Rolande “Rolly” Blais

AUBURN – Rolande “Rolly” Blais, 80, passed away Monday, Jan. 17, 2022, at the Schooner Memory Care Unit in Auburn.

She was born Sept. 27, 1941, in Caswell the daughter of Theodore and Sadie (Girard) Cantin.

Twenty-eight years ago she and her son Ken opened Rolly’s Diner on Mill Street in Auburn. She ran the front of the restaurant with patrons knowing her as “Rolly”, “Mom”, “Memere”, and sometimes “Fe”. Being at Rolly’s was her livelihood. She looked forward to chatting with her customers every day. She made such an impression on so many people, and so many people had a place in her heart as well. She remembered all her customers and even what they ate, she watched generations grow up and families grow. She was so warm and welcoming, making it natural for everyone to call her Mom. Her sweet and spunky personality, and contagious smile is what made Rolly’s such a special place.

Rolly was a communicant of the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul; she was a member of the Pastime Club, and was often seen shopping at Mardens, playing Bingo, and gambling at the Oxford Casino. She loved to go out with friends and spend time with her hubsand, Roland and family.

She will be sadly missed by her three sons Steven Blais, Ken Blais and his wife Jean, and Jeffrey Blais and his companion Michael Horton; her grandchildren Justin Blais, Sadie Blais and her husband Chris Page, and Jordan Blais and his wife Casey; her great grandchildren Avery, Emery, and Tillie Page; several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband Roland Blais; siblings Gertrude, Lucille, Rosette, Jeannette, Percy, Lucien, Norman, and Girard.

Visitation will be 2-4, 6-8 p.m., Thursday, January 20, at The Fortin Group, 217, Turner Street, Auburn.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, 122 Ash Street, Lewiston.

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