Alice A. Couturier

Auburn - On October 10, 2013 at 4:30 pm, Alice 73, a long time resident of Auburn, began her Heavenly Journey after a brief illness, while surrounded by family in her home. Alice A Couturier was born to Maurice G Jutras and Anita L Rouleau on August 14, 1940 at 72 Webber Ave, Lewiston ME. She lived in an orphanage in Jackman, Maine until it burned down, then she lived at St Joseph’s Orphanage in Lewiston until almost thirteen. Alice went to school at Holy Family, St Peter’s and St Dominic’s (class of ’59). She left high school early to marry Roger Couturier on November 6th, 1958, living the life of a military wife for 20 years until they divorced in 1978. She returned to school and received her diploma in 1977 with her eldest daughter, Donna. She later graduated from the University of Maine Augusta in 1984 with honors and a degree in psychology and mental health. She also worked as a CNA at Greene Acres Manor then at St Mary’s Hospital, and as a Mental Health Worker II at AMHI. During her 73 years, Alice led a very active and giving lifestyle. She was a Scout leader for Juniors and Cadettes for eight years, a Eucharistic minister for 13 yrs, and a member of KC Ladies Auxiliary for eighteen years. She was part of the original Franco Festival in the park with Connie Cote, and volunteered for eight years. She also volunteered at the Good Sheppard Food Bank for 18 years, the Festival de Joie for 7 years, the Balloon Festival as security for a few years, the Deering Oaks Festival as a cook, Red Cross Blood Drives for 9 years and St Peter’s Bean Suppers for many years. Alice was also a SEARCH board member and a member of St Louis’ Parish. She was an active member of the Sabattus Seniors Group. Alice greatest love, were her children, grand children and great grandchildren. They were what she lived her life for and she was very proud of them all. Alice had a passion for many things. Amongst them she loved holidays and preparing all the food and decorating, in the later years especially– Halloween as she enjoyed them with her many grandchildren. She loved to sing and dance, especially the polka. She enjoyed a wide array of genre for music including country western, classical, Broadway and she was a faithful listener to Connie Cotes French program every Sunday morning. She had a passion for cooking and baking and up to the day before she was ill was still dropping off baked goods in bags on persons doorsteps. Continual enjoyments for her were the senior group trips to Canada and the sugar shacks, Indian Head Resort and Foxwoods Casino. She was an avid outdoors lover and farm girl at heart – a love that is shared by one of her daughters. She enjoyed gardening, nature in general, horseback riding and native outdoor birds. As those who knew her would agree, she also had a passion for those “sticky notes”. She was always afraid of forgetting something but up to the end, her mind was clear as can be.

Due to Alice’s history of being raised in an orphanage, it was important to her to be home with her children. To make ends meet she would do laundry, iron and sew, and do spring and fall cleaning when the kids were in school. She helped raise several of her grandchildren off and on and supplied many of the kids’ clothes. She is predeceased by her grandparents John Narcisse and Corinna Jutras, Fortunate and Henedine Rouleau, her father, Maurice Jutras, in 1968, her brother, Edouard Jutras, in 1992, and her mother, Anita Jutras, in 1995.

Alice had such a large heart that she raised and guided many persons in her years. All children and grandchildren that were not biological to her could not tell the difference because she treated them all equally. The following differentiation is to maintain historical accuracy. She is leaving behind 5 daughters: Donna & Richard Dube, Denise & Marc Bonenfant, Diana & Robert Belanger, Deana Julian and Gary Sokoloski and Doreen & Bob Plourde; the “daughter” she raised Michelle & John Hallstrom and Melinda & Jay Novella, whom Alice took under her wing. Alice is survived by 15 biological grandchildren: Shawn & wife Stephanie Rioux , Sarah Rioux & fiancé Joe Melvezzi, Christopher Bonenfant & wife Amber, Katie Groves & fiancé Rob Newell, Beauregarde and Benjamin Bonenfant, Renee Couturier, Marina and Keileigh Belanger, Nicole, Tiffany and Kevin Couturier, Laura Julian, Emily and Noah Plourde; 6 non-biological grandchildren: Christine, Dwan and Tracy Dube, Nicholas & wife Amanda Plourde, Thomas Gagne and fiancé Krystal Williams, Brandon Gagne and Katie Novella; 8 biological great grandchildren: Madison Julian, Kiana and Christopher Bonenfant, James and Joseph Julian-Kobel, Hannah and Bryson Wyman, Caitlyn Couturier and 5 non-biological great grandchildren: Zachary Barnaby and Juliana Gagne, Dominick and Zachary Plourde, Sebastian Gagne and Slade Haycock.

Alice is survived by her brother Robert Jutras, his wife Frances and her nephew Stephen Jutras and wife Cynthia; as well as a favorite Aunt, Theresa Bell. She also leaves behind the cousins of the Sabattus Seniors: Theresa Bernier, Veda Wright, Georgette Turcotte, Aline Poirier and Bert Turcotte. Alice is also leaving behind dear and close friends: Claudette Lemelin, Pat Levesque, Maxine Pride, Tom Slavinski, Collette Cyr, Beverly Regan, Father Paul Plante, Father Richard Bertrand, Father Ray Richards, Father Richard Lavoie, friends at Dunkin Donuts, and the many friends around the twin cities. You are invited to share your thoughts, condolences and fond memories with the Couturier family by visiting their guest book at www.thefortingrouplewiston.com.

Visitation will be held at The Fortin Group Funeral Home in Lewiston on Friday, October 18 from 2:00 PM to 4:00PM and 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday October 19 at Holy Family Church at 11 AM. Committal services will follow at St. Peter’s Cemetery in Lewiston. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Alice’s memory to: St. Dominic Regional High School, Special Olympics of Maine, Boys Town .org or The St. Joseph’s Indian School. A Service of The Fortin Group Funeral Home, Cremation and Monument Services, 70 Horton St., Lewiston, Maine 04240. 784-4584