Jean Everill Fortin passed away Monday afternoon, Sep. 24, 2018, at Cedar Ridge Center with family by her side. She was born October 14, 1929, the daughter of Everett Holt Sr. and Arlene (Buker) Holt.
Jean grew up in Hartland, attending Hartland schools. She worked many years in various shoe factories in the Skowhegan area. Her life had many challenges and yet she never complained. "Life is so easy, if you just let it be" is something she would often say.
Jean was one of a kind and lived her life to its fullest. Tending to her plants and flower gardens always gave her great pleasure. She also loved to do jigsaw puzzles. She impressed us all when she learned how to use her own iPad at the age of 84. She was well known for always having a joke to tell and most of them were for adult ears only.
Jean married Roland (Chick) Fortin in 1965. She loved her camp on Moose Pond and she and Chick spent many weekends and vacations there in the summer. Together, they also owned and operated The Country Store in Madison.
Jean and Chick shared and are survived by six children, several grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Their children are Deborah Hart Howes and husband David, Elizabeth Hart Smith and husband Walter, Albert Fortin and wife Darcie, Joseph Fortin and wife Cliftine, Jeffrey Fortin and wife Norma, and Lee Fortin and wife Starla. She is also survived by Linda Sawyer and husband Mark, who was like a daughter to her.
Jean spent the last years of her life at Cedar Ridge Center and was dearly loved by both staff and residents there. We used to joke that she was running the place! We cannot put into words how grateful we are for the love and care she received at Cedar Ridge from everyone! She loved you all very much!
Jean was predeceased by her parents, two infant sons, and her husband.
She is also survived by her brothers, Everett (Sonny) Holt Jr. and wife Joan, John I. Holt and wife Emily, Richard N. Holt and wife Patricia, and her sister, Kathryn S. Damon and several nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind Pretty Boy, her bird that provided her so much company at the nursing home.
Jean's stories were shared and told by all of her family which resulted in people that didn't even know her, feeling like they did. She affected and inspired so many!
Jean will be remembered for her positive attitude and outlook on life. As her life was ending, she repeated a quote several times for us all to take comfort in, "The young may die and the old must die."
#loveyoumore There will be a celebration of life in the form of a birthday party at the VFW hall on Preble Avenue in Madison on October 14th, 2018 from 2-4. That day would have been her 89th birthday! Please bring your favorite Jean joke and let's celebrate!!
Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Smart & Edwards Funeral Home, 183 Madison Ave., Skowhegan, Maine.
