1927 – 2013

LEWISTON — Fernande M. Laplante Dodge, 85, of 440 Minot Ave., Auburn, died Saturday, Aug. 24, at St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center in Lewiston, with her family by her side.

Born in Lewiston on Sept. 13, 1927, daughter of the late Cyrille and Reinelde Guilmette Laplante, she was married on May 30, 1951, to Glenn Dodge, who died June 8, 1994. Fern obtained her high school diploma at age 54 and went on to work at several local banks.

She was a member of the Prince of Peace Parish at Holy Cross Church, where she served as Eucharistic minister and sang in the choir. She volunteered at the Holy Cross School cafeteria and St. Mary’s Hospital, and was a member of the Holy Cross Senior Citizens.

She enjoyed tennis, camping with family, playing cards with friends, watching her Dallas Cowboys and visiting with her five grandchildren. She will be remembered for her sense of humor and witty comebacks, her deep faith and her courage and strength.

She is survived by two daughters, Sandra L. Mellette and husband, Steve, of Sabattus and Cindy Briggs and companion, David Veilleux, of Lewiston; her son, Michael Dodge and wife, Catie, of Amherst, N.H.; grandchildren, Amanda Briggs, Tom Mellette, Mary Simonne Dodge, Michael Dean Dodge, Will Dodge and Jake Dodge; her sisters, Irene Francoeur, Cecile Gagnon and husband, Russell, Lorraine Ouellette, Yvette Parent, Carmelle Laplante and Simonne Paul, all of Lewiston; and several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her brother, the Rev. Laurent Laplante; and several brothers-in-law and nephews.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Clover Manor Assisted Living and St. Mary’s Intensive Care Unit for their kindness and exceptional care.

Online condolences may be shared at www.thefortingrouplewiston.com.