LEWISTON – Fernande Collette Philippon, 82, of 158 Russell St., Lewiston, passed away quietly in her sleep Sunday evening, June 8, at Russell Park Rehabilitation and Living Center.

She was born Nov. 27, 1925, in Lewiston, the daughter of Alphee and Cedulie (Aube) Philippon who were French Canadian immigrants. She lived in Lewiston at the home of her parents at 126 Dow Ave. She was a lifelong member of Holy Family Parish. She was educated at Holy Family Parochial School and Lewiston High School.

She worked for a number of years at the Coca-Cola Bottling Co. in Lewiston and later went to work at Bates Manufacturing Co., where she worked as a room girl. She was a member of Bates council and director of Bates Credit Union. She became a spokesperson for the workers, fought for workers’ rights and was instrumental in getting a savings plan opened for the workers through their own credit union. She officially retired at age 65 in 1990.

She and her brother, Norman, maintained the family home and when their parents got on in age and their health declined, she was responsible for their care, which allowed them to stay in their home until their death.

She had a deep love and commitment to her faith and was always willing to give of her time and energy to do what she could to help her parish family. Fernande served on the parish council at Holy Family. She was also the right hand of Sr. Mary Veronica (her sister, Muriel). Sr. Mary Veronica was a sister of St. Joseph, serving in missionary work in India for many years and then in Africa, and Fern constantly sent packages to her of whatever she needed for her work in the missions.

Fernande loved to take her nieces, nephews, and grandnieces and grandnephews on trips with her to the ocean to build sandcastles, jump waves and check out the arcades. Choruses of “Ole Suzanna,” “I’ll be Working on the Railroad” or “Ten Bottles of Beer” could be heard escaping from the open windows as Fernande drove a car full of children to Old Orchard, Thomas Point Beach, Popham, Boothbay Harbor and Wells, nearly always finding a route back home which called for a visit to Hodgeman’s Frozen Custard stand in New Gloucester. She kept the traditional family gatherings going, providing Sunday dinners for up to 35 people and the family Christmas party, to which more than 100 family members attended. After she retired, she and Norman, provided child care for their great- grandnieces and grandnephews.

Fernande survived breast cancer and managed her type 2 diabetes extraordinarily well until she suffered a stroke. She and Norman sold the family home and moved to an apartment on Hartley Street in Lewiston, which was less difficult for them to care for. They later moved to Oak Street Apartments where they enjoyed a less hectic schedule, going out to eat and visiting family and friends. When Norman passed away in 2002, Fernande moved to the Chapman House in Auburn and later to Russell Park Rehabilitation and Living Center in Lewiston.

Fernande never married but was a godmother to a number of godchildren and really went out of her way to give them special attention and guidance and let them know they were very special in her eyes.

Fernande was predeceased by both of her parents; all seven sisters; and five brothers.

Fernande and her relatives wish to thank Dr. Morrissette, the staff at St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center, and all the staff at the Chapman House and Russell Park for the gentle loving care they have given her throughout the years.