Compiled by Rev. Susan Murphy
Leonald “Lee” Lehoux, 95, a lifelong resident of Sanford, passed away on Nov. 1, 2025, after a brief illness. Lee was born on April 21, 1930, in Sanford to Wilfred and Laura Lehoux.
A proud and honorable U.S. Army veteran, Lee went on to become a skilled builder and businessman. He owned and operated Pinewood Mobile Home Park in Sanford for many years. Lee was also a longtime pilot at the Sanford Airport.
Lee was a devoted husband to Grace Phillips Cross, who remained faithfully by his side throughout their life together and at the time of his passing.
He is survived by his two sons, David Lehoux and Donald Lehoux; daughter, Debra (Herbert) Morin; three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind his stepchildren, Joy Quay, Sonya Yee, Tammy Cross, and Robert Cross.
A memorial service will be held at the Sanford First Baptist Church on Saturday, Nov. 22, at 1 pm with Pastor Phillip Bean officiating. A military service will be held immediately following at the Southern Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 83 Stanley Road in Springvale.
Roger Savoie, 89, a lifelong resident of Sanford, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, Nov. 10, 2025.
He was born on Jan. 8, 1936, one of eight children of Wilfred and Margaret (Legere) Savoie, in Sanford, where he grew up and attended local schools, including St. Ignatius School.
Roger proudly served his country in the U.S. Army for two years before returning home to Sanford. He married the love of his life, Rita, in 1957, and together they raised two daughters, Therese and Cynthia. Roger lost his mother at a very young age, and this profoundly altered his childhood. That experience shaped his heart and brought deep devotion to family throughout his life.
He spent his career in the Sanford textile industry, most notably at Tennford Weaving, where he retired as supervisor at age 60. He lent a hand to his brothers in their carpentry business and took great pride in helping with home-building projects, including his own.
Roger and Rita enjoyed wintering in Myrtle Beach, FL, as “snowbirds” and traveling extensively to places in the United States. He and his family created many great memories through travel. At home, Roger took pride in his garden and loved experimenting in the kitchen.
He was predeceased by his parents and his siblings Roland, Albert, Raymond, and Armand Savoie, Jeannine Lydeck, Lillian Hill, and MaryAnn Savoie. Roger is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Rita Savoie, his daughters Therese (Thomas) Perkins and Cynthia Szymbor, two grandsons, and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members who will miss him dearly.
A private graveside service will be held at the Southern Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery.
Mary Grottoli Bertram, of Springvale, passed away peacefully on Nov. 2, 2025. Mary was born in Granville, NY, in 1949 to Cosimo and Pauline (Pauquette) Grottoli. She was a graduate of Granville High School and went on to earn her nursing degree from St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany, NY, and a B.S. in sociology from Castleton State College in Vermont. She worked as a nurse in a variety of settings over the course of her career, most frequently serving geriatric patients.
Mary was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She was a kind, compassionate and joyful person who loved to laugh, entertain and socialize. She always thought of others’ needs before her own, ensuring that all around her felt welcomed and comfortable. She had a gift for getting to know people and making them feel like part of her family. Her empathy, patience and humor endeared her to all who knew her — family, friends, and patients alike.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Ann Ellen Blanco, and her brothers Francis and John. She is survived by her husband Robert, daughter Stacey (Christopher) Dudley; daughter Amy (Dusit) Roongsang; and granddaughters Samantha Dudley and Eleanor Roongsang. She is also survived by siblings Michael Grottoli, Joann Byron, Nicole Backman-Grottoli, Paula Sanchez, Teresa Ameden, and Joseph Grottoli; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, Dec. 27, at 1 pm at Lakeside Community Church in Waterboro.
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John R. Crystal, 79, of Springvale, passed away peacefully on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025, at the Lodges Care Center in Springvale, surrounded by love and the comfort of his family.
John was born on March 26, 1946, in Torrington, CT, where he grew up and attended local schools. Following his graduation from high school, John enlisted in the U.S. Navy. A veteran of the Vietnam war, he served his country with honor for four years aboard the USS Constellation, forging lifelong friendships and memories during his time at sea.
While stationed in Georgia, he was introduced to Katherine, who was visiting from Louisiana with a friend. The two were married and went on to share nearly 58 wonderful years together. John adopted Katherine’s three children as his own, and together they built a loving, blended family, later welcoming another child into their lives. The Crystal family made their home in Maine in 1977, where John began working briefly at Prime Tanning before starting a long and fulfilling career as an inspector at Pratt & Whitney until 2001. John was not one to sit idle, and his strong sense of duty and service to others led him to volunteer with the Shapleigh Fire Department, where he served faithfully for many years and ultimately became chief. He also worked part-time as a funeral attendant at Heald Funeral Home in Springvale, offering his trademark warmth and compassion to families in need.
