Joyce Ann Ouellette

Joyce was born in Lewiston, Maine on September 24, 1942, the eldest child of William Letourneau and Mariange Provencal Letourneau.

She attended St. Patrick’s Parochial School and graduated from Lewiston High School in 1960. She worked at St. Patrick’s Rectory from 8th grade until she graduated from high school. After graduating, she worked at Raytheon as an IBM keypunch operator and later as a tabulating machine operator. When Raytheon closed, she worked in the same capacity at Geiger Brothers. This is where she met the love of her life. While working for IBM, a coworker brought Robert with him to a client visit at Geiger and introduced him to Joyce. Robert immediately knew she was the one. They were married on May 14, 1966 and recently celebrated their 60th anniversary.

Bob and Joyce had five children together: Peter and wife Nikki Ouellette of Lisbon; David and wife Zeny Ouellette of Auburn; Emily and husband Jason King of Raymond; Anne and husband Kevin Kelley of Beaufort, NC; Andy and wife Dianna Ouellette of Lewiston.

They were also blessed with 12 grandchildren: Kimberly, Jonathan, Thomas and Celina Ouellette; Nicole (Koerner), Chantel and Michael Ouellette; Derek, Aaron and Claudia Erickson; and Ethan and Owen Kelley.

Their big family was expanded by four step-grandchildren: Saydee and Alexis Betheaume; Jacob King; and Harmony Gibbens.

And even more blessings include three great grandchildren: Kinsley and Kennedy Ouellette; and Lenora Koerner.

Joyce loved caring for her grandchildren, and they all spent days and nights at her home getting spoiled with special treats, games and craft projects. She made each and every one of them feel special. Her perfect day was a family get-together where she prepared a very specific list of family favorite dishes. Food was her love language.

After her family, Joyce’s passion was service to her church. She was a lifelong parishioner of St. Patrick’s Church where she was a member of the choir and sang at funerals. She taught 2nd grade CCD for 30 years, preparing hundreds of parish children for their First Communion. Her craft table was a staple at church holiday fairs where she sold CCD student creations that she planned and prepped. She was also a member of the Rosary Sodality, serving as Prefect for a time.

She was a talented artist who loved to draw, paint ceramics and make many different types of crafts. Many years were spent as a Cub Scout Den Mother and she also entertained residents of Montello Heights teaching crafts and calling Bingo.

Joyce is survived by Robert and all their children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, brother Rene Letourneau and sisters Mona Putney and Marlene Sweeney. She was predeceased by her parents and her brother Billy.

Visitation will take place on Sunday, July 12 from 2:00 to 4:00 PM and again from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at The Fortin & Pinette Group, 217 Turner Street, Auburn, ME. A funeral mass to celebrate Joyce will be held on Monday, July 13 at 11:00 AM at the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Lewiston.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests tribute donations made to the Dementia Society of America or the Alzheimer’s Association.