WILTON – Thomas “Tom” L. Joudrey Jr., 71, of Maxwell Road, Wilton, died Tuesday morning, April 19, in the comfort of his home, surrounded by family following a courageous battle against cancer, and he did it “his way.”

He was born Aug. 10, 1933, in Jay, a son of Thomas L. and Marion (Perkins) Joudrey. He received his education in Jay and Livermore Falls schools.

He was proud of his life’s work, retiring in 1987 as a papermaker for Boise in Rumford. Never one to be idle, he re-entered the workforce in 2004 to work in construction for BE & K.

He lived for his children. He struggled with health issues and fought the odds to pursue this mission in life. His brave, strong-willed, tenacious spirit continues to be the gift he gives to his children. Through his example, they feel his arms comforting them through their life’s journey.

He found enjoyment in life at his camp, fishing and hunting with friends, gardening, canning, working with wood and tending to his “mistress” (his wood furnace), playing pool and cards, and making his weekly trips to Waterville. He was a member of the Frank L. Mitchell VFW Post 3335 and the Lane Dube Amvets Post 33, both of Jay, the Wilton Masonic Lodge 156 and the Kora Temple Shrine. He was also a local 900 life member.

He is survived by three sons, Thomas L. Joudrey III and his wife, Teri Plourde, of Livermore, Darren K. Joudrey and his companion, Missy Hassett, of Mexico, and Darryl LT Joudrey and his wife, Arin, of Hollis; two daughters, Paula Marsters and her husband, Douglas, of Canton, and Ivy Harding and her companion, Tom Doiron, of Canton; five brothers, George and his wife, Helen, Alvin and his wife, Mary Lou, Stuart and his wife, Linda, Harvey and his wife, Janice and Orrin and his wife, Diane, all of Maryland; three sisters, Helen Moore and her husband, Jim, Wanda Spence and her husband, John and Faye West, all of Maryland; nine grandchildren, Jamie Madison, Dougie Marsters, Miranda Marsters, Sarah Harding, Rebekah Cardinale, Zacharie Joudrey, Casey Joudrey, Thomas Joudrey IV and Dominic Joudrey; two great-grandchildren, Alexander Reynolds and Madison Cardinale, and a third great-grandson, whose birth is anticipated any day, Nicholas Cardinale; and his former wives, Roberta Olson of Auburn and Louise Joudrey of Wilton.

He was predeceased by his parents; six siblings, Roger, Harold, Darryl and William Joudrey, June Joudrey and Levene Galen; and one grandson, Jesse Harding.