1924 – 2014

AUBURN — Louise C. Ouellette, 89, of Clover Living Center, passed away peacefully in her sleep, surrounded by the spiritual presence of her family, on Sunday, Jan. 5, in the loving care of the Androscoggin Hospice House.

Louise was born in Lewiston on April 14, 1924, the daughter of Henry and Bernadette (Plante) Croteau. She attended St. Patrick’s School and Lewiston High School.

On Oct. 3, 1942, she married Norman G. Ouellette; together, Louise and Norm raised four children while enjoying many summers on Taylor Pond, with numerous family and friends. Louise worked tirelessly with her husband and children to build the family camp on a beautiful piece of land atop Eustis Ridge in the Western mountains, lovingly referred to as “Memere’s Mountain.” Holidays were filled with the joy of children and grandchildren consuming the cozy camp, with laughter and memories that lasted a lifetime. These times were so important to Louise and were treasured always.

Louise was instrumental in the success of Norm Ouellette Plumbing & Heating Company. She took great care in attending to the bookkeeping for her husband’s business and was very proud to see her youngest son, Daniel, assume the business in 1988.

Upon retirement, Louise and her husband shared many winters in Port St. Lucie, Fla., in a home they purchased within the same community as her sister and brother-in-law, “Nel” and Claire Langelier. Louise enjoyed playing cards and spending time by the pool. She looked forward to visits from her family while she spent time in Florida and Maine.

Louise relished her weekly card games with “the girls” on Thursdays. We shall always remember her ” … tell it like it is” personality, as it was seldom anyone would question her opinion, because of ambiguity. Mom was proud of her keen driving ability and road warrior impatience. This was affirmed when we heard her famous saying: “If you can’t drive it — PARK IT!”

She leaves three children, Joyce Campbell and Linda Holden of Auburn and Daniel Ouellette and his wife, Debra Morin-Ouellette, of Poland Spring. She also leaves seven grandchildren, Cheryl C. Mercier and her husband, Greg, of Sidney, Laurie C. Douglas and her husband, Craig, of Gorham, Kimberley Ouellette of Florida, Danielle Ouellette and her partner, Eric Brothers, of New Hampshire, Nicole Ouellete of Saco, Steven Ouellette of Auburn and Olivia Ouellette of Poland; as well as six great-grandchildren, Erin, Katie and Lauren Mercier, Cameron and Connor Coro and Hilary Douglas. Louise also leaves her brother-in-law, Lionel Langelier, of Maine and Florida; and his daughters, her nieces, Louise (godchild), Diane, Jane and Lee, and their families; as well as one nephew, Donald Roberts.

Louise was predeceased by her husband of 56 years, Norman G. Ouellette; her son, Paul N. Ouellette; her brothers, Ludger and Robert Croteau; her dear sister, Claire Langelier; and two sons-in-law, John Campbell and Larry Holden.

The family wishes to extend a heartfelt “Thank You” to the wonderful staff at Clover Manor as well as the compassionate medical professionals at the Hospice House for taking excellent care of Louise and her family through the past three years, and in her final weeks of life. To Helen, Missie and all of the beautiful nurses, CNAs and volunteers at the Hospice House, we are forever grateful for your dedication, love and compassion. We also appreciate the extra care given by Vicky and Pam at Clover Living Center, as they have always shown great professionalism and warmth in identifying what was so important to Louise. Thank you to Carmen and Laurette for being special friends to Louise.

Online condolences and sharing of memories may be expressed at www.lynchbrothers.com.