Carmel Fredette

Winslow - Carmel A. Fredette, 72 of Winslow, ME peacefully passed away December 28th, 2017 surrounded by her large and loving family.

She was born in Killaloe, County Claire, Ireland on July 18th, 1945. At 10 months old, she and her Mother traveled by boat to Ellis Island to join her World War II soldier Father. This was her first time showing the world her strength and survived the trip. Her name was added to the wall at Ellis Island along with her mother’s.

She is predeceased by a daughter, Sarah Rose, and her parents, Alfred and Kathleen Philbrick.

Carmel met her true love, Randall, at the Sydney Fair in 1959. Their love for each other grew throughout their 55 years of marriage. She was the glue that held her family together. Every Sunday morning getting all the kids to St. John’s for 8 am Mass.

She is survived by loving husband, Randall E. Fredette Sr.; and 6 children: Randall Emile Fredette Jr.; Kevin Fredette and wife Carol; Eileen Richards and husband Bruce; Todd Fredette and wife Lori; Tara Fredette and Fiancé Mike Fredericks; Donald Demers and wife Marsha; sister, Eva Whitney; a great aunt Pearl McMahon and many nieces, nephews and cousins, all whom she adored.

She is also survived by her pride and joy 14 grandchildren: Benjamin Fredette and his partner Kayla; Marissa and Ryan Fredette; Sarah Fredette and her partner Justin Lawler; Dylon & Destanie Richards; Luke & Cameron Fredette; Devin Fitzgibbons; Samuel and Elizabeth Schmitt; Cassandra, Alexander & Michaela Demers; and two great-grandchildren, Chase and Blake Lawler.

Her proudest moments were spent supporting all her beloved grandchildren in their activities and sports, traveling anywhere to watch them. Even when she was at the hospital, she would inform the staff that she had to be out by a certain time to attend these events. She was well known for being the Winslow Wrestling Assistant Coach from the sidelines.

A familiar figure in the Winslow community, Carmel was employed by the school district for 44 years as a bus driver. During her time of driving she touched many lives and made a positive impact on their futures. She was on her third generation of kids and had sent hundreds of cards to her favorite graduating seniors over the course of her career.

Visiting hours will be held at Veilleux’s Funeral Home, 8 Elm Street, Waterville, Wednesday, January 3rd, 2018 from 4 pm to 7 pm. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, January 4th, 2018 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 26 Monument Street, Winslow at 10 am. Burial will be in the Maine Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery in the spring. Please visit www.veilleuxfuneralhome.com to view a video collage of Carmel’s life and to share condolences, memories and tributes with her family.

A Celebration of Life will immediately follow the service, at the Winslow VFW, Veterans Drive, Winslow.

In lieu of flowers make a donation in her name: Arthritis Foundation National Office, 1355 Peachtree St. NE, Suite 600, Atlanta, GA 30309