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Funeral Alternatives, 25 Tampa Street, Lewiston, ME (2026)

03/27/2026

Lisbon Falls - Terry L. Tardiff, 85, passed away peacefully on March 7, 2026 at St. Mary's d'Youville Pavillion after a long journey with Alzheimer's. His loving wife Pat was by his side.

He will forever be remembered for his pleasant, outgoing personality, love of country music (Johnny Cash!), good times with friends and spirited discourse. He was first and foremost a man who was always willing to lend a hand to help others.

A farm boy from the country…

Born in Bowdoin, Maine in January of 1941, Terry was the first son to Romeo & Ginny Tardiff, the 3rd of 7 children raised on the family homestead, Echo Farm.
Growing up on the farm gave Terry the foundation of hard work, dedication and ingenuity that would serve him throughout his life- though not without a few humorous stories of a bit of mischief & mayhem thrown in for good measure with his siblings and life-long friends!

“Through these gates pass the best shipbuilders in the world.”

Terry graduated from Lisbon High School and went directly to work for Bath Iron Works in Bath, Maine. As one of the nation’s finest shipbuilders of naval destroyers in the U.S., Terry began what would be the start of a 31-year career that would take him through the Iron Works’ apprenticeship program on the ships into management, until his retirement in 1995 as the Director of Warehousing & Procurement. He also worked in areas of specialty equipment, from desalination machinery to the fabrication of custom joinery knives & sourcing unique, foreign wood species for the woodworking industry. He truly believed in the value of personal industry and the pride of a job well done.

A love built to last.

Terry met the love of his life, Pat Arsenault from Bath while in the BIW apprenticeship program. She was watching a practice of the Bath Buccaneers Drum & Bugle Corps of which Terry was a participant. They dated for a year before they were happily wed in November of 1962. They first lived on Pleasant Street in Brunswick, then moved to Lisbon Falls to begin their family near the original Tardiff homestead. They would have 5 children, including identical twins, which brought a lot of entertainment to the family in the years to come. Through many lifelong milestones (including a brief jaunt to NH), happy travels in retirement to the years-long journey through Alzheimer’s, their marriage celebrated an impressive 63 years.

A man of simple pleasures.

Terry was ever-content if his hands were busy. This dominated his personal life as well as his career. With a family of 5 children, money could be tight, but innovation & imagination reigned supreme. Terry & Pat built their own home in Lisbon Falls. He and his friend Ellie enjoyed years of building and renovating campers, including a custom truck camper and an Airstream Ambassador, received after a tree fell on it. Terry & Ellie proceeded to pound out the dents, carpet the interior shell, and enjoyed many years of camping and road trips across Canada & the U.S. including Alaska!

Terry made many life-long friends whom he loved dearly. He often hosted BBQ’s, Lobster & Clambakes and horseshoe games with friends and family. Camping and hunting were some of Terry’s favorite pastimes- he loved playing cribbage and dancing at campground events. But perhaps his most cherished pastime was spending time with his youngest sons, Aaron & Mark, on hunting excursions. Their trips to hunt deer & birds, along with ice fishing with friends have led to a life-long pursuit of these and other game for his sons and grandchildren.

A life dedicated to helping others.

Over the years, Terry enjoyed membership in many social clubs, including the Slovak Club, Left-Hand Club and Holy Trinity’s Knights of Columbus Council. He was a volunteer fireman in NH, worked the chicken BBQ at the annual Moxie Day Festival in Lisbon Falls, and was a regular fixture at Holy Trinity, doing any maintenance & odd jobs that Father Anthony might need. He was always ready to go to a neighbor’s home to help build a porch, fix a deck, build an addition or help someone move.

In retirement, Terry put his construction management skills to work, joining the building committee to combine 3 parishes into Holy Trinity Church in Lisbon Falls. He maintained the mowing of 2 cemeteries in town for more than 10 years, a task he took great pride in. He stayed active in his children’s endeavors and was a very proud & fond “Grampie T.” to his grandchildren & great-grandchildren.

Never to be forgotten.

