AUBURN — Gilberte Y. Lafrance, 90, formerly of Meadowview Park, died Friday afternoon, May 25, at Clover Manor with family at her side. She was born in Lewiston, Dec. 27, 1927, a daughter of Ernest and Yvonne (St. Pierre) Ouellette. Gilberte was educated in Lewiston schools, including St. Mary’s Parish School, and remained a lifelong resident of this community. On April 19, 1947, she married Lucien J.R. Lafrance and together they settled in Lewiston to raise their family.

Gilberte first worked in local shoe manufacturing for a time, then in local clothing retail for a number of years, and later spent 25 years working as a medicine technician at the Marcotte Nursing Home and then d’Youville Pavilion until her retirement at age 62. Among her favorite enjoyments were playing bingo and card games, doing puzzles, cooking and going to the casino. No matter what the activity, she always enjoyed spending time with family and friends. In earlier years, her home was always open to teenage friends of her children, especially her daughter Susan’s friends, as she enjoyed their company and laughter. Gilberte and Lucien even took in two of Susan’s friends to live with them for a time. When it came to her home, all were welcomed.

Gilberte enjoyed collecting angel figurines and statues, which, in a sense, reflected her loving and caring nature, that of an angel on earth. During her entire lifetime, Gilberte was a true caretaker and caregiver. In addition to 25 years at the nursing home, she also cared for her husband Lucien during his many years in poor health and other family members as well.

She was a loving, devoted and hard-working wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who will be dearly missed. Gilberte leaves behind her son, Paul Lafrance, and wife, Barbara, of New Hampshire; her daughter, Susan Blouin, and husband, Daniel, of Lewiston; six grandchildren, PJ Lafrance and Darcy Lafrance, Scott Blouin, Jason Blouin, Michael Blouin and Matthew Blouin; and 12 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband, Lucien; her sister, Nya Demaio; and great-granddaughter, Karley Blouin.

The family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses and all staff of Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice for their care, compassion and support shown to Gilberte and her family during her illness.

Online condolences may be shared with her family by visiting www.thefortingrouplewiston.com.

Gilberte Y. Lafrance

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