TOPSHAM – Helene Laroche, 79, formerly of Greene and Lewiston, died in Topsham Sept. 14 at Amenity Manor after a long battle with cancer. She died peacefully in the presence of family. She was the widow of former Lewiston police Capt. Gerard O. Laroche, who predeceased her in 1998.

She was the second of four children and was educated at St. Peter’s School and Lewiston High School. She met her husband at Maine Baking Co. in the 1940s. For many years, she worked at Pepperell Mill in Lewiston and was an accomplished seamstress. She enjoyed cross-country skiing, line dancing and working outdoors.

She is survived by sons, Paul of Harpswell, Roger of Truckee, Calif. and Denise of Acton Mass.; her grandchildren, Danielle, Carolyn, Matthew, Nicole, Michael and Sylvie; and her siblings, Robert, Philippe and Jeannine. She will be greatly missed.

Funeral Information


LAROCHE – Helene, 79, died Sept. 14. A memorial Mass will be held at St. Francis Mission on Route 202 in Greene at 11 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 22. Burial at the Old Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery in Augusta will follow. Funeral arrangements are under the care of the GUY B. DOSTIE FUNERAL HOME, 101 Pine St., Lewiston, 782-8221. In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to make a donation to the activity fund at either the Stevens Home in Brunswick 725-5701, or Amenity Manor in Topsham 725-7495, institutions where she enjoyed wonderful care in her final weeks of life. Please call the activity director at either or both institutions if you wish to send a donation.