Jeannette A. Chandonnet

RUMFORD – Jeannette A. (Beaule) Chandonnet, 90, a lifelong resident of Lewiston, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024.

Born on Oct. 31, 1933, to David Beaule and Alice Bilodeau, Jeannette was a devoted wife, mother, and animal lover throughout her long life.

She was married to her beloved husband, Richard Chandonnet, for 51 years. They bought a house one street away from Jeanette’s family and began a family of their own, raising five children together as working parents. One of their children, David, was born with disabilities. Opposing the prevailing medical advice of the era, Jeanette insisted and ensured that David had a happy, rich, and full childhood at home, with his family. She would continue to be his primary caretaker until his passing in 2021.

Jeanette also rescued many dogs, including multiple ex-racing greyhounds, and provided them with a loving home. She loved birdwatching, listening to Mozart, watching British crime dramas, and reading, activities she enjoyed right up to her peaceful passing.

Jeannette is survived by her four devoted children, John, Mark and his wife Heidi, Renée and her husband Nicholas, and Celeste and her husband Tony. She also leaves behind five grandchildren, Timothy, Michael, Julia, Maddy, and Elise; and countless adoring cousins, nieces, nephews, friends, and neighbors.

Jeannette was predeceased by her husband, Richard; and their beloved son, David.

A Funeral Mass honoring Jeannette’s life will be celebrated on Tuesday, Sept. 24 at 11 a.m., at Holy Family Church. Committal services will then follow at St. Peter’s Cemetery.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 24 from 9:30 a.m., until the time of the service at the Fortin and Pinette Group, 305 Alfred A. Plourde Parkway in Lewiston, 784-4023. Online condolences and sharing of memories may be expressed at http://www.lynchbrothers.com .

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to the

Autism Society of Maine

in Jeannette’s memory.