Terry’s later years involved a long decent into dementia through Alzheimer’s disease. Though his memory faded, his fundamental personality of being amenable and dutiful showed every day with all who worked and spent time with him. He was a favorite of his care team, making jokes and charming others with his quick smile.

Terry will be greatly missed by his surviving wife of 63 years, Patricia (Arsenault) Tardiff; his 5 children & their spouses: Dean (Josie) Tardiff of Pierre, S.D. , Karen Brown of Bowdoin, Maureen (Joe) Lucey of No. Yarmouth, Aaron (Amalia) Tardiff of Portland, & Mark (Chris) Tardiff of Falmouth; 8 grandchildren, Tim, Connor, Keegan, Abby, Gaelan, Elise, Owen & Elsa; 2 great-grandchildren Grace & Theo, and his loving surviving siblings: Carole, Randy, Tom & Laurie.

Terry was predeceased by his parents Rosario & Virginia Tardiff, his sister, Lynn Hagan and brother, Dean Tardiff.

The family would like to extend its profound gratitude to the wonderful care team at the d'Youville Memory Care Unit & to Andwell Hospice who helped Terry navigate his final stages of Alzheimer's with comfort & dignity.

There will be a funeral mass for Terry at Holy Trinity Church in Lisbon Falls, on April 10 at 11am.
A private celebration of his life will be conducted in May at St. Cyril & Methodious Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations which can be made in Terry's memory to St. Mary's d'Youville Pavillion- Memory Care Unit, https://www.stmarysdyouville.org/ways-to-give/make-a-gift/

or to the Alzheimer's Association https://www.alz.org/ .

https://www.funeralalternatives.net/obituaries/obit-details.php?Tardiff-4065

03/27/2026

Patricia Rita Robichaud of Greene Maine was born on June 27, 1954 in Lewiston. She passed away peacefully with her loved ones by her side.
Patricia enjoyed crocheting, working in her numerous flower gardens, mowing her lawn which took her 7 hours. Going to and having yard sales. She took care of many people when their health was failing. She also loved it when her family visited and she loved life.
She was predeceased by her husband Hector Robichaud parents Henry and Theresa Tremblay of Lewiston. Her brothers Baby John Tremblay, Marcel Tremblay of Phippsburg, Andrew Tremblay of Auburn, and Dennis Tremblay of Sabattus.
She was survived by her brother Robert and his wife Theresa Tremblay of Auburn, Richard Tremblay of Monmouth, Donald Tremblay of Lewiston, Micheal Tremblay and his wife Nancy of Sabattus, Paul Tremblay of Auburn, Tim and Stacey Tremblay of Pueblo Colorado. Linda Tardif and her husband Dan of Sabattus, and Jackie Tremblay of Lewiston.
She leaves numerous nieces and nephews as well as great nieces.
Patricia’s wish is to keep the Tremblay legacy going.

https://www.funeralalternatives.net/obituaries/obit-details.php?Robichaud-4064

03/27/2026

Lisa M. Pohlmann, 70, a dedicated environmental advocate and lifelong lover of Maine’s outdoors, passed away on March 22, 2026, in Augusta after a long illness. Born and raised in Davenport, Iowa, she settled in Maine in the 1970s and made it her home.
Lisa devoted her life to protecting the environment, culminating in her tenure as CEO of the Natural Resources Council of Maine from 2011 to 2022. Her involvement with the organization spanned many years, including service on its board of directors and as deputy director before she was chosen as CEO following a national search.
In addition to her work with NRCM, Lisa held leadership roles with New Hope for Women and the Maine Center for Economic Policy. She earned a doctorate from the Muskie School of Public Service and, in 2015, received the inaugural Women in Conservation Award from the National Wildlife Federation.
She is survived by her wife, Kathy Sparrow; her daughters, Erica Haynes (Glen) and Nicole Pickering; her grandchildren, Damien, Aaron, Bethany, Dawn, Parker, and Ella; her brother, Mark Pohlmann (Barb), and many dear friends who will miss her greatly.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, May 14, 2026, 4:30-6 pm at Viles Arboretum in Augusta. Arrangements are under the care of Funeral Alternatives of Augusta. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to NRCM or planting a native tree in Lisa’s honor.

