A review of this week’s obituaries from the Biddeford-Saco area provided by the Biddeford Gazette
DR. LINDA M. SARTORELLI
Jan. 27, 1948 – Oct. 23, 2026
DOBSON FUNERAL SERVICES | Dr. Linda M. Sartorelli, age 78, of Biddeford, Maine passed away after a prolonged illness on October 23, 2026.
She was the beloved daughter of the late William and Edith Sartorelli. Sister to Richard (Nancy), David (Paula), and William (Pamela), Sartorelli. She was the loving Aunt and Great Aunt to several nieces and nephews.
Linda graduated from Barnard College with a degree in Mathematics and continued her graduate studies at Indiana University where she earned both a Master of Arts and a Doctor of Philosophy in the History and Philosophy of Science.
She later moved to Biddeford, Maine, where she began an illustrious 50-year career in the Department of Philosophy and History at the University of New England. She loved teaching philosophy and deeply valued her students.
During the summer months she would sometimes teach a popular Elder Hostel course about Galileo. She was fascinated with the story of Galileo and spent time in Italy researching his life. She was sometimes contracted to teach Critical Thinking and Logic at Police departments and at Texas Instruments.
Linda loved living in Maine and was blessed with the company of wonderful friends, neighbors, and students who were always there for her. She loved visiting with them and going to dinner and the movies.
Attending Brimfield antique market and small local vintage shops in Maine are special memories. The most cherished memories though were often sitting around a family dining table at Christmas, Thanksgiving or Easter and talking and laughing over a shared meal or hot cup of coffee.
A private burial will take place at Woodlawn Cemetery in Everett Massachusetts, where she will be reunited in rest beside her beloved parents. | FULL OBITUARY
LORRAINE ‘BABE’ (ROUSELLE) BELANGER
March 16, 1947 – October 24, 2026
HOPE MEMORIAL CHAPEL | Lorraine (Rouselle) Belanger, affectionately known as Babe, passed peacefully on October 24, 2026, surrounded by the people she loved most.
She was 79 years old and leaves behind a family who will forever remember her fierce loyalty, enormous heart, colorful stories, and the unmistakable spirit that made her one of a kind.
Born on March 16, 1947, to Oscar and Rose (Cadorette) Rouselle, Lorraine earned the nickname Babe as the youngest daughter in the family. The name stuck throughout her life, and those who knew her well understood that Babe was a fitting name for a woman who couldbe equal parts sweet, stubborn, protective, and just a little bit mischievous.
Lorraine graduated from Biddeford High School in 1965, but some of her fondest memories of those years involved the adventures that happened outside the classroom.
She loved recounting her high school tales of cruising around Biddeford and heading to the beach in her red convertible with her high school friends Rachel, Connie, Judy, Joan and Carol. One can only imagine the conversations, laughter and shenanigans that took place along the way. Those were the days, and Lorraine never tired of telling the stories…perhaps with a few details embellished over the years. After all, a good story is worth telling, and an even better one is worth telling again.
Those high school years also brought Junior Fredette, who professed his undying love for Lorraine throughout their school days. Although the two never married, some connections are bigger than romance and stronger than time.
Lorraine and Junior maintained a friendship that endured through the years, a lasting bond that stood as a testament to the special place they held in each other’s hearts. Some love stories do not follow the usual script, and theirs was a reminder that affection, friendship, and a little high school romance can stay with us long after the school bell rings.
Lorraine was a self-proclaimed tomboy and a proud Daddy’s girl. She loved all things sports, enjoyed gambling, and spent many an afternoon at Scarborough Downs with her father, playing the horses. Whether she was watching her beloved New England Patriots or following a horse race, she was happiest when there was a little excitement involved. She also loved traveling and, above all, spending time with her family. Lorraine knew how to enjoy herself, and she never needed much of an excuse for a little adventure.
One of Lorraine’s proudest accomplishments was purchasing her own home on Goodwin Acres in Dayton in 1972. That home represented independence, hard work, and a place to call her own. She was proud of it for the rest of her life — and apparently, she was determined never to forget a single detail about it. She could still recall her home telephone number right up until the end. In a world where people can barely remember their own phone numbers without looking at their phones, Babe never needed to check her contacts.
