LEWISTON — Fernande M. Brochu, 75, a resident of Crowley Road, passed away after a yearlong illness Saturday, March 18, at her residence.

She was born in New Brunswick, Canada, on July 1, 1941, the daughter of Urbain and Marguerite (Richard) Gallant.

Fern was married and widowed twice. Her first husband, Andre Mercier, died unexpectedly at a young age, and her second husband, Marcel Brochu, died in 2002.

She was employed in the local shoe industry for more than 35 years. Following retirement, she enjoyed line dancing, camping, bowling for fun, traveling to Nashville and country music as well as bluegrass festivals, she traveled to the family cottage in New Brunswick for many summers, and she received an honorary certificate from Alcoholics Anonymous for helping countless people in the program.

Though she never had natural children, she loved all of her many stepchildren and her step-grandchildren, as well as nieces and nephews and enjoyed spending time with all of them.

Survivors are two brothers, Real Gallant and wife, Juliette, of Lewiston, Yvon Gallant and wife, Thelma, of Auburn; and one sister, Emily Martel, of Greene.

Besides her parents and two husbands, she was predeceased by a twin infant brother and another infant brother.

Special thanks to her sister, Emily, and her sister-in-law, Juliette, for being wonderful caregivers during her illness. Fern’s family is also very grateful for the support Fern received from the Dempsey Center in Lewiston.

Online condolences and sharing of memories may be expressed at www.lynchbrothers.com.

Fernande M. Brochu