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Doris Burnett
KITTERY - Doris A. Burnett, 85, of 21 Manson Rd., formerly of Kittery Point, died on Jan. 6, 2004, at York Hospital, following a courageous battle with cancer.
Born in Kittery Point on Sept. 9, 1918, she was a daughter of Robert W. and Edith (Randall) Carlson, she attended local schools graduating from R.W. Traip Academy.
She worked in the hospitality field much of her life, working at the Harbor Home, Homestead and operated with her husband, Burnett's Restaurant in York Village.
She was active in the Senior Friends Network of Portsmouth Regional Hospital, enjoying walking, traveling and many of the other activities membership afforded her.
Most recently she was able to enjoy her 85th birthday party with her family she so adored, she truly enjoyed watching her grand- and great-grandchildren celebrate with her such an important milestone.
She will be missed by those who knew and loved her including her two daughters, Linda and her husband Daniel McNally of Congers, N.Y., and Judith and her husband Robert Sutter of Pompano Beach Fla.; one son Thornton Tobey of Greenland, N.H.; six grandchildren, Debra Fredette, Christopher Tobey, Sharon Raymond, Daniel McNally, Christine Hull and Carrie McNally; as well as seven great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her parents, two husbands George F. Tobey and Melvin Burnett, her brothers Arnold and Monty Carlson and a great-grandson Russell Tobey.
A funeral was held on Saturday at the J.S. Pelkey Funeral Home of Kittery. Family flowers only, donations may be made in her memory to Beacon Hospice Portland Office, 54 Atlantic Place. So. Portland, ME 04106.
Arrangements are entrusted to the J.S. Pelkey Funeral Home of Kittery.
Karen Harder
KENNEBUNKPORT - Karen Harder, 66, of Cape Porpoise passed away peacefully on Jan. 8, 2004 at Southern Maine Medical Center following a brief illness.
She is survived by one sister Janneke Disbrow of Winthrop, Mass.; her husband, Jon of Cape Porpoise; as well as her two sons, Erik Mueller-Harder of Cabot, Vt. and Christian Harder of Randolph, Mass.; and six grandchildren.
Born in Tampa, Fla. in 1937, she was the daughter of Jean (Cooper) Disbrow and William C. Disbrow III. She moved to Massachusetts in 1948. A graduate of Thayer Academy in Braintree, Mass., she attended Kalamazoo College in Michigan before completing the executive secretarial course at Katherine Gibbs School in Boston. She was secretary to the dean of the Harvard Law School, where she met her husband, Jon, an undergraduate. They were married in 1960 in Cohasset, Mass., and went directly to California for his assignment as an officer in the Navy's Pacific Fleet.
During his ship deployments to Asia, she worked as secretary to Erwin Canham and the editorial staff of The Christian Science Monitor in Boston. A skillful editor of books and publications, she worked with authors of architectural, environmental, and historical works, as well as preparing a casebook in constitutional law for Dean Erwin Griswold at Harvard.
During her husband's service as a chaplain in the U.S. Air Force, she was active in support of ministries in San Antonio, Texas, Clark Air Base, Philippines, and Denver, Colo. After their return to Massachusetts in 1972, she was an active member of First Church of Christ, Scientist, Concord, Mass., and continued in editorial work from home.
From 1983 to 1987, the Harders lived in Salzburg, Austria. During this time they worked together in field assignments throughout Europe. As a fluent speaker of German, her talents in ministry blossomed during her work with First Church of Christ, Scientist, Salzburg. She was superintendent of its Sunday School and a reader in worship services. In 1985 she entered the public practice of Christian Science healing. Special church assignments in pre-revolutionary Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Poland, and East Germany gave her much enjoyment. In 1985 the Harders traveled together throughout east Asia to conduct supportive meetings for groups of churches in Thailand, the mountain provinces of the Philippines, Taiwan, Hong Kong, South Korea, Japan and Guam.
