1919 – 2016

LEWISTON — On Ash Wednesday, Feb. 10, with his family and many caregivers at d’Youville nursing facility with him, our beloved father, grandfather and great-grandfather passed away at the age of 96, where he had been a resident for the last four years. With his passing, he would reunite with his mother, who died at childbirth, and his brothers, Dr. J.P. Nadeau and Yves “Babe” Nadeau.

He was born in St. Ephrem, Quebec, Canada, on Dec. 4, 1919. He was the son of George and Bernadette Roberge Nadeau. Joseph was able to go to college for two years in Canada. Shortly thereafter, he came to Lewiston and reunited with his father. With his dad as his mentor, he opened variety stores in Auburn. His bride-to-be, Germaine Bedard, lived across the street from one of his stores, and the rest was history on Bailey Avenue for 60 years. They were married for 72 years. Together, they had two children, Marc and Suzanne, the latter marrying George A. Ferguson and they had his loving grandchildren, Allyson Collins and her husband, Adam, and Adam Ferguson and his wife, Gillian. His great-grandchildren, Addison and Chase Collins, were revered by him and their visits and pictures were often the highlight of his days, as well as the visits by his wife and children.

Joseph loved working in his garden and dabbling in the stock market (much to the dismay of his wife). He loved his wife’s great cooking, especially the sweets. Nothing ever seemed to be sweet enough! Enjoying the newspaper, especially politics, current events and the Wall Street Journal, were a large part of his, “relaxing” time. Serving in the U.S. Army from 1942 to December 1945, he was proud to serve his country even though his vision was impaired.

Besides his immediate family, he is survived by his sisters, Gertude Trembley of Montreal, Canada, Delores and her husband, Sam, of New Jersey, Claudette and her husband, Dr. Raymond Sirois, of Auburn; his brother, Guy Nadeau and his wife, Jacqueline, of Lewiston; and many nieces and nephews.

Besides the variety stores, he was a clerk at the Bates Mill and later a boiler operator and watchman at the Libbey Mill. His son-in-law marveled at his hard work both at home and in the workplace.

His immediate and extended family will be forever grateful for the sincere and tender care Joseph received on 3 West at d’Youville, especially the cleaning, kitchen staffs, as well as the priests, CNAs, nurses and doctors who cared for him religiously for four years. Also the staff of Androscoggin Hospice was dedicated to dad’s well-being on four different episodes of care. The support in the time of need was above and beyond our expectations. Our love and gratitude to all the above is immeasurable. You and he were in God’s hands.

Friends and family are welcome to share memories and offer sympathies at www.thefortingrouplewiston.com.