Irene (Fortin) Bernard Pomerleau

LEWISTON – Irene (Fortin) Bernard Pomerleau, 92, formerly of Lewiston, passed away peacefully on Sept. 30, 2025, three days before her 93rd birthday. Irene was born on Oct. 3, 1932 in Lewiston, the daughter of Joseph Emery and Eva Fortin of Lewiston.

On April 23, 1949, Irene married Leo G. Bernard, the love of her life, with whom she shared 38 years of marriage until his passing in August of 1987 and together they raised four children. Irene later remarried Robert Pomerleau until his death in 2005.

Irene was a graduate of Lewiston High School and spent much of her working career as a bank teller at Androscoggin Savings Bank, Holy Family Federal Credit Union and Ste. Marie Federal Credit Union where she held the position of assistant treasurer. In her earlier years, Irene worked in retail as well as a nurse’s aide.

Irene loved to watch all sports, in particular, the New England Patriots and the Boston Red Sox. She enjoyed attending many Red Sox spring training games in Fort Myers, Fla. Irene had a passion for collecting owls and over the years had accumulated quite an extensive collection.

A few of Irene’s pastimes during her life included singing with the “Just Us” performers, especially during the Christmas season, as well as bowling in several women’s leagues in the Lewiston area. Irene was a Chaplain with American Legion Post 153 in Auburn/Lewiston and also served as a Eucharistic Minister at Holy Family Church and Prince of Peace Parish. She treasured being a wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and will be deeply missed.

Irene is survived by her four children, three sons Leo Bernard (Jill) of Casco, Paul Bernard (Riechelle) of Turner, Michael Bernard (Colleen) of Auburn, and daughter, Claire Harris (Thomas Kady) of Cape Coral, Fla.; seven grandchildren, Sydney Sparrow, Todd Bernard, Marie Kingsbury, Brendan Bernard, Bethanie Bernard, Abby Bernard and Michael Harris; and two great-grandchildren, Milo and Lila Bernard; three stepchildren, Susan (Marshall) Bryant, Marian (Roger) Asselin and Gary (RoseMarie) Pomerleau, and their respective children and grandchildren; her brother, Armand Leo Fortin of Lewiston; and many nieces, nephews; and cousins.

Irene was predeceased by her five sisters and their spouses, Aline Mercier (Bert), Jeannine Westleigh (Roland), MaryAnn Bissonnette (Homer), Annette Chase (Phil) and Claire Young (Bill), one brother, Paul Fortin (Claire); daughter-in-law, Dale Bernard and her close friend, Arthur Paradis.

Irene enjoyed the last 4 1/2 years of her life residing at a lovely senior living community in Cape Coral, Fla. where she made many new friends. She was deeply loved by the staff and residents. The family wishes to express their thanks to the Atrium at Liberty Park and Hope Hospice for their care and compassion.

Visitation for Irene will be held at The Fortin & Pinette Group, 305 Alfred A. Plourde Parkway, Lewiston, on Thursday, Oct. 9 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. as well as from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. A Liturgy of the Word will take place on Friday, Oct. 10 at 1 p.m. at The Fortin & Pinette Group, 305 Alfred A Plourde Parkway Lewiston. Burial and committal prayers will follow at St. Peter’s Cemetery, 217 Switzerland Rd., Lewiston.