1921 – 2016

AUBURN — Jean-Robert Maheu of 15 Robinson Gardens, Lewiston, and formerly of 83 Sixth St., Auburn, passed away on Friday, March 18, at the Hospice House with his loving family by his side. He was 94 years old.

He was born in St. Joseph-de-Beauce, Quebec, on April 19, 1921, the son of Jean-Thomas and Aurore Maheu. He received his primary and secondary education in parochial and public institutions, Mariste College, Turmel Institute, attended Classical College de Levi, Quebec, and two years at Sacred Heart Seminary, St. Victor-de-Beauce, Quebec. He also attended Bliss College in Lewiston for two years, graduating with general business and commercial courses. He served three years in the U.S. Army during World War II and was honorably discharged in 1946.

On Oct. 23, 1948, he married Alice C. Therrien at St.Pierre-St. Paul Church. They raised four children and spent 48 years together until his beloved wife died Nov. 8, 1996. In his younger years, Jean-Robert worked as a clerk for a few local grocery stores and at Montgomery Ward as a sales clerk until its closure. Thereafter, he joined the family construction business as a carpenter, excelling in finish work. He then spent the next 25 years working as a clerk for the U.S. Postal Service in Auburn until his retirement in 1986. During his entire postal career, he was very involved in the American Postal Workers Union. He was president of Auburn Local 5622, even after retirement, vice president and legislative director for the state of Maine and represented his local and state at the national level for a few decades.

He was also a member of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees (NARFE), a member of the board of directors for the Cooperants-Artisants Fraternal Insurance Company for three terms and nine years in Montreal, Quebec, and he held the office of president and treasurer for ACA (Association Canado-Americaine) and president for three terms with the Richelieu Club. These organizations necessitated travels to Canada, France, French West Indies, Martinique and Guadeloupe. He was very proud of his French heritage and culture. He had a deep love for his French language and his Catholic faith. He was a communicant of the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Lewiston and formerly St. Louis Church in Auburn.

Survivors include his son, Claude (Doris) Maheu of Greene; three daughters, Helene (Paul) Lauziere of Lewiston, Gisele (George) Roy of Holden and Celine (Gerald) Nadeau of Auburn; 12 grandchildren, Denise Roy Myers, Michelle (George) Gagnon, Christine Roy and her fiancé Brad Copeland, John (Shawna) Lauziere, Michael Roy, Steve (Jen) Maheu, Anne Lauziere Saucier, Nicole (J.P.) Adams, Katherine (Reed) Gustin, Robert Nadeau, Rachel (Andre) Achenbach and Daniel Nadeau; 17 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his wife, Alice; his parents; and sister, Monique Pratt.

A special thank-you to Dr. Jeff Brown, Dr. Roy Ulin and Dr. Amy Wells for the years of care given to him. Also a big thank-you to the staff at the Veterans’ Home in South Paris, Clover Manor and especially the Hospice House for their compassion and care.

Condolences and a video tribute may be found online at www.albert-burpee.com.