ORLAND — Madeleine R. Moreau, 85, of Lewiston, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 31, after a long battle with Multiple Myeloma.

Madeleine was born in Lewiston on June 16, 1931 to Joseph and Alvine Bisson. She attended Lewiston Schools, South Berwick Academy and graduated from St. Dominic Regional High School in the class of 1950. She married Bertrand R. Moreau on May 30, 1953 in Lewiston. They resided in Lewiston where they raised their five children.

Madeleine was an active member of Holy Cross Church, most recently as a member of the choir. She was an entrepreneur ahead of her time. In the late 70’s she started her own knitting business, opening a shop in Lewiston to teach knitting lessons and sell knitting machines, all while knitting beautiful outfits for her grandchildren. She received her CNA license at the age of 61 and worked at Marshwood Nursing Home as well as privately for families. In the 90’s Madeleine opened a cooking business, offering her cooking services to local families too busy to prepare hearty home cooked meals themselves.

She was an avid golfer, skier and bowler. One of her greatest joys was skiing at Sugarloaf Mountain with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and her many ‘loafer’ friends. Madeleine was loved by all and lived life to the fullest always surrounded by friends and family.

Madeleine is survived by her brother, Roger Bisson of Lewiston; five children, Suzanne Castonguay and her husband, Dennis, of Orland, Marc Moreau and his wife, Pamela, of Cocoa Beach, Fla., Paul Moreau and his wife Celeste of Auburn, Denis Moreau and his wife, Lori, of Poland, and Louise Schutt and her husband, Jim, of Portland; ten grandchildren, including Steven and Brian Moreau, Lisa Emmerling and Matthew Castonguay, Beth Corbeau and James Schutt, Arielle and Daniel Moreau, and Lily and Emma Moreau, as well as her nine cherished great-grandchildren. She will also be greatly missed by her devoted friend, Lillane Dozois.

Madeleine is predeceased by 3 siblings; her husband, Bertrand R. Moreau; and two grandchildren, Gregory and Michelle Castonguay.

You are invited to offer condolences and pay tribute to Madeleine’s life by visiting her guest book at www.thefortingrouplewiston.com.