1918 – 2013

ORONO — Venney Marquis Bolduc, 94, passed away on Jan. 5, surrounded by her family.

She was born Venney Marquis in Baker Brook, New Brunswick, Canada, on June 17, 1918, the daughter of Joseph B. Marquis and Anastasie Nadeau. She attended schools in Baker Brook and Fort Kent.

During World War II she served on the Civil Patrol. She worked as switchboard operator in Fort Kent, at JC Penney as a salesperson and window dresser, also in Fort Kent, and then later at Oxford Paper Co. in St. Just.

Venney married Roland Bolduc on Aug. 22, 1945, and lived with him and their growing family at Roland’s worksites in lumbering operations in Fort Kent and Rumford. Together, they have lived with their daughter in Orono for the last three years.

Venney was a passionate gardener and cook who lived and laughed heartily. She was a communicant of the Parish of the Resurrection of the Lord and was active in the life of the parish and the work of the communities in which she lived. She contributed to existing organizations — the Acadian Society, Santa’s Helpers and the St. Athanasius-St. John Church fundraisers.

She was “Memere” to countless children who emptied her cookie jar. For many years she prepared Thanksgiving baskets. She collected, cleaned and donated household goods and never let a visitor leave without a treat — her famous pickles, jellies or baked goods. She anticipated every holiday with joy and planned each detail to please her family and friends. She never tired of rocking babies and loved and supported the young people around her. Her joyfulness and laughter will be treasured always.

She leaves her adored husband of 67 years, Roland, and her four children, Claire, Claude and his wife, Lou, Paul and his wife, Julie, and  Suzanne LaFlamme and her husband, David; grandchildren, Adrian Smith and his wife, Heather Merriman, Kevin Barker and his wife, Amanda, Paul Bolduc, Daniel Bolduc, Joshua Bolduc, Will LaFlamme and Adam LaFlamme; two great-grandchildren, Caleb Barker and Avery Merriman Smith; and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by a daughter, Louise; her parents, Joseph and Anastasie Marquis; and her brothers and sisters, Father Alphee Marquis, Sister Alma Marquis, Willie Marquis, Regina Albert, Adrian Marquis, Martha Klypak and Ben Marquis.

The family greatly acknowledges the support of New Hope Hospice, the Premier Home Health Care, the Eucharistic Minister, and neighbors and friends.

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