcoux) Poisson. She grew up in Saco, and graduated from Thornton Academy, class of 1968. It was during her high school years when she met the love of her life, Donald Boissonneault. The couple married on August 14, 1971 and settled in Waterboro where they raised their two children, John and Melissa.
Pat started with UNUM in her early 20s as a switchboard operator, and remained with the company for an impressive 42 years. By the time of her retirement in 2016, Pat had worked her way up to the company’s Telecommunications Analyst.
Pat and Don loved music, especially songs from the ‘60s and ‘70s. Some of their favorite artists were the Beatles, James Taylor and Johnny Mathis.
She enjoyed spending time watching her grandchildren and made it a point to attend all their school and sporting events. Dear to her heart was her dog, Teddy. Most of all she loved spending time with family and friends. She will be sadly missed by many.
Pat was predeceased by her husband, Donald Boissonneault, of 42 years.
She is survived by her two children, John Boissonneault and wife Jennifer, and Melissa Boissonneault; by her four grandchildren, Tyler, Aidan, Katelyn and Jackson; by her sister, Jacqueline Reny; by her two brothers, George Poisson and Renald “Ron” Poisson; as well as by several nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in honor of Pat to the Animal Welfare Society, 46 Holland Rd., Kennebunk, ME 04043 | FULL OBITUARY
DEVIN NASON
Sept. 12, 1996 – Aug. 14, 2026
COTE FUNERAL HOME | Devin J. Nason, 29, of Saco, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, August 14, 2026, at his new family home in Arundel.
He was born in Biddeford, on September 12, 1996, a son of Angela Warren and Randy Nason II. Devin grew up in the Saco and Old Orchard Beach area.
He attended Thornton Academy and graduated class year of 2015. He played basketball, baseball, and football in his younger years and was known as an All-Star athlete.
Devin enjoyed working with his hands, doing tree work, a jack of all trades. Always willing to help out wherever needed.
Devin loved spending time with his friends and family. He loved tossing the football around with his brothers, going to the beach with his mom, and often reminiscing about his dad who he missed dearly.
Devin was predeceased by his father: Randy Nason II.
He is survived by his mom, Angela Warren and her fiancé Jerremy Remian; his brothers Dustin Nason, and Calvin Remian; his stepsister Chloe Remian and his nephew Turbo; his grandmother of Biddeford, and his Nana, Donna Larrivee of Old Orchard Beach; his grandfather Randy Nason I, and multiple odd uncles and cousins who he loved dearly. | FULL OBITUARY
MARILYN M. IVES
Dec. 31, 1937 – Aug. 13, 2026
DENNETT, CRAIG & PATE | Marilyn Macomber Ives, 88, of Saco, Maine, passed away peacefully at home on August 13, 2026.
Marilyn was an adventurous homebody with a mischievous sense of humor for whom regular schedules were important. She was part of many communities of interest associated with her loves: her husband and her family, ministry (church and church school, Christian camping, clown ministry, and mission outreach), Alaska and her home farm, and her animals. Members of these communities became like family.
Born December 31, 1937, in Biddeford, Marilyn grew up on the family farm in Saco. She graduated from Thornton Academy in 1955 and earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Bates College in 1959.
She married the love of her life, A. Christopher Ives, two weeks after her college graduation.
Marilyn and Chris moved to Pownal, Maine. Marilyn taught English at Falmouth Junior High School for about a year and a half. She served her church as a certified lay speaker and church school teacher. In 1961, the couple moved to Hallowell, Maine. During her time there, she attended a slide show about Alaska and fell in love with that state. She spent her time caring for her growing family before moving to Concord, New Hampshire in 1966.
Marilyn’s family grew in Concord and included foster children. She became aware of sacred dance while living in Concord. When her younger children were starting in school, Marilyn worked as a library aide at Rundlett Junior High School during the 1972-73 school year. She and Chris traveled to Europe, hosted by a German pastor and his wife.
The family moved to Littleton, NH in 1973, where Marilyn started part-time work for New Hampshire Employment Security. She loved ice cream and offered ice cream cones as rewards to her children for each host found.
Marilyn was passionate about water safety. She became an American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor Trainer, teaching those who teach swimming lessons.
Marilyn and Chris brought their children on camping trips including to Europe, Prince Edward Island, Granby Zoo, Nashville, Philadelphia and Washington, DC. She and Chris traveled Israel, Egypt. They drove to Alaska with a camper on a pickup truck.
The couple went on a mission trip to Puerto Rico to help with recovery from Hurricane Hugo. After running multiple Tri-State Rural mission trips to South Carolina to rehab houses, she became involved for years with the United Methodist Economic Ministry in Salem, Maine.
Marilyn is survived by her children C. Wayne Ives, Melissa Ives, Gregory and Lisa Ives, and Sarah and Rick Marble, Scott Willard and Jennifer Collins; grandchildren Amanda McDermeit and Jaime Ortiz, Alexis and Nicole Jutras, Jesse McDermeit and Nina Martin, Stuart Ives and Susannah Thornton, Michael Ives, Steven Ives and Emily Schaffer, Eric Ives and Shannon Croney-Ives, and Krista and Nick Bilotta; great-grandchildren Owen Jutras, Hime Ortiz, and Hannah McDermeit; nephews and nieces Ralph and Cathy Rumery, Bonnie and Lee Marden, Stephen Ives and Lisa Collins-Ives, Jonathan and Amy Ives, Kelly and Eric Green, Ethan and Meghan Field, and Ryan Field and Sara Tomonari Field, and numerous other extended family members.
Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband, Reverend A. Christopher “Kit” Ives; her parents Lillian Bernice (Hilliard) and Ralph Earl Macomber; and her sister and brother-in-law Pauline and Arthur Rumery.
A memorial service will be held on Monday, September 14, 10 a.m., W. Scarborough United Methodist Church, Scarborough, followed immediately by a reception downstairs.
Family Buria will take place on Monday, September 14, 2 p.m., Laurel Hill Cemetery, Saco. | FULL OBITUARY
