Eleanor "Linda" M. French

Eleanor was born on May 31, 1947, in Bath, Maine, to Mary and Olire Dionne. She spent the majority of her adult life in Lisbon, where she and Fred lovingly raised their three children: Lisa, Lolita, and Fred. She spent 25 years working as an Administrative Assistant in the office of the Continuing Education Department at Central Maine Technical College.

Eleanor had a vibrant spirit and a deep love for life’s simple joys. She was an avid gambler who cherished time spent with family and friends at bingo halls and Foxwoods Casino. She also embraced the cruising lifestyle, creating treasured memories on vacations at sea with loved ones.

As the matriarch of her family, Eleanor was a source of strength, guidance, and love. Her sisters looked up to her and stood by her side with unwavering care throughout her life. MaryAnn and Linda shared countless days watching stories, quilting, and crocheting for their families, while Jane and Linda enjoyed camping, traveling, and shopping together. She also deeply cherished the time she spent with her sister Joyce, creating meaningful memories together. Linda felt especially lucky to have met and spent time with her brother, Pascal, from France last May.

The greatest joy of Eleanor’s life was her children. She cherished breakfast dates with Lisa, daily visits with Lolita, and every moment spent with Fred. Her love for her family was boundless.

She is survived by her sister, Jane Farnum and her husband, Richard; her sister, Joyce Larrabee; and her brother, Pascal Retourne; her children: daughter Lisa Hilton and her husband, Scott; daughter Lolita Robitaille and her husband, Michael; and son Fred French III and his wife, Korynne. She is also survived by her nine grandchildren—Kasey, Kristin, Kelsey, Joseph, Alyson, Ryan, Olivia, Wesley, and Jordan—as well as fourteen great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents, Mary and Olire Dionne; her beloved husband, Fred French Jr.; and her sister, MaryAnn Picard.

The family extends their heartfelt thanks to Andwell Home and Hospice for their compassionate care of Eleanor to the very end.