Compiled by Rev. Susan Murphy
Linda J. Grigerek, 63, died peacefully on Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025, at Tampa General Hospital in the arms of her husband and love of her life, Glen. Many in the Acton, Sanford and Springvale area know her best as the founder of Grammy Rose Rescue and Sanctuary in Acton.
Linda’s formative experiences and deep connection to her ancestry in Acton inspired her to create a dog rescue and sanctuary on family property in 2018. Named in honor of her beloved grandmother Rose Wentworth, the rescue has saved and placed over 1,400 dogs into loving homes, a lasting testament to Linda’s unwavering compassion and dedication to those in need.
Linda was born on April 15, 1962, in Hartford, CT, the daughter of the late Richard R. Johnson and Elanore Patricia Johnson. She grew up in West Hartford and as a child spent summers with her beloved grandparents, Ralph and Rose Wentworth (née Kessler), in their 1800s colonial farmhouse, on land in Acton that had been in the family since before the Revolutionary War. Those summers were foundational. Rose, who was Linda’s safe harbor and anchor, provided the love and guidance that allowed her to thrive. After attending Keene State College, Linda returned to Connecticut to attend UConn and worked as a paraprofessional at HARC, Inc., assisting individuals with intellectual disabilities to participate as valued members of their communities. Her work at HARC became the catalyst for a lifelong mission: helping those in need to live with independence and dignity. She called it her “boot camp” for life.
With just a small loan from her family, Linda founded a little company known as Companions & Homemakers, Inc. in March 1990. From its humble beginnings, the company grew. She built the company with determination and the simple principal vision of “help people in need.” During her over 30 years of stewardship, Companions & Homemakers, Inc. became the largest woman-owned business in Connecticut and the leading provider of non-medical home care services in the state. Linda’s tireless efforts as an advocate for quality in-home elder care earned numerous accolades. Above all, Linda viewed her mission of serving Connecticut’s aging population as both an honor and a privilege, dedicating herself to ensuring that the needs of the elderly she served were always placed above those of the business and industry itself.
She never measured life by wealth or accolades, choosing instead to focus on ways to use what she had achieved to help those without a voice or advocate. At the end of the day, the simple things were those that mattered most to Linda, and these are the moments she would have been most proud to call her legacy.
Linda leaves behind her beloved husband Glen Grigerek; his parents Donald and Kathy Grigerek; her sister-in-law, Jessica Grigerek, and niece, Josephine Prokop; her sister and brother-in-law Victoria and Steve Underwood and their children, David, Alison, and Michael Underwood.
Funeral services will be private, with a spring burial in Acton alongside her beloved grandparents, in the serene woods of Maine that she so cherished. A Celebration of Life will be shared with friends and family at a later date.
Rita M. Leclerc, 95, of Sanford, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her loving family on Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025.
She was born on March 8, 1930, in Sanford, one of 10 children of Frederic and Phelanise “Minnie” (Legere) Doiron. Rita grew up in Sanford and attended local schools. She fondly recalled her childhood and said her family had little materially, but their home was filled with love, laughter, and music.
Rita began working at a young age in the local mills and later, in her retirement years, taught exercise classes at elder care facilities.
She married the love of her life, Joseph Bernard “Ben” Leclerc, in 1952, and together they raised three daughters and shared 63 years of marriage. Rita was primarily a devoted homemaker who took great pride in caring for her family. A devout Roman Catholic, she credited her long and fulfilling life to her strong faith. She was especially proud to be a 43-year cancer survivor. She and her family cherished summers spent at their home in Wells, and later in life, Rita and Ben enjoyed wintering in Holiday, FL, for nearly 20 years. Rita adored her family and was a doting grandmother and great-grandmother. Known for her generosity, Rita was always willing to help others.
She was predeceased by her beloved husband, J. Bernard Leclerc; her grandchildren, Damien Horgan and Alexander Caras; and eight of her siblings.
Rita is survived by her three daughters, Nancy (Steve) Horgan; Denise (Ron) Bougie, and Laurie (Nick) Caras; seven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; her brother, Roger Doiron, and a large extended family.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026, at 11 am. Burial will take place in the spring at St. Ignatius Cemetery.
Joanne Rita (Laprise) Libby passed away peacefully in the comfort of her home on Dec. 16, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family. She was the beloved daughter of the late Henry Laprise and Bertha Laprise Burke. She was born on Feb. 9, 1948, with a warm spirit and a heart devoted to caring for others, Joanne built a life filled with love, dedication, and unforgettable memories.