Following their return to the United States from Austria in 1987, she continued her healing ministry in the Providence, R.I. area. She participated directly with her husband's lecturing on spiritual healing in 13 countries, including Germany, France, Spain, the Scandinavian countries, and Latvia, and brought direct support to many through her gentle presence. In 1999 at the end of Jon's term as president of The First Church of Christ, Scientist (The Mother Church) in Boston, the Harders built their home overlooking the Batson River marsh in Cape Porpoise. Besides her continued healing ministry, she was able at last to be active in support of conservation and environmental causes. She had campaigned successfully to help prevent destruction of critical environmental spaces in Barrington, R.I. and earlier in Concord, Mass.
An avid birder since the age of 10, she was an enthusiastic volunteer with the bird banders at Laudholm Farm of the Wells Reserve. She monitored and cared for nest boxes for Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge, and was never happier than when seeing a new family of eastern bluebirds or black-capped chickadees fledge and fly at the marsh she loved so much. She was awarded a Certificate of Achievement for establishing a unique wildlife mini-refuge by The National Wildlife Federation, and was a member of the Maine and National Audubon Societies, the American Birding Association, and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology Birdhouse Network and Project Feederwatch.
A private family gathering was held in celebration of her life and work.
Donations in her memory may be sent to Laudholm Trust, PO Box 1007, Wells, ME 04090, or to the Center for Wildlife, PO Box 620, Cape Neddick, ME 03902.
Arrangement are by Dennett, Craig & Pate Funeral Home, Saco.
Bernerdine Johnston
KITTERY - Bernerdine (Haines Byam) Johnston, 92 of Dunlea Avenue in Kittery, died on Jan. 8, 2004 at the Harbor Home in York Harbor Maine after a period of failing health.
Born in Lowell, Mass. on Feb. 7, 1911, she was a daughter of Bernard H. and Bella Mae (Gould ) Byam.
For many years she and her late husband Hiram O. Johnston made their home and raised a family in Avon, Conn., where they were active in many community activities including her strong support of the Secret Lake Volunteer Fire Department.
After the death of her husband she moved to Hartford, Conn., where she remained employed by the All State Insurance Company as a rating clerk until 1976, when she moved to the seacoast, and Kittery to be with her daughter and husband.
She enjoyed working with her hands, creating knitted, crocheted, or other sewn goods. She was an avid gardener, and loved working the New York Times crossword puzzles in ink. She enjoyed helping out her neighbors, driving on errands, picking up groceries or just a visit. She could even be spotted in her 70s hauling out the chainsaw unbeknownst to her family and cutting down a tree that needed to be removed.
She enjoyed time spent with friends at the York Senior Center when she was able to drive and after, here in Kittery at the Senior Center, where she enjoyed spending time with her friends and neighbors. The love and strong will she shared with so many will be missed dearly.
She is survived by her loving daughter Beverle and her husband Leslie Gregory of Kittery; seven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren and one due to arrive soon; one son-in-law Donald Dettman; several nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was predeceased by her husband Hiram Odell Johnston, her son Harold Dixon Johnston, a daughter Barbara Johnston Dettman, a brother Beverly Byam and two sisters, Vira Orr and Maebelle Dunn.
Funeral services were held on Wednesday at the J.S. Pelkey Funeral Home, 125 Old Post Rd., Kittery.
Family flowers only, donations may be made in her memory to the Friends of Rice Public Library, 8 Wentworth St., Kittery, ME 03904 or to the Glaucoma Research Foundation, 490 Post St., Ste. 1427, San Francisco, CA 94102.
Arrangements are entrusted to the J.S. Pelkey Funeral Home of Kittery.
Joseph Kraft Jr.
KITTERY - Joseph P. Kraft Jr., 86, of Whipple Road in Kittery died on Jan. 11, 2004 at York Hospital following a period of failing health.
Born in Kittery on Jan. 23, 1917, he was a son of Joseph P. Sr. and Helen (Langton) Kraft and attended local schools graduating from R.W. Traip Academy.