That home on Goodwin Acres became more than just a place to live; it became a place where memories were made and where people knew they were welcome. Lorraine cherished the weekends spent hosting sleepovers with her cousin Connie’s children, Keith and Kerrie, creating memories she carried with her throughout her life. Those weekends were just one example of the way she opened her home and her heart to others.
Lorraine had a way of seeing past the trouble, the reputation, or the circumstances and recognizing the person underneath. She offered young people something priceless — a safe place to land, a full stomach, a little understanding, and the reassurance that somebody was in their corner. She may not have thought of it as anything extraordinary; to her, it was simply what you did when someone needed you.
Lorraine worked for the Department of Human Services in the Sanford office as an eligibility specialist for 15 years. Her compassion for people extended well beyond her job. She cared about others regardless of their backgrounds, circumstances, or reputations.
Lorraine volunteered at the Pine Tree Humane Society in Lyman, Maine, where her love for animals was put to the ultimate test.
Lorraine was a fierce protector of those she loved, especially her children, grandchildren, and pets. If you were one of her people, you could count on her to stand in your corner. She loved with her whole heart and defended those she cared about without hesitation.
Her great-granddaughter Grace captured Lorraine’s spirit beautifully when she said, “She had the kindest soul. The way she made people feel seen was what made her special.”
Lorraine’s greatest pride and joy was her family. She leaves behind her daughter, Angela Searles, and her husband, Paul, of Limerick, Maine — proudly known as Lorraine’s favorite son-in-law; her daughter, Victoria Belanger, of Arundel, Maine; and her son, Derek Belanger, of Saco, Maine.
Her beloved grandchildren are Jenna Ward of Limerick, Maine; Derek Brichetto of Saco, Maine; Jacob Belanger of Arundel, Maine; Kayla Palmer and her husband, Matthew, of Arundel, Maine; MyKayla Kelley and her husband, Mat, of Avon, Maine; Michael Searles of North Yarmouth, Maine; Zachary Belanger and his wife, Meagan of Scarborough, Maine; Dejon Searles of Windham, Maine; Madison Trevino and her husband Ricardo of Ocala, Florida; Mackenzie Roberts and her husband, Jake of Port Orchard, Washington; Devan Searles and DeAnthony Searles of Raleigh, North Carolina; and Isaiah Searles and Julius Searles of Limerick, Maine.
Her legacy continues through her cherished great-grandchildren: Grace, Alexis, Landon, Aubrey, Greyson, Dionte, Gabriel, Maverick, baby Marlowe, expected in May 2027; Neveah, Amelia, Sylvia, Roman, Sawyer, and baby Kelley, expected in March 2027. Each of them held a special place in Memere Raine’s heart, and each will carry a piece of her spirit forward.
Lorraine was predeceased by her parents, Oscar and Rose Rouselle, and her sister, Priscille Lowry of Barre, Vermont.
Most of all, Lorraine was a woman with a kind soul, a stubborn streak, and a heart big enough to make room for just about everyone. | FULL OBITUARY
RACHEL R. GENDRON
July 4, 1930 – Oct. 28, 2026
HOPE MEMORIAL CHAPEL | Rachel R. Gendron, born July 4, 1930, passed away on October 28, 2026.
She was the daughter of Omer Martel and Yvonne E. Bouffard-Martel. She attended St. Andre’s High School and married Robert G. Gendron in October 1954. He passed away in 1971.
Rachel worked at Bates-Pepperell Mill, Emond & Conroy Funeral Home, and Hope Memorial Chapel. She retired in July 1995 at the age of 65.
She was predeceased by her parents, Omer Martel and Yvonne E. Bouffard-Martel; her husband, Robert G. Gendron; her five brothers, Lionel, Conrad, Fernand, Marcel, and Charlie; and her five sisters, Therese Blais, Florence Letarte, Gertrude Lamontagne, Gabrielle Beaulieu, and Jacqueline Dion.
