Olivette Hermance (Paquet) Letourneau

WINSLOW – Olivette Hermance (Paquet) Letourneau of Winslow, 91, died peacefully in her home surrounded by family on March 15, 2022.

She was born on Dec. 16, 1930 to Florence (Masse) Paquet and Emile Paquet of Winslow, the sixth of 13 children.

Despite being born at the height of the Depression, Olivette frequently recalled many happy memories of growing up in her large, close-knit French-speaking family. She often recounted stories of her mother’s tireless efforts to cook and care for their family of 15; singing French songs with her father while her mother played the piano; making early morning fishing trip outings with her father to Pattee Pond; taking trips to the family camp in Maria on the Gaspe Peninsula in Quebec; and hosting visits from a range of Canadian relatives. She attended Winslow schools and graduated from Winslow High School in 1948.

She married the love of her life, Richard P. Letourneau, in May 1955, and enjoyed 44 years together until his death in 1999. Together they raised their four daughters and created many happy family memories of holidays, family vacations, and spending summers at the camp that Richard built on Pattee Pond in 1967.

In addition to raising her family, Olivette worked at several jobs and was a self-taught and highly respected bookkeeper, working for Corbett Brothers and then Avian Farms for most of her career until she retired in 1995.

She was also a lifetime and active member of St John the Baptist parish in Winslow and got great comfort from her Catholic faith; she also enjoyed making religious pilgrimages, including a trip to Medjugorje, Bosnia in 2001. Olivette was an avid singer and was a member of the St John’s church choir for many years. Olivette and Richard also loved spending time at their camp, square dancing, and traveling and particularly enjoyed several cruises together. Following retirement, she enjoyed spending time with her family and her 10 beloved grandchildren, as well as enjoying time with many friends, including her regular card playing groups.

Olivette was predeceased by her husband, Richard; as well as by her sisters Dorianne Poulin, Mariette Leavitt, Justine Dolham, Marilyn Theriault, and Lizette Madore, and brothers Marcel, Leonel, Maurice, Jean Lawrence, Clarence, and Camille Paquet.

Olivette is survived by her dear brother, David Paquet and his wife, Mary Ann (affectionally recognized by Olivette as her “sister”); her four daughters and their families, Katherine Letourneau and husband Tom Fineis of Lake Forest, Ill., Jean Saunders and husband David Saunders of Saco, Linda Grip and husband David Grip of Wolfeboro, N.H., and Lisa Letourneau and husband Lee Chick of Portland; grandchildren Frank and Peter Fineis; Katie, Allison and William Saunders; Michael, Tommy, and Rob Grip; and Sam and Abby Chick; as well as sisters-in-law Jane Paquet and Yvette Paquet; cousin, Father James Roy; and many nieces and nephews from the Paquet and Nadeau families.

The family would like to give heartfelt thanks to Dave and Mary Ann Paquet, the team at Beacon Hospice, and the many special caregivers who helped care for Olivette in her home over the past many months.

The family will hold a private graveside burial service at St Francis Cemetery in Waterville. A memorial mass and reception for family and friends are also being planned for a later time.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home in Waterville. An online guestbook may be signed, condolences and memories shared at http://www.gallantfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Olivette’s memory to

Age Friendly Saco

https://secure.qgiv.com/for/agfrisac/, or

75 Franklin St., Rm 204,

Saco, ME 04072.