AUBURN — Gilberte “Gil” V. Desmarais, 82, of Lisbon passed away peacefully and surrounded by loved ones on Wednesday, April 5, at the Hospice House of Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice in Auburn, following a brief illness.

She was born in Lewiston on Sept. 16, 1934, to Joseph and Alida Gilbert Tremblay. She attended Holy Family and St. Peter’s Catholic schools in Lewiston. She married the love of her life, Raymond Desmarais, on June 5, 1954, at Saints Peter and Paul Church. As a young woman, Gil went to work in the shoe shops in Lewiston, finishing her manufacturing career at Supreme Slipper.

Gil was the ultimate sales lady. Her warm and outgoing personality made her very successful in Sarah Coventry home jewelry sales where she won national sales awards. She continued her customer service skills at Drapeau’s Costume and as a bridal consultant for her niece Linda’s bridal shop, Caldwell’s Wedding Plus in Auburn.

Gil will be remembered for her status as a social butterfly who never met a stranger. She was known by her family to make the world’s best Italian meatballs and her mother’s French-Canadian pork stuffing. She was never seen without her hair and nails done and was always on top of the latest fashion trends. Her love of music and dancing was only surpassed by the pride and joy she had following her grandchildren’s many activities. In her later years, she enjoyed spending time with friends at their regular hangouts, including Tim Hortons and Rolly’s Diner. She was also a faithful member of Prince of Peace parish. She will be lovingly missed but never forgotten by all who knew her.

She is survived by her loving daughter, Susan and her husband, Michael Fortier, of Lewiston; three granddaughters, Serena Fortier of Los Angeles, Calif., Tiffany Fortier of Lewiston, and Deneka Deletetsky and her husband, Gard, of Auburn; great-grandchildren, Zane and Eden; nieces, Linda Gelinas and Marlene Godin; eight great-nieces and -nephews; and several special cousins and dear friends.

She is predeceased by her parents; her beloved sister and brother-in-law, Monette and Henry Jalbert; niece and godchild, Diane Robitaille; and her husband, Bert.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the staff at Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice for their wonderful care of both our beloved Gil, but also the support provided by many during this most difficult time.

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

Gilberte V. Desmarais