Dorothea L. Baillargeon

Dorothea L Baillargeon, age 78, passed away Sunday, February 9, 2014 surrounded by family and friends at Gosnell Hospice House after a courageous battle with COPD. Dorothea was predeceased by her husband John L Baillargeon and daughter Andrea J Baillargeon. Dorothea is survived by her children: John Baillargeon of Brunswick, Mary Markrell (Richard) of Inverness, FL, Arthur Baillargeon (Suzanne) of Walpole, NH, Michael Baillargeon (Gail) of Murrells Inlet, SC, Mathew Baillargeon (Patricia) of Dunnellon, FL. Also by her grandchildren: Rebecca, Joseph, Ryan, John, Jeremy, Mathew, Jacob, Ally, Benjamin and Shawna and niece Dorothea Thompson of New Jersey.

Dot, as she was known to many was born in Portland and lived most of her life in this city. She attended Cathedral Grammar School where she was taught by the Sisters of Mercy. Dot believed that "every individual has the potential to be good". She enjoyed "giving back" and by the age of twelve satisfied her desire to help her fellow man by starting her day making beds and delivering meals to residents of the St. Joseph Home for Aged Women (known to us today as St. Joseph's Manor.) Dot completed her education at Portland High School where she pursued business courses. At the same time, she was being pursued by an admirer who eventually took her down the aisle to be his bride for 48 years!

Dot worked as a secretary for a local bank until she married and started her large family of six children, then worked nights as a key punch operator for many years. Later, Dot applied for and became administrative assistant to Bishop Proulx. This position allowed Dot to spread her wings" in many directions and "brought her dreams full circle." It led to her being named to the position as Diocesan Direction of the Pontifical Mission Aid Societies. This was an historic appointment because at that time in the history of the Catholic Church there were only five women in the United States (three nuns and two married women) holding this position. She remained in this position for many years until she retired in 1990. It was then that a warmer climate beckoned Dot and her husband to move to Florida.

After Dot’s husband passed in 2002, she returned to her home city of Portland and resided at the Deering Pavilion, where she formed the Better Breathers' Club. She saw a need among residents suffering with oxygen needs due to lung or pulmonary disease such as asthma, chronic bronchitis and COPD. In the last year Dot reunited with her childhood friend, Phillip Christy and enjoyed many trips and special times together which she spoke of often.

Dot said, "When I go to bed at night" I like to think "my day has counted, and I look forward to waking up and doing it all over again. She was an unstoppable spirit, and we were very blessed to have had her in our midst!

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014, from 1-2 p.m., at St. Peter Catholic Church, 72 Federal Street., Portland, Maine. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 2 p.m. at the church.

Arrangements are under the care of Advantage Funeral Services, 981 Forest Ave., Portland. Please visit www.advantageportland.com to sign Dorothea's guestbook and to leave condolences for the family.

In lieu of flowers, family requests that donations be made to your local hospice.