RUMFORD – Today we lost our hero and heaven gained an angel. Doris Margaret Gaudin passed away on Feb. 19, at the Rumford Hospital with her family at her side.

She was born on April 11, 1923, in Rumford, to John R. and Florida (Toupin) Paradis.

She attended school in Rumford, graduating from Stephens High School in 1942.

She was an alumna of the Mercy Hospital’s School of Nursing.

She retired in 1982, after working as a private-duty nurse and later as an office nurse for Dr. Royal and Dr. Gorayeb.

She married Alphonse Gaudin on Nov. 15, 1947, at St. John’s Church in Rumford. He predeceased her on Jan. 21 of this year.

Her greatest pride and joy in life was her family. She was her grandchildren’s “ultimate fan” at all of their sporting events. She loved her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren unconditionally, always putting their needs before her own.

Our family was blessed with two very special parents. Dad, the adventurer, taught us to love the outdoors and Mom, the compassionate one, was always giving unselfish love. We will miss you dearly, love your family.

She is survived by her daughter, Janice Mckenna and her husband, Butch, of Dixfield; sons, Michael of Rumford and Patrick and his wife, Gail, of West Peru; her grandchildren, Jason Gaudin and wife, Barbie, of Dixfield, Nathan Gaudin and wife, Sara, of Greene, U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Michelle Gaudin of Ohio, Corey Mckenna of San Diego, Calif., Christopher Mckenna of Windham, and Katie Mckenna of Minot; her great-grandchildren, Kayla Gaudin, Jacob Gaudin, Trevor Gaudin, Garrett Gaudin and Azrai Gaudin; her sister, Rita Towle of Rumford; and many nieces and nephews.

Besides her husband, she was predeceased by her parents and her sisters, Claire and Janet.