FARMINGTON — Fernande “Fern” R. (Filteau) Girardin, 86, a resident of Jay, died at Franklin Memorial Hospital, Thursday, Feb. 23, after a short illness.

She was born Sept. 19, 1925, in Livermore Falls, to Emile and Imelda (Labbe) Filteau. Fern attended school at Mount Merci Academy in Waterville and graduated from Livermore Falls High School in 1943.

On June 1, 1946, at St. Rose of Lima Church, she married her husband of 57 years, Gerard J. Girardin of Livermore Falls. He passed away Nov. 25, 2003. Fern worked as a stitcher at Bass Shoe Shop in Wilton.

She was a communicant of St. Rose of Lima Church. She was a dedicated and loving wife, mother and grandmother. Fern enjoyed spending time with her family, gardening, sewing and reading.

Fern is survived by her five children, Marguerite “Peggy” and Robert Jones of Redmond, Ore., Dr. Gerard M. Girardin of Jay, Anita and Duane Mercier of Fayette, Richard and Bonita Girardin of Monmouth and Annette Girardin of Jay; 11 grandchildren, Jeannette Moore, William Jones, Erik Girardin, Heide Hassing, Nicole Simmons, Tenille Darling, Wilfred Mercier, Andre Mercier, Davis Mercier, Brian Girardin and Ashley Girardin; and eight great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her parents; her husband, Gerard J. Girardin; her sons, Roger and Paul Girardin; and her siblings, Theresa DeMillo, Normand Filteau, Martin Filteau, Lorette Rouillard, Gertrude Howes and Adrien Filteau.

Messages of condolence may be sent to: www.finleyfuneralhome.com.