Compiled by Rev. Susan Murphy
Jae Caramihalis passed away on a warm August morning at her family’s compound in Alfred, surrounded by her loved ones. Her legacy continues through her three daughters, two sons-in-law, and her “zoo” of grandchildren (Monkey, Gecko Boy, and Little Lion). She also leaves behind her older sister, younger sister, baby brother, and their spouses.
Jae was a deeply caring soul in the Sanford-Springvale community and loved by all who had the privilege of meeting her. She was born to Katherine and John Caramihalis in January 1957 and graduated from Sanford High School, Class of 1975. In the years that followed, she traveled the country, visiting all 50 states, and spent some of her favorite time cattle ranching out West.
When Jae returned home to Maine, she owned Yankee Cutters, a local hair salon. She also bought and worked a farm on Hansons Ridge, and—her greatest joy—she became a mother three times over. Jae brought wonder, imagination, and laughter into every interaction. Passionate and endlessly creative, she gave back to her community in countless ways. She helped raise money for the first thermal imaging system for the Sanford-Springvale Fire District, hosted field trips from elementary schools at her farm and was always ready to lend a helping hand whenever anyone needed her. Jae’s joy for life was boundless, and just when it seemed her heart could not grow any fuller, her grandchildren arrived. Becoming “Yiayia” in 2019 ignited a new kind of joy in her life.
Her Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, Oct. 10, from 4 to 8 pm at Curtis Lake Church in Sanford.
Jae Caramihalis Obituary | 1957 – 2025 | Alfred, ME
Carmen Nadeau died Aug. 21, 2025. A Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 23, at 11 am at Holy Family Church in Sanford. It will be live streamed at stthereseparishmaine.org/livestream. Her obituary can be viewed at https://conroytullywalker.com/obits/carmen-b-nadeau/.
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Germaine “Gerry” Pelletier, a lifelong resident of Sanford, passed away peacefully at her home of over 50 years on Tuesday, September 9, 2025. She was born in Sanford, the youngest of 13 children on November 12, 1932, to the late Joseph and Delia (Doiron) Pelletier. She attended local schools and was a graduate of St. Ignatius High School, Class of 1952.
She retired in 1992 with 20 years of service with the Department of Health and Human Services. A devout lifelong communicant of St. Therese of Lisieux Parish, she was active as a Lector, Eucharistic Minister and was always available to serve the parish in any capacity she could.
In her younger years she traveled extensively. Her travels took her to Rome, the Vatican, Switzerland, France and Mexico. In her retirement years, she kept meticulous care of her home, working in her yard, gardening, and taking rides to the beach. She also enjoyed several road trips to Florida to visit her sister Lorraine and brother-in-law Fern.
She was predeceased by her parents as well as her 12 siblings. Survivors include many nieces, nephews and relatives. A special thank you to Mike and Tina from Hospice of Southern Maine and Gerry’s wonderful friends and family who have been there with wonderful care and support over the last several years.
Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, September 14, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm. A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, September 15, at 11:00 am with a burial immediately following at St. Ignatius Cemetery. View her obituary here.
Richard E. Hanscom, of Waltham, Massachusetts, died Tuesday, September 9, 2025, in Allston, Massachusetts. He was born in Sanford on February 12, 1938, the son of Elmore and Gladys (Ricker) Hanscom. He grew up in Sanford and graduated from Sanford High School in 1956. He attended Florida State University for two years before entering the United States Navy. He served four years in the Navy as a Dental Technician. In 1965, he attended the PGA Business School and became a PGA Pro. He worked at several golf clubs over the years and was on the PGA Tour in 1967 and 1968. As a golfer, Richard won many tournaments and was actively involved with in the PGA Committee for many years.
Richard is survived by his wife, Cynthia F. Hanscom; his children and grandchildren. A Celebration of life will be held at 12 noon on October 25, 2025, at Cyprian Keys, 284 East Temple Street, Boylston, Massachusetts. https://conroytullywalker.com/obits/richard-e-hanscom/?utm_content=button
Arthur J. Gagne, of Lyman, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Monday, September 1, 2025. He was born on June 27, 1950, in Sanford, one of eight children to Wilde and Julliette (Bedard) Gagne. He grew up in Sanford and attended St. Ignatius School. At the age of 22, Arthur was drafted into the United States Army, proudly serving his country during the Vietnam Conflict. Upon returning home, he met Maxine Brunelle. They married and together raised three children. This past year, Arthur and Maxine were blessed to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary.
Arthur worked as an electrician but possessed a wide range of skills. He could build, repair, or fix just about anything, and was always willing to lend a hand. Known for his generosity and dedication, Arthur was the kind of neighbor and friend who showed up whenever someone needed help whether plowing a driveway, repairing equipment, or building something from scratch.
He had a love of nature and enjoyed bird watching and observing wildlife. A science fiction fan, he especially liked Star Trek. Arthur’s creativity shone through in many ways, helping his children with school projects, designing landscaping with an artistic eye, and in recent years, spending countless hours on his beloved backhoe. Above all, he was a devoted family man, a true provider who especially cherished time spent with his grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his parents and by his granddaughter, Venna Serenity Cline. He leaves behind his loving wife, Maxine Gagne of Lyman; his children, Michael Gagne and his partner Ashley Godin of Sanford, Matthew Gagne and his wife Rebecca of North Berwick, and Tonya Cline of Quincy, MA; his siblings, Priscilla Velandry and her husband Bill of Alfred, Ida Cluff of Waterboro, Donald Gagne and his wife Ann of Sanford, Pauline Staples and her husband Wayne of Sanford, Edward Gagne and his wife Darlene of Amelia Island, FL, Conrad Gagne and his wife Janet of Acton, and David Gagne and his wife Lisa of Porter. He is also lovingly remembered by his grandchildren, Gage, Killian, Finnian Gagne, and Carissa Cline, as well as by many nieces and nephews.
A time of visitation was held on Wednesday, September 10, followed by a committal service with military honors at Southern Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery. https://conroytullywalker.com/obits/arthur-j-gagne-2/?utm_content=button
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