Lewiston – Cecile Claire (Champagne) DeLong, 84, of Auburn, died peacefully on Sunday, June 7, at d’Youville Pavilion surrounded by her family.

She was born in Coaticook, Quebec, on Jan. 22, 1925, the daughter of Eugene and Yvonne (Arsenault) Champagne. Raised in Maine, she had little formal education. She lived most of her life in the Auburn-Lewiston area, speaking both French and English.

She was married in 1944, to James H. DeLong, of Wheeling, W. Va., her husband of 65 years. They lived at 411 Summer St., Auburn, for over 50 years and raised their family. She was a very loving and devoted wife and mother. She worked many years at Bates College as well as Bates Mill, Dostie Jewelers, Liggetts Drug Store and the Women’s Shop. She spent most of her spare time cooking and attending to her children or socializing with her many brothers and sisters and families. She was loved by all who knew her and seldom said a mean word to anyone.

She will be deeply missed by her husband, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, sisters, brothers and friends.

She is survived by her husband, James DeLong of Auburn; her daughter, Jane and husband, James Athanus, of Irmo, S.C.; her sons, Tom and Kathleen of Barrington, N.H., Michael and partner, Janet, of Portland, and James and wife, Linda, of Auburn; her sisters, Rita Mathieu of Tigard, Ore., Georgette True of Bridgton, Lise Conway of Lewiston, Jackie Conway of Auburn; her brother, Orean Champagne of Lewiston; her grandchildren, Justin and Jeremy DeLong of Colorado, Kellie DeLong of New Hampshire, Ben DeLong of Portland, Kate Lydon of Sabattus, Julia DeLong of Sabattus, Jean DeLong Schirtzinger of Kentucky and Angie DeLong Ross of South Carolina; and by her four great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her parents; her sisters, Vivian Goulet and Frances Theberge; and her brothers, Russell and Gaetan Champagne.

Special thanks to all her friends and care givers at d’Youville Pavilion.

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