1928 – 2015

CUMBERLAND — Gilberte M. Langlais, 87, passed away Friday, May 15, at home in Cumberland Foreside with her daughters Roxanne, Pat and Sandy at her side. She lived optimistically with cancer for two years with her usual zest for life.

Gil, as she liked to be called, was born Jan. 4, 1928, in Frenchville, a daughter of Patrick and Anna (Blanchette) Michaud. After graduating from Madawaska High School, Gil, went to work in New Britain, Conn., for a short while before returning to Maine. She met George Langlais in Waterville and they married in 1949. A woman of great faith, she was a past member of St. Joseph’s Parish Altar Rosary and raised her family in Brewer. She loved gardening and painting, and after her retirement from the University of Maine Chancellor’s Office in 1985, she spent winters in Florida, which she referred to as her second home. She enjoyed line dancing, cards, bingo, water exercises, being a part of the Red Hats and loved it all.

Gil loved her family dearly and made friends easily wherever they lived and traveled. New Gloucester was her summer home for 14 years. She loved being a member of the ANGELS with the Maine State Music Theatre in Brunswick.

Gil was surrounded and will be sadly missed by her daughters, Roxanne (Harvey) Wheeler of Cumberland Foreside, Patricia (Regis) Beaulieu of Turner and Sandra Wardwell (partner, Ed Curtis) of Bangor; cherished grandchildren, Beth (Stephen) Taglieri of Norwood, Mass., Kate Nesbitt of Redondo Beach, Calif., Amy (Darren) Bess of Alexandria, Va., Zach Beaulieu of Freeport, Luke Wardwell of Hampden, and Sam and Emma Liberty-Langlais of New Gloucester; great-grandchildren to whom she was a loving Mimi, Nicholas Taglieri and Wyatt, Liam and Cora Bess; siblings include, Lucie Daigle of Kensington, Conn., Germaine Corriveau of Sinclair, Aurela Legere of Sanford, Weenie Collin of Bristol, Conn., Norma Plourde of Ohio and Connecticut, Theresa (Doug) Couture of Bristol, Conn., Richard (Carol) Michaud of Middletown, Conn., Sylvia Michaud-Kessell of South Paris, and Sister Juliette Michaud of the Holy Rosary Sisters of Portland; along with a special cousin, Joanne (Bob) Hart of Connecticut and Florida; plus many, many nieces and nephews.

Gil was predeceased by her husband, George, of 58 years; and her son, Steven; and siblings, Martha Blanchette, Renaud, Ronald and Normande Michaud.

Gil leaves quite a void in the lives and hearts of her entire family. She taught us all to live with a positive outlook and she will never be forgotten. In her words, “I’ve had a very good life! Cry if you must but celebrate my life! My spirit will always be with my family and friends.”

The family wishes to give thanks to New England Cancer Specialists and Dr. Devon Evans, and also for the loving supportive care provided by CHANS Hospice, especially Jo-ellyn Sturgeon RN and the Home Health Aides.