Estelle Routhier

Estelle Morissette Routhier, 105, of Waterville, Maine passed away peacefully during her afternoon nap Friday, November 19 at Lakewood Nursing Home. Estelle was born on October 3rd, 1916 in St. Come, Quebec and was the second eldest child of 14 children. Her older brother died as a child, leaving Estelle the eldest.

In 1926, the family home and most of the small village of St. Come burned to the ground. Estelle and her siblings were separated for a short time while her father rebuilt the family homestead. As the oldest, she was responsible for helping her mother raise her siblings. She also helped her dad at the funeral home preparing the decedents for viewing. From a young age, she took great pride in everything she did.

Estelle met the love of her life, Phillip Routhier, and they settled in Waterville in 1943. It was here they raised 4 children and were married for 41 wonderful years. While Phillip was working at the local mill, Estelle raised the children and took care of the homestead. She also worked in the evenings, cleaning and doing odd jobs to help raise money. She enjoyed spending time with her family, especially camping at McGrath Pond. Of course, the many trips back home to visit her brothers and sisters in St. Come were her favorite. She hosted many family get-togethers and fulfilled her role as the family's matriarch.

Estelle was never one to miss an opportunity. Throughout her 70’s and 80’s, she travelled to the Dominican Republic, Mexico, and Venezuela where she went parasailing and even won a local beauty contest. She truly was a beautiful person, inside and out. Estelle wasn't much for driving so she did all of her errands on foot. One day she was crossing KMD to get to the bank and she was struck by a car. Estelle was only bruised by the impact. She saw the elderly lady that hit her was very upset. So, she did the right thing and invited the lady back to her house to relax and have a cup of tea. Just one example of what a strong-willed and compassionate lady she was.

Estelle is predeceased by her husband Phillip, oldest brother Loranzo, father Raymond, mother Aurore, younger brothers Robert, Paul, Marcel, and younger sisters Aline, Yvette, Colette, Francoise, Juliette.

She is survived by her younger sisters Georgette, Isabelle, Geatane, and her little brother Jean-Guy. She also leaves behind her 4 children, Ralph of Sidney, Patrick of Waterville, Raymond and his wife Donna of Benton, and Shirley of Fairfield (predeceased by Earl and Dave), grandchildren Stephanie and husband Marion, Christina and husband Bob, Tony, Scott and wife Rory, Angela, Nick and wife Meagan, Jay, Melanie, AJ and great grandchildren Kayla, Wyatt and Elizabeth, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Estelle's family would also like to thank and acknowledge Estelle’s personal caregiver, Barbara Kowalik, for many years of dedicated service, as well as the staff at Lakewood Nursing Home.

Visiting hours will be held on Saturday, November 27 from 10 AM - Noon with a Funeral Service following at Noon. Estelle will be laid to rest next to the love of her life, Phillip, at the Maine Veterans Cemetery in Augusta, Maine. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Veilleux and Redington Funeral Home, www.veilleuxfuneralhome.com.