HARPSWELL – Dolorese M. Mathieu, 96, died Sunday, April 20, at home.

She was born in Magog, P.Q., Canada, Nov. 6, 1911, a daughter of the late Joseph and Delia Paradis Desfosses. She was educated in Canada and North Mills, Vt. She married Noel Mathieu, who died April 4, 1955.

She was a member of Holy Cross Parish for 60 years. For the last 30 years, a member of St. Charles Parish of Brunswick.

She worked at the Androscoggin Mill, Clark Shoe and was a seamstress at Leblanc’s Clothing store.

She was a woman who lived her life, loving and giving joyfully. What she received, in one hand, she gave out with the other. She was always ready to tackle any project whether it was baby sitting, sewing, cleaning, painting or baking. Her home made bread was an addiction to her family. She thoroughly enjoyed an opportunity to use hammer, nail and saw.

She is survived by her five children, Cecile married to Roger Dumont, Laurier Mathieu (his wife, Doris, died April 10, 1991), Pauline Mathieu, Juliette married to Richard Beaulieu, Andre Mathieu married to Rita; 11 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren, all of whom loved her so very much; and two sisters, Mrs. Lionel Florianne Robitaille and Mrs. Patricia Robitaille.

She was predeceased by her sisters, Donalda Desfosses, Yvonne Robitaille, Laurette Labrie, Marie-Oglore Grigorian; and a brother, Frank Desfosses.

The family would like to thank the Rev. Andre Gosselin, S.M. – Chans of Brunswick, and Hospice volunteers whose staffs were outstanding in helping Mrs. Mathieu and her family during this difficult time.