03/25/2026

Donald J. Bolduc, 83, of Augusta, passed away peacefully on March 22, 2026.

Don was born in Augusta on June 27, 1942, to Leo and Exelia Bolduc. He married the love of his life, Lucille Bolduc, on October 31, 1959, and they shared 66 wonderful years together.

Don enjoyed a long and hardworking career as a millwright, drywaller, and small engine mechanic. After retiring, he spent his winters in Florida.

In his free time, Don could often be found in his basement workshop tinkering with electronics. He had a passion for building and repairing radios and working on any electronics he could get his hands on. He was a member of the Capital City Rifle and Pistol Club, where he especially enjoyed shooting with his grandsons, Chad and Brandon.

Don cherished family gatherings, including cookouts and birthday parties, and took great pride in all of his grandchildren—especially his great-grandsons. His beloved dog, Mandie, was truly his pride and joy.

Don was predeceased by his daughter, Nancy Bolduc; his parents, Leo and Exelia Bolduc; and his brother, Norman Bolduc.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Lucille Bolduc; his daughter, Karen Crommett and her husband, Mike; and his son, Mike Bolduc and his wife, Wanda. He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Kimberly Crouse, Krystal Devine, Jimmy Weymouth, Chad Bolduc, Gary Bolduc, and Donny Bolduc; his great-grandchildren, Cooper, Cameron, Clay, Brandon, Madison, Caleb, Carson, Derek, Darrell, and Nancy; his great-great-grandchild, Jayden; and his siblings, Raymond Bolduc, Arlene King, and Pearl Allen.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of Terrace West at MaineGeneral for their dedication and excellent care during Don's final weeks.

A graveside service will be held on April 24, 2026 at 11 a.m. at Holy Family Cemetery in Augusta, Maine.

03/24/2026

Eino Edward Leinonen passed away peacefully at Maine General Rehabilitation & Long Term Care - Glenridge on March 16, 2026.

Eino was born on April 21, 1939 in Weymouth, Massachusetts. As a young boy, his family moved to Waldoboro, Maine. He graduated from Waldoboro High School in 1957. He went on to study Civil Engineering at the University of Maine at Orono and graduated in 1961.

He married the love of his life, Janet Yudowitch in 1962. The two made their home in Augusta, Maine, where he began his lifelong career at the Department of Transportation and where they raised three children, William, Sandra and Mary.

Eino, affectionately known by his family as "Butchie", had many passions. He served faithfully as a financial secretary, a Luther League Leader and an usher at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church. Upon retiring, he and Janet were active members of Water of Life Lutheran Church in Damariscotta.

Eino was also a huge sports enthusiast. He enjoyed hunting at the family farm in Waldoboro, watching whatever sport was in season on tv, playing softball in the church league and even shooting hoops at Williams Park. He liked to think his "famous" hook shot resembled Kareem Abdul Jabbar's!

When he wasn't playing or watching sports, he might be found betting on them! It was not uncommon to overhear him on the phone "putting $20 on the under"! He won the Kennebec Journal's weekly NFL football pool so much that he was banned from participation in it! And fun fact: Eino attended the Windsor Fair harness races every single day they ran for 50 years straight! He was so adept in picking the winning horses that he was asked to craft the tip sheets (which he dubbed "Hoss P**p") for many of those years!

Eino and Janet also enjoyed traveling with their best friends (Court and Gail Perry and Abbott and Joleen Knowles) to the Caribbean each year when they were able. And each spring, they would road trip down to North Carolina to visit with their grandchildren.

Eino had a hilarious sense of humor. His quick wit and inappropriate jokes could bring levity and laughter to any room! His joyful heart will truly be missed.

