Compiled by Rev. Susan Murphy
Constance May Naylor Carpenter, 90, passed away peacefully at her home on May 15, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Sanford on Feb. 16, 1935, to Augusta and Thomas Naylor. She had one beloved sister, Betty, who predeceased her. Connie attended local schools and graduated from Sanford High School in 1953. She was married to her one and true love, Hazen Carpenter, in 1954 and they began the restoration of their home. Hazen was drafted into the Army in 1956 and Connie followed him on his deployment, spending a year in Germany. Their daughter Holly was born in 1958, a son Harold in 1962 and son Thom Otis in 1967. Connie was a hard worker and outstanding woman of her time. She worked for the Waterboro Leather Company and an engineering firm in Sanford. She was the vice president and secretary of the Carpenters’ company, H.E. Carpenter Inc., up until its closing in 1995. Connie took much pride in her civic duties, including serving on the United Way board, the PTA, the Sanford Historical Society, as justice of peace and she had a Maine real estate license. Along with that, she was the backbone of Hazen for the many community projects that he undertook as a part of the Kiwanis Club, the Trails Committee and the Sanford Land Trust. Connie and her husband Hazen were well traveled across both the continental United States and the world. She was grateful to be able to see and experience so many different cultures and regions. She shared many stories of humor, stress, awe and happiness that were made along the way. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother to her family and to all her many friends, especially the “Thursday Night Girls” who met for a lifetime. She is survived by her husband Hazen, daughter Holly and her husband Dave, son Harold and his wife Lisa, son Thom and his wife Debra, eight grandchildren and 10 grandchildren. A private burial will be held at the Carpenter home.
James “Jim” DeSiena, 70, of Sanford, a devoted father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, died peacefully on May 14, 2025. He was known for his generous heart, masterful woodworking, clever nicknames, cigars, scotch and his die-hard enthusiasm for sports. A lifelong New Yorker, Jim became a proud Mainer in 2021 to be closer to his grandchildren. Sadly, he developed ALS the following year. He was a man of quiet strength and deep generosity, always ready to help, whether you were a friend or a stranger. Though he chose his words carefully, when he spoke, they carried lasting meaning. His family will cherish the lessons and love he instilled in them. He will be deeply missed, and his spirit will live on. Jim is survived by his beloved daughters, Gabie and Jess; his cherished grandchildren, Johnny, Zack, and Zoe; his brother Joe and sister Marie; his nephews, Mike, Matt, Adam, and Josh; his niece, Jackie; and close friends. Jim was preceded in death by his mother Phyllis, his father John, and his brother John. A celebration of Jim’s life will be held on Saturday, June 7, at 3 pm at the Tamborino home in New Hampshire.
Jonathan Hunter of Sanford affectionately known as “Jony,” tragically passed away on May 11, 2025, leaving a deep void in the hearts of his family, friends, and the Sanford community. Jony was a beloved young man whose life, though brief, was marked by his vibrant spirit, dedication, and passion for life. He was born in Melrose, MA, and grew up in Salem and Chester, NH, until Jony moved to Sanford in 2021. His friends and classmates remember him as a kind-hearted, energetic individual who always had a smile on his face and a willingness to help others. As a dedicated football player at Sanford High School, Jony demonstrated exceptional talent, teamwork and determination. His commitment to the sport and his team earned him respect and admiration from coaches and peers alike. Whether on the field or in the classroom, he approached every challenge with enthusiasm and resilience. The loss of Jony Hunter has deeply affected the Sanford community, which mourns a young life lost too soon. His family, friends, and teammates are grappling with grief, finding comfort in the memories they shared with him. His legacy will undoubtedly live on in the hearts of those who knew him, inspiring others to cherish each moment and to carry forward his spirit of kindness, resilience and community. Jony Hunter’s passing is a heartbreaking reminder of the fragility of life, and he will be profoundly missed by all who knew him. He leaves behind his father Sean Hunter and mother Amanda Spinney, stepfather Kevin Deyak, siblings Emma Deyak and Michael, Kinslee and Kaden Hunter, his grandmother Susan Spinney, his aunt Kimberly and uncle Derek, aunt Kaitlin and uncle Eric, cousins Jeremy and Kylee Tankersley, best friends Jayden Franco and Andre Nickerson, the Sanford High School Varsity Football team and many extended family and friends. A celebration of life was held on Wednesday, May 21, which would have been his 17th birthday, at the Sanford Memorial Gym.
Donna Kostis, 77, of Sanford, passed away peacefully at her home on May 4, 2025. Born on Nov. 8, 1947, to Frank and Georgia Kostis, Donna lived a life full of creativity, adventure, and compassion. A standout student-athlete at Sanford High School, Donna excelled in softball, basketball, and field hockey and proudly twirled as a majorette. She continued her love for sports at Plymouth State College, playing field hockey while earning her bachelor’s degree before beginning her career in education at Dorchester High School outside Boston. Donna’s adventurous spirit led her west in the early 1970s on a road trip to Colorado, a journey that turned into the greatest chapter of her life. She studied photography in Denver, which sparked a passion for capturing the world through her lens. Mountain life gave her joy – skiing, exploring, and immersing herself in the wildness of nature. When she later returned to Maine, her photography evolved to focus on commercial work that took her around the country. Donna was an endlessly curious lifelong student who never forgot an article she read or a story someone shared. She had a deep love for animals, a passion for art and movies (especially the popcorn that came with them), and a heart that instinctively put others before herself. She cherished her family and treasured her lifelong friendships, always going out of her way to make those around her feel seen and supported. Donna’s presence will be deeply missed and forever remembered. She is survived by her loyal brother, Steve Kostis, and his partner Betty Wills; her nieces Jessica Zeldner (husband, Zach), Risa Kostis, and Gina Lilley (husband, Brandon); and her great-nieces and nephews, Sawyer, Sammy, Dutch, Stevie, Wellie, and Dempsey. At Donna’s request, no services will be held.
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