TURNER – It is with great sadness that we announce that Catherine (Capen) Gauthier, 36, of Turner, passed away suddenly on Jan. 31, 2019, due to injuries sustained in an automobile accident.

Catherine was born in Beaufort, S.C., on July 2, 1982, the daughter of John and Elizabeth “Beth” (Orford) Capen. At a young age she moved to Maine and spent the majority of her childhood here. She graduated from Leavitt Area High School in 2000, and spent her life in the towns of Leeds and Turner. She was well recognized from her jobs at Animal Emergency Clinic of Mid Maine, Central Maine Power, and Winthrop Veterinary Hospital. She had the most welcoming personality and a genuine concern for both humans and pets.

She was a beautiful soul with a contagious smile and energy; she would light up any room by simply walking into it. She was the person to call if you needed any help or just a shoulder to lean on. She loved her children above all else and was immensely proud of their accomplishments. She was adventurous and artistic, a loving mother, sister, daughter and friend. All who knew her know there are no words to describe how much of an impact she made on this world.

Her family will miss the little things the most. We will miss the excitement of our yearly Chicken Casserole and the surprise pets brought home to give a second chance. We will miss the excitement of Bingo Mondays and glass figurines. Musicals will never be the same without her lovely singing, nor will long road trips. There is a very large void that is now in the hearts of her family.

Loved ones that cleared the path for Catherine were her grandparents, Betty and Edward Orford, John “Sonny” Capen, and her beloved pets. She is survived by her husband, Josh Gauthier; children, Hannah Elizabeth Gauthier, Jack Edward Gauthier, Hadley Quinn Gauthier; and stepdaughters, Ava and Isabelle DeMars. She also leaves behind her parents, Elizabeth Capen and John Capen III of Leeds; her sister, Kristen Capen of St. Paul, Minn.; her brother and his family, John and Amanda Capen of Greene; her grandmother, Joyce Capen of Leeds; soul-sister, Becky Hinkley of Monmouth; and numerous other friends and loved ones.

Visiting hours will be held at Fortin\Auburn on Thursday, February 7, from 5-8 p.m. A Celebration of her life will take place on Friday, Feb. 8, 2019 at 11 a.m., also at the funeral home.

Condolences may be shared with Catherine’s family at www.thefortingroupauburn.com

Arrangements are under the care of The Fortin Group \ Plummer & Merrill Funeral Home, Cremation and Monument Services, 217 Turner St., Auburn.

A donation fund is being formed in remembrance of Catherine at the Animal Emergency Clinic of Mid Maine called “Funds From Above by Catherine.”

The family encourages people to donate to this fund in lieu of flowers, to continue the compassion and hope that Catherine brought to her work place.

Donations can be mailed to

37 Strawberry Avenue

Lewiston ME 04282

or called in during business hours.


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