Joylene Marie Goulet

Born on January 1, 1939 in Lewiston, Maine, the daughter of Wilfred and Jeanne (Pomerleau) Ouellette, Joylene grew up in Auburn and attended St. Louis Elementary School, eventually graduating from Edward Little High School in 1957. Joylene was in the Edward Little Marching Band as a majorette and attended beauty school becoming a licensed cosmetologist working at Ouellette's Beauty Shop, which her mother owned.

Joylene’s love story with her beloved Rene began in 1950 when introduced by their mothers’ who were in the Snow Shoe Club together. They later started dating in 1955 and on September 6, 1958, Rene and Joylene were married at St. Louis Church in Auburn. The newlyweds lived in Charleston, South Carolina and endured a long distance relationship during Rene’s year long Air Force assignment in Alaska. Returning to Maine, they settled in Auburn and built their eventual family home to raise a family.

Joylene was passionate about helping take care of their home when Rene was traveling for work. In the summer she enjoyed gardening and would be seen riding the lawn mower when he was away. In the winter she took pride in plowing the driveway- even if it wasn’t always straight!

Joylene was a member of the Maine Swimming Officials Association as well as the YMCA Swimming Officials Association. For over fifteen years she officiated numerous YMCA, high school, and Bates College swim meets including YMCA State and New England Championships.

An avid bowler, Joylene participated in a women's league in Portland, Maine. She enjoyed traveling with “The Girls” to bowling tournaments across the country. When she returned from the trips she always had a fun story to tell about their adventures.

Family was what filled Joylene’s heart. She was her children’s/grandchildren’s biggest cheerleader and supporter; whether it was school activities, clubs, sports, or “Grammy” duties, Joylene was there. She was always caring and positive, often sharing words of wisdom such as “Don’t take any wooden nickels!”.

She was preceded in death by her father, Wilfred Ouellette, her mother, Jeanne Pomerleau Ouellette and her brother Normand Ouellette. Joylene is survived by her husband of 67 years Rene Goulet of Auburn, Maine; a son, Peter Goulet of Greene, Maine and his son Jeremy Goulet of Cranston, Rhode Island; a daughter, Cherie Larson and her husband Mark of Auburn, Maine, their children, Connor Larson of Auburn, Maine, Alec Larson of Ft. Cavazos, Texas, and Courtney Larson of Auburn, Maine. Joylene was a loving, supportive, strong and independent woman who loved her immediate and extended family of nieces and nephews. All who knew her will always remember the love she brought to their lives.

Funeral Services honoring Joylene’s life will be celebrated on Monday, March 3, 2025 at 1:00 PM at The Fortin & Pinette Group in Auburn. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may send donations in her name to Andwell Health Partners Hospice, 15 Strawberry Avenue, Lewiston, Maine 04240. Visitation will be held on Monday, March 3, 2025 from 11:00 AM till 1:00 PM prior to the service at The Fortin & Pinette Group 217 Turner Street in Auburn, 783-8545. Online condolences and sharing of memories may be expressed at www.thefortingroupauburn.com .

Don't Be Too Sad

I've lived my life

I've tried my best

The memories I hold dear

Are experiences I have known

Of happiness and tears

The love of my family

The care of my friends

The good times I've shared

Right to the end

I've travelled life's byways

Seen children grow up

Experienced life's living

And drunk from love's cup

I leave you with memories

With thoughts of you all

I'm no longer with you

But your mind will recall

The good times we shared

The laughter we had

Please cherish these memories

And don't be too sad.

~ Anonymous