LEWISTON – Loretta Laberge Gladu, 93, formerly of 17 Jefferson St., Lewiston, died peacefully early Monday morning, April 4, at Marshwood Nursing home with her family at her bedside.

She was born in Lewiston, on Nov. 27, 1911, the daughter of Francis and Helene (Aubut) Laberge. She was a Saints Peter and Paul Church parishioner. She grew up in Sabattus and attended Fisher School, a one-room schoolhouse.

She was married in 1934, at Our Lady of the Rosary Church in Sabattus to Ronald A. Gladu, her school sweetheart. On Jan. 19, 1940, Ronald was killed in an accident, leaving her widowed – a young mother with three children under 5 years of age. She devoted her life to raising her children.

She worked at St Mary’s General Hospital in the newborn nursery, which she enjoyed very much, for more than 25 years, retiring in 1974. She was a prayerful, quiet, gracious hostess, mother and grandmother.

She enjoyed her family, shopping, music and was a faithful Red Sox fan. In retirement, her grandchildrens’ after-school visits were the highlight of her day, greeting them with her marvelous cooking.

She is survived by three children, Robert and wife, Ginette Gladu, Connie and husband, Leyon Traynor, of Lewiston and Jeanne and husband, Brian Flynn, of Auburn; 15 grandchildren; 40 great-grandchildren; her loving sister, Bertha Bardier, with whom she worked many years; three sisters-in-law, Olene Laberge, Edna Woodbury and Yvette Beaule; and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by sisters, Corinna and Jeanette; five brothers, Josephat, Sylva, George, Jeffrey and Leo.

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