Eino was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Janet; parents, Eino and Lydia; his brothers Lenni (and wife, Ella) and William (and wife, Jean). He is survived by his son William Leinonen and his wife, Ginger Gallin of Waldoboro, ME; his daughter Sandra Leinonen-Dunn of Chelsea, ME; his daughter Mary Leinonen of Kinston, NC;
and his grandchildren: India Rivers of Moncks Corner, SC and her daughters Lundyn and Adysen; Derek Rivers and his wife Lauren of Houston, TX and their children Luke, Bo and Zoe; Lydia Rivers of Kinston, NC ; Alena Rivers of Kinston NC and his Godson, Garrett Joslyn of Whitefield, ME.

The family would like to express our deep gratitude for all the love and support we've received at this time. We are looking forward to a Celebration of Life for Eino this summer at the Leinonen Farm (date TBD).

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to "Guiding Eyes for the Blind" (a charity Eino devotedly supported in honor of his best friend).
guidingeyes.org

03/23/2026

William Buermeyer
July 1, 1928 – March 19, 2026
William C. Buermeyer passed away peacefully on March 19, 2026, at the age of 97. He is survived by his son, Karl, and Karl’s husband, Michael, of New Mexico, and his daughter, Nancy, of California.
Bill, as he was known, was born in Rockville Centre, New York and joined the Navy at age 18, serving between World War II and the Korean War. However, he spent most of his life in New England, moving his young family to Harvard, Massachusetts, and eventually retiring with his wife, Jean, to coastal Maine. He and Jean traveled the world—from Africa to Antarctica to the Arctic Circle—and throughout the United States. In later years, he could be found wandering the shores of Reid State Park, binoculars in hand. He and Jean were married for 68 years until Jean’s passing a year ago.

Bill was a gentle, kind soul; thoughtful and quiet, he was a man of few words and a quick wit. He was an avid birder and kept binoculars at the ready. He was never happier than when he was out camping, hiking, and birding with his family. He loved music, especially opera, and was often heard singing arias (or crooning an old jazz standard) in the shower. A lifelong learner, Bill was always reading a history book, most often about the Civil War or European history. He also enjoyed a good game of bridge. He was an honest man of great integrity who took his responsibilities seriously and without complaint.

He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. We take comfort knowing he is reunited with the love of his life, Jean.

