Florence M. Hamblet Lemieux

Portland – Florence M Hamblet Lemieux, 93, passed away peacefully Wednesday, December 15, 2010 at the Gorham House, where she resided for the past seventeen years. During these years she struggled with Alzheimer’s disease, eventually regressing into the quiet of her own being.

Florence was born, December 10, 1917; the eldest child of the late Henry and Margaret Brien of Portland. Schooled in Portland she graduated from Deering High in 1936. After graduation she attended the Maine Eye and Ear Infirmary School of Nursing.

In 1940, Florence married Richard Hamblet also of Portland. Together they raised a family of four children. She worked for many years as a nurse at Portland’s Osteopathic Hospital. The highlight of her years was unquestionable…the summers spent with family at their cottage on Little Sebago. There she enjoyed entertaining family and friends alike.

Florence was an active member of the Woodford Club ladies group and a talented craftsperson. She took pride in special projects that include sewing, stenciling and caning. She loved to swim and enjoyed playing scrabble.

In 1979, Richard, her husband of 39 years passed away. She continued to work and care for her family. Then Edmund Lemieux of Portland came into her life, they were married in 1985. Together they enjoyed traveling and spending winters at Jekyll Island in Georgia until his passing in 1996.

Florence was not only predeceased by two loving husbands and her parents but by her son, Richard D. Hamblet.

Florence is survived by two daughters, Mary M. Smith and husband Wayne of Gorham and Anne Marie Kane and husband John of New Market, NH; son, James H. Hamblet and partner Pam Moretti of Las Vegas, NV; Edmund’s two daughters, Laurie Farnsworth and Pricilla Garlaneau; sister, Bertha Montgomery of South Portland; brothers, Ernest Brien of Buxton, Henry Brien and his wife Robbie of Arkansas, Gerald Brien and his wife Charlotte of Bridgton, Edward Brien and his wife Pat of San Diego, CA; four grandchildren, Steven Smith of Gorham, Michael Smith of Wells, Susan Michaud of Portland, Laura Kane of New Market, NH and six great grandchildren.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a time of visitation Monday, December 20, 2010 from 5-7 p.m. at Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home 199 Woodford St.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated, Tuesday December 21, 2010 at 10 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church 1342 Congress St. Interment in Brooklawn Memorial Park will be private.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Association Maine Chapter 163 Lancaster St., Suite 160B Portland, Maine 04101

Please visit www.jonesrichandhutchins.com for additional information and to sign Florence’s guest book.