New Haven, Conn. – Brielle Juliette Labonte, 6-week-old baby daughter of Angelique M. Labonte, who joined our family in Lewiston on July 31, lost her courageous battle to acute liver failure on Sept. 12, in the arms of her mother.

On Aug. 6, shortly after arriving home, Brielle became sick and was admitted into CMMC and was diagnosed with spinal meningitis which led to liver failure. She was then brought to Maine Medical Center in Portland, and later rushed to Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital in Connecticut. There she was to receive a liver transplant which was a gift of life donated to her by her aunt, Michelle Vallee. Doctors were amazed at what a fighter Brielle was and how she held on so long with her condition being off the charts. The top surgeons, scientists and teams of specialists, were baffled by her. In the words spoken by from Dr. Mistry “she humbles me .”

With Brielle’s family by her side those weeks in Connecticut, it was clear in times like these how important family really is. There truly are “Angels Among Us.” Brielle’s mom, Angel, would like to thank Daddy Timothy Hammond for standing by their side, as well as her mother Diane, aunt Michelle and cousin Paige, for being there day and night. Also many other family members and friends for the back home prayers and support which is extremely appreciated, much needed and will never be forgotten.

Brielle leaves behind her mother, Angelique Labonte of Auburn; maternal grandparents, Diane and James Labonte of Auburn; maternal great-grandmother, Jeanette “Pat” Labonte of Lewiston; maternal great-grandfather, Robert Vallee of Auburn; uncle Richard A. Labonte and Nicole Beaucage of Auburn; aunts, Jaime Labonte and Kevin Pease, Danielle Labonte and Dustin Jenkins, Kayla Labonte and Randy Hart, all of Auburn; cousins Emily Rancourt, Chelsea Labonte, Alexis Hart, Kylie Pease, Robert J. Labonte, Julia Hart, Malloreigh Labonte and Ava Jenkins.

She was predeceased by her maternal great-grandfather, Henri Labonte; and her maternal great-grandmother, Juliette Vallee.

The family would like to extend their special thanks to the family of the Ronald McDonald house in New Haven, Conn. A heartfelt thanks to the many specialists, physicians and nurses that provided such excellent care in the PICU of Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital, Conn.

Although Brielle’s stay here on earth was all too brief, she touched many lives and will live forever in our hearts.