George E. Couturier Jr.

LEWISTON – George E. Couturier, Jr., a resident of Lewiston passed away peacefully with his daughter and special family friend at his side after a sudden illness.

He was born in Lewiston on April 17, 1939 in Lewiston, the son of George, Sr. and Margaret (Gallant) Couturier.

He married Elizabeth (Knowles) on April 20, 1963 in Lewiston and enjoyed 32 years of marriage. He lost the love of his life on July 23, 1995 in a tragic car accident.

He proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force for 20 years and is a Vietnam Veteran. After the military he worked 20 years at the U.S. Postal Service and served as union president for several years until he retired.

George had a special bond with his two grandchildren, Nicole and Austin. They have fond memories of when he lived with them of going upstairs to his apartment and spending time with them. They would enjoy their ice cream and TV time with him. He had a tradition of picking them up at school and having lunch with them. He loved doing stained glass and projects with them and making them special pieces.

Survivors include his daughter, Susan Smith and husband, Randall, of Greene; two grandchildren, Nicole Smith and partner, Christopher Lemmons, of Stoneham, Mass. and Austin Smith of Alexandria, Va.; one sister, Mary-Ann Leger and husband, Bruce, of Biloxi, Miss.; three sisters-in-law, Dolores Couturier of Sabattus, Delores Rioux of Monmouth and Elaine Knowles of Greene; as well as many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by a companion, Donalene Chandler and her family.

He was predeceased by his parents; his wife, Elizabeth; and his brother, Louis Couturier.

The family is very thankful for their special friendships with Jennifer Jordan and Joanne Lebrun. The family would like to thank the nursing and support staff on T-1 and M-1 at Central Maine Medical Center as well as Nicholette Erickson, MD and Sarah Gray, MD for their compassionate care for George while he was hospitalized.

Visitation Fortin/AUBURN will be held 2 to 4 p.m., 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 16 at The Fortin Group, 217 Turner St., Auburn.

A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 17 at the funeral home.

Online condolences may be shared with his family at http://www.thefortingroupauburn.com

In lieu of flowers, George has requested donations to the Travis Mills Foundation to help support Veterans.