A review of this week’s obituaries from the Biddeford-Saco area
DIANE M. BOUDREAU
Jan 9, 1947 — Sep 26, 2026
COTE FUNERAL HOME | Diane M. Boudreau, 79, of Lyman, passed away peacefully at home on September 26, 2026, in the loving care of her husband, Patrick.
Diane spent more than 46 years working at AVX/Corning. While her career there spanned nearly five decades, it was never simply the job that kept her there. It was the people. Diane treasured the friendships she formed with her coworkers and the many relationships that became such an important part of her life.
Above all else, Diane loved spending time with her family. She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Patrick Boudreau; her daughter, Christine Coburn and her husband, Mark; and her son, Brian Boudreau and his wife, Monica.
Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were truly her pride and joy as their Memere. She leaves behind her granddaughters, Katilyn Lambert and her husband, Ryan, and Allison Godfrey and her husband, John; her grandson, Austin Boudreau; and her two cherished great-grandchildren, Emerson Lambert and George Godfrey. They brought tremendous happiness to her life, and the love she had for them was immeasurable.
Diane will be remembered for the love she gave to her family, the friendships she built over a lifetime, and the countless lives she touched along the way. After 59 years of marriage, her life with Patrick was one built on love, devotion, family, and a lifetime of memories. | FULL OBITUARY
PRISCILLA C. MATHIEU
Sept. 22, 1935 – Sept. 29, 2026
COTE FUNERAL HOME | Priscilla C. Mathieu, of Biddeford, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at Atlantic Heights Inn in Saco, Maine. She had just celebrated her 91st birthday.
Pris was born in Biddeford, Maine on September 22, 1935, a daughter of Edward and Irene (Duguay) Paradis. She attended St. Mary’s and St. Joseph’s schools and graduated from St. Louis High School as a member of the Class of 1955.
Always an energetic spirit, she was a member of the cheering squad in high school. She fondly remembers her teenage years when she would spend many nights enjoying the Big Bands on the Old Orchard Beach Pier with all her great girlfriends. Over time, this group of friends became known as the “Ya Ya” sisters.
Pris loved traveling with this group, going to Biddeford High school football games, and spending time at the beach.
Just one year after high school graduation, Pris married her high school sweetheart, Robert “Bob” Mathieu, on July 4, 1956. Married for 64 years, they remained by each other’s side until his death in 2020.
Pris had a long and varied career, spending many years at Corning Components/AVX, the Endocrinology department at Maine Medical Center, and the Good Shepherd Parish in Saco. She retired at 76 years young. After her retirement she continued acting as a Eucharistic Minister for St. Joseph’s Church.
Pris was predeceased by her husband Bob, her son Kevin, and her infant son Joey.
She is survived by her two daughters Jocelyn Conley and her husband John, Jaclyn Gagne and her husband Michael, and by her daughter-in-law Karen. She is also survived by seven grandchildren Jennifer, Kimberly, Joe, Jessica, Jake, Mathieu and Mollie and by nine great grandchildren Elise, Trenton, Liam, Benjamin, David, Madelyn, Owen, Abigail, and Julian.
The family would like to thank the nurses, staff and residents at the Atlantic Heights Inn and the team at Compassus for their support and companionship.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, November 2, 2026, at St. Joseph’s Church in Biddeford. Burial will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Biddeford. | FULL OBITUARY
JAMES ‘JAY’ LEACH
May 24, 1951 — Sep 30, 2026
COTE FUNERAL HOME | James “Jay” Leach, 75, passed away September 30 in Saco after a years-long battle with dementia.
He is survived by his children Heather, Chris, and Mackenzie, his wife Sarah, his siblings Chris, Maggie, Nancy, Mark and Stephen; and many dear in-laws, nieces, and nephews.
He joins his father Chuck, mother Mary, brother Jonathan, nephew Andrew, and brother-in-law Bob. Born in Philadelphia on May 24, 1951, Jay spent his childhood in Lexington, Mass., attending Lexington High and playing hockey with his brothers and friends in the rinks, streets and on frozen ponds. As a teenager his family started spending their summers on Diamond Island on Lake Winnipesaukee which, throughout his often-nomadic life, would always be his home.
Following hockey opportunities in his early adulthood, he hopped trains across America and Canada, returning to New England to play at the University of New Haven.
Always aware of his priorities, he left school once his senior year season concluded. After a short stint playing semi-pro, averaging a concerning, albeit impressive, game-to-PIM ratio, he began his coaching career at Choate Rosemary Hall in the early ‘80s. He then spent the next five years coaching collegiate hockey at Merrimack College and the University of Maine before transitioning to coaching professionally, beginning with the Hartford Whalers.
As his family grew with his then wife, Jeannie, so did his resume. Jay had the privilege of being a coach with the Springfield Indians, Hershey Bears, Los Angeles Kings, Atlanta Thrashers, New Jersey Devils and Washington Capitals. Throughout, he also proudly represented his country on the world stage by coaching several International Ice Hockey Federation tournaments. Before wrapping up his career back at the University of Maine with his beloved Black Bears, he coached youth hockey in the metro Atlanta area.