03/23/2026

Joanne Lehman Klunder Hardy, age 90, died in the presence of family on March 21, 2026 at Horizons Senior Living of Brunswick, ME, ending her struggle with dementia. She was a woman ahead of her time in many ways, and her tiny physical stature and humble demeanor belied the outsize impact she had on the people and communities she encountered.
Joanne was born in Walla Walla, Washington, and grew up on a farm in Dayton, Oregon. Like her three older siblings, she was valedictorian of her graduating class from Dayton High School. Joanne attended Oregon State University, where she met and married her first husband, Bruce W. Klunder. She graduated with a teaching degree and taught elementary school for a year while waiting for Bruce to graduate. The couple then moved first to New Haven, where Bruce attended Yale Divinity School, and then to Cleveland, by then with two young children. Bruce took a position as executive director of the Student Christian Union of the YMCA and was ordained to the Presbyterian ministry at the Church of the Covenant in 1962. Joanne taught nursery school.
Bruce and Joanne were both deeply disturbed by the injustices of racial discrimination and segregation. They were founding members of the Cleveland chapter of the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE), and in 1962 they chaperoned an integrated group of students on a trip to witness firsthand the indignities of the Jim Crow South. There, the group had the opportunity to meet John Lewis. One member of the group asked him how he could say that he did not hate white people after the insults and beatings he had suffered during the Freedom Rides. “Would you hate a blind man for stepping on your foot?” John Lewis replied. Throughout her life, Joanne described this moment as changing her life forever.
On April 7, 1964, Bruce was killed while demonstrating to halt construction of a segregated school in Cleveland. At age 29, Joanne was a widow, mother of two young children, and focus of national and international attention. With poise and courage, she called for calm in a city torn by riots and wrote an essay for Ebony magazine that still has relevance more than sixty years later. One of her greatest gifts to her children was to raise them in a home free of hatred, bitterness, or regret. Joanne remained an activist for peace and justice throughout her life.
While her children were young, Joanne continued to work part-time as a nursery school teacher. Later, she went back to school to earn a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education. She helped start a daycare center at the Church of the Covenant and taught early childhood education at a local community college. Long before daycare became a widely accepted option, Joanne advocated for the importance of quality daycare, not only to meet parents’ needs, but also to enhance child development.
On April 24, 1976, Joanne married George H. Hardy, who was then a Presbyterian minister at the Church of the Covenant. Seven years later, George and Joanne surprised friends and family with the decision to leave the urban life behind and move to the tiny town of Sunderland, Vermont, where they took over ownership and operation of Hill Farm Inn, an old-style country inn that had been in the Hill Family for nearly 200 years. Despite their lack of training in hospitality, George and Joanne brought their collective farming, administrative, and management skills to bear, and from a residential kitchen, Joanne personally prepared breakfast and dinner for up to 40 guests each day.
Next came a nomadic period, while George took on a series of interim ministry positions. Joanne, always fond of numbers and finance, took up tax preparation and then returned to daycare. Ultimately, George and Joanne settled in Brunswick, Maine.
Joanne was guided by a deep and constant inner faith that transcended specific church communities. Everywhere she has lived, Joanne has been an active member of the local community; an advocate for local, national, and international causes; and a loyal friend. She has maintained and nurtured contact with family and friends from all stages of her life. In her later years, she knitted over 100 prayer shawls to comfort friends in need. She will be remembered with love and missed by all.
Joanne is survived by her husband of 50 years, George H. Hardy; children Doug Klunder and Janice Klunder (Kollol Pal); step-children Martha Hardy (Sarah Weaver) and Henry Hardy; and grandchildren Shonali Pal (Colin Smith) and Anjali Pal. She is preceded in death by step-son John Hardy; first husband, Bruce W. Klunder; sister, Eileen Lehman Weatherly, and brothers, Sherman Lehman and Mel Lehman; and parents, Russell and Ruth Lehman.
A service will be held at 10:00 am on April 25, 2026, at MidCoast Presbyterian Church, Topsham, ME. Memorial gifts can be made to Habitat for Humanity 7 Rivers Maine, 11 Elsinore Avenue, Bath, ME 04530, habitat7rivers.org/donate; or to the Rev. Bruce W. Klunder and Joanne Klunder Hardy Social Justice Fellowship at the Southern Poverty Law Center, splcenter.org/klunder.

03/20/2026

Willard A. Levesque, 83, passed away peacefully on March 13, 2026, following a long illness.

Born in Madawaska (Long Lake), Maine, Willard was the son of the late Joyime and Irene (Cyr) Levesque. At the age of 15, he moved to Connecticut, where he worked in carpentry alongside his brothers. He later returned to Frenchville, where he owned and operated a hardware store before founding a well-drilling business in 1982. Through hard work, determination, and pride in his craft, he built a family business that continues today with his sons and grandsons.

Willard was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus, Third Degree. He enjoyed dancing, music, fishing, and bowling, but above all, he cherished time spent with his beloved wife and family. Together, he and his wife shared many joyful years, often cruising in his treasured 1964 yellow Chevy Impala convertible. Known for his playful spirit, Willard loved to joke and tease, bringing laughter and warmth to everyone around him.

He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Aline (Charette) Levesque; his children, Carl (Heidi) and Kevin (Manon); his grandchildren, Joshua (Brianna), Brandon (Ashley), Ashley (Tyler), and Benoit (Sydney); and his cherished great-granddaughter, Addison. He is also survived by his brother, Raymond, sister-in-law Nicole and his sister-in-law, Huguette.

He was predeceased by his parents, Joyime and Irene Levesque, and his brothers Percy (Pauline), Erney (Edith), Richard (Florence), and Vernon.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Glenridge Nursing Home for their compassionate care and support.

