1932 – 2016

AUBURN — Maurice Normand Laroche, 84, of Lewiston died peacefully Thursday, Oct. 13, at the Hospice House following a courageous nine month battle with liver cancer. His family was by his side every step of the way.

He was born March 3, 1932, in Lewiston to Joseph Laroche and Bernadette Laroche (Beaudoin).

Maurice attended St. Peter’s school through eighth grade after which he began working at Panther Shoe in Lewiston to help provide for his family.

He was proud of his father, Petit Joe Laroche’s boxing career. He spent many days while growing up at the boxing gym with his father. Maurice loved being social, being around his friends and family, hockey, the Boston Bruins, and his weekly outings to Gipper’s. He also had a great love for his dogs, Molly, Cleo and Moxie.

For 25 years, Maurice was employed by the Auburn Water & Sewer District. He was a foreman, who happily worked side-by-side with the men he was in charge of. Upon retirement, Maurice worked part time as a courier for various local banks and cared for his in-laws, Conrad and Cecile Lebel. Maurice was proud of his service in the National Guard and was also a Third Degree of the Knights of Columbus.

On Oct. 5, 1973, he married Jeannette Lebel. Together they raised a beautiful blended family.

He is loved by his wife of 43 years, Jeannette, of Lewiston; their children: Jennifer Laroche-Albert and her husband, Kevin, of Lewiston, Marie Herrick and her husband, Daniel, of Auburn, Michael Frechette and his wife, Donna, of Venice, Fla., Catherine Lin and her husband, Michael, of Tampa, Fla.; nine grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; several nephews; and a niece.

He is predeceased by his father, Joseph; mother, Bernadette; father-in-law, Conrad; mother-in-law, Cecile; brother, Roland; and sister, Anita.

Condolences may be shared with the family at www.thefortingrouplewiston.com.