Lorraine Boucher

Winslow - Lorraine Hope Boucher, 87, of Winslow died on Monday June 19, 2017 in Waterville. She was born in Portland on September 3, 1929, one of thirteen children of Marjorie (Winslow) and William Markee. Lorraine grew up in Winslow and graduated from Winslow High School.

Lorraine worked intermittently through the years in various places but her life's work was that of a devoted wife and mother - a homemaker in the truest sense of the word. Hers' was the gift of hospitality where all were welcome and family was deeply cared for no matter the reason. She enjoyed playing cards, putting together puzzles, solving crossword puzzles and teaching the math of cribbage to her children and grandchildren.

Lorraine will be remembered for her selflessness, her generosity, her unconditional love for all, and especially her smile and contagious laugh.

She is survived by four children: Susan Levesque and her husband Ronald; Marsha Gilbert and her husband Arthur; David Boucher and his wife Lynda; Cynthia Ouellette and her husband Joseph; 17 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; 10 great-great-grandchildren; a sister and three brothers: Dorothy Rideout; Dale Markee and his wife Nancy; James Markee and his wife Ivy; Tom Markee and his wife Claudette; four sisters-in-law: Ruth, Betty, Gayle and Jewel; as well as her friend and companion of many years, James French, and a large extended family of nieces, nephews and cousins. Lorraine was predeceased by her husband of 64 years, Richard who died in 2011, and her daughter Bette Boucher in 2013.

A time of gathering and reception will be held on Tuesday afternoon from 1:00 to 3:00 pm on June 27, 2017 at Veilleux Funeral Home, 8 Elm Street, Waterville, ME 04901. The funeral service will be at 3:00 pm Tuesday at the funeral home. Burial will be private at the Maine Veterans' Memorial Cemetery in Augusta. Please visit www.veilleuxfuneralhome.com to view a video collage of Lorraine's life and to share condolences, memories and tributes with her family.

For those who wish, donations may be made in Lorraine's memory to: Alzheimer's Association, Maine Chapter, 383 US Route One, Suite 2C, Scarborough, ME 04074

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The following words of remembrance were given by Lorraine's granddaughter, Nicole, as part of her funeral service:

-Gram-

I am going to start by reading a letter I wrote right after I heard of Gram's passing.

Dear Gram, How thoughtful I remember you being. You always gave up your time whenever there was a special occasion. Making sure everything was up to your liking, and you would pour all of your effort and love into making sure we all felt equally special. You loved me like I was your own daughter. You showed me what unconditional love looked like. You made me feel so special, even if I never felt special with anyone else at those times. You put me into your tender heart, and loved me unconditionally.

No matter what awkward stage of life I was in, you gave me a place to run to, and loved me with all of your might. Held me close, and showed me what love and compassion felt like. You didn’t have to say a word and I knew where ever I was emotionally; you were there to support me. Not only did you open your heart to me, you opened your doors. Knowing that I always had a place to fall back on when I needed it gave me immense security that I needed in those hard stages of life.

And for all that you have done, I thank you Gram. You shaped me into the woman I am today. You gave me hope in humanity, and the ability to support without needing to say a word. You showed me to leave all judgement aside and too open my heart to people. My life is forever changed because of you. Thank you. I love you Gram, and I miss you. I can stay strong knowing you are with our Heavenly Father, living in the most peaceful place imaginable. See you there Gram!

As you all probably know, Gram loved angels and the Bible has many great examples of God sending angels to minister to us in our hour of need, even Jesus. Now just as Gram gave me all her unconditional love and support, so did the angels to Jesus in a really difficult time He had on earth. Although Jesus had made all the right choices, and I had not; the similarities on the way Gram and the angels came right to our side, in support, is striking, and a true testimony of Gram’s love.

I offer a closing prayer:

Heavenly Father, we come to you with heavy hearts with the passing of your daughter Lorraine. Lord, she has meant so much to our family. He was a great example of your love God. Give us all of your peace on this day, and every day there after – in Jesus name I pray, Amen.