Juliette “Julie” (Bellegarde) Stokes

PORTLAND – Juliette “Julie” (Bellegarde) Stokes, 87, died on Monday, May 3, 2021, at her home, surrounded by her loving family.

Julie was born on April 17, 1934, in Lewiston, the daughter of the late Charles and Rose Anna (LaPierre) Bellegarde. She was proud of her French heritage. She attended local schools and graduated from Ave Maria Academy, and St. Dominic’s High School in Lewiston, class of 1951.

She received her bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Rivier College in Nashua, N.H. and her master’s degree in education at the University of Bridgeport, Conn. While studying for her master’s degree at the University of Maine Orono, she met the love of her life, Donald Stokes. They were married at Holy Family Church in Lewiston on August 27, 1957, and were happily married for 63 years.

Julie and Don moved to Connecticut soon after marrying, where Don took a position in Greenwich and Julie at Dolan Jr. High School in Stamford. Julie worked in many school systems around New England including Albion Jr. High in New Hampshire and Webster Jr. High in Auburn where she taught Math.

In 1964 their daughter Janet was born and in 1986 the family returned to Maine where Don took a position at the Portland school system. After Janet was born, Julie stayed home until Janet started school. Julie began teaching again as a special education teacher in Scarborough. In 1973 the family moved to Falmouth and Julie became a math teacher at Lincoln Middle School in Portland for many years before retiring. After retiring, Lincoln Middle School created a mathematics award for an 8th grade student, in her name, which Julie had the honor of presenting each year.

After retiring, Julie and Donald enjoyed their retirement by traveling throughout Europe, the west coast, Bermuda and Florida. Don and Julie were lifetime members of the Maine State Music Theater in Brunswick. In her free time, Julie loved art. She enjoying going to the Portland Museum of Art to view the latest exhibit of impressionists, and she enjoyed her hobby of painting.

The true passion of Julie’s life was spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren, Conor and Kiera. Julie was a devout Catholic, a loving mother, wife, and grandmother. She was a very giving person and enjoyed volunteering her time at the Portland Visitors Bureau.

In 2005 Don and Julie moved to the Artium at the Cedars where Julie became very involved with the activities and programs. Julie and Don loved their time at the Atrium and the friends and colleagues they met.

The family would like to thank Northern Light Health Care and the caregivers who supported Julie, especially Danielle Bunikis, for her care and compassionate spirit, as well as the staff and residents of the Atrium for their continued support and friendship.

Julie was predeceased by her sister, Rachel Amnott; brother, Charles Bellegarde Jr. and wife Nancy.

She is survived by her husband, Donald Stokes of Portland; daughter, Janet Brosnan and husband John of Holyoke, Mass.; sisters, Monique Patenaude and husband Dr. Raymond Patnaude of Augusta/Jupiter, Fla., Claire Callahan of Venice, Fla.; two grandchildren, Conor and Kiera Brosnan; and several nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours celebrating Julie’s life will be held on Tuesday, May 11, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:15 a.m., at the Conroy-Tully Walker South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. Prayers will be recited in the chapel at 10:15 a.m., immediately followed by an 11 a.m. Mass of Christina Burial at St. Pius X Church, 492 Ocean Ave., Portland. A private burial will be held at a later date. Following state mandates, all attendees are required to wear a mask. Family and friends are welcome to view the Mass of Christian Burial at https://www.ladyofhopemaine.org/. A gathering with family and friends will be held at a later date in accordance with state mandates.

Memorial contributions may be made in Julie’s memory to

St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital,

501 St Jude Place,

Memphis, TN 38105;

or the charity of your choice.