1928 – 2016

AUBURN — Monica G. Piffath, 88, of Auburn passed away peacefully Saturday, Dec. 17, at her home in Auburn, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born in Trenton, N.J., on Nov. 19, 1928, a daughter of the late Domey and Catherine Gallant. She grew up in the Trenton area and attended local schools there. She was a graduate of Cathedral High School, Class of 1946.

Shortly after that, she had met her future husband at an outing in New Jersey where he had returned from his service in the U.S. Navy. Monica was not fond of swimming at all, but when Frank needed a rowboat partner at Carnegie Lake, she could not refuse. And so began their adventure. On June 10, 1950, she married Frank Piffath at Holy Angels Church in Trenton, N.J., and they started a family together.

In 1959, they moved to Maine where they would permanently reside with their family. During that time, while tending to her family’s needs at the home, Monica worked as the kitchen manager for more than 20 years in the Auburn school system. She enjoyed her work in the schools and the services she provided to all of the children.

Monica will always be remembered for her love of being outdoors in her gardens. She took great pride in them, especially the geraniums, her favorite flower. She also loved her birds and kept her feeders well-stocked. But mostly, she enjoyed spending as much quality time with her family as she could. She had a warm and sometimes mischievous smile and she will be deeply missed.

She is survived by her loving husband of 66 years, Frank Piffath Sr. of Auburn; her seven children, Frank Piffath Jr. and his wife, Rosangela, of Bethlehem, N.H., Susan Russell and her husband, David, of Gorham, Tom Piffath and his wife, Kim, of Bridgton, Cathy Piffath and her husband, Jeffrey Cooper, of Orrs Island, Peggy Viola and her husband, Bob, of Scarborough, Nancy Lane and her husband, Steve, of Gorham and Saxyn Piffath of Bethel. She also leaves behind her siblings, Jack Gallant and his wife, Betty, of West Windsor, N.J., Ernie Gallant and his wife, Gale, of Robinsville, N.J., and Beverly Hasili and her husband, Jake, of Hamilton, N.J.; two sisters-in-law; Katherine Gallant of Morrisville, Pa., and Gloria Gaydos of Mullica Heights, N.J.; as well as 11 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by a brother, Robert Gallant.

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