Compiled by Rev. Susan Murphy
James “Jim” Clyde Folsom, 67, of Sanford passed away peacefully on Oct. 17, 2025, surrounded by his loving family, after a brief illness.
He was born on August 4, 1958, in Millinocket, the son of Clyde and Carolyn Folsom. In 1976 he graduated from Bangor High School, where he was given the nickname “Wizard at Three.” He went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Maine at Orono in 1981.
For the last 16 years, he was a dedicated senior manufacturing engineer at Vishay, where his intelligence, curiosity and problem-solving nature shone through. He was known for his lifelong passion for understanding how things worked – often taking them apart just to put them back together even better than before.
He married the love of his life, Patricia, on July 7, 1979, and together they raised two children, Jamie and Scott, who were the pride and joy of his life. He was a devoted husband for 46 wonderful years.
Jim was known for his humor, warmth, and gentle soul. He was always the first to lend a helping hand, the life of the party with a karaoke song, and the heart of every family gathering – insisting on capturing each moment with a photo.
Above all, James found his greatest joy in his five grandchildren; go-karting together, s’mores at sleepovers, sledding, trips to Storyland and Santa’s Village. He was their Grampy, always up for fun and made every moment special. Jim’s laughter, kindness, and love will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew him. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
Jim is predeceased by his parents. He is survived by his beloved wife, Patricia Folsom; his daughter, Jamie (Adam) Lovejoy; his son, Scott (Jessica) Folsom; his brothers, Edmund (Lauren) Folsom; and Douglass (Laurie) Folsom; his five grandchildren, several nieces and nephews.
A time of visitation will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 29 from 4 to 6 pm at Black Heald and Walker Funeral Home, with a memorial service on Thursday, Oct. 30, at 10:30 am also at Black Heald Walker Funeral Home
Diane C. Johnson, 67, of Springvale, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025, at Maine Medical Center in Portland.
She was born on Dec. 21, 1957, in Rochester, NH, to Horace and Claudette (Guillemette) Merrill. Diane grew up in both South Berwick and the Sanford/Springvale area and graduated from Sanford High School with the Class of 1976.
Diane was dedicated to caring for others. She worked as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) in various facilities across York County and later served as a substitute teacher for the Sanford School District.
Her faith was an important part of her life. She was a devoted member of New Beginnings Christian Church in Sanford. Diane also found peace and joy by the ocean, especially at Wells Beach, one of her favorite places to visit.
She was predeceased by her parents, Horace and Claudette Merrill, and her brother, Robert Merrill.
Diane is survived by her loving husband of 17 years, Richard Johnson; her son, Scott Dugre of Cornish; her daughter, Jennifer Dugre of Springvale; her stepdaughter, Kathleen Johnson of Ohio; her siblings: Merle Merrill, Debbie Alexander, Michelle Willerson, David Merrill, and Michael Merrill; and five cherished grandchildren.
She will be deeply missed by her family and all who knew her. At Diane’s request, no services will be held.
Douglas Kenney Lewis, 72, of Wells, passed away on Oct. 14, 2025, after a long illness.
Doug was born in Sanford on Jan. 29, 1953, to Marjorie Elizabeth Kenney and Ernest James Lewis. After graduating from high school in 1971, he went on to study journalism and Spanish at the University of Maine, where he accepted a pitching scholarship. Although an injury ended his pitching prospects, he never lost his love of the game.
Doug worked several jobs throughout his life, including his 25 years as a Spanish teacher at Marshwood High School, where he touched many young lives, both as a teacher and a baseball coach.
Doug’s happiest time was the many years he was writing, singing, playing and recording his own music with his partner Eve (formerly Deb) Sawyer. His heartfelt lyrics and melodies have touched many souls. He was a gifted musician, singer, guitarist, writer, linguist, baseball player, and actor. He was a dedicated son, brother, teacher, and the kindest uncle a niece and nephew could have.
Doug was predeceased by his father, Ernest James Lewis. He is survived by his mother, Marjorie Elizabeth Kenney Lewis; sister, Margaret Mary Lennan Lewis; four brothers, Christopher, Gregory, Timothy and Edward; and several nieces and nephews.
Services were held at St. Georges Episcopal Church, in Sanford on Oct. 24 at 11 am.
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