AUBURN — Justine G. LeBlond, 97, formerly of 6 Deforge St., Lewiston, died with her family by her side on Friday, Oct. 22, at her granddaughter’s house in Auburn, where she had resided since May.

She was just a few days shy of her 98th birthday, and had never been hospitalized. She was proud of her health and the fact that she still had all the “original parts” God gave her.

She was born in Lac-Etchemin, P.Q., Canada, Oct. 26, 1912, the daughter of Jean and Demerise Bizier Gagnon. She proudly became a U.S. citizen in 1937, and worked in local textile mills from the time she was 15 years old until her retirement in 1967 at the age of 65.

Following the death of her first husband, she met and married Romeo R. LeBlond while they were both working at the Bates Mill, and they were married for 52 years until he passed away in May of this year.

She was a member of Holy Family Church, Prince of Peace Parish, where she was active in the Ladies of St. Anne, and served as a eucharistic minister. She was also devoted to the rosary, and often prayed with family and friends.

The last of 14 brothers and sisters, Justine is survived by two daughters, Cecile and husband, Clifford Levesque, of West Gardiner and Rita Fitzsimmons of Auburn; a stepson, Gerard Leblond of Lewiston; 10 grandchildren, Paul Levesque, Gary Levesque and wife, Yon hui, Jane Hinkley and husband, Carl, Debbie Levesque, Leo Levesque and wife, Jeannine, Marie Lizotte and husband, Reed, Annette Lyon and husband, George, Joseph Fitzsimmons Jr., Mike Fitzsimmons and Robert J. Couturier Jr.; 22 great-grandchildren; and 24 great-great-grandchildren.

Besides her parents and second husband, she was predeceased by her first husband, Joseph Couturier in 1954; a son, Robert J. Couturier in 1998; a stepdaughter, Anita Beaucage; son-in-law, Joseph Fitzsimmons; three grandchildren, Marty Levesque, Herbert Fitzsimmons and David Levesque; seven brothers; and six sisters.

The family thanks Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice for making it possible for her to end her journey at home.

Donations, condolences, and a photo tribute may be accessed online at www.albert-burpee.com.