Passages

38 3 minutes read

Compiled by Rev. Susan Murphy

Grace P. Cross, 92, of Sanford, passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, February 19, 2026.

Grace was born on March 20, 1933, in Stewartstown, New Hampshire. She was the beloved daughter of Bert and Evelyn Phillips and the oldest of nineteen children. She grew up on the family farm in Colebrook, New Hampshire, where she quickly learned the value of hard work, responsibility, and devotion to family. Grace married the love of her life, Robert W. Cross in 1953 and together they shared 40 years of marriage and raised four children before Robert’s passing in 1993. Their life together was built on faith, perseverance, and a shared dream of creating something meaningful. Grace worked diligently throughout her life, holding several positions over the years. She was employed in the health profession serving as a CNA and EMT dedicating her life to caring for others with compassion and skill.

Grace and Robert pursued certification to operate a greenhouse and together proudly owned and operated Cross’s Greenhouse in Lemington, Vermont. For many years, they nurtured not only beautiful plants but also lasting relationships with customers who returned season after season.

Grace met Leonald Lehoux in 1995, and their companionship blossomed into love, and they were married in 2008. Together they shared 17 wonderful years of marriage until Leonald’s passing in 2025. Grace and Leonald enjoyed traveling between Maine and Florida before building their home and settling in Maine full-time in 2008, where Grace continued to create beauty all around her.

Grace had a deep love for creativity and the simple joys of life. She collected elephants, each one special to her. She was artistic and talented, finding happiness in crafts, painting, flower arranging, and gardening. Grace found peace outdoors, tending to her flower gardens and taking pride in making her home a place of comfort and beauty for her family. A faithful member of the First Baptist Church in Sanford, Grace served in the choir and delighted in playing her harmonica. Her faith was quiet but steadfast, reflected in her gentle nature and kind spirit.

Grace was a loving and devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She cherished time spent at home surrounded by her family. Though she was a quiet woman, her presence was strong, steady, and deeply comforting. She took immense pride in caring for those she loved, and her legacy of devotion and grace will live on in each of them. Grace will be dearly missed by her family and friends, but the seeds of love, faith, and kindness she planted throughout her life will continue to bloom for generations to come.

Grace was predeceased by her parents; her first husband, Robert W. Cross, Sr.; her second husband, Leonald Lehoux; and ten siblings. She is survived by her four children, Joy (John) Quay; Sonya (James) Cross-Yee; Tammy Cross; and Robert (Tammi) Cross, Jr. She also leaves behind ten siblings; ten beloved grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held in the spring at a date to be announced. https://conroytullywalker.com

George Roberts, 31, of Sanford, passed away unexpectedly on February 22, 2026.

George was born on April 20, 1994, in Sanford. He lived life on his own terms. He enjoyed skateboarding, riding dirt bikes and doing difficult maneuvers on anything with wheels. George loved being outdoors and was a free spirit.

He was predeceased by his grandfather Gibby Lavigne. George is lovingly remembered by his mother, Carol Dupont and her partner Jim Johnson of Springvale; his father, George Roberts of Hollis; his sister, Stephanie Bogan and her husband Connor of Sanford; his brother, Christopher Dupont of Columbia, ME; his nieces and nephews, Isabella, Cameron, Chloe, Delilah, and Hunter; his Gram, Madeline Levigne of Saco; his Meme, Dorothy Dupont of Alfred; as well as several aunts, uncles, cousins, and many friends who will miss him dearly.

No service is indicated at this time. https://conroytullywalker.com