Louise Florence Mathieu

Louise was the adoring mother of 4 sons - David of Medford, OR; John and his wife Kathy, Scarborough, ME; Timothy and his wife Cynthia, Reading, MA; and James of Hilo, HI. She was also the doting grandmother to 7 grandchildren (Ryan, Colby, Angela, Melanie, Vanessa, Chloe, and Carlyanna) and 5 great-grandchildren. She is survived by her brother Ross Grenier and his wife Norma of Mapleton, ME; sister Laurianne and husband Frank of Pembroke, MA, along with numerous nieces, nephews and extended family members.

Born in the wilderness hamlet of Holeb Township, ME to the late Alfred and Lumina Grenier, a childhood of play in the Maine woods instilled a passion for country living wherever she called home. After graduating from Lawrence High School (Fairfield, ME), Louise worked for the Department of the Navy in Washington, DC. Upon returning to the Waterville area, she met her husband “Lee” and raised her sons.

Louise lived a mother’s life. No matter the weather, if her boys were on the field, she was in the bleachers cheering them on. She would drop everything when new grandchildren arrived, or her sons and daughters-in-laws needed help while establishing themselves in a new region of the country. Her love for children also extended far beyond her immediate family. Louise was always quick to act if she saw a child in need, whether that meant giving them a warm coat, something to eat or a simple hug.

Whether residing in Maine or Massachusetts, Louise’s love of the beach and surf was legendary. She could be counted on to be riding the waves, long after everyone else was warming themselves with towels and blankets.

An avid bridge player, she also found great joy playing classical piano and reading Scripture. Known for her passion for decorating and refurbishing homes and furniture, she always enjoyed a good find at Goodwill, if not the town dump. Though a homemaker for much of her adult life, she returned to the workforce to become a valued employee at both Mobil Oil and Eastern Insurance.

Louise will be remembered for her sense of humor, endless energy, kindness and devotion to family and the community. As a woman of strong Christian faith, she opened her home as a place for peace and respite on many occasions when members of the extended family or others suffering hard times needed a shoulder to cry on or a roof over their head.

Louise asked for a party upon her death, not a funeral. Family and friends are invited to attend a good one in her honor on Saturday, June 3rd at 1:00 PM, at the Best Western Hotel in Waterville, ME. We hope you come help us celebrate Louise's life.