Joseph A. Nadeau

LEWISTON – On Ash Wednesday, February 10, 2016, with his family and many care givers at D’Youville nursing facility with him, our beloved father, grandfather and great grandfather passed away at the age of 96. He had been a resident for the past 4 years. With his passing he would reunite with his mother, who died at childbirth, and his brothers, Dr. J.P. Nadeau and Yves “Babe” Nadeau. He was born in St. Ephrem, Quebec, Canada on December 4, 1919. He was the son of George and Bernadette Roberge Nadeau. Joseph was able to go to college for two years in Canada. Shortly thereafter, he came to Lewiston and reunited with his father. As his Dad as his mentor, he opened variety stores in Auburn. His bride to be, Germaine Bedard, lived across the street from one of his stores, and the rest was history on Bailey Ave for 60 years. They were married for 72 years. Together, they had two children, Marc and Suzanne, the latter marrying George A. Ferguson and they had his loving grandchildren, Allyson Collins and her husband Adam, and Adam Ferguson and his wife Gillian. His great grandchildren, Addison and Chase Collins were revered by him and their visits and pictures were often the highlight of his days as well as the visits by his wife and children. Joseph loved working in his garden, and dabbling in the stock market (much to the dismay of his wife). He loved his wife’s great cooking, especially the sweets. Nothing ever seemed to be sweet enough! Enjoying the newspaper, especially politics, current events, and the Wall Street Journal, were a large part of his, “relaxing” time. Serving in the U.S. Army from 1942 to December 1945, he was proud to serve his country even though his vision was impaired. Besides his immediate family, he is survived by his sisters Gertude Trembley of Montreal Canada, Delores and her husband Sam of New Jersey, Claudette and her husband Dr. Raymond Sirois of Auburn; his brother, Guy Nadeau and his wife Jacqueline of Lewiston, and many nieces and nephews. Besides the variety stores, he was a clerk at the Bates Mill, and later a boiler operator and watchman at the Libby Mill. His son-in-law marveled at his hard work both at home, and in the workplace. His immediate and extended family will be forever grateful for the sincere and tender care Joseph received on 3 West at D’Youville, especially the cleaning, kitchen staffs, as well as the priests, CNA’s, nurses and doctors who cared for him religiously for 4 years. Also the staff of Androscoggin Hospice was dedicated to Dad’s well-being on four different episodes of care. The support in the time of need was above and beyond our expectations. Our love and gratitude to all the above is immeasurable. You and he were in God’s hand.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Joseph’s name may be made to Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice, 15 Strawberry Ave., Lewiston, Maine 04240.

Funeral service will be held on Saturday February 20, at 11:00 am at Holy Family Church/Lewiston. Committal service to follow at St. Peter’s Cemetery/Lewiston. Friends and family are welcome to share memories and offer sympathies at www.thefortingrouplewiston.com. A service of The Fortin Group Funeral Home Cremation and Monument Services 70 Horton St. Lewiston, Maine 04240.