LEWISTON – Marie A. James, 77, of Hotel Road, Auburn, died unexpectedly of a brief illness on Friday, Jan. 20, at Central Maine Medical Center.

She was born in Lewiston on May 12, 1928, the daughter of Willie and Rose (Champagne) Nadeau. She grew up and attended schools in Lewiston.

She was the widow of Harold M. James, whom she married on Feb. 28, 1948. He died on Jan. 11, 1999.

Marie was a generous person who loved to knit mittens and hats and give them to whoever might need them, and cooking her favorite fudge for people. She was an avid bingo player and gardener.

She loved her grandchildren, spending time with her family and friends, and appreciated the help she received from her nieces, Anita Fournier and Paulette Junge.

She is survived by her daughter, Jamie, and her husband, John Anderson, of Minot; a son, Michael James, and his wife, Lauren, of Boothbay; grandchildren, Neil, Brent and Nicholas James, Benjamin Blais and Jack Anderson; two sisters, Paulette Burpee of Lewiston and Theresa Fournier and her husband, Paul, of Auburn; and a brother, William Nadeau, and his wife, Ruth, of Virginia.

She was predeceased by her sisters, Rita Berticelli, Cecile Goulet and Lorraine Nadeau.