Joanne graduated from St. Ignatius High School, where the roots of her strong sense of community, loyalty, and service first took hold—values she carried with her throughout her life.
Joanne married her one and only love, Raymond Libby, with whom she shared 59 years of marriage. Their relationship was full of humor, mischief, and a bond uniquely their own. Together, they raised three children: Lisa, Brian, and Tricia. As a devoted mother, Joanne poured her heart into her family while also pursuing her calling in nursing. During her long and dedicated career at Goodall Hospital, she was affectionately known as “Bubbles,” a nickname that reflected her upbeat energy.
Joanne had a gift for hospitality. Her home was always filled with warmth, food, and the comforting smells drifting from her kitchen. Collecting dolls was one of Joanne’s greatest passions. It brought her immense joy and allowed her to travel across many states to attend doll shows and conventions. She made lifelong friends and found a community that shared her love for her cherished hobby. Joanne was very involved in her community and proudly belonged to the Red Hat Society, the Daughters of Isabella, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), and The Ladies Auxiliary, where she formed meaningful friendships and gave generously of her time and heart. Joanne will be remembered for her kindness, humor, generosity, sass, and the unwavering love she poured into every part of her life. Her legacy lives on in her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all those fortunate enough to have known her.
Michael John Pollack, 73, of Sanford, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, at the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House in Scarborough, surrounded by love.
Mike was born on April 15, 1952, in Detroit, MI, to John and Norma (Faraoni) Pollack. He grew up in Detroit and attended local schools, graduating from Redford Union High School in 1970. After facing and overcoming early life struggles, Mike chose a path of compassion and service. He entered rehabilitation and went on to become a counselor for abused and neglected children, dedicating himself to helping others find hope and healing. This deep empathy remained a defining trait throughout his life.
Mike met the love of his life, Sandra Melanson, in 1982, and they married in 1987. They shared 38 years of marriage, raising two children, Sarah and Michael II, and building a life rooted in family, music, and community. Mike opened Mike’s Music in1987 in Sanford. It was a place that was far more than a store—it was a gathering space, a sanctuary for music lovers, and a reflection of Mike himself. He owned and operated the shop with pride and joy until his retirement in 2019. Mike lived by his store’s motto, “Everything you do is Music,” and he embodied it fully.
Beyond music, Mike enjoyed fishing and going anywhere he could connect with people and strike up a conversation. He saw the good in everyone and was always willing to listen. Often described as a big teddy bear, Mike was playful, lighthearted, and deeply loving. He adored children, held his godchildren especially close to his heart, and cherished the many friends he considered family.
At the center of his life were his family and his music—the two great loves that defined who he was. Mike will be remembered for his warm smile, infectious laugh, generous spirit, and unwavering devotion as a husband, father, and friend. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
He was predeceased by his sister, Kelly Estep. Surviving is his beloved wife, Sandra Pollack; two children, Sarah Pollack and Michael Pollack II; sisters Cheryl Miller and Cynthia (Lloyd) Smith, and several nieces and nephews.
A memorial service was held on Dec. 30 at the Black-Heald & Walker Funeral Home, in Springvale. Interment will take place in the spring at St. Ignatius Cemetery in Sanford.
Lorraine J. Roy, 89, of Sanford passed away peacefully with her loving family by her side at Summer Commons in Sanford on Monday, Dec. 22, 2025.
She was born on Sept. 16, 1936, in Sanford, the daughter of Adonias and Yvonne (Parent) Gregoire. Lorraine grew up in Sanford and attended local schools, including St. Ignatius High School. She later attended McIntosh College in Dover, NH, where she studied accounting.
Lorraine worked for many years as a bookkeeper before later being employed at Goodall Hospital in housekeeping, a position she truly enjoyed. For nearly 20 years, Lorraine resided in Kansas while raising her family. She returned to Maine in 1988 to help care for family.
Lorraine was a devout Roman Catholic who saw her faith as the cornerstone and guide of her life. She enjoyed crocheting, knitting, doing crossword puzzles, and reading books of all kinds. She especially loved learning about birds and could often be found watching them at her birdfeeders. She was known for being kind, caring, independent, and particular—a perfectionist in the best sense. She took pride in all she did. Lorraine will be remembered for her deep faith and the love she shared with her family.
She was predeceased by her parents; her son, Gregory Roy; her brother, Charles Gregoire; her sisters, Juliette Hubert and Simone St. Cyr. Survivors include her children, Michael Roy Jr.; John (Julie) Roy; Lori-Anne and her husband Brian; Peter (Jennifer) Roy; and Marc Roy and his significant other Stacy Cudworth. She also leaves behind her cherished 13 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; a special niece, Claire Vermette, and many extended family members.
A mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Dec. 31 at St. Therese of Lisieux Parish, Holy Family Church, Burial will take place at St. Ignatius Cemetery in the spring of 2026.
Rose M. Saucier, 75, of Springvale, passed away peacefully at her home on Monday, Dec. 22, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family.
Rose was born on Oct. 31, 1950, in Van Buren to Alphonse and Lucie (Cyr) LaPlante. She grew up on a dairy farm in Cyr Plantation, where she learned the values of hard work, family, and generosity that would guide her throughout her life. Rose married the love of her life, Donald Saucier in 1973. Rose and her family relocated to Dover, NH, in 1983, when Donald accepted a position at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, beginning a new chapter filled with family memories. Rose and Donald shared 50 years of marriage, until Donald’s passing in 2024.
Rose found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved gardening, growing flowers, and camping. She was an excellent cook and enjoyed oil painting by numbers, knitting, and crafting afghans for family and friends. Above all else, Rose was a loving and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She was loved by all who knew her and will be remembered for her kindness, generosity, and unwavering devotion to her family.
She is survived by her two children, Brian (Nadia) Saucier and Tracy (Steven) Fairbrother; four grandchildren, five siblings, Roland (Normande) Cyr; Delano (Jocelyne) LaPlante; Delcia (Robert) Schultz; Jaqueline (Onile) Leclerc; May (Ronald) Ouellette; sister-in-law, Phyllis Foley; and two brothers-in-law, Gary Saucier and Robert (Terry) Saucier.
A graveside service will be held in the spring at the Southern Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Springvale, where Rose will be laid to rest alongside her beloved husband, Donald.
Jim William Bond passed away in the very early hours of Christmas morning, peacefully in his sleep. Jimmy was born on October 18, 1966, in Sanford, the son of the late Calvert and Amanda (Pelletier) Bond.
He grew up in Springvale and graduated in 1985 from Sanford High School. Jim was a proud member of his high school band playing the drums. Also during his high school years, he began his lifelong career as a volunteer firefighter starting with the Springvale call company, moving on to the Acton Fire Dept. There he held many leadership roles including lieutenant, captain and most recently served as the President of the York County Firefighters Association and Board of Directors member. Jim started a 28-year career with the York County Sheriff’s Office, in 1988, as a corrections officer and later as a transport specialist. After retiring in 2016, he took his talents and commitment for law enforcement to serve as a Judicial Marshall for the State of Maine. Jim forged many wonderful friendships with his coworkers and those he protected through his respect, skills and incredible sense of humor.
Jim met his wife Nancy in 2002, fell in love, and they soon married and moved to Shapleigh where they built their dream home. Their love of travel brought them on nearly 20 cruises and to almost every NASCAR track in the US, favorites being Vegas and Daytona.
Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 21 years Nancy, his son and best friend Calvert (Amanda) Bond; beloved grandson Walker Bond; brothers Patrick Bond and Richard Bond; sister Nancy (Gary) Rowland; and a large extended family with many lifelong friends.
Visiting hours will be held Friday, January 9 from 4:30–7:30 pm at Black Heald and Walker Funeral Home, 580 Main St., Springvale, followed by a small service Saturday, January 10 at 1 pm for family and friends, followed by a fire/police procession to the Acton Fire Dept where a public service and celebration of life will be held. https://conroytullywalker.com
James W. Howard, 79, of Sanford, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 26, 2025, at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House in Scarborough. James was born on December 1, 1946, to Shirley and Elizabeth (MacCuish) Howard in Chelsea, Massachusetts, where he grew up and attended local schools. Following his education, James proudly served in the United States Navy.
He met the love of his life, Sandra, and after a short courtship they married, sharing 53 devoted years together. The couple moved to Maine in 1973, where they raised their three children.
James attended Boston University, graduating with honors. He was employed for many years at Sprague Electric as the Quality Control Manager before retiring. Never one to slow down, he later worked at FMI in Biddeford, retiring once again, and then served as a consultant for NASA for a time. He also loved traveling with his wife, exploring destinations throughout the United States and even visiting Paris together.
He was predeceased by his wife Sandra, his twin infant daughters, Elaine and Laura; and his sister, Donna-Lee Aufiero.
James is survived by his daughters, Lee-Ann Gagnon (Steve Baltzley); Patricia-Lee (Kurt) Osborne; his son, James Howard Jr. (Jennifer King); eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, A graveside service with military honors will be held on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at 12:00 pm at Southern Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 83 Stanley Road, in Springvale. https://conroytullywalker.com
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