1943 – 2015

LEWISTON — Leonel “Leo” Laurier L’Heureux, 72, of Winthrop, formerly of Auburn, passed away peacefully with his loving wife and family by his side on Sunday, April 19, at Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston after a short but courageous battle with cancer.

Born in Lewiston on April 3, 1943, Leonel was the beloved son of Laurier and Rita Buteau L’Heureux. Educated in Poland elementary schools, Leo graduated from Edward Little High School, Class of 1961, followed by two separate graduations from the University of Maine in 1965 and 1973, receiving bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education with concentrations in mathematics and science.

Leo continued his long and dedicated career in teaching for the next 35 years, working in several state of Maine school systems, including Bethel, St. Dominic Regional High School and finally ending his illustrious career in teaching after 28 years at Auburn Middle School.

In his retirement, Leo continued teaching at the Elan School for several years, along with working at the Lakeside Village Motel and Marina for more than 10 years until his illness.

Leo will always be remembered by his many colleagues as having a strong work ethic and always being honest and truly loyal. Leo was also a proud veteran, having served in the United States Army Reserves during the Vietnam War for six years, serving as an Army medic. He was honorably discharged from duty in 1974.

A true romantic, on Aug. 17, 1968, Leo would begin his “life’s long love story,” marrying his one true love, Helene Marguerite Boucher, whom Leo would spend the next 46 years devoted to, together raising their one daughter and sharing a strong and deep-rooted faith in God and their Roman Catholic beliefs. A true man of faith, Leo was a parishioner of Holy Family Church, Prince of Peace Parish in Lewiston, and St. Mary’s Parish in Augusta.

Leo had a passion for life, a flame that could not be extinguished, that extended to his many personal hobbies and interests. In his spare time, Leo enjoyed the outdoors, including camping and mountain-hiking trips, fishing, boating, the beach, several “extreme” sports and most of all, nature and its many wonders, which he enjoyed sharing with his two granddaughters.

Leo was also an avid gardener and cook, enjoying the fruits of his labors in the many meals that he enjoyed preparing, often cooking with and sharing his vast cooking knowledge of French cuisine with his family and friends. Leo also enjoyed traveling, and along with his wife, Helene, was able to visit various destinations throughout Europe and Canada and several tropical islands, as well as take many cross-country trips across America. Most importantly, Leo enjoyed spending time with his friends and family, including his granddaughters, who “Pepere” will always be watching over.

Leo will be sadly missed by all those who had the honor and privilege of knowing him, but his memory and lasting legacy will never be forgotten by his loving family and friends.

Leo is survived by his devoted wife, Helene, of Winthrop; his daughter, Lynne L. Tournas and her husband, Edward, of Fairfield, Conn.; two granddaughters, Kate and Allison Toumas; a sister, Louise Hart; one aunt, Anna Faucher of Lewiston; several cousins, many nieces and nephews, along with many adoring friends.

Leo is predeceased by his parents and several aunts and uncles.

Donations, condolences and a video tribute may be accessed online at www.albert-burpee.com.