Lydia M. Gilbert

LEWISTON – Lydia M. Gilbert, 83, of Lewiston passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Thursday, June 5, 2025, at the Hospice House in Auburn. She was born in Lewiston on May 29, 1942, the daughter of the late Edwin F. and Loretta (Dumont) Leger.

She married the love of her life, Eugene Gilbert, on June 23, 1962, at Holy Family Church. Together they raised three children, Pam, Gary, and Missy in their Lewiston home. The family created many memories together including swimming in their backyard pool, having her as a Den Mother for Cub Scouts, as well as her involvement in Girl Scout activities. Lydia had an adventurous side and loved to travel. There were many family trips, and she continued to travel with Gene after their children were grown. A cherished memory is an additional family trip to Yellowstone in 2022.

Lydia will always be remembered for her love of her family, and she treasured being Memere to her seven grandchildren, Mike, Alex, Tyler, Katie, Justin, Allison, and Mikayla. She created many special traditions including making Christmas cookies with them every year. She was very talented at sewing, cross-stitch, and crafts. She would often be working on a cross-stitch for her home or a family member. Handmade birthday cards were also very special to receive from her. When her family was young, she would sew outfits for special occasions and holidays. As the grandchildren were born, she would also knit for them, including beautiful sweaters.

Throughout her life she collected items decorated with butterflies, could be found reading classical literature, would go birding to many different places with Gene, and worked diligently on photo albums for family members along with researching the family genealogy. Lydia enjoyed bowling and was often a member of a bowling league. She had a natural talent for dance and loved dancing with Gene and friends with the Countryside Dancers. When the family was young, she was a member of the Ladies of St. Anne Sodality of Holy Family Church. Lydia graduated from Lewiston High School in 1960 and retired from working in the office at St. Dominic Academy in 2003.

She is survived by her loving and devoted husband of nearly 63 years, Eugene Gilbert of Lewiston as well as her children; Pamela Scribner and her husband Donald of Biddeford, Gary Gilbert and his wife Kellie of Saco, and Melissa Lavallee and her husband Steven of Lewiston, her grandchildren; Michael and Alexander Scribner; Tyler, Justin, and Mikayla Gilbert; and Katherine and Allison Lavallee. She is also survived by siblings; Bruce Leger and his wife Mary Ann, Paul Leger, Lynn Leger and his wife Jaqueline, Dennis Leger and his wife Gizelle, and Karen Parent and her husband Louis; sisters-in-law Betty-Jo Leger and Andrina Leger, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents and her siblings; Kenneth Leger, Edwin Leger and his wife Venise, Edward Leger, and Robert Leger.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Andwell Hospice House for the compassionate care they showed during her time with them.

Online condolences and fond memories may be shared with family and friends at http://www.albert-burpee.com

Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Friday, June 13, 2025, from 10 a.m. -12 p.m., followed by a Liturgy of the Word service at 12 p.m., also at the funeral home. Lydia’s service will be livestreamed and recorded as well at 12 p.m., on her tribute page at http://www.albert-burpee.com for those who may not be able to attend. Arrangements are under the care of Albert & Burpee Funeral Home & Cremation Services 253 Pine St. Lewiston, 782-7201.