Family and friends are invited to a mass that will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2026 from 11am to 12pm at the Saint Augustine Catholic Church in Augusta. Following the service, the family invites everyone to join them for a time of remembrance and refreshments at the Calumet Club in Augusta.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Willard's memory may be made to the Donate | Dementia Society of America®

03/20/2026

Wayne D. Earl, 60 of West Bath, passed away peacefully on March 12, 2026, surrounded by family after one hell of a fight trying to beat cancer.

He was born in Brunswick Maine on December 12, 1965, to David R. Earl and Lucy L. Brillant Earl. He attended Brunswick schools, graduating from Brunswick High School in 1984.

Wayne was not one to shy away from hard work, holding his very first job, a newspaper route, in elementary school. After graduating high school, he discovered his true passion for the trade of carpentry, a profession he would spend the next 40 years perfecting. Over the years, Wayne worked for many contractors building commercial spaces, building beautiful homes, and building friendships with co-workers as well as homeowners. Wayne had an incredible work ethic giving 100 percent to every job he completed.

Wayne was only 10 years old the first time he traveled to the Allagash Wilderness to camp, canoe, and fish with his dad. A trip that created a life long love of the outdoors, fishing and thrill seeking. In his teens and twenties, Wayne enjoyed downhill skiing, water skiing, dirt bikes, and fast cars. He took a break from adrenaline in his thirties to focus on his family. Over the last several years, Wayne has enjoyed a more relaxed speed, spending time on Moxie Pond in the Forks at his family's camp, fishing canoeing, and exploring trails and old logging roads in his Jeep.

Wayne was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend.

He was predeceased by both his parents.

He is survived by his wife Elizabeth, his daughter Jade Earl, three step children, Courtney Mixon (Chris), Cameron Guth, and Connor Guth, five grandchildren, Chloe, Olivia, Christopher, Moxie, and Callan, one sister, Sheryl Earl-Williams (Clayton), two nephews, Dylan Earl-Johnson (Jaycee) and Gunnar Earl-Johnson (Emma), and too many special friends to name, but I bet you know who you are.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to his care team at New England Cancer Specialists and to the amazing CHANS Home Health & Hospice nurses.

Per Wayne's wishes, there will be no funeral services. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at the Maine Maritime Museum, 243 Washington St. Bath Maine from 1:30 – 4:30 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Wayne's memory to CHANS Home Health & Hospice or the American Cancer Society.

03/18/2026

Lorraine J. Curtis
July 28, 1937 – March 12, 2026

Lorraine J. Curtis, 88, passed away peacefully on March 12, 2026.

Lorraine was born on July 28, 1937, in Lewiston, Maine, the daughter of Aime and Antoinette Lizotte Lessard. She graduated from Lewiston High School in 1955. In 1959, she married Glendon Curtis of Freeport, Maine, whom she met by chance one day on Lincoln Street in Lewiston in front of her apartment building.

Mrs. Curtis lived in Freeport for 32 years before moving back to Lewiston in 1991. She was a faithful member of Saints Peter and Paul Basilica, part of Prince of Peace Parish.

Throughout her life Lorraine worked in several roles, including as an office worker in local shoe factories. She also worked seasonally at L.L.Bean in Freeport, where she wrote Christmas cards for customers with her elegant cursive handwriting. Lorraine later worked as a companion for the elderly and with the local school lunch program, always showing kindness and care for those around her.

She is survived by her loving husband, Glendon Curtis; her daughter, Catherine Curtis; her son, Gary Curtis; her son-in-law, Michael Curtis; her grandchildren, Rainer Ducmanh, Andrew Curtis, and Amanda Curtis; her brother, Richard Briggs and her sister-in-law, Gladys Curtis.
Nephew Mikey Lessard, Nephew Danny Lessard, Nephew Kevin Briggs,and Niece Kelly Briggs
She was predeceased by her mother, Antoinette Briggs; her father, Aime Lessard; and her brothers, Robert Lessard and Ronald Lessard.

Visiting hours will be held on Friday, March 27 prior to the funeral Mass from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Funeral Alternatives 25 Tampa Street Lewiston, Maine

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Family Parish, 607 Sabattus Street Lewiston, Maine

A Celebration of Life luncheon will follow at 12:30 p.m. at Chick-A-Dee Restaurant 1472 Outer Lisbon Street Lewiston, Maine, across from Tire Warehouse.