Throughout his extensive career, Jay’s passion was always rooted in supporting the athletes of every skill level he got to work with and mentor. What made him so unique and skilled at his craft was his ability to see something special in players that others may have missed. His charisma, devotion, and ability to relate to his players were what made him so special.
All the while, Jay always returned back to Lake Winnipesaukee. His summers were filled with boat rides to visit his dear friends and family, fishing and terrifying the next generation with death-defying tube rides, although he was always considerate enough to ask if you paid your insurance first.
Jay was especially talented at carpentry, and while his home was perpetually under construction, he built many beautiful additions.
Jay’s big personality and presence will leave an unfillable void for all of those that knew him, but we’ll continue to live our lives with joy and comradery in his honor.
Family and friends from all stages of life will celebrate Jay on Wednesday, October 7, beginning at noon at The Barn at The Inn on Main in Wolfeboro, NH; 200 North Main Street, Wolfeboro, NH. | FULL OBITUARY
CYNTHIA A. NASON
June 27, 1966 – Sept. 27, 2026
HOPE MEMORIAL CHAPEL | Cynthia A. Nason, 60, of Dayton, Maine, passed away on September 27, 2026.
She was born on June 27, 1966, to Paul Small and Phyllis Bogdhan. She graduated from Thornton Academy in 1985. Cynthia worked for Clark American Check Company and Kennebunk Chiropractic. She enjoyed going out to eat, swimming in the pool, spending time with her dogs, and being with her family.
Cynthia was predeceased by her parents; her stepfather, George Bogdhan; her brothers, Paul Small and Thomas Small; and her good friend Debbie Willette.
She is survived by her husband, Thomas Nason; and her son, Corey Nason. She is also survived by her daughters, Tanya and Carrie; her son, Thomas Jr.; her brothers, Robert Small and James Small; her nephew Anthony and his wife, Brooke, and their children, Arielle and Isabella; her nephew Cooper, her niece Madeline; her brother in law Dellas and his wife, Jenn; her niece Courtney; her nephew Caleb, niece Ava and nephew Carson; her grandchildren, Clayton, Emily, Anna, and Damien; her good friend Kathy Boyden; and her dogs, Benny and Max.
Cindy will be remembered for the love she gave to her family, friends she built over her lifetime and the countless lives she touched along the way. She will be greatly missed by many.
Visitation will be held Sunday, October 4, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Hope Memorial Chapel, 480 Elm Street, Biddeford. Burial will take place at Goodwins Mills Cemetery on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026, at 1 p.m. | FULL OBITUARY
STEVEN A. NADEAU
Jan. 1, 1969 – Sept. 27, 2026
HOPE MEMORIAL CHAPEL | Steven A. Nadeau, 57, of Lyman, died on September 27, 2026. He was born on January 21, 1969, to Claude and Jeannine (Guerin) Nadeau.
Steven enjoyed arts and crafts, especially diamond painting, and anything electronic. On August 17, 2013, he married Arthur “Tony” Mariello. They were together for 39 years.
He was predeceased by his parents. He is survived by his husband, Arthur “Tony” Mariello; his son, Alec Mariello; his brothers, Michael Nadeau, John Nadeau, and Tom Nadeau; and his sister, Diane Erickson.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 4, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Hope Memorial Chapel, 480 Elm Street, Biddeford. | FULL OBITUARY
CATHERINE ‘KITTY’ TAYLOR
Sept. 6, 1930 – Sept. 11, 2026
DENNETT, CRAIG & PATE | Catherine “Kitty” Grace Taylor, born in Houlton, Maine, on September 6, 1930, passed peacefully on September 11, 2026, at the age of 96.
The daughter of Philip White and Opal Eva Gould, Kitty grew up in Aroostook County alongside her three siblings, Phyllis, Dana, and Walker. From an early age, she developed the resilience, humor, and grit that would define her remarkable life.
On February 10, 1948, Kitty married Clinton Keef, and together they had four children: James, Marjorie, Patricia, and Michael.
On March 8, 1983, Kitty married Gene Taylor, the great love of her life. Together, they created a home that was a sanctuary to just about any animal in need—including monkeys, peacocks, geese, parrots, macaws, and many others. Kitty and Gene shared a love of square dancing, camping at Long Pond, horseshoe tournaments, Woodsmen’s Day at the Fryeburg Fair, and, most of all, time spent with their families.
Kitty was a passionate reader who built an enormous personal library over the decades. Shelves upon shelves of novels, romances, and mysteries filled her home, and she delighted in returning, again and again, to some of her favorite authors. In later years, her library became digital, but her love of reading never changed.
She greatly enjoyed her weekly Lucky Logger dates with her daughter Pat and son-in-law Conrad. She also treasured long telephone conversations with her son Mike, before his passing, during which they discussed the books they were each reading and shared the witty banter and sense of humor that connected them.
