A review of this week’s obituaries from the Biddeford-Saco area provided by the Biddeford Gazette
CHARLENE F. CLEARY
Oct. 20, 1965 – July 27, 2026
HOPE MEMORIAL CHAPEL | Charlene F. Cleary of Biddeford, Maine, passed away on July 27, 2026, at Maine Medical Center.
Charlene leaves behind her loving partner of 15 years, Raph Boutin; her daughter, Megan W. Perry; her son, Paul Cleary-Gagnon; her brother, Chad E. Perry; and her sister, Justine Cleary-Goreck.
She was predeceased by her father, Ernest A. Perry; her mother, Wealthie E. Perry; and son Coleman J. Walsh.
Charlene enjoyed sewing, gardening, and spending time outdoors. She had a deep love for animals, especially her five beloved cats, who brought her joy and companionship.
She was an amazing cook, whether preparing a home-cooked meal or cooking over a campfire. Her beautiful gardens reflected her love of nature and the care she put into everything she did.
Charlene will be remembered for the love she shared, the warmth she brought to those around her, her many talents and the special memories she created with family and friends.
Though she is no longer with us, her love will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. She will be forever in our hearts. | FULL OBITUARY
JERRY J. HARMON
Aug. 5, 1964 – Oct. 15, 2026
DENNETT, CRAIG & PATE | Jerry J. Harmon, 62, of St. Mary’s Street, Biddeford, passed away Thursday night October 15, 2026, at the Gosnell Hospice House.
He was born on August 5, 1964 in Saco, the son of Frank and Marlene Wallace Harmon.
He attended local schools and graduated from Bonny Eagle High School.
Jerry was first employed by Nike Shoe, Sebago Moc, South Buxton Cemetery, and most recently by Hollys Oil in Biddeford.
Jerry Enjoyed fishing, playing video games, bowling, watching football, and hanging with his friends at Doc’s Tavern.
Survivors include his wife of 14 years, Jeannie Appleby of Biddeford, three brothers, Mike Harmon of Biddeford; Everett Harmon of Portland, and Alan Harmon of Jay; and four sisters, Susan Harmon of Biddeford, Karen Williamson of Farmington, Pam Ceklarz of Bar Mills and Cindy Harmon Forshaw of Texas; and many nephews and nieces.
Burial will be at South Buxton Cemetery, Woodman Section. | Full Obituary
SABRINA C. RYDLE
Oct. 25, 1993 – Oct. 11, 2026
DENNETT, CRAIG & PATE | Sabrina C. Rydle, 32, of Gooch Streer, Saco, passed away October 11, 2026 at the Maine Medical Center in Portland.
She was born on October 25, 1993 in Lawrence, Mass., the daughter of Ivan Montefusco and Darleen Rydle.
Sabrina attended local schools and graduated from Biddeford High School.
Sabrina liked doing her beads and jewelry she loved to listen to music and spend time with her family.
Survivors include her mother of Windham, a sister, Ashley Rydle of Fla.; two brothers, Daniel Rydle of Gray and Nicholas Rydle of Gray, many cousins, nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles; and her boyfriend, Armand Souliere, who loved her dearly.
A celebration of life will be held October 25 at 3 p.m., at second Parish Congregational Church in Biddeford. | FULL OBITUARY
SR. ARLINE GAUDETTE
August 23, 1937 – Oct. 16, 2026
HOPE MEMORIAL CHAPEL | Sister Arline Gaudette, also known as Sister St. Joseph of Providence, died October 16, 2026, at the age of 99 at the Good Shepherd Convent in Biddeford.
Arline was born August 23, 1927, in Lawrence, Mass., to Genevieve Doiron and Peter Gaudette. She was the youngest of seven children. Arline received her education in the public schools of the Lawrence, Mass., area.
In August 1946, she joined the Congregation of the Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (also known as the Good Shepherd Sisters of Quebec) in Biddeford, Maine. She had a long career as a teacher in Lawrence and Methuen, Mass.,, as well as in Old Town, Maine.
For many years she also was a “housemother” at St. Ann’s Orphanage caring for the children and teaching them such skills as woodworking. Sister Arline’s love of God has always been expressed though her love of music which she shared through the children’s choir in her parish.
When she “retired” in Biddeford, she sewed for the sisters and spent time creating amazing quilts, runners, and handbags. Sister Arline is remembered for being kind, energetic and attentive to other’s needs; she made friends wherever she lived and worked.
Sister Arline will be missed by her religious community, her nieces, nephews, and her many friends. She was ready to meet her Maker and eager for Him to welcome her home.
