1926 – 2016

PORTLAND — Bernice L. Michel, 89, a former resident of Bushey Circle, Lewiston, died late Saturday afternoon, Nov. 12, at Maine Medical Center with family at her side.

She was born in Madawaska on Dec. 5, 1926, to Philip and Marie (Saucier) Lamarre. Bernice was educated in Madawaska schools and attended Madawaska High School. Before the end of high school, her parents moved the family to Lewiston where she resided for the rest of her years. On June 29, 1946, she married Roland E. Michel at St. Mary’s Church.

Bernice worked for many years in local shoe shops including Koss, Dorie and Billen Shoe. After that she worked for several years at Bates College in housekeeping until her retirement in 1990. She was a member of Holy Family Church and a member and past president of Ladies of St. Anne at the former St. Mary’s Church and was also a proud member of the National Basilica Guild in Washington, D.C. She enjoyed reading, cooking, playing cards, doing puzzles and knitting various items.

In her younger years, she and her husband, Roland, were also avid bowlers in local leagues. Bernice was a lady of strong faith and a loving and devoted wife, mother, sister and aunt with an admirable and incredible work ethic. She will be dearly missed.

She leaves behind her son, Richard Michel of Portland; three sisters, Marie Couillard and husband, Larry, of Lewiston, Ruth Martin of Lewiston and Gilmay Lamarre of Turner; one brother, Gilman Lamare of Lewiston; many nieces and nephews; and her dog, Sophie.

Bernice was predeceased by her parents, Philip and Marie; her husband, Roland, in 1981; her daughter, Sue Michel, in 2015; three brothers, Norman in 2001, Herman in 1995 and Philip Jr. in 2005; and two sisters, Vera Lamare in 2013 and Joan Labadie in 2014.

Messages of condolence may be shared by visiting her online guest book at www.thefortingrouplewiston.com.