John’s faith was an important part of his life. He served as a deacon at the North Parish Congregational Church from 1978 to 1985 and later volunteered to provide security at Curtis Lake Church in Sanford. In both his work and service, John was guided by kindness, humility, and a genuine desire to help others.
Outside of his many commitments, John was happiest in nature. His greatest joy, however, was always his family. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, he was endlessly proud of those he loved. He had an easy way with people and could turn even the briefest encounter into a heartfelt conversation.
John is survived by his beloved wife, Katherine Crystal of Springvale; his four children: Cory Crystal; Sandy (Danny) Richer; Michelle Crystal and her husband Nick Costa and Dawn Lalime of Shapleigh; nine grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. He is also survived by his brother, Don (Nancy) Crystal; as well as several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his loving mother, Marjorie Seaton Olson.
A graveside service with military honors will be held in the spring at the Southern Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery on Stanley Road in Springvale.
Eva Mattie Hunter, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend, passed away peacefully on Oct. 30, 2025, at the age of 70.
Eva was born on April 8, 1955, in Rumford to Harry Bradford Gleason Jr. and Margaret Eva Bailey. Eva was the oldest of four children and spent most of her younger years with friends and family in Medway and Mattawamkeag.
Eva joined the Air Force in 1976, where she served for four years. She received an outstanding unit award, longevity service ribbon, and good conduct award from the U.S. Air Force. When Eva completed her service to the Air Force, she attended Spartanburg Technical College and received her quality control associate’s degree. Eva worked in engineering in South Carolina until 1987, when she moved to Sanford with her children. After she was settled from her relocation, Eva quickly put her quality control technician skills to work at Vishay Sprague, where she continued until they closed in late 2001. Shortly after the closure, she obtained her CNA certificate and worked in this field for many years. Eva took great pride in this line of work and gained many lifetime friends.
Eva married the love of her life, Scott Daniel Hunter, in May 2008. Together they enjoyed walks on the beach, motorcycle rides, music, and their animals.
After retiring, Eva enjoying traveling and visited Ireland, England, and the Bahamas. She had a great love for board games, coloring, fairies, mushrooms, princess house crystals and other figurines. Eva’s life was one of grace, strength and unwavering devotion to those she loved. She approached each day with kindness, humility, and an open heart, leaving a legacy of compassion and love to all who knew her.
Eva is predeceased by her husband Scott, who passed in 2014, and a grandson, Devin John Fowler, who passed in 2002. She is survived by her two daughters, Holly Steele and Jennifer (Mike) Roux Jr.; and four grandchildren. Eva is also survived by her brother Robert (Wanda) Gleason; and sisters Lorrie Hal and Donna White.
A graveside memorial with Military Honors was held on Thursday, Nov. 13, at the Southern Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery.
Nancy E. Poto, 71, of Springvale, died on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025, at Maine Medical Center in Portland.
A graveside service was held on Wednesday, Nov. 12 at the Oakdale Cemetery in Sanford.
Laurie E. Valley died unexpectedly at her home on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025. She was born Feb. 6, 1964, in Biddeford to Paul H. & Elaine L. McCallum of Saco, where she spent all her childhood. She attended Saco schools from K-12 and graduated from Thornton Academy in 1984.
After graduating, she did some traveling and settled back in Maine, where she met and married Garrison K. Valley in 1988. They lived in Sanford and raised three sons.
Her work experience included Nike shoe in Saco, and retail store management at two convenience stores in Old Orchard and Sanford. Later, she worked as a certified nail technician for several years.
Her most important title was Mom. She not only raised their three boys but played a large role as Aunt Laurie to her many nieces and nephews. She was known for her powerful singing voice, a listening ear, a willingness to be part of a prank, as a host for family gatherings, and her famous chocolate cream pie. She will be fondly remembered by those who had the privilege to be part of her circle.
She is survived by her husband of 37 years, Garrison K. Valley, three sons, Caleb, Ethan and Isaac; many nieces and nephews; and her brother Gary. She is predeceased by both parents.
A Memorial Service was held at Walker Funeral Home on Friday, Nov. 7. Her final resting place will be determined by close family in the weeks ahead.
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