Dolores M. Champine

Dolores Madeline Champine, 90, passed away on October 24, surrounded by love from her Lakewood family, husband and daughter. She was born on May 28, 1924 to William and Aurore (Ora) Goulette, of Skowhegan. She was their only child.

Dolores was a 1941 graduate of Skowhegan High School. After graduating, she went on to pursue a career in nursing at the Sisters Hospital in Waterville, where she was the surgical supervisor and later became the Head Laboratory Technician. In 1945, she was stationed at Fort Devens as an army nurse during World War II.

Shortly thereafter, she was married to her husband Charles Champine. Her nursing career continued and she became the Director of Nurses for the Waterville Osteopathic (Inland) Hospital for several years. She was a highly respected nurse by the entire medical staff. Her caring, commitment and compassion to her patients continued long after she retired. Dolores was known as the neighborhood nurse to all even in her final days of life. She would do anything for a family or child in need, always so caring and generous.

Dolores loved to travel, was an avid reader, and could do a New York Times crossword puzzle in no time. She was also a lover of all sports, in particular the Red Sox and Patriots. She and her husband in their earlier years taught Round dancing and loved to Square dance and Ballroom dance as well. Most recently, she was an avid card player, and played several times a week with friends. Dolores was also a member of the Red Hat Society Waterville branch, known as the Good Time Gals.

Besides Charles, her devoted husband of 62 years, she is survived by her daughter, Shelly Simpson and her husband, Reginald of Waterville; her grandchildren, Ryan Simpson of South Portland, Nicole Simpson Lemieux and her husband Brenton of Cumberland, and two great grandchildren, Reese, and Charlie also of Cumberland. She loved her family greatly, as they were the dreams of her life. Her greatest regret was not being able to meet her infant great grandson, Charlie, who is named after her beloved husband. Dolores is also survived by many cousins and dear friends; including her devoted cousin, Leonita Lefebrve, and her dear friends, Roy and Esther Scott.

Visiting hours will be Wednesday, October 29 from 4-6 pm, at the Veilleux Funeral Home, Waterville. Her funeral mass will be at 11:00 am on October 30 at Notre Dame Catholic Church, Waterville.

Her family is very grateful for the extraordinary care and compassion from the Lakewood Long Term Care staff, where Dolores lived for the past six months. Their never-ending love for her will always be remembered and deeply appreciated. In addition, a special thank you to the Maine General Medical Staff and Beacon Hospice for their wonderful care in her final days of life.

Memorial donations may be made in her name to either: Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers, 55 Ryder Rd, Ossining, NY 10562 or Lakewood Long Term Care Unit, 220 Kennedy Memorial Drive, Waterville, ME 04901.

Services are under the care and direction of Veilleux Funeral Home 8 Elm St. Waterville, ME www.veilleuxfuneralhome.com