1932 – 2014

LEWISTON — Bibiane DeBlois Veilleux, 81, passed away Sunday, June 1, at St. Mary’s d’Youville Pavilion, with her family by her side.

Our loving mom was born in St. Marguerite, Quebec, on Oct. 29, 1932, a daughter of Edmond and Marie Anna Asselin DeBlois. She grew up on a farm in a large family and received her education in Canadian schools. She taught in a one-room schoolhouse, before her marriage in 1952 to Wallace N. Veilleux Sr. Together, they made their home on Old State Road in Greene and raised their seven children.

She returned to school as a mother of seven still-young children and graduated as most likely to succeed from Mr. Bernard’s Beauty School of Hair Fashion in Lewiston. She worked as a hairdresser for 40 years, operating her own beauty salon in her home and later at the Auburn Esplanade, until she retired in 2009. She thoroughly enjoyed her work and her clients, and was a true friend to each one.

Mom was an active member of St. Francis Church in Greene for 30 years, singing in the choir and serving as a Eucharistic minister.

She attained dual citizenship in 1987 and loved both countries. She always cherished her French Canadian heritage.

Her life was especially focused on her family; she treasured family gatherings and made all our times together truly special.

Our mom will be remembered for her loving and generous nature, and particularly for her joie de vivre. She had a passion for so many things. She loved singing and dancing, gardening, reading, painting and knitting. She enjoyed going out to eat and shopping. She also enjoyed collecting beautiful items like teapots, handbags, notebooks, shoes and dolls. She liked wearing hats and had a great pride in her hat collection.

Mom is survived by her seven children, Michael Veilleux and Sheryl of Brunswick, Lina Joyner of Greene, Wallace Veilleux Jr. and Cynthia of Greene, Christine Marcous and John of Turner, Marianne Hutchinson and Dennis of Lewiston, Monique Morin and Gary of Lewiston and Irene Morin and Steve of Turner; 12 grandchildren, Vanessa, Luke, Christopher, Melissa, Nathan, Matthew, John, Levi, Andrew, Griffin, Chad and Chloe; and two great-grandchildren, Damon and Jade. She also leaves behind four sisters, Aline, Muriella, Marielle and Elise; and five brothers, Edgar, Edmond, Wilfrid, Andre and Alexandre DeBlois.

She was predeceased by her husband, Wallace, in 1982; and her eldest sister, Evelyn Mathieu.

The family wishes to thank the staff at both Schooner Estates and d’Youville Pavilion, as well as Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice for their kindness, loving assistance and care during the past couple of years.

Online condolences and photo gallery are at www.thefortingroupauburn.com.