1931 – 2014

Leeds—Joan O. Caouette, 83, of Spring Rock Park in Leeds, died on Monday, Nov. 10, due to complications of congestive heart failure at Heritage Manor Rehabilitation & Living Center.

Joan was born at Central Maine General Hospital in Lewiston on Aug. 18, 1931, to Marguerite “Mike” Rand Osgood and Wallace Osgood, of Wilton. She graduated from Wilton Academy in the Class of 1950. After that, she studied at the Pratt Diagnostic Institute, Boston, Mass., and became a laboratory technician. As a technician, she worked at Augusta General Hospital, Central Maine General Hospital, Lewiston, and Franklin County Hospital, Farmington, and later as a lab technician in doctor offices. While growing up in Wilton, Joan was a proud Brownie, Intermediate and Senior Girl Scout, where she was the first Girl Scout in Wilton to receive the highest Girl Scout award, the Curved Bar.

She was a member of the First Congregational Church, Wilton, and the senior youth pilgrim fellowship. Joan was married to Armand Caouette at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Wilton. Armand died on March 24, 1977. They lived in Jay and he worked at the Otis division at International Paper Company in Chisholm until his death. Joan and Armand didn’t have any children, but she was truly blessed with all the neighborhood children, the Fourniers, Marchettis, Doirons, Perrons, Bryants, Dions and others. Having birthday parties for all of them, plus taking them places, etc. They are all grown and have families of their own, but some still kept in touch with Joan through the years. During their marriage, Joan was a member of the St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, where she worked with the handicapped young people.

After her husband’s death, Joan became a certified nursing assistant and worked at the Pomeroy Nursing Home and also worked with Great Falls Home Care and Androscoggin Home Health. She belonged to the New Norlands Grange, East Livermore, and to SPREAD. Later she moved to Spring Rock Park, a senior housing complex in Leeds. From an excerpt written about Joan, when she was mentioned about being a resident in the spotlight, it was noted that she had many areas of interest, but none compared to her enthusiasm when it came to helping her neighbors and being in the the community.

Joan had a love of crafting, was a passionate gardener and enjoyed day trips and craft fairs. She loved the Spring Rock Park community spirit and the security of neighbor helping neighbor. She mentioned that there are few places where you can be yourself and have fun, but most of all to know you are safe and secure. Joan also loved nature and animals. She was also a member of the Wayne Community Church, United Methodist, where she was a member of the Ladies Aid.

She is survived by her sisters, Jean Dorson of Wayne and Marion Hinds of Port St. Lucie, Fla.; her sister-in-law, Theda Fairbanks of Weld; her nephews, Dan Dorson of Wayne and Kenneth Osgood of Madison; her nieces, Barbie Castonguay of Wilton and Ronda McLaughlin of Belgrade, Mont.

Joan was predeceased by her parents; her husband; and her brother, Jack Osgood of North New Portland.

Messages of condolence may be sent to the family at: www.finleyfuneralhome.com.