He served his country as a member of the United States Army Air Corps, serving around the World and for a concentrated period of time in India during World War II, he was the recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross and the French Medal.
He met his future wife Dorothy (Ford) Kraft in 1942 and their courtship lasted throughout the war and upon his return the two were wed in 1946. They settled in Kittery where they raised their family.
He was employed for many years at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard as a welder and until his retirement as a welding supervisor. After his retirement from the shipyard he went on to work at Hussey Seating in North Berwick for nearly 10 years. He was very talented with his hands, fabricating many projects in his workshop, he enjoyed working with motors and working with wood. He was an avid hunter and enjoyed fishing, both salt water and fresh.
His first love was his family. He enjoyed watching his family grow and loved the time they spent together. He had a special fondness for his grand- and great-grandchildren who were very important to him.
He will be missed by those who knew and loved him, including his loving wife of over 57 years, Dorothy (Ford) Kraft of Kittery, their children, one daughter Paula Jo Mattson of Kittery; one son and his wife Keith and Carol Kraft of St. Paul, Minn.; one sister Eva Vennard of Portsmouth, N.H.; six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and one sister-in-law Betty Kraft of Kittery.
He was predeceased by his brother Robert Kraft.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held today at 9:30 a.m. at his church, St. Raphael Parish Church on Whipple Road in Kittery, with a time of refreshment and sharing to follow in the church fellowship hall. Burial will take place in the spring at Brooks Memorial Park in Eliot. Family flowers only.
Donations may be made in his memory to the Gideons International, PO Box 1173, Alfred, ME 04002.
Arrangements are entrusted to the J.S. Pelkey Funeral Home of Kittery.
John Leggat
WESTFORD, Mass. - Attorney John E. Leggat, 80, a longtime resident of Westford, Mass. and Drakes Island, died Jan. 10, 2004 at his home. He was the husband of Ruth (Curtiss) Leggat, formerly of Corning, N.Y.
Born in Boston on Sept. 10, 1923, he was a son of the late The Honorable John C. Leggat and Esther (Elliott) Leggat. He was a World War II veteran of the U.S. Marine Corp., having fought at Okinawa as a 1st Lieutenant Platoon Leader, and served in China after V-J Day. He later served in the Korean War in the Mediterranean as a captain. He was a graduate of Deerfield Academy in Deerfield. He graduated from Dartmouth College in 1945 where he was the class agent and secretary, and was also a graduate of the University of Michigan Law School in 1949. He owned his own law firm in the city of Lowell since 1949. He was a longtime trustee and former chairman of the board of trustees at Lowell General Hospital. He helped found the Greater Lowell Community Foundation where he was vice president of the board of directors. He was a trustee of Westford Academy, and was a lawyer for the Florence Crittenton League of Lowell.
Besides his wife, he is survived by two sons, John E. "Tod" Leggat Jr. and his wife Catherine V. Caldicott of Cazenovia, N.Y. and Bruce C. Leggat of Westford; two brothers, Thomas E. Leggat and his wife Barbara of Lincoln, and Richard D. Leggat and his wife Patricia of Cohasset; two grandchildren, Graham C. and Emily C. Leggat; one aunt, Priscilla B. Elliott of Westford; and 10 nieces and nephews.
Memorial services will be held Saturday Jan. 24 at Christ Church United, Lowell, Mass. at 2 p.m.
Violette Lowd
SANFORD - Violette M. Lowd, 95, died Jan. 6, 2004 at the Newton Center in Sanford.
She was born on Sept. 20, 1908 in Sanford. She was the daughter of George and Nellie (Linscott) Lowd. She attended local schools, and was a graduate of Sanford High School and Nasson College.
