Francoise J. Vallee

AUBURN - Francoise J. Vallee (Fran, Frances), 81, of Lewiston, passed away peacefully, May 9, 2023, at Androscoggin Hospice House after a short illness. She was born in Bar Harbor, July 28, 1941, and raised by her loving parents, Joseph and Etiennette (Morin) Poliquin. She was a lifelong resident of Lewiston, attending St. Peter’s, Ave Maria, St. Dominic’s HS (1959) and graduated from Rivier College in 1961.

On September 15, 1962, she married her high school sweetheart, Paul Vallee, and they enjoyed 60 years of marriage together. Their love and dedication to each other was apparent to all who knew them especially in these last few years when her dementia had taken her spirit and Paul became her caregiver, never wavering in his love and respect for her. Together, they had three daughters and life as a family of five became a journey.

As a child, Frances was inspired by her father to play the piano. She went on to take twelve years of piano lessons. She flourished, however humbly, as a gifted pianist, songwriter, and vocalist, and shared her talents at family and friend events, St Dom’s musicals, and also playing the organ at Holy Family Church. She was so talented she composed a song for her husband, three daughters and all eight of her grandchildren, putting musical notes to the words and then playing and singing each one at our gatherings. Lyrics were written meant specifically for each individual and eventually music was put to paper. What a beautiful gift each of us have been left with. She was also a very talented designer. She planned and designed their family home on Sherbrooke Ave and 25 enchanted years were spent there. She had impeccable taste and was a wonderful cook, following in her mother’s footsteps. She shared these talents with her family and many friends. When she married Paul, she would be forever grateful for the large family she gained. She would open up her home to gatherings during holidays, bridal showers and baby showers. She later meticulously planned the weddings of her three daughters.

One of her favorite places was Old Orchard Beach where she spent summers as a child at her family camp and later vacationed there with family and close friends. This would always be the highlight of her summers!

In her later years, Frances and Paul broadened their travel interests and enjoyed several cruises, a trip to Europe, and numerous visits to Florida, especially The Villages, Del Ray Beach, Hilton Head, and the Berkshires. Frances enjoyed good conversation with anyone but especially with her best friend, cousin, and sister-in-law, Connie Vallee. They shared a special bond and we will certainly miss seeing the two of them together.

Prior to retirement, Frances spent many years planning and designing another home including its gardens. Her true talents were expressed beautifully in their newly built home, also on Sherbrooke Ave. More large gatherings were enjoyed as well as small gatherings with friends and family. She especially enjoyed hosting Halloween where her 8 grandchildren would end their night of trick or treating and have a space to go through their candy collections while eating her delicious appetizers.

Francoise will be remembered for her smile, laughter, hugs, gift of conversation, her cooking abilities, decorating skills, and musical talents. Always the eloquent writer, her birthday and special occasion cards to everyone always contained a heartfelt message that will be cherished forever by all.

She was a communicant of Holy Family Catholic church and donated much of her time to the schools her children attended, especially to the St. Dom’s family that she loved, as well as various committees and fundraising events.

She is survived by her husband, Paul, her daughter Helene and husband Paul Gosselin from Lewiston, daughter Catherine and husband Michael Langelier from Lewiston, daughter Celeste and husband Daniel Chasse of Old Orchard Beach. Her 8 grandchildren, Chris Gosselin and wife Chelsea, Tom Gosselin and wife Rachel, Katie Gosselin and her fiancé Tyler Stockford, Alex and Joey Klemanski, Abigail Langelier, Matthew and Christine Chasse. Her 4 great grandchildren, Owen, Finnley, Chase and Reese Gosselin.

She is predeceased by her parents, Joseph and Etiennette Poliquin.

We would like to thank the CMMC Intensive Care Unit and Androscoggin Hospice House for their excellent care.

Visitation will be held Thursday, May 25, 2023 at Pinette, Dillingham & Lynch Funeral Home in Lewiston from 4-7pm. A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, May 26, 2023 at 11:00 am at Holy Family Church in Lewiston, followed by committal services at St Peter’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Father Drouin Scholarship Fund at St Dom’s or The Androscoggin Home and Hospice House.