2025 Obituaries
William Edward Chapman
West Gardiner- William E. Chapman, known affectionately as Bill, passed away on January 15, 2025, at the age of 70 at his home in West Gardiner, surrounded by family. He was born on August 5, 1954, in Lewiston Maine, to his parents William Chapman, his mother Mildred Chapman, along with siblings Jean Tommaselli, husband Richard Tommaselli, and Brenda Vinette and her husband Vince Vinette.
Bill was a dedicated owner of Easy Rent All in Lewiston and poured his heart into his work. He was a loving husband, survived by his wife Crystal Chapman, with whom he shared many cherished memories. Bill was a proud father of two sons, William Chapman and his wife Heather, and Russell Chapman and his partner Janice Chamberlain. His legacy continues through his grandchildren: Ryan LaRoche and his wife Sarah, Kassondra Chapman and her fiancé Jon Patterson, as well as his great-grandchildren, Natalie LaRoche, Grayson Patterson, and Julian LaRoche. He is survived by sister in laws Faye Poulin and late husband Claude Poulin, Wendy Parks and husband Tom Parks , nieces Nicole Tommaselli, and Carrie-Ann Vinette, and nephews Robert Tommaselli, and Aaron Vinette.
Bill's passions included visiting Disney World, spending quality time with his family, and cheering for the Boston Bruins. Bill was a lifelong member of the Webber Avenue Club in Lewiston. He absolutely loved spending time with his grand-dog Jax on Chipmunk Lane at the lake. Bill will always be remembered for his warmth, generosity, and the love he had for his family and friends. Bill's spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
Arrangements are under the care of Kincer Funeral Home, 130 Pleasant St., Richmond, ME 04357
Doris Wheeler Gagne
Bowdoin- Doris Wheeler Gagne left us to be with Jesus on January 5th, 2025, at the age of 82 after a courageous 81-year battle with Juvenile Diabetes. Doris was loved by all who knew her for her gentle manner and caring heart. She was an avid letter writer with pen pals around the world. Her memory for people and dates was legendary, and she faithfully sent birthday cards to friends and family. She was also passionate about her family's genealogy. She was an avid reader, and loved to hear others' life stories.
Doris was the daughter of June Wagg Wheeler and Ervin Alfred Wheeler of Bowdoin, Maine where she was born and lived her entire life. She is survived by her husband Albert, a survivor of childhood institutional trauma; a daughter Karen M Gagne, a Masters of Social Work degree candidate December 2025; and a grandson Alex J Gagne-Poliquin, a craft-worker. Doris is also survived by her sister Lila Bulick, and was predeceased by their brother Stanley Wheeler, and sister Marion Pinard.
Doris was a woman who had a deep passion for her walk as a Christian, and a genuine love and kindness that extended to family, friends, and beyond.
A Celebration of Life will be held at West Bowdoin Baptist Church 54 West Rd Bowdoin on January 25th at 1pm.
Arrangements are the care of Kincer Funeral Home, 130 Pleasant St., Richmond, ME 04357
Faith Hanley Bailey
Brunswick- Faith Hanley Bailey, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 3rd, 2025, surrounded by her family members.
Born in Gardner, Maine, on 1 August 1935, Faith was the daughter of the late Gerard Keating Hanley and Phyllis (Browne) Hanley. Faith graduated from Saint Joseph Academy (high school) in Portland, Maine. She later graduated from Mount Saint Mary College in Hooksett, NH, in 1957 with a bachelor’s in English. Faith was offered a fellowship to graduate school at Catholic University to continue her studies in English but forwent the opportunity after she met the love of her life, Richard W. Bailey. Faith worked on the library staff at Lamont Library at Harvard University from 1957 to 1959. Faith married Richard on June 13th, 1959. Faith traveled the country and world with Richard for the next 20 years as a Marine wife. They lived and raised their family on almost every Marine Corps base from Quantico, VA, to Camp Pendleton, CA. The highlight of her travels was living for three years in Cape Town, South Africa, where she met many of her best friends in life.
Faith loved literature and was considered the most well-read person by all who knew her. She collected hundreds of books and always had an eye for rare ones. She loved the Boston Red Sox and Ted Williams in particular. As a girl, Faith loved to keep score of Red Sox games and later share the highlights with her father. Over the years, she met several Red Sox players, including Pedro Martinez and Luis Tiant. Faith loved Ireland and visited several times. She enjoyed looking for family and hearing the stories of her ancestors.
Faith worked in several professions over the years. One of her favorite jobs was as the executive assistant to the Dean of Student Affairs at Saint Joseph’s College in Standish, Maine, where she served for over 10 years. She met and was loved by several generations of students attending Saint Joseph’s College.