Germaine Marie “Jerry” Stiffler, 82, passed away peacefully, December 22, 2018 at her home in Minot, Maine. Jerry was born in Old Town, Maine on December 20, 1936, the daughter of Lawrence and Anita (Durette) Parent. She graduated from Old Town High School in 1954.
Jerry’s most cherished role in life was that of loving mother and grandmother. She had a boundless love of children and devoted the early years of her life to raising her family. She later earned certification as a Respiratory Therapist and was employed by Central Maine Medical Center. Throughout her career, her deep compassion brought comfort to her patients. She had a special devotion to infants, young children, and the elderly.
Jerry had many talents and interests. She was an accomplished gardener, artist, golfer, figure skater, seamstress and interior designer. Most of all she found joy in the giving of her time and talents. Her beautiful needlepoints and design work warm the homes of her family. She had an extensive library and loved reading and playing the piano. Jerry was at home in the natural world and embraced outdoor activities including sailing, swimming, snowshoeing, cross country skiing and bird watching. She loved hiking and exploring especially along the Maine coast and at Bradbury Mountain. Her homes, whether in Auburn or Minot, were ground zero for countless family gatherings over which she served as matriarch and chef. In retirement she found great happiness in attending the activities of her grandchildren and great grandchildren, including sporting events, plays and recitals.
A loving wife, mother, and grandmother, Jerry is survived by her husband of forty-two years Robert Stiffler, her six children: Karen Sargent Littlefield and her husband Robert of Stillwater, Susan Sargent Gallant and her husband Gregory of Orono, Tim LeClair and his wife Elaine of Jacksonville, FL, Lisa Mottram and her husband Frank of Auburn, Lauren Thibodeau of Sabattus, and Rhonda Briggs of Lisbon as well as eight grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. Also surviving are Jerry’s three sisters Jacqueline Vafiades; Linda Campbell; and Bonita Grindle; and many nieces and nephews. Jerry was predeceased by her parents Lawrence and Anita.
A memorial service will be held at the Fortin Funeral Home in Auburn at 11am on Saturday, January 5, 2019. A reception will follow. Friends and family are welcome to attend this celebration of Jerry’s remarkable life. For those who wish, memorial donations may be made to the Make a Wish Foundation at www.Maine.Wish.org.
