AUBURN — Marie Ange Longley, 91, of Lewiston, died Sunday, March 11, at The Androscoggin Hospice House, where she spent her last days surrounded by her family.

After leaving the family home in Lewiston in November 2003, Marie spent most of her remaining years at the Montello Heights Retirement Community, followed by a short stay at Russell Park Living Center, both in Lewiston.

Marie was born July 6, 1920, in St-Alexis de Matapedia, Quebec, to Arthur and Cedelise (Dufour) Plourde. While she was still an infant, her family moved to Lewiston in 1923, arriving via the Grand Trunk Railroad, where Marie lived the rest of her life.

On April 26, 1947, she married Thomas Allen (Al) Longley, who passed away on May 8, 1983. Together they raised their five children. She had a strong faith in God and was a longtime member of St. Patrick’s Church in Lewiston.

She was active in the Rosary Sodality, and volunteered her time at the St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store. In addition to being a housekeeper, Marie worked for a time in the Lewiston School Lunch Program. In the 1940s, she worked in the Cushman Shoe Shop in Auburn.

As a youngster, Marie, who was the second oldest in a family of 17 children, was a constant help to her mother and father in helping to raise her brothers and sisters during the depression years. She was a strong, quiet inspiration to her younger siblings and was always counted on for advice and leadership.

One of her early hobbies included still life painting, which was quite remarkable. Her children wonder where this expression would have led had she received formal training.

Marie was the best and most loving Mother to her children. They recall all the care that she took in cooking and baking for them. She was the heart and warmth of their home, filling it with the aromas of fresh baked cookies, cakes and roasts. They feel so fortunate. Marie was extremely proud of her family and greatly enjoyed her time spent with them. She was constantly introducing her children to her many friends she made while living at Montello Heights and Russell Park.

She is survived by five children, Peter Longley and wife, Mary, of Cumberland, Susan and husband, Daniel Tardif, of Sanford, Thomas and wife, Lucille, of Turner, Daniel and wife, Wendy, of Raymond and Gerald and wife, Grace, of Greene; 13 grandchildren; a growing list of great-grandchildren, currently numbered at 13; and surviving brothers and sisters.

She will be sadly missed and gladly remembered by all who were fortunate to meet her. The family wishes to thank the staff at Montello Heights and Russell Park for their expert care and support for Marie. These people were always commenting on how much they enjoyed her gentle spirit and how kind she was toward the other residents she befriended. We also wish to especially thank the staff at the Androscoggin Hospice House for their kind support of Marie during her last days and for their gracious help to the family.

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