1934 – 2014

AUBURN — Francis Clabby, 79, a resident of Sabattus, passed away at the Hospice House on Saturday, April 5, after a courageous battle with cancer with his loving family by his side.

He was born on Aug. 21, 1934, the ninth child of Patrick Henry Clabby and Margaret (Madden) Clabby, in Lewiston. He graduated from Lewiston High School in 1952, and was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1956. He served in Germany for two years with the engineers battalion and three years with the National Guard in the Headquarter Company, 2nd Battalion, 103rd Regiment.

He married Mariette Rancourt in October 1961 and they raised a family together until 1979, when they divorced; she died in May 1990.

He met his one true love and best friend, Claudette Labonte, in 1979; he married her on Jan. 15, 1983. They continued raising both of their families together as if each were their own, with patience, love and guidance. They spent several years establishing the flower shop business and traveling to many places. She died on Dec. 17, 1993.

Throughout his life, he worked many different jobs, including on power lines, at BIW, at A & B Florist with Claudette and his last position with United Wheelchair Service from November 1995 through October 2013.

He enjoyed dancing, rollerskating, hockey, long drives, carpentry and telling jokes, and always had a way with the ladies — especially his Line Dancing Girls, whom he loved. He lived his life content and  happy; every day he lived to the fullest. He was a loving man who cherished his family and friends. His strength, encouragement and love touched many hearts. He was the best father anyone could ask for and his loss is immeasurable. He will be forever missed by his children, family and friends.

He is survived by his four children, Katherine Clabby of Sabattus, Michael Clabby and his wife, Christine, of Lewiston, Patrick Clabby and his companion, Bonnie, of Greene and Susan Clabby of Sabattus; three grandchildren, Kyle and Paige Clabby of Lewiston and Ryan Mortenson of Waterville; three stepsons, Michael Labonte and his wife, Amanda, of Lewiston, Mark Labonte of San Diego, Calif., and David Labonte of Wales; five stepgrandchildren, John, Joshua, Ashley, Gregory and David Labonte; his sisters, Mary Bird, Julia Terpstra, Theresa and Kenneth Card, Anne Elizabeth Clabby and Patricia Kelley; and his brother, John and his wife, Connie Clabby.

He is predeceased by his parents, Patrick and Margaret Clabby; two sisters, Margaret Chandonnett and Catherine Landry; his brother, Bernard Clabby; his first wife, Mariette Clabby; and his second wife, Claudette Clabby.

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