For many years, while still in Maine, Kitty enjoyed holidays with her stepdaughter Nancy, son-in-law James, and their family. In her later years, she became quite adventurous, spending winters in Texas with her daughter Marjie and son-in-law Pete. At the age of 84, she took her first airplane ride and went on a Caribbean cruise. In 2015, she moved to Florida with Marjie and Pete, where she enjoyed dancing at the VFW, gardening, birdwatching and happy hours with “the ladies.”
Throughout her life Kitty loved puzzles, especially when family and friends gathered around the puzzle table to visit. She had a standing date with Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy! – 7 p.m. dates that were not to be missed or interrupted.
Kitty was predeceased by her first husband, Clinton; her beloved Gene; her son James; her daughter Pat; her son Michael; her son-in-law Pete; and several nieces and nephews.
She is survived by her daughter Marjie and her partner, George; her son-in-law Conrad; several nieces and nephews; 7 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; and the many family members, friends, and loved ones whose lives she touched. | FULL OBITUARY
MICHAEL R. STODDARD
Feb. 3, 1961 – Sept. 29, 2026
HOPE MEMORIAL CHAPEL | Michael Richard Stoddard, 65, of Ave Maria, Florida, and Old Orchard Beach, Maine, passed away on September 29, 2026, at Massachusetts General Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.
Michael was born in Groton, Mass., in February 1961, to Richard and Roberta Stoddard.
For all of Michael’s accomplishments throughout his life, nothing was more important to him than his family.
At the center of his life was his wife of 43 years, Lisa. Michael and Lisa shared an extraordinary marriage built on deep love, friendship, faith, and devotion to one another. They were truly best friends, and their love for each other remained as strong as ever until the day Michael passed. Their marriage is an example to their children, grandchildren, and all who know them. Michael treasured their love so deeply that he wrote a book about their relationship, Love Over a Fruit Bowl.
Michael and Lisa raised two sons, Adam and Andrew, and Michael took tremendous pride in being their father. Adam and his wife, Ashlyn, have three daughters, Evelyn, Georgia, and Magnolia. Andrew and his wife, Jennifer, have a daughter, Gracie. Michael shared a particularly special bond with his four granddaughters, who affectionately knew him as “Papa.” Being their Papa brought him tremendous joy, and the love he had for them was unmistakable.
Michael enjoyed a successful career in banking, but his impact extended well beyond his professional life. He was a co-founder of CLIMB (Christian Leaders in Maine Business) and served as chairman of the campaign board for the United Way of Greater Portland and the Berkshires.
He also served for many years as chairman of the board of Positive FM. He believed in serving others and using the opportunities he had been given to make a difference in the lives of those around him.
Michael’s faith in Jesus Christ was foundational to his life. His faith shaped the husband, father, grandfather, friend, and leader he became, as well as the way he treated others. Those closest to Michael take great comfort in knowing that the faith he carried throughout his life has now been fulfilled and that he is home with his King, Jesus.
Michael is survived by his beloved wife, Lisa; his mother, Roberta; his sons, Adam and Andrew; his daughters-in-law, Ashlyn and Jennifer; his four granddaughters, Evelyn, Georgia, Magnolia, and Gracie; his younger brother, Peter, and his wife, Laurie; and their children, Stephanie and Benjamin.
He was preceded in death by his father, Richard.
A Celebration of Life for Michael will be held Thursday, Oct. 8, at 1 p.m. at New Life Church in Biddeford. | FULL OBITUARY
ALICE L. DOHERTY
Oct. 19, 1932 – Sept. 23, 2026
HOPE MEMORIAL CHAPEL | Alice L. Doherty of Biddeford passed away on September 23, 2026. She was born on October 19, 1932, to Alfred and Alma (Murphy) Chenard.
Alice graduated from St. Andre’s High School with the Class of 1950. On May 4, 1968, she married Joseph Doherty at St. Mary’s Church. They were married for 47 years before his passing in 2016.
She worked as a bookkeeper for Biddeford/Saco Coal and Oil Company for more than 15 years, York County Savings Bank for more than 12 years, and Vito Mininni for five years. She retired in 1987.
Alice attended Most Holy Trinity Church of Good Shepherd Parish. She was a member and past treasurer of the Biddeford Historical Society and a former member of St. Mary’s Church Sodality. She enjoyed cooking, reading, and gardening.
She was predeceased by her parents; her husband, Joseph Doherty; her brother, John Chenard; her sisters, Theresa Blaney, Joan Edgerly, Sheila Chenard, Marie Chenard, and Kathleen Chenard; and her dog, Mike.
She is survived by her brothers, Alfred Chenard and James Chenard, and many nieces and nephews.
A graveside service will be held on Saturday, November 7, 2026 at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph Cemetery in Biddeford. | FULL OBITUARY
The Biddeford Gazette publishes local obituaries as a community service with no charge to the families and survivors.
.
STAY CONNECTED | SUBSCRIBE FOR FREE TODAY
.
BIDDEFORD GAZETTE
“Keeping You Connected to Biddeford”
Editorial Standards & Policies
© 2026 Biddeford Gazette, Inc. All Rights Reserved
