Irene A. Levesque

FALMOUTH – Irene A. Levesque 88, formerly of Auburn passed away peacefully on Christmas Eve - Wednesday December 24th - at Sedgewood Commons with her loving family by her side. She was the daughter of Lucien and Maria (Bernier) Poulin and graduated from Edward Little High School and St. Mary’s School of Nursing. Married in 1948 to Lucien R. Levesque, together they raised eight children while owning and operating the former Sim’s Restaurant in Auburn. Irene is survived by her seven children, Peter Levesque and wife Elaine, Caroline Higgins and husband John, Paul Levesque and wife Claire, Julie Levesque and partner Deborah Goldstein, Louise Nunn and husband Timothy, Charles Levesque, Anne Levesque and husband David Boynton; her beloved sister, Florette Bouchard and husband Robert; five grandchildren, Benjamin Higgins, Jennifer Hagan, Christopher Nunn, Emily Nunn, Katie Boynton, two great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Besides her husband Lucien, she was predeceased by her daughter, Michelle as well as three brothers, Paul, Robert, and Andre Poulin. Irene A. (Poulin) Levesque was born on July 19th, 1926 in Lewiston, Maine and graduated from Edward Little High School. She then attended St. Mary’s School of Nursing in Lewiston Maine, where she earned her Registered Nursing diploma. Being a progressive person by nature, Irene excelled in the area of natural childbirth education which was not widely practiced at the time. She was married in 1948 to Lucien R. Levesque and after some time working in various hospitals, Irene and her husband began a family. Irene’s progressive ideas would serve her well as she embarked on the journey of having a child with Down syndrome. In 1948, as was common at the time, doctors strongly suggested that Irene and Lucien place their daughter Michelle in an institution. However, the decision was quickly made that she would remain at home. As there were no schools for special needs children in the 1950’s, Irene, at the age of 29, initiated the idea of starting a school in her area of Lewiston- Auburn. In August of 1955, Irene, along with other community members formed Lewiston-Auburn Association for Retarded Children (LAARC) where she served as President. Creating a school for these children was the immediate focus of the group. The Garcelon School in Lewiston was chosen as the site and Irene began enlisting volunteers to advocate for the school. A local Kiwanis Club listened as she explained that ”The best thing for a child is to be home where there is love and affection. Institutions are lovely but few can afford them.” The Rotary Club and The Lions Club were among the groups credited with providing funds and manpower to refurbish the school. One year after its inception, Irene’s goal of creating a school for her daughter came to fruition. On September 11, 1956, LAARC opened the school for 19 children in two classes. In 1969, the school was moved to Madison Street in Auburn and became known as the Madison Street School for Retarded children. Today it has evolved into Pathways Inc. In 1976, Irene was again faced with the decision to forge ahead as a progressive women when her husband, owner of Sim’s Restaurant in Auburn, passed away. She chose to take over the operation of Sim’s and ran it successfully for 14 years during a time when women were not typically welcomed into the business community. As she had done at 29, now 50 and a single parent of seven children, she fought through difficult odds and uncertain economic times to become a very well respected businesswoman. In the early 1990’s Irene sold her business and retired. She enjoyed an active life of family, friends and travel until her health declined, though she never lost her spirit and remained a remarkable and generous woman who contributed positively to her community at Sedgewood Commons in Falmouth, ME. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial honoring Irene’s life will be celebrated SATURDAY, January 3rd 11:00AM at Sacred Heart Church. Committal prayers to follow at St. Peter’s Cemetery. Memorial donations in Irene's name may be made to Sisters of St. Joesph 100 Pleasant St,.Waterville, ME 04901

Family and friends are invited to gather Friday January 2nd from 2-4 & 7-9PM at the PINETTE DILLINGHAM & LYNCH FUNERAL HOME 305 Alfred Plourde Parkway, Lewiston, 784-4023