Donald A. Bissonnette

AUBURN - Donald A. Bissonnette, 77, died with grace and dignity on April 8, after a courageous battle with cancer. Donald was born Dec. 12, 1934 in Lewiston, the son of the late Wilfrid and Marie Anne (Duclos) Bissonnette, and graduated from Lewiston High School in 1952. Don then served in the U.S. Army before attending Bentley College, from which he graduated in 1958 with a degree in accounting. After a short time out of state, Donald returned to the home in which he was born. He married his life-long partner Marthe in 1969 and with her raised their four children. His home was always open to the extended Bissonnette family, and he was grateful that he was able to live there through the end of his life. Donald opened his own accounting office Dec. 1, 1973, and tirelessly served his clientsuntil shortly before his diagnosis in July 2011. Some of his original clients stayed with him throughout his 40 years in practice, and formed some of his strongest friendships. He truly loved his work and took great pride in helping his many clients. During his distinguished career, Donald served as longtime chairman of Maine's Gear-Up Tax Seminar, was a former president and lifetime member of the Maine Association of Professional Accountants, and served terms on the Lewiston Planning Board and the Maine Family Parish Council. Donald also served on the boards of d'Youville Pavilion and S1. Peter's Cemetery, and on the Maine Family Federal Credit Union Supervisory Committee. Donald is survived by his wife of 42 years, Marthe (Chouinard); four children, David and his wife Jennifer of Las Vegas, Nev., Jeffrey and his wife Shannon of Mechanic Falls, Anne Pelkey and her husband Joseph of New Gloucester, and Nicole, of Portland; five grandchildren, Connor, Emma, and Dillon Bissonnette, and Daniel and Sarah Pelkey; his brother, Normand and his wife Yolande; and many nieces and nephews. Donald was predeceased by his parents, Wilfrid and Marie Anne (Duclos); siblings Roger, Laurent, Therese Losito, Florence, Yolande, Dorothy LaFontaine, Lauriane, and Stella; and Lucien Fournier, who lived with the family like a brother. Online condolences and sharing of memories may be expressed at www.lynchbrothers.com BISSONNETTE died in Auburn, April 8, 2012, Mr. Donald A. Bissonnette age 77 years a resident of Lewiston. A Mass of Christian Burial honoring Don's life will be celebrated WEDNESDAY 9:00AM at Holy Family Church of the Prince of Peace Parish. Committal prayers to follow with military honors at St. Peter's Cemetery. Memorial donations in Don's memory may be made to Androscoggin Hospice House 236 Stetson Rd., Auburn, ME 04210 Family and friends are invited to visit Monday evening 7-9PM and Tuesday 2-4 and 7-9PM at the PINETTE & LYNCH FUNERAL HOME 305 Alfred Plourde Parkway, Lewiston, 784-4023