Rachel enjoyed playing cards with her family, bowling, reading, knitting, sewing, plastic canvas crafts, gardening, jigsaw puzzles, and word searches.
She leaves behind many nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude’s or the Biddeford Food Pantry.
The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Andwell Hospice for their dedicated service. Also, to all of the caregivers at Homewell Care Services. The family couldn’t have done this without these wonderful people.
Visitation will be held Friday, Nov. 6, 2026, from 10 a.m. to noon at Hope Memorial Chapel, 480 Elm Street, Biddeford. A Funeral Mass will follow at 1 p.m. at St. Joseph Church in Biddeford. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery. | FULL OBITUARY
JUNE FRANCES MESERVE
Feb. 28, 1928 – Oct. 27, 2026
DENNETT, CRAIG & PATE | June Frances Meserve, 98, died on October 27 in Biddeford, Maine.
She was born on February 28, 1928, in Chicopee, Massachusetts, to the Reverend William and Mrs. Ada Gunter.
After graduating from Watertown High School, June attended the University of New Hampshire for a year before transferring to Bryant and Stratton Business School. She then became a secretary in the athletic department at Northeastern University, where she worked for several years. She would remain a loyal fan of NU teams for the rest of her life.
June met Robert Meserve in the summer of ’45 in Ocean Park, Maine. In 1951 they were wed and went on to spend 71 years together. Their marriage was anchored by steadfast devotion to their family, church and community.
June moved to Reading when her father became minister of the Old South Methodist Church in 1946. For over seven decades she was an active member of the church.
She served as president of the United Methodist Women, was leader of the Dorcas Circle for many years, and often played the piano for chapel worship services. She also played regularly for worship services at the Daniels Nursing Home, declaring jauntily that she was going to play for the “old folks” when she herself was an octogenarian.
For 20 years, June worked as a teacher aide in Reading, first at Prospect Street School and then at Barrows, becoming an invaluable resource to teachers in both schools.
She was an excellent cook whose Sunday dinners in particular were epic. She loved picking berries and made pies, cakes, and jams. Her family learned to expect deliciousness and was never disappointed! In summertime June taught craft classes in Ocean Park.
An artistic and creative person, she excelled at wood painting, calligraphy, knitting, and other crafts. Using an antique sewing machine and steely determination, she made everything from dresses to hats to Halloween costumes.
She also enjoyed gardening, reading, visiting the seashore (especially Ocean Park), and most importantly spending time with family and friends. Her joyful spirit and ready laugh endeared her to all.
June was predeceased by her husband, Robert, and her son-in-law, Oscar Demiranda.
She is survived by her son David and his wife Maria, of Scottsdale, Ariz.; son Mark and his wife Linda, of Merrimac, Mass.; daughter Loretta and her husband Jon, of Kennebunk, Maine; daughter Nancy, of Biddeford, Maine and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
The family is grateful to the staff members of Atria Senior Living in Kennebunk and St. Andre Health Care in Biddeford for their kindness and compassion.
A private burial service will be held at Forest Glen Cemetery in Reading, Massachusetts. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in June’s name to Old South United Methodist Church, 6 Salem Street, Reading, Mass., 01867. | FULL OBITUARY
PATRICIA M. FANCUILLI
Oct. 8, 1973 – Oct. 20, 2026
DOBSON FUNERAL SERVICES | It is with great sadness to announce that Patricia M. Fancuilli, age 53, passed away on October 20, 2026, in Arundel, Maine.
She was born October 8, 1973, in Florida to her mother, Barbara J. Bellerose.
Patricia had a radiant spirit and an infectious smile. She spent many of her years devoted to raising her children and spending time with family.
She is survived by her daughter Heather M. Roy, her son Richard J. Mathieu II, her sister and brother-in-law Kathryn & Louis Marrone, and her nieces Natalie, Abbey, & Nina, as well as numerous other family and friends.
She will be fondly loved, missed immensely and forever carried in the hearts of her loved ones.
A celebration of life will take place on a later date. | FULL OBITUARY
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