Florette A. Fontaine
1912 – 2009

LEWISTON — Florette A. Fontaine, 97, a resident of Montello Heights, Lewiston, died Tuesday, Dec. 22, at Central Maine Medical Center after a brief illness.

She was born May 7, 1912, in Auburn, daughter of the late Antonio and Antoinette (Parent) Fontaine. She lived all her life in the Auburn-Lewiston area. She attended St. Louis Grammar School and graduated from Auburn Maine School of Commerce.

After her graduation, she was employed for 24 years by Wiseman Farms Ice Cream, which later became Hood’s Ice Cream. She then joined the Lewiston Sun-Journal and worked there for 25 years, retiring as supervisor of the business office. Her last accomplishment with the company was to set up a computerized payroll system.

She never married, but considered her 11 nephews and nieces as her own children. Her heart and her home were always open to receive them. She always remained close to her brothers and their wives and especially to her sister, Jackie, whom she had raised along with her mother. They shared many trips and adventures together.

She was best remembered for her “joie de vivre,” her positive attitude and love of traveling. She explored all of the United States, Europe and the Middle East. When she decided to leave her home of 42 years and move to Montello Heights, she embraced her new surroundings and friends. Her aging body did not allow her much activity, but she loved to walk along the halls at Montello, with her walker, go for rides with Jackie and make her monthly visits to CVS and Mr. Paperback. She made word search puzzles voraciously and acquired much knowledge from this activity.

She is survived by her sister, Jackie Culina of Auburn; 11 nieces and nephews and their families; and her sister-in-law, Antoinette Fontaine.

She was predeceased by her brothers, Laurier and Y. Roger Fontaine.

Special thanks to Julie Bannister, who visited her weekly and to the staff at Montello Heights and the excellent care and kindness extended to her by her doctors and nursing staff on M-1 at CMMC.