LEWISTON – Constance Muriel Jean Michaud, 78, of Lewiston, died on Sunday, Jan. 6, at St. Mary’s Medical Center with her family by her side.

She was born in Lewiston, the daughter of the late Conrad and Laititia Michaud Jean.

Raised in Lewiston, she attended the Ave Maria Academy in Sabattus, modeled for Peck’s Department Store in Lewiston, and being newly married, declined a talent scout invitation to audition for ballet in New York.

A loving wife and mother, she took great joy as a homemaker, shared her deep love of the Lord, and agreed with her husband to make French the primary language of the household early in their long and happy marriage.

She was also a founding member and president of the Pineland Parents and Friends Association, established the Pineland Center’s first memorial chapel, and worked tirelessly as an advocate for the mentally disabled of Maine.

She was a member of Holy Family Parish where she served as a Eucharistic minister for the elderly at local nursing homes, created magnificent banners for the church interior, and sang in the choir.

She was remarkably gifted and kindhearted, actively oversaw the administration of her husband’s heating and plumbing and rental businesses, occasionally represented Avon products, and enthusiastically opened Grandma’s Gift Shop, for a period in the 1980s.

An avid landscaper and interior decorator, she was remarkably artistically talented and she especially enjoyed working in her flower gardens.

She remained amazingly active in her later years, most recently organizing the resident request for handicapped access at Maison Marcotte.

She is survived by a daughter, Diane Picard and her husband, Denis, of Winterville; three sons, Daniel and his wife, Connie, of New Gloucester, Ronald and his wife, Rachael, of Lewiston and Marc of Turlock, Calif.; eight grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren; a brother, Louis Jean of Lewiston; and several nephews and nieces.

She was predeceased by her son, David; and her husband of 60 years, Marcel H. Michaud of Lewiston, whom she married on Nov. 11, 1947.

The family wishes to thank the staffs of Maison Marcotte and St. Mary’s Medical Center and numerous other elder care providers for their dedication and loving care of Constance.