Esther Lil Lillian St. Jean Dourant

Esther Lillian Dourant, 79, of Athens passed away at her home with her family at her side on Monday July 5, 2010 in Athens, Maine.

She was born May 23, 1931 in S. Attleboro, MA, the daughter of the late Eli A. St. Jean and Emily (Jacques) St. Jean.

She was married to Raymond F. Dourant Sr. until his passing April 4, 1990.

She spent most of her life making a home for her family, and making her children and grandchildren happy. She truly loved her family.

Esther loved to read, play cards, and she looked forward to her Friday poker nights, she also loved animals and donated to the ASPCA monthly.

She is survived by her nine children; James O’Connor and wife Cheryl of Winterhaven, FL., Cheryl Almaraz and husband Jose of Harmony, Raymond Dourant Jr. and wife Rosie of Montville, Edward Dourant and wife Rosa of Central Falls, RI, Daniel Dourant of Brooks, Jeanne Smith of Athens, Terry Dourant of Montville, Darlene Dourant of Athens, Steven Dourant and wife Veronica of Solon, one sister; Elaine George of Pawtucket, RI, one sister-in-law; Annie St. Jean of Norton, MA, twenty-four grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren, a special niece Laurie Ann Baker, along with many more nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents, husband Raymond F. Dourant Sr. in 1990, three sisters; Emily Passano, Eva Dwinnell, Edith Vaillancourt, two brothers; Eli St. Jean, Edward St. Jean, two infant siblings Earl & Elizabeth St. Jean, one granddaughter, Danielle Lange.

Viewing hours will be held on Friday July 9, 2010 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at Smart & Edwards Funeral Home, 183 Madison Ave., Skowhegan, Maine, a funeral service will be held on Saturday July 10, 2010 at 11 a.m. at the Smart & Edwards Funeral Home, 183 Madison Ave., Skowhegan, Maine, with burial to follow at the Mount Rest Cemetery, Athens, Maine, with Pastor Richard Haynie Officiating.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Smart & Edwards Funeral Home, 183 Madison Ave., Skowhegan, Maine.

Donations may be made in Esther’s memory to the ASPCA – PO Box 96929, Washington, DC, 20090-6929.