Compiled by Rev. Susan Murphy
David L. Gardner Sr., 86, of Springvale, ME died on May 10, 2025. He was born on May 26, 1936, to Laurent and Muriel (Merrifield) Gardner of Springvale, Maine. He leaves behind a life well rooted in family and dedication to others. Right after graduating from Sanford High in 1954, he joined the army. He was known to share the story that he and a buddy were going to join the Marines, but the Marine’s recruiting office was closed that day, so they went to the Army recruiting office instead. A decision he never regretted. He married Jean Chadbourne on May 3, 1956, who was always by his side. Together they had four children Donna, Diana, David and Douglas. After proudly serving in the Army for 21 years, the family returned to Sanford, Maine where he focused on family, home and church. Retiring from the Army at the age of 39 with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and a Bronze Star recipient, David’s second career was that of a poultry farmer taking over the Chadbourne farm from his in-laws, Cecil and Josephine Chadbourne in 1975. He was very active in the Catholic Church, Rotary, Boy Scouts, many Sanford boards and committees, Goodall Hospital Board member and Past President, YMCA board member, Meals on Wheels and Master Gardener. As a Master Gardener he was known for his heirloom tomatoes and massive garlic harvests. He is predeceased by his brothers Theodore Gardner and Thomas Gardner. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 69 years, Jean Chadbourne Gardner, children Donna Everson of Wells, Maine, Diana Francis of Tucson, Arizona, David Gardner, Jr. of Dripping Springs, Texas and Douglas Gardner of Portland, Maine, eight grandchildren, two great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews. David was loved, cherished and an inspiration to so many. He will be dearly missed. https://conroytullywalker.com
Douglas H. Leach, 61, of Sanford passed away peacefully at home on May 21, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones. He was born May 13, 1964, in Sanford, Maine to Lester and Nancy (Lavoie) Leach. On October 20, 1984, he married his high school sweetheart, Cheryl, and together they built a life full of love, raising three daughters who were the pride of his life. Doug dedicated 30 years of service as an assembler at The Baker Company, where he was known for his strong work ethic and reliability. A true outdoorsman, Doug found joy in hunting and fishing, often accompanied by his brother John and close friends. His happiest days were spent at the family camp in Springfield, Maine, where he could be found four-wheeling, playing games and making memories with loved ones. Doug will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. His kindness, humor, and love for life will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Douglas is survived by his wife Cheryl Leach of 40 years; his daughters Sarah Leach and partner Ryan, Ashley Couture and husband Lance, Kayla Leach and fiancé Zach; six grandsons and his mother Nancy Leach. Douglas also has left behind his siblings Michael Leach and wife Sueko, John Leach and wife Sara; sister Jodi Howie and husband Mike, and many other family members and friends. Visiting hours will be Sunday, June 1st, 2025, from 10AM – 12 PM held at Bibber Memorial at Autumn Green 47 Oak Street Alfred, Maine 04002. A reception will follow from 1PM – 5PM at the Elks Lodge 13 Elm St, Sanford, Maine 04073. https://bibbersautumngreen.com.
Jared Sands, 42, of Sanford, passed away on Saturday, May 10, 2025. He was born in Portland on May 9, 1983. Jared grew up in Biddeford, Maine, where he spent his formative years discovering a passion for creativity, music, and the world around him. A hard-working and determined man, he held a variety of jobs throughout his life, never shying away from getting his hands dirty and always taking pride in a job well done. His talent as a carpenter reflected both his artistic spirit and the care he put into everything he did. Jared was a man of deep intelligence and many talents. He was kind, thoughtful, and deeply devoted to those he loved. He will be remembered for his wit, his warmth, and his fiercely loving heart. Jared’s presence in the lives of his family and friends was a gift that will be cherished always. Jared is survived by his wife, Jessica Colbert; his son, Bastian Sands; his parents, Catherine and Marcel Langevin of Sanford; and the mother of his son, Leeanna Goodall of Ware, NH. He also leaves behind five siblings, Sheri (John) Dickinson of Bangor; Jenn Kovar of Pearl, MS.; Scottie (Ami) Huston of Beals Island, Maine, Greg (Briana) Huston of China, Maine and Brittney (Ryan) Howell of Thorndike, Maine; many nieces and nephews; and a large extended family. Visitation was held on Friday, May 16th with a funeral service following.
Rose Ann “Dolly” Allaire-Thibodeau passed away at her home on March 28, 2025. She was 75 years old. Rose Ann was born in Portland on April 26, 1949. The adopted daughter of Arthur and Elmire Allaire, she grew up in Sanford with her 5 siblings, attended Sanford grade schools and graduated from St. Ignatius High School in 1967. She attended USM later in life and graduated with her bachelor’s degree in psychology. Rose Ann was known for her fierce independence, strong work ethic and her no-nonsense way of telling it like it was. She was always willing to help others whenever she could. Rose Ann was predeceased in death by her longtime partner, Kathy Karpeles, her parents, Arthur and Elmire Allaire, her two brothers Paul and Fernald Allaire and her three sisters, Margaret and Rita Allaire, and Arlene Allaire-Adair. Rose Ann is survived by her former spouse Louis Thibodeau Jr. of North Berwick and her three children, Kimberly Thibodeau of Waterboro, Scott Thibodeau and his wife Annette of Lebanon and Rebecca Simpson of Sanford, along with 10 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. No services are planned for Rose Ann at this time.
https://bibbersautumngreen.com.
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