1918 – 2013

LEWISTON — A brilliant star appeared in the heavens with the passing of Bernadette Arsenault, 94, of Mexico. On Saturday, Aug. 3, she was carried to heaven by her angels to be reunited with her family.

The eldest of 10 children, she was born Bernadette Litalien in Jay on Nov. 19, 1918, to George and Marie Rose (Vaillancourt) Litalien. She received her education at local schools in Jay.

Bernadette married Edward Arsenault of Mexico in a beautiful ceremony on June 17, 1940, at St. Rose of Lima Church in Jay.

After her marriage, she and her family lived most of their lives in Mexico, where Bernadette worked for the Diamond Match Company and later for Oxford Paper Company in Rumford. In 1966, she was employed as a cafeteria food preparer at St. Theresa’s School in Mexico. Later, she worked at Bass Shoe.

Bernadette spent many years at their wonderful camp at Worthley Pond in Peru, where she and her husband made certain that it became the gathering place for their children, grandchildren, brothers and sisters and their families to come and enjoy being together. She was an avid fisherman and loved to be out on the pond, applying her skill at landing bass or night fishing for hornpout.

She was fortunate that she was able to travel to Hawaii and take a tour of the Holy Land.

Bernadette was a member of the Ladies of St. Anne and a charter member of the St. Theresa’s Ladies Guild of St. Theresa’s Church in Mexico. She was also a member of the Greater Rumford Area Senior Citizens and the Oxford County Neighborly Senior Citizens, where she enjoyed all of the activities and the many friends that shared the special times of being together. A member of the WOW group, she was also a volunteer for the Greater Rumford Area Ministers Society. Working for the Mexico Historical Society was one of her greatest pleasures. Bernadette was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and the Arcadian Society, and always looked forward to the gatherings and meetings. One of her favorite enjoyments was the time spent with her friends of the French Club.

She was known in the area for her wonderful artwork and belonged to the Pennacook Art Center, where some of her works have been displayed.

Bernadette’s greatest joys were the time spent with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She always looked forward to family gatherings and reunions.

A devoted mother and grandmother, she was committed to the happiness of her family.

She is survived by her three daughters and their husbands, Geraldine and husband, David Warren, of Dixfield, Claire and husband, John Kelley, of Mexico, and Carol and husband, David Robichaud, of Sebring, Fla.; and one son and his wife, Donald and wife, Kathy Arsenault, of Lewiston. She is also survived by her brother, George Litalien Jr. and wife, Anita, of West Peru; sisters, Yvonne Hurd of Brunswick and Theresa LaPlante of West Peru; 12 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and three great-great grandchildren.

Bernadette was predeceased by the love of her life, her husband, Edward, who passed away in 1965; her parents, George and Marie Rose (Vaillancourt) Litalien; three sisters, Joanne Fournier, Irma Bilodeau and Mary Rose Smith; and five brothers, Albert, Andre, Donald, Roland and Roger.

The family would like to thank all of the caregivers at the Marshwood Center, especially the wonderful caring and loving aides in the Eliot Wing. They became her family during her stay there for over four and a half years. The family would also like to express their gratitude to Beacon Hospice for their comforting support in her final hours.

You are invited to share your thoughts, condolences and fond memories with the Arsenault family by visiting their guestbook at www.sgthibaultfuneralhome.com.