RUMFORD – Ethel L. Pepin, 77, of Dixfield, died on Sunday March 1, at the Rumford Community Hospital surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on Sept. 14, 1929, in Ala.,, a daughter of George and Lula (Boyle) Leavitt. She attended school in Mexico, and graduated in the Class of 1947.

On Oct. 21, 1950, she married the love of her life, Joseph Pepin, Sr., who died on Dec. 21, 1999. Together, they lived in the Mexico and Rumford area, and raised five children. In addition to being a devoted homemaker, she was also employed in the Cafeteria of Rumford High School, and for many years had waitressed at the Chicken Coop, in Mexico.

She enjoyed gardening, reading, baking and cooking. She especially enjoyed family gatherings and celebrating the holidays with family and friends.

She is survived by sons, Joseph Pepin Jr., of Lewiston, Lt. Col. John Pepin and his wife, Linda, of Charleston AFB, S.C.; daughters, Judy Haynes and her husband, Edward, of Dixfield, Debra Pepin, of Peru, Denise Marston and her husband, Rick, of Rumford; grandchildren, Edward Haynes Jr. and his companion, Brandi McLellan, Disa Fowler, Jamie Haynes and his wife, Hannah, Garry Marston Jr. and his wife, Melissa, Josette Duguay and her husband, Toby, Jennifer Marston and fiance, Brian Lufkin, Jessica Howe and her husband, Dana, Randy Marston and Robby Marston, John Pepin Jr., Lauren Pepin, and Rick Marston, Jr. and companion, Jocelyn Mlynick; great-grandchildren, Bradley, Alexis and Tyler Marston, Zachary and Abbey Duguay, Madelyn and Ryan Marston, Wyatt Lufkin, Kaylie and Bailen Howe, and Alexander Haynes; brothers, Robert Leavitt and his companion, Jane Greene, of Dixfield and Florida, William “Stephen” Leavitt, of Dixfield and Florida; Arthur Leavitt and his wife, Michelle, of Livermore, and Robert Boyle, of Jay.

She was predeceased by her husband; parents; infant son, Steven; brother, Charles Leavitt; sisters-in-law, Marcia Leavitt and Patricia Boyle; and her husband’s twin brother, Gerard Pepin and his wife, Rose Pepin.