Ghislaine Renée Clément

AUBURN – Ghislaine Renée Clément, AKA Gigi, née Vachier, at age 87, passed away peacefully on May 26, 2023 with her family by her side.

Born May 25, 1936 in Angoulême, France, daughter of Maire Lavoir and Maurice Vachier. She was the youngest of three. By her family’s side, she lived through World War II’s German occupation, unfortunately witnessing unforgettable events. As a young woman she worked for a book binding company in Angoulême. Upon marrying Bernard Clément, her true love, they moved to Aussac-Vadalle, a village 24 km. from home and lived on his family’s agriculture enterprise. In 1962, she immigrated to Lewiston with Bernard and their two children, Xavier and Sylvie to join his mother and sisters who proceeded him. Roger Roy, a friend of the newly immigrated Clément family, sponsored their immigration. Her 23-year marriage ended in a divorce in 1979. She worked 36 years for St. Mary’s Hospital kitchens. As a dog lover, she owned many dogs named Bazoo. You could easily find her walking Bate’s Campus, riding her bike to work, observing nature and enjoying the ocean. She had a love for spending time with her grandchildren, reading, gardening, knitting, sharing and maintaining her culture in the arts, music, style and language. Gigi enjoyed cooking traditional French cuisine. She was saddened by the passing of her French friend Collette Nadeau but continued to enjoy the friendship through her daughter Micheline Houle. She made many trips to visit her family and friends in France. In 2015 after her last trip to France, Ghislaine became a U.S. citizen. She loved visiting Sylvie in Philadelphia, Chicago, Deleware and New Jersey. In her last eight years of dementia, she treasured Xavier’s visits, the trip to the ocean and eating out. 

Ghislaine was the loving mother of son: Xavier Clément, Greene; daughter Sylvie (Brad) Thorstensen, four grandchildren Heather (Michael) Cannon, Michelle (Christopher) Sampson, Émilie and Roy Thorstensen, two great-grandchildren Keller and Sage Wyman and two step-great-grandchildren Haley and Abby Cannon.

She is survived by her brother Christian Vachier in Angoulême, other extended family members in France and friends of the Auburn area. She was predeceased by her parents and sister. 

A graveside service will be held At Mount Auburn Cemetery on Friday July 7, 2023 at 11 a.m. Friends and family are welcome.

To sign Ghislaine’s guestbook and leave memories and condolences for the family, please visit http://www.AdvantagePortland.com.