Lionel A. Cabana Obituary (1936 - 2017)

Waterville-Lionel A. Cabana 81, died Sunday evening April 23, 2017 at MaineGeneral Medical Center in Augusta after a prolonged illness. He was born in Biddeford, Maine on April 20, 1936, the son of Fabio and Ida (Landry) Cabana. Lee's family moved to Waterville when he was young, and he attended South Grammar School and then was a graduate of Waterville High School, Class of 1954. While a student, he worked in the composing room and editorial department at the Morning Sentinel newspaper as well as Levine's clothing store on Main Street during the holiday season. After attending Thomas College, Lee returned to the high school in the fall of 1959, to teach in the Business Department for a total of 35 years and immediately went to work producing the Nautilus Yearbook which he continued to do throughout his entire teaching career. He also oversaw the high school's transition from typewriters to computers. He also spent 17 years representing the people of Ward 2 on the Board of Education and was elected as its chairperson 16 times. Lee also served on the Negotiations Committee, AOS 92 Board, Finance Committee, and Technology Committee and the Maine Retired Teachers Association Executive Board. Over the years, Lee has earned his bachelor's degree and two master's degrees. He was just shy of qualifying for his doctorate. In August of 2014, the Waterville School Department selected Lee as the deserving recipient of the Outstanding Educator Award. This is the highest honor awarded by the School Board. Lee spent 17 years in the Naval Reserve as a hospital corpsman on Navy destroyers and as a radio operator on anti-submarine aircraft. Lee's dedication to the students of Waterville High School was not just limited to the school year. During the mid-1970's he and his wife Judy led four summer student trips to France, Switzerland and Germany. He was predeceased by his parents and his step-father Leo St. Pierre, his sister Geraldine Cabana, and two aunts Dolores Trask and Carmeline Currie. He is survived by his loving wife Judith (Kitchin) Cabana. Three Sons: Christopher Cabana and wife Stephanie Sylvester of Land O' Lakes, Florida, Eric Cabana and companion Jace Martin of Old Orchard, Maine and Stefan Cabana and wife Freda of Clinton, Maine. Also by 4 grandchildren: Tyler, Emily, and Sarah Cabana and Camryn Cloutier and several nieces, nephews and cousins. There will be no public visitation. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 A.M. Thursday April 27, 2017 at Notre Dame Church 116 Silver Street Waterville, Maine. Committal prayers and burial will be in St. Francis Catholic Cemetery Grove Street Waterville. A luncheon will follow in the Notre Dame Church Hall. An online guestbook may be signed and condolences expressed at www.gallantfh.com Arrangements are under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home 10 Elm Street Waterville, Maine.