She was very dedicated to the Sanford / Springvale community. For many years she worked at the former Springvale National Bank, now Key Bank, as well as for Mr. Clifford Holdsworth. She also volunteered her time at the Springvale Library, and served as treasurer there, and for the Riverside cemetery Association of Springvale. She was a member of the Springvale First Baptist Church, where she participated in the Ladies Aid, the Blue Triangle Club, Sereco Club, and served as treasurer. She was also past treasurer and member of the Searchlight Club, and was a member of the Ruth Chapter of the Order of Eastern Star.
In her down time she enjoyed watching and feeding the birds, as well as tending to her lily pond, however serving her community, family, and friends was most dear to her heart.
She is predeceased by her parents, a brother George F. Lowd, and a sister-in-law Dorothy L. Lowd.
Surviving is her niece Rebecca Legro and her husband Donald Jr. of York Harbor; one great-niece Dr. Elizabeth Stockwell of Kennebunkport; one great-nephew Dr. David Legro of Old Orchard Beach; and one great-great-niece Tia Stockwell.
Funeral services were held Monday at the Springvale First Baptist Church, Springvale.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Springvale Public Library Association, 443 Main St., Springvale, ME 04083, or the Springvale First Baptist Church, PO Box 277, Springvale, ME 04083. To leave condolences visit www.healdfuneral.com.
Robert Magocsi
YORK - Robert Michael Magocsi of York died suddenly the evening of Jan. 5, 2004.
Born in Brooklyn, N.Y. on June 15, 1942, he graduated from York High School in 1960. After high school, he attended Hobart College in Geneva, N.Y., but put aside his studies to join the United States Army in 1965. He received his commission as an officer following graduation from Officer Candidate School, and ended his Army career in 1968 as a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. After leaving the military he returned to school, and received a bachelor of science degree in 1970 from Madison College in Harrisonburg, Va., and his juris doctor in 1982 from Suffolk University in Boston, Mass. He worked as an independent land and title researcher doing historical deed research at the Registry of Deeds in Alfred.
He had four hobbies: fishing, fishing, fishing, and fishing. He was a member of the Coastal Conservation Association, the York Fish and Game Club, and the Sportsman's Alliance of Maine, and he graciously served on the State of Maine Recreational Marine Fisheries Advisory Council since its inception in 1996. He was instrumental in representing the voice of fellow recreational saltwater fishermen.
He was predeceased by his father, Dr. Alexander Magocsi, and by his brother, Stephen Magocsi. Survivors include his mother, Helen Magocsi of York; his wife Laura Magocsi-Wilson; one son Jotham Magocsi of St. Thomas, USVI; two sisters, Marianne Pei and Joanne Hepp of South Salem, N.Y. and Wells, respectively; one brother Alexander Magocsi Jr. of York; and several nieces and nephews.
A memorial service was held in York on Sunday at the Lucas and Eaton Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the York Volunteer Ambulance Association, PO Box 238, York, ME 03909.
Marilyn Muckley
KENNEBUNK - Marilyn (Pellington) Muckley passed away Jan. 10, 2004 after a long battle with cancer.
She was born on Nov. 30, 1925, the daughter of Hazel and Albert Mory. She attended Tusculum College and Purdue University and graduated from the Katherine Gibbs School in New York City.
She served on the National Management Council headed by Dr. Lillian Gilbreth. She was later executive secretary to the president of McGraw-Hill Publishing Company in New York.
In 1960 she married William Muckley. Upon his retirement they moved to York, where she was active in the York Historical Society and Garden Club.
She was predeceased by her husband, William.
She is survived by one sister Betty Lou Shuris and husband Robert; two nephews, Robert and Donald, and their wives; and two grand-nephews, Neal and Evan.
Services will be private. Should friends desire, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1 Main St., Suite 300, Topsham, ME 04086 in Marilyn's name.
Arrangements by Bibber Memorial Chapel, Kennebunk.
Alexander Neilson Jr.
KITTERY - Alexander Slidell Neilson Jr. of Pepperrell Road in Kittery Point passed away at his home peacefully after a brief illness.
