Noella Boisvert Rocheleau

PORTLAND – Noella Boisvert Rocheleau, 93, passed away on Saturday, March 18, 2023 with family by her side at Seventy Five State Street, an independent and assisted living facility in Portland.

She was born Noella Doris Boisvert in Lewiston, daughter of Joseph and Florence (Michaud) Boisvert on Christmas Day 1929. She attended Auburn schools and also L’Ecole Superieure before graduating from Edward Little High School in 1947.

A life-long four-season sportswoman, Noella relished playing golf, tennis, and especially skiing – traveling to Vermont and several ski areas throughout Canada. She was also a ski instructor at Lost Valley in Auburn for many years. Prior to her marriage, Noella had a successful career working as Deputy Clerk of Courts for Androscoggin County for 11 years and Executive Secretary to Armand Dufresne Jr., chief justice of the Maine Supreme Judicial Court.

On April 29, 1961, Noella married Richard “Bert” Rocheleau at St. Louis Church. Together they went on to own and operate Rocheleau Insurance Agency in the early 1970s, then Maynard’s Shoe Store in downtown Lewiston from 1979 until their retirement in 1999.

In addition to being an avid skier, golfer and tennis player, Noella also enjoyed watching New England Patriots football games and took up bowling in her later years. She was a member of Fairlawn Country Club for 35 years and formed an extensive network of friends from all these activities. Prior to her move to Portland in 2018, Noella was especially proud to call New Auburn home for 88 years. “The Girls,” as she affectionately referred to her group of childhood friends, were her partners in all things fun: playing cards, traveling to Foxwoods, and gathering for birthday celebrations. That friend group only grew at State Street where she joined nearly every activity offered. Her positive outlook on life and her spirited nature will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Noella was predeceased by her husband, Richard Rocheleau; and brother, Robert Boisvert.

She is survived by a daughter, Louise Carpentier and husband Mark of Portland; two granddaughters, Jacqueline Carpentier, husband Garrin Bufo and great-grandson Marc Wilder Bufo; Valerie Carpentier and partner Seth Lockman of Brunswick; nieces Anita Poulin of Auburn, Diane Allen of Freeport, Michelle Henshaw of Brunswick and Karyn O’Connor of Tampa, Fla., nephews Gerard Boisvert of Auburn, George Boisvert of Hampton Beach, N.H., William and Robert Rocheleau of Brunswick.

Noella’s family want to thank the amazing staff at Seventy-Five State Street for the loving, compassionate care she received and they would also like to recognize the incredible caregivers of Gentiva Hospice who provided such a comfort to Noella and her family during her last days.

Visitation at The Fortin Group Funeral Home Auburn, Wednesday, March 29, from 3-5 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, March 30, at 12 p.m. at Sacred Heart Church. Committal to follow at St. Peter’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to:

Seventy-Five State Street

75 State St.

Portland, ME 04101