LEWISTON — Marie Jeanne Laurendeau, 85, of St. Mary’s Maison Marcotte died Sunday, Sept. 12, at her home after a period of declining health.

She was born in Lewiston, Dec. 5, 1924, the daughter of the late Wilfred and Eugenie Rousseau Laurendeau. Marie Jeanne was a well-known music teacher, composer, church organist and co-owner of the former Laurendeau’s Market on Lisbon Street. She studied music with the Dominican Sisters, Sara Campbell-Vallee, Bernard Piche, Marion Anderson of Bates College and the Maniente Music School of Auburn.

Marie Jeanne graduated from Ave Maria Academy, Lewiston High School and was a certified nursing assistant graduate. She served as organist and was assistant to every local parish in Lewiston and Auburn. She served as organist at Our Lady of the Rosary Church and was a music teacher at Ave Maria Academy both in Sabattus. She also served as organist at St. Mary’s Church and St. Patrick’s Church and assistant at Holy Cross Church.

She was a member of Le Cercle du Saint Sacrement, Les Marchandes de Bonheur, Holy Cross Senior Citizens, where she served as secretary and also a member of Holy Cross Choir. She was a certified activity coordinator for area nursing homes and was a eucharistic minister, active volunteer at Russell Park Manor, Covenant 50, St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center Auxiliary and Horizon 55. She was one of the first senior citizens to march in the Walk America for March of Dimes.

She is survived by several cousins.

She was predeceased by two sisters, Lillian and Therese Laurendeau.

Marie Jeanne thanks all of her caregivers who made life easier for her in her later years when she could not drive, especially Pauline and Frank O’Connell also to Dr. Kappelman and his staff and her friends on the fifth floor at Maison Marcotte.

You are invited to share your thoughts, condolences and fond memories by visiting her guestbook at www.thefortingrouplewiston.com.