Lorraine will be remembered for her gentle spirit, dedication to her family, and the care she showed to others throughout her life.

https://www.funeralalternatives.net/obituaries/obit-details.php?Curtis-4056

03/18/2026

It is with great sadness that the family of Irene M. (LeBlanc) Bilodeau shares the news of her passing March 3, 2026, at the age of 85. Irene experienced declining health in the past few years before encountering complications in the past three months. She was born in Lewiston, ME, May 29, 1940 to Jeannette LeBlanc. Irene was an only child but had an extended family with her Uncle Bob and Aunt Laura Adams. Her cousins Evelyn, Roberta and Judith were like sisters to her.

Irene attended grade school in Auburn and then attended St. Joseph’s Academy in Portland. She graduated in 1959! Many years later she received an associate’s degree in accounting from Mid-State College. While still in high school, Irene met Rene, the love of her life. They married in October of 1960 and purchased their current home in 1965 where they raised their family of 5 children: Rene Jr, Paul, Michelle, Celeste and Donald.

Irene worked various jobs throughout her life, but she was primarily Wife, Mom, Memere & Nana. She loved her family! She was a wonderful teacher to her children, grandchildren and greatgrandchildren, instructing them in life skills they use to this day. She was always ready to lend a helping hand wherever and whenever needed.

She was an incredible seamstress and made much of the children’s clothing when they were young. Irene was also an expert in knitting and crochet and always had a project in progress. Anyone blessed with owning something she created truly has a treasure.

Throughout the years, from early marriage and small children to the last few years she was always on the go. Family camping, beach trips, playing cards and board games kept her young. She especially loved cribbage and had a collection of cribbage boards numbering around 60. Late night backgammon sessions with Paul or Donald were a must when either one was at home. What great stories they produced! She was an excellent ice skater, rode bicycles and loved swimming. A beach trip with a car full of children was not uncommon. Membership in the YMCA or other pool facilities enabled her to swim year-round. She made many friends at the pool with one group referred to as the “Pool Divas”. Her love of swimming led to her training and ultimately being certified as a Senior Lifesaver.

Irene and Rene hosted numerous family gatherings through the years. Irene loved those times and was meticulous in every detail to guarantee perfection – in presentation and quantity of food. No one ever went home hungry or empty handed.

She was predeceased by their first-born son Joseph, who died hours after birth, her mother, Aunt Laura and Uncle Bob Adams, cousin Evelyn, and a very special nephew, Adam Reesman; brothers-in-law Maurice & wife Kathleen Bilodeau, Marc Bilodeau, Harold (Budge) Blaisdell, and Gerald Lebrun; sister-in-law Elaine (Bilodeau) McKeone and her husband Albert; and a niece and several nephews.

Irene is survived by her husband of 65 years, Rene; their children: Rene Jr, Paul (Patricia), Michelle (John), Celeste (Toby) and Donald (Christina); their grandchildren: Nicholas, Carrie (Christopher), Robert (Barb), Dorothy (Kyle), Emily (Vanessa), Michael, Andrew Abigail), Allyson, and Katherine; their great-grandchildren: Taylor Rae, Mackenzie, Payton, Zoe, Jackson, Ayla, Aspen, and Nora. She also leaves behind her cousins: Roberta (Michael) Reesman and Judith (Michael) York; sisters-in-law Rachel (Bilodeau) Blaisdell of Dixfield, Theresa (Bilodeau) Lebrun of Minot and Susan (Bilodeau) Fahey of Willsboro, NY; brother-in-law Roger Bilodeau and wife Joline of Auburn along with many nieces, nephews and friends.

In keeping with Irene’s wishes there will be no calling hours or services. There will be a celebration of life at a later date. Donations in Irene’s memory may be made to Andwell Health Partners (Hospice) Attn: Development Office, 15 Strawberry Ave., Lewiston, ME 04240.

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