Jeannette A. Freve

Jeannette Freve, of Lewiston, went home to her Lord and Savior on Dec. 9th, 2024. Born Dec. 29th, 1920, the 13th of 16 children of the late Alphonse and Camille (Rancourt) Morin. Raised and educated in Lewiston.

Jeannette grew up in a spacious 10-room house on Oxford Street in Lewiston, big enough to accommodate her many brothers and sisters. She attended St. Mary's Catholic School, which was also located on Oxford Street at the time. Her mother, a tireless homemaker, spent her days sewing clothes for her many children and ensuring they were always well-fed. Her father worked as an ice delivery man, selling blocks for 10 to 15 cents each—no matter how high the building or how many flights of stairs he had to climb.

In 1934, tragedy struck when Jeannette's father was injured while delivering ice. The wound became infected, leading to gangrene in his leg, and within just four weeks, he passed away. Left to raise twelve children on her own, Jeannette’s mother struggled to make ends meet. The state provided a small widow’s pension of $25 a month, but it wasn’t nearly enough. Jeannette made the difficult decision to leave school after eighth grade to help her mother care for the family. By 16, she landed her first official job at the local shoe shop, earning $9 a week. Of that, she kept only $3 for herself and gave the rest to her mother to help support the household.

In 1942, Jeannette married Bertrand Galarneau, a union that would last for 32 years. As an Army wife, she lived in various states, including New Jersey, Georgia, and Kansas, and even ventured overseas to Germany, where her son, Wayne, was born. The pair then returned to the states in Massachusetts and then back to Maine. The family eventually settled in Auburn in 1959, where Jeannette raised Wayne and began a poodle grooming business from the comfort of their home. Always eager to learn, she furthered her education and became a private duty nurse. In 1992, she married Reginald Jean from Lewiston. After Reggie’s passing, she found love again and married John Freve in 2000.

After John's passing in 09', she spent most of her mornings at Dunkin Donuts in Auburn Walmart where she became a fixture having coffee and conversations with her close group of friends. Jeannette was a staple at the Governor's Restaurant, a place where she was always welcomed like family. Jeremy, her trusted waiter, never missed a beat in making sure she felt pampered, with every plate and drink delivered with a personal touch.

Jeannette was a deeply devoted Catholic, and her faith was a cornerstone of her life. She attended church regularly, finding comfort and strength in her prayers. Her commitment to her faith went beyond just Sunday services; she lived by the values of compassion, kindness, and service to others, always ready to lend a hand to those in need. Her spiritual life was a source of peace and guidance, shaping the way she approached both her family and community.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Holy Family Catholic Church, Lewiston, ME on May 16th, 2025 at 11AM.

In lieu of flowers and cards, donations can be made to Holy Family Church in Lewiston, ME.

Arrangements are under the care of The Fortin & Pinette Group | 305 Alfred A Plourde Parkway Lewiston, Maine 04240 | (207) 784-4023