He was born in Boston, Mass. on July 25, 1935, the son of the late Alexander Slidell Neilson Sr., and Elizabeth (Coolidge) Neilson. He was a graduate of St. Mark's School, Southborough, Mass. and Harvard College. He also did graduate work at the University of Wisconsin at Madison. Following three years of graduate research in London, England, he returned to Kittery Point in 1971. He retired from Independent Boat Haulers in 2000. He had a life-long interest in nautical and military history. He was an avid sailor with a love of the sea and his willing participation in everything nautical including tug boat deckhand, lobster boat sternman, oarsman and small boat racer. He is survived by his loving wife of 41 years Hope (Brinser)Neilson; one son Matthew Perry Neilson of Kittery Point; one sister Elizabeth Neilson Baybutt of New Castle, N.H.; and 11 nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his sister Gail Neilson Garraty.
There will be no formal services. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his memory to the Rice Public Library, 8 Wentworth St., Kittery, ME 03904 or York Hospital, 15 Hospital Dr., York, ME 03909.
Arrangements are entrusted to the J.S Pelkey Funeral Home of Kittery.
Louise Gordon
YORK - Funeral services for Louise (Goldston) Gordon were held under the direction of the Levine Chapel, Brookline, Mass., on Dec. 24. The services were held in York with burial at Sharon Memorial Park, Sharon, Mass.
She was a resident of Wells and York, formerly of Worcester, Mass. She died on Dec. 22, 2003 at the York Hospital, York.
She was the beloved wife of Dr. Sydney R. Gordon, the devoted mother of Richard Gordon and his late wife Maxine of Wayland, Mass., and Jeoffrey Gordon and his wife Myrna of San Diego, Calif. She was the loving grandmother of Matthew and Rachael and Nicole and Ariel, and the dear sister of the late Bernard Goldston and his wife Sarah. She was also survived by many nieces and nephews.
She was a graduate of Simmons College, and she formerly worked at the Boston Cancer Hospital.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Simmons College, Attn: Development Office, 300 The Fenway, Boston, MA 02115.
Ronald Rakaseder, 64
YORK - Ronald Stephen Rakaseder, 64, of Old Mast Road in York, died Dec. 26, 2003 at his home following a brief illness.
He was a native of Darien, Conn. and attended Colgate University where he was a member of Delta Kappa Epsilon Fraternity. He had a distinguished advertising career that took him far and wide. He met his wife Susan McMurtry while on assignment for Young and Rubicam in Fort Wayne, Ind., and after their marriage in 1964, they lived abroad in both England and Germany, where he was an executive with Lintas Advertising. Upon returning to the states, they took up residence in New Canaan, Conn., to raise their two children, Stephen and Jessica. He took a position with Van Leeuwen Advertising in both New Haven and Manhattan, and in the late '70s began Dickison & Rakaseder Advertising in Westport, Conn. After a successful decade-long run, he began marketing consulting as Rakaseder Associates.
Through the years, they filled their New Canaan colonial with a rich array of English and early American antiques, as well as an extensive folk art collection. Ron, a gourmand, and Susan, a gourmet, the Rakaseders became legendary for their spirited entertaining. He was always the life of the party.
In the late '90s, the Rakaseders moved to Maine and refurbished a ranch-style home on a bend in the York River. The home is a perfect setting for his important collection of carnival dolls, which were recently featured on the Keno Brothers antiques show. He served as president of the board of The Music Hall of Portsmouth, N.H. until shortly before his death.
He is survived by his mother, Anne; his wife Susan; one daughter Jessica; three grandchildren Max, Eliza and Dylan; and his loving family and friends.
He was predeceased by his son Stephen.
His larger than-life spirit will be celebrated and greatly missed.
Funeral services will be private at the family's request.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made in honor of his son to Leukemia & Lymphoma Society - Office of Donor Services, 1311 Mamaronick Ave., White Plains, NY 10605.
Arrangements are entrusted to the J.S. Pelkey Funeral Home of Kittery.
