Compiled by Rev. Sue Murphy
Theodora Mae Armitage, 95, of Springvale, Shapleigh, and most recently Sanford died on Sept.19, 2026 and was reunited with her husband Robert, whom she’d dreamed of joining since his passing in 1992.
Teddy, as she was affectionately known by most, was born in Sanford on Sept. 7, 1931. At the age of 12, she left school to care for her six younger siblings and was instrumental in their upbringing.
Teddy met Robert “Bob” Armitage at a dance in Sanford and the two married soon after. They traveled the nation and the globe as Bob served his country in the US Air Force. They returned to Springvale upon his discharge from service and began to build a home and a place where all were welcome.
Teddy and Bob raised three children; Bonnie, Scott and Gregg. While only three children were hers, her ability and desire to take care of others extended to her babysitting several children daily in her home for nearly 30 years. She always had cookies, brownies or whoopie pies in the oven and all the love anyone could ask for.
She is predeceased by her husband, Robert E. Armitage, son Scott Armitage, brothers Everett, Perley Jr, and Ernest Sargent, sister Madeline Crocker, and grandchildren Robert Armitage and Gregg Armitage Jr.
She is survived by her daughter Bonita Shirley Adams, son Gregg Harold Armitage, four grandchildren and her sister Donna Lee Michaud.
Visitation was to be held from 9 to 11am with a service following at 11am on Friday, Sept. 25 at the Black-Heald & Walker Funeral Home, 580 Main St. in Springvale. Interment was to follow at Riverside Cemetery in Springvale.
Arline D. Fortier, 81, of Springvale, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family on Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2026.
Arline was born in Sanford and became a lifelong resident of the community she loved. She was a graduate of St. Ignatius High School. Arline enjoyed a successful career as a realtor for decades, most notably with Town Square Realty Group. Through her work, she helped countless families find homes of their own and earned a reputation for her integrity. Arline’s commitment to Sanford/Springvale extended far beyond her career. She served on the Cancer Care Center board and understood the importance of compassionate care and meaningful community support as she was a cancer survivor herself. Arline was also a Rotarian. Her work with Rotary’s scholarship committee was especially close to her heart, reflecting her deep belief in education and the opportunities it creates.
A woman of tremendous integrity and conviction, she believed deeply in fairness and justice, and remained actively engaged in civic and political life. She was never afraid to stand up for what she believed was right. As an avid gardener, Arline took great joy in her rose bushes and loved lilies of the valley.
Arline loved her family. She was always there to offer advice, whether it was solicited or not, and never hesitated to tell you exactly what she thought. Her guidance gave her family the confidence to make their own choices and navigate life with strength. She took immense pride in watching her children and grandchildren grow, flourish, and find their own paths. She celebrated their accomplishments, cherished their milestones, and was involved in each of their lives.
She is predeceased by her parents Adrien and Rose Demers, and her son-in-law, Richard Thayer. Survivors include her husband of 46 years, Rodney Fortier of Springvale, her sister Anita LaFrance; her brother Paul (Laurie) Demers; her four children, Ann Thayer; Amy (Shawn) McEwen, Jonathan (Dawn) Brackett and Emily Fortier, and five grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Those who would like to attend her celebration of life are invited to The Ridge Event Center (49 Shaw’s Ridge Road, Sanford) on Wednesday, September 23rd, 2026, at 11:00am. A time of sharing will be led by Rev. Dr. Linwood Welch at 11:30am, followed by light refreshments.
Robert I. Hardison, 84, beloved husband of Carolyn Shaw Hardison, passed away on Sept. 17, 2026, surrounded by family. Robert was born July 20, 1942, in Caribou, the son of Waldo and Phyllis Hardison. He grew up in Caribou, graduated from Caribou High School, class of 1960 and the University of Maine in Orono class of 1964, earning a degree in engineering. Robert married Carolyn Shaw on June 20, 1964. He started his career at Buffalo Pumps, later moving to Goulds Pumps in Seneca Falls, NY, where Robert and Carolyn raised their children, Bryan and Kathy, for 15 years. He furthered his career in Sanford, where he and Carolyn opened Atlantic Pump and Engineering in 1991.
Robert’s true calling was his devotion to his family and his community efforts. He began his community involvement in New York, where he lived and continued his community efforts through Sanford Industrial Development Corp, Sanford Planning Board, Sandford/Springvale Chamber of Commerce, York Country Technical College Board of Directors, and the Sanford Regional Economic Growth Council, serving as a founding member. He also continued his Rotary service. He fulfilled his love for sports by serving on the board of the Sanford Mainers and fulfilled his faith, serving on the board of trustees of North Parish Church. His true passion was fulfilled through his service of 30 years to Maine Health, where he began on the board of trustees of Goodall Hospital in 1995, continuing by serving on the Cancer Care Center of York County Board of Directors, and then Maine Medical Center Board of Directors through 2025.
Robert was passionate about his family and stewardship and was known for his love of fishing, which often took him to Madawaska Lake. His legacy will remain in the organizations he served, in his roots in Aroostook County, and through his family.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Carolyn, son Bryan (Andrea) Hardison, daughter Kathryn (Todd) Coppi, three granddaughters, a sister Barbara and many nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, Oct. 4, at 1:30 pm at North Parish Congregational Church, 895 Main St, Sanford.
Jimmy Reagan, 75, of Sanford died on Sept.12, 2026. According to his family, he had a big personality, a stubborn streak, and always something to say. Jim could be a miserable old man, but he was also funny, loved his family, knew how to have a good time, and lived for his grandchildren.
James was born in Philadelphia on May 28, 1951, to Frances Coombs Reagan and James A. Reagan. He was the first boy in the family, becoming the younger brother to Donna, Sally, Sharon, and Betty Dixon, eventually becoming a big brother to the youngest sibling, the late Alvin Reagan. In his younger years, he was known as “Pizza” Reagan, a talented baseball player, and spent his adult life working in the trade of carpentry. In his 30s, he relocated back to the state of Maine, eventually settling in Sanford.
His beloved late wife, Shirley McCormick, remained a huge part of his life even after her passing. He was also preceded in death by his sister Donna Noble in 2025. James is survived by his only son, James (Pamela) Reagan, four grandchildren and sisters Sally Hallee, Sharon Robinson, and Betty Swett.
Despite many years of health battles, James made his way back to Philadelphia whenever he could to see his family, especially around the holidays. Those visits may have been too few, but the memories and the jokes, arguments, and laughs that came with those visits will last a lifetime.
Jim wasn’t always easy, but he loved his family in his own way. He leaves behind plenty of stories, laughs, and family & friends who will miss him dearly. No service is planned at this time.
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