LEWISTON – Grace E. Hamel, 93, of Waldo Street, Rumford, died Friday, Aug. 4, at Central Maine Medical Center.

She was born in Caraquet, N.B., a daughter of Agape and Heloise (Albert) Blanchard.

Grace was employed as a cook at St. Theresa’s School and Dumoulin Catering Service. She was also employed in the housekeeping department at Rumford Hospital for several years.

She was a communicant of St. Athanasius and St. John Catholic Church and sang in the choir for many years.

She was also a member of the LeParesseux Snow Shoe Club.

Grace volunteered many hours at church functions, and will be remembered for her famous chicken soup.

She loved to dance and play cards with her family.

She is survived by three daughters, Iona Medina of Lakewood, Colo., Connie Newman and husband, Walter, of Dixfield, and Claudette Hladik and husband, Jim, of Mooresville, N.C.; four sons, Wilfred U. Hamel Jr. and wife, Gloria, of Roxbury, Richard Hamel and wife, Debbie, of Mexico, Robert Hamel and wife, Marlene, of Marble, Pa., and Dennis Hamel and wife, Debra, of Kittery and Bridgton; a sister, Laura Doucette and companion, Bob Dube, of Rumford; a cousin, Emma Fortier of Lewiston; 21 grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her husband, Wilfred U. Hamel Sr.; a daughter, Lynda Hamel-Helton; a sister, Ida Belanger; a brother, Leo Blanchard; and a great-grandson, Stephen Hamner.