1927 – 2015

LEWISTON — Fernande M. Jacques, 87, of Lewiston, passed away peacefully at her home of rheumatic heart disease on Wednesday, May 13, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born in Lewiston on June 24, 1927, the daughter of Adjutor and Nelida Dostie Tardif. Educated in local schools, she lived and worked in Lewiston her entire life.

One of her earliest jobs was at Pepperell Manufacturing Co., where she met her future husband. She also worked at Victor’s Food Store and in the local shoe industry. She retired for health reasons from Philips Elmet in 1975, where she was a machine parts inspector.

On May 7, 1949, she married Raymond A. Jacques at the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul. They were married 56 years until he passed away on April 25, 2006.

She was a member of Holy Family Church, Prince of Peace Parish. Her Catholic faith was very important to her, and she had a morning ritual of praying for her family and others. In the past year, she was blessed with weekly visits from Melanie Hatfield, who would pray with her and offer her Holy Communion.

She enjoyed spending time with her family, especially having them come to her home for Sunday dinners. Her family treasured all the candies she made for family celebrations. In recent years, she enjoyed working on jigsaw puzzles, reading and making the best popcorn for her guests. She read the newspaper each morning and liked to watch cowboy westerns and mystery television from the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s. She also enjoyed going out to lunch with her dear friends, Terry and Ida, and others who joined them through the years, calling it “going out with the girls.” She looked forward to frequent phone calls from her godchild, Rosario, and cousin, Jackie, from Berlin. She was always happy to go to her weekly hair appointments with Kim. She will be remembered as a very dedicated and loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

Survivors include her four children, Joanne Libby and husband, Walter, Ron Jacques and wife, Kathy, David Jacques, and Lynn Adams and husband, Mark; 10 grandchildren, Brian Libby, Nathan Libby and wife, Melissa, Adam Libby, Evan Libby and fiancée, Amelia Kiely, Matthew Jacques and wife, Bonnie, Kristin Jacques and husband, Timmy Ho, Nicholas Jacques, Melissa Jacques, Morgan Adams and Carolyn Adams; three great-grandchildren, Owen and Charlotte Libby, and Colette Jacques. She is also survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Besides her parents and husband, she was predeceased by her brothers, Marcel and Roger Tardif.

Fern’s family would like to thank Dr. Jeffrey Brown and his nurse, Chris, and Dr. Dervilla McCann for the excellent and compassionate care they gave her through the years. It was because of them that she was able to enjoy the highest quality of life possible with her illness until her final days. They also thank her neighbor, Gerald Fox, who always made sure that Fern’s driveway was shoveled and her lawn was mowed. And in the past two months, she appreciated the care she received from Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice, especially from Michelle, Molly and Cindy.

Condolences and a video tribute may be accessed online at www.albert-burpee.com.