AUBURN — Colette T. Albert, 95, formerly of 254 Sabattus St., Lewiston, died Tuesday, Sept. 4, at the Clover Manor, where she had been a resident for several years.

She was born in Lewiston, Oct. 17, 1916, the daughter of Ludger and Regina Morin Albert. She graduated from St. Patrick’s School, Lewiston High School, Class of 1935, the New England Institute of Applied Arts and Sciences in Boston, and the French Institute Alliance Française in New York City.

She was proud of being the first female licensed funeral director in the state of Maine, and for 31 years, she worked with her father, the founder of the Albert Funeral Home, now the Albert & Burpee Funeral Home.

From 1963 to 1967, she owned the first Dunkin’ Donuts shop in the Lewiston-Auburn area, located across from CMMC at 319 Main St., Lewiston.

The last 16 years of her working career were spent at Fleet Bank, retiring in December 1983. From 1972 to 1998, she traveled extensively through Europe and North Africa, often with her sister, Guilda.

Colette was very proud of her French heritage, and for decades served as Lewiston’s unofficial Franco-American hostess, entertaining French dignitaries in her home.

A member of the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, Prince of Peace Parish, she is survived by several cousins and many dear friends.

Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her sister, Guilda Albert, who passed away in 1992.

Condolences, donations, and a video tribute may be accessed online at www.albert-burpee.com.