Jeanne Annie (Mailhot) Labrecque, 94, a lifelong resident of Rumford, closed her eyes for the very last time in her home on Thursday, April 25th to be with the Lord in Heaven. She will be welcomed there by her loving husband, Gerard Labrecque, her parents Francois and Georgianna (Lemieux) Mailhot, 3 of her sisters, Blanche McLeod, Lorraine Ball and Doris DeFilipp and their husbands, her daughter-in-law, Carla Labrecque, her great grandson, Zachary Freeman, along with some nieces and nephews who have gone before her.
Jeanne was born on June 22nd, 1924 and grew up in Rumford as a member of Holy Savior Parish (formerly St. Athanasius and St. John’s) and went to Stephen’s High School. She married her husband Gerard on February 3rd, 1951 and soon started their family. She worked as a babysitter, then at Gladding’s in South Paris and Diamond Match Co. in Peru, but her most rewarding “Job” was being the Matriarch of her family. No matter how much the family grew there was always room for one more. Spouses and their children held the same place in her heart.
Jeanne enjoyed most that life had to offer but took a special interest in sewing and knitting for her family. She also loved bowling, beano, playing cards, lighthouses and RV’ing. She was a member of the “Alley Cats” bowling team and enjoyed watching the professionals bowl on TV. Jeanne was known for her quick wit, her infectious smile and her kind and compassionate spirit. May she forever Rest in Peace and live on in our hearts and minds.
She will be dearly missed by her 7 children, Gerard Labrecque Jr. of Winters, CA, James Labrecque of Byron, Patricia Bell and her husband Leslie of Rumford, Richard Labrecque and his wife Debra of Rumford, Sally Arsenault and her husband David of Roxbury, Susan McKinnon and her husband Keith of Oxford and Linda Woods and her husband Stephen of Rumford and her sister, Theresa Cioffa and her husband Richard of Nebraska.
She also leaves behind a family legacy of 28 grandchildren and their spouses, 39 great grandchildren + 2 soon to arrive and 5 great-great grandchildren. Aunt Jeanne will always be remembered fondly by her many nieces and nephews and their extended families who would often stop by for an always welcomed visit.
The family would like to thank all medical staff who took such good care of her through the years. A special thank you to Androscoggin Home Healthcare & Hospice for their support and care in her final days.
In lieu of flowers donations can be sent to Androscoggin Home Healthcare & Hospice, 15 Strawberry Avenue, Lewiston, ME 04240