The burial will be at St. Joseph Cemetery, Biddeford, Maine. | FULL OBITUARY
JOAN BARBARA ADAMS
Nov. 29, 1935 – Oct. 18, 2026
COTE FUNERAL HOME | Joan Barbara Adams, 90, of Saco, passed away Sunday, October 18, 2026 at her home.
She was born in Providence, Rhode Island on November 29, 1935, a daughter of Russell and Gladys (Elliott) Prime. She was educated in the Providence School System, and in 1953 received her high school diploma.
Joan married her first husband, Rodney Lodge, in 1955. Joan and Rodney had three sons, Mark, Kirk, and Brad and from 1955 through 1973 moved several times along the east coast, settling in Saco in 1973. As time went on, Joan and Rodney eventually parted ways. Joan began working for Nike Inc. on Factory Island in Saco until they closed in 1985. From there Joan worked in admissions for Southern Maine Medical Center in Biddeford until her retirement in 2002.
It was during her time with Nike that Joan met her second husband, Bernard “Bing” Adams, marrying in 1985.
Joan enjoyed planting beautiful flower gardens as well as vegetable gardens on her property, and was an avid birdwatcher. She often kept a log of the various hummingbirds that visited her feeders, noting the times they arrived and departed each year. Joan also enjoyed her pets, cats Tinker and Miss Kitty and hound dog “King”. Joan and Bing were fortunate to take many road trips together, with Prince Edward Island, Canada being one of their annual destinations.
Most of all, Joan loved her family and the time they spent together. Her favorite pastimes were attending her grandchildren’s school activities and sporting events. She will be forever missed.
She was predeceased by her husband, Bernard Adams, in 2014; and by two brothers, Russell Prime Jr., and David Prime.
She is survived by her three sons, Mark Lodge and wife Shirley, Kirk Lodge, and Brad Lodge and wife Lori; by five grandchildren, Kristin, Mark, Chad, Emily and Gregory; by four great-grandchildren, Eliza, Liberty, Lacie and Chloe; as well as several nieces and nephews.
A private family burial service will be held at Southern Maine Veterans’ Cemetery, where Joan will be joining Bernard.
Family and friends are invited to a gathering in Joan’s honor at her son, Brad Lodge’s residence, Tuesday, Oct 27th following the burial service. | FULL OBITUARY
RICHARD ‘RICK’ A. CURRY
Feb. 1, 1943 – Oct. 22, 2026
COTE FUNERAL HOME | Richard A. Curry, 83, of Old Orchard Beach, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 22, 2026, in Scarborough.
Rick was born in Portland, Maine, on February 1, 1943, the son of John and Helen (Goodwin) Curry. He grew up in Old Orchard Beach and was raised primarily by his mother after his father passed away when Rick was just four years old. He graduated from Old Orchard Beach High School with the Class of 1961.
After graduation, Rick joined the United States Air Force, where he was stationed at several bases in various locations, including Alaska and Pakistan. He worked as a code reader during his service. Following his discharge, he returned to Maine and attended Southern Maine Community College (SMCC), where he studied to become a mechanic. He went on to work as a diesel mechanic for the City of South Portland for many years.
One night, while attending Sothern Maine Community College, Rick and some friends went to a dance at the YMCA. Pauline Dugal had gone to the dance to meet someone else, but he never showed up. Rick, however, did show up, and she caught his eye. His friends dared him to ask her to dance. Rick wasn’t much of a dancer, but he never turned down a good dare. Pauline said yes, and as they danced, Rick was smitten. He told her, “You’re the one!” She replied, “And you’re nuts! I don’t even know you!” Yet, within a year, they were married on July 22, 1968. They spent 56 wonderful years together, raising their two daughters, Kimberly and Karen, and sharing many adventures along the way.
Rick never met a stranger, because everyone was “buddy”. Although, for those he especially liked earned a nickname of their own. He had a few nicknames himself: Ricky, Porky, and Pep.
Rick loved to cook. His specialties included endless rounds of hand-cut French fries, chicken nuggets, and fish. He also loved smoking meats, especially chicken. If someone was sick or needed a little extra support, Rick would smoke a chicken for them.
When he wasn’t in the kitchen, Rick could often be found immersed in a book. He and Pauline enjoyed traveling around Maine and collecting works by Maine authors. Above all, though, his favorite pastime was spending time with family and friends. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Rick was predeceased by his loving wife, Pauline Curry; his parents, John and Helen Curry; and his sisters, Dianne Curry and Elizabeth “Betty” Curry.
He is survived by his daughters, Kimberly Curry and her partner, Brandon Treadwell, and Karen Capron and her husband, Mathew; his grandchildren, Suzanna, Spencer, and Sheldon; and his great-granddaughter, Sophie.
A Funeral Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026, at Cote Funeral Home Chapel in Saco. | FULL OBITUARY
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