LEWISTON – Bertrand “Bert” David Mathieu, 99 years old, passed away peacefully at his home by his fireplace on Oct. 10, 2021.

Bert was born on Feb. 24, 1922, the son of Roland and Yvonne (Morin) Mathieu. He left school at the age of 14 to work in the shoe industry. In 1936 he joined the Maine National Guard 103rd infantry unit. He later enlisted in the Army, being assigned to the 32nd Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron. His unit landed on Omaha Beach in June 1944. They were later assigned to the Battle of the Bulge in Belgium. He received many military medals for which he was very proud.

Back in Lewiston in 1945, he returned to the shoe industry joining Compo Shoe Machinery, a career that lasted 42 years. A licensed electrician, he had a television repair shop “Bert’s T.V.” in his home. In 1967, he returned to school and earned his Basic Adult Education certificate.

Bert was an active member of the American Legion, Post 22. He attended many veteran’s funeral services and played Taps or Amazing Grace on his harmonica. In 2016, he participated in Honor Flight of Maine saying it was a trip of a lifetime. He was also recognized in 2020 by the Remember ME program which honors residents in long-term care and assisted living facilities. Until his stroke in 2015, he volunteered at Pamco Shoe Machinery

Bert is survived by his daughter, Donna Morin and significant other Gerry Chenard of Lewiston; his brother Robert Mathieu (Cecile) of Lewiston; stepsons Donald Legare (Rachel) of Auburn, Richard Legare (Denise) and Gerry Legare (Becky) all of Lewiston; grandson Derek Morin (Michelle) of Catonsville, Md., granddaughter Kristen Marcella (James) of East Bridgewater, Mass.; granddaughter Heather (Brian) of Hainesport, N.J., grandson Jason White of Eastampton, N.J.; great-grandchildren Brandon and Meadow Major, Lauren and Jake Marcella; and many nieces and nephews; as well as members of his large extended family.

He was predeceased by his parents; wife Laurette (Lauze). After her death he married Bertha (Legare) who also passed away; his daughter Patricia White and son-in-law Michael White, son-in-law Ron Morin; as well as his sisters Anita Gosselin, Jeannette Laflamme and Lucille Bergeron.

Bert was a proud World War II veteran and loved his country. He loved music, dancing and playing his harmonica and attending Veteran’s Day, Memorial Day, D-Day and 4th of July events. While he was a resident of Clover Living Center and Marshwood Center he enjoyed all participating in activities and helped staff choose musical entertainers. He loved his sweets and liked to pass out candy (Life Savers and Kit Kats) to everyone. And everyone knows how much he enjoyed scratch tickets. Up until a few weeks ago he played Yahtzee and even kept score.

The family would like to thank all staff at Clover Healthcare, Marshwood Center, Va Togus, Lewiston VA Clinic and Androscoggin Home Health and Hospice for all the wonderful and compassionate care they gave Bert over the past six years. Also a special thank you to all the caregivers that helped out at his home after his stroke in 2015.

Visitation will be held Sunday Oct. 17, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at The Fortin Group 217 Turner St. Auburn. An in house service will be held Monday October 18th at 11 a.m. with a committal to follow graveside at St. Peter’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers,

donations may be made to:

Androscoggin Home Health and Hospice

15 Strawberry Ave.

Lewiston, ME 04240 or:

Activities Department

Marshwood Center

33 Roger St.

Lewiston ME 04240



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