OBITUARIES for Thursday, October 12, 2023

TINA BISHOP

BEAVER COVE – Tina Bishop, 96, passed away on Tuesday, September 12, 2023. Tina was born on September 1, 1927, in Waterville, the daughter of Achille, “Archie” York and Aurelie “Thelma” nee Cloutier, of Winslow.

Tina’s father passed away when she was young. Her grandmother, Aunt Evelyn and Uncle Reme, helped raise her. She was predeceased by all of her siblings and the family who raised her. Tina graduated from Winslow High School and soon after, Tina met Bernie. They were married June 16, 1947, and renewed their vows on their 65th anniversary, at their grandson Craig’s wedding and happily celebrated 66 years together.

Early on, she was a teacher at Colby College Nursery School and a Sunday School teacher at Sacred Heart Parish, both in Waterville. She was co-owner of Bernie ‘s Market, on West Street, in Waterville, then a manager at SoFro Fabrics, in Waterville. She used her creative skills as manager and children’s buyer for Stern’s Department Store, in downtown Waterville. She created the latest styled outfits, making the Waterville area youngsters look their best. She believed we should all look put together and live each day to the fullest.

Tina was a master seamstress. She made many dance costumes, gowns and wedding dresses. Her talents led her to Cottles “I Do” Bridal Salon, in Waterville, which became “Memories and More”, until they closed. At that time, she then worked at Patricia Buck’s Bridal, in Augusta, where she created each perfectly fit wedding gowns and hand beaded veils. She coordinated the entire bridal party’s ensembles. Brides came from all over the country and abroad, to have her work her magic, for their perfect day. She worked full time and didn’t retire until she was 83 years old.

Tina’s focus was always on her family at their home, in Waterville. She hosted many family and holiday dinners, while enjoying the gathering of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved cooking and decorating, for all the holidays, especially for Christmas. She always made them personalized gifts, such as crocheted afghans, knitted sweaters and quilts for each. Bernie and Tina enjoyed traveling, and treasured their family vacations. They especially enjoyed their spur of the moment trips, driving to Connecticut to visit their daughter, Cathy and family, and frequent trips, to visit their daughter, Debbie and family, in New Hampshire.

Since Bernard’s passing 10 years ago, Tina lived with her daughter, Debbie, and husband, Rick. Her cat, Winston, shared their days together, watching the deer who came to visit their yard. Tina was the true Matriarch of the Bishop family. She will be sorely missed by everyone she cherished.

Tina is survived by her son, James (wife, Jessica) Bishop, of Maine; daughters, Cathy (husband, Bruce) Cusson, of Connecticut, and Debbie (husband, Rick) Palmer, of Maine; eight grandchildren, Jennifer (husband, Dennis) Turner, Craig (wife, Rachel) Cusson, Ryan Cusson, Eryn (husband, Chad) Farley, Jessica (husband, Sam) Gong, Jason (wife, Darcy) Palmer, Joshua Palmer, and Joseph Bishop; 13 great-grandchildren, Kai, Arrow, Kaleb, Jason II, Addy, Emmy, Brady, Peyton, Connor, Maddison, Haley, Samantha, and Cole; and one great-great-grandson, Jensen; former daughter-in-law, Clare Milton, who assisted in taking her to appointments and shopping as needed. She was a wonderful companion.

A Memorial Mass will be held at the Notre Dame Church, located at 16 Silver Street, Waterville on Saturday, November 4, 2023, at 11 a.m. A reception will follow in the church hall.

Arrangements are in the care of the Lary Funeral Home, Dover-Foxcroft. Condolences and memories may be expressed at http://www.laryfuneralhome.com.

ANNE B. TOWNE HAYWOOD

BENTON – Anne Ballou Towne Haywood, 64, passed away at home on Friday, September 15, 2023. Anne was born in Proctor, Vermont on November 29, 1958, to Charlotte (Parker) and William Horace Towne.

Anne grew up in Arlington, Vermont, and attended the University of Vermont, where she earned her degree in education with a focus in special education. Anne served as an educator in Special Education programs in Maine for over 25 years. Anne was an impactful and inspirational teacher by all rights, dedicating herself to bettering the lives of children and their families.

She was predeceased by her father, William.

Anne is survived by mother Charlotte; husband Michael; daughter Ingrid and her children Mason and Ava; son Ian and his wife Nicole and children Nevick, Capri, Myles, and Zephelin; daughter Alyssa and her wife Siobhann and their son Henry; daughter Alaina; as well as her siblings David, Jeffrey, Jane, Bob, and their children.

Please visit Anne’s memorial page at https://dsfuneral.com/obituaries/anne-haywood to send condolences, share photos, and special memories.

JUDEE A. JANDREAU

KENNEBUNK – Judee Anne Jandreau, 66, of Kennebunk, passed away at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House on Sunday, September 24, 2023. Judee was born on June 27, 1957, to Donald and Pauline Jandreau, in Waterville.

After graduating from Waterville Senior High School in 1975, she attended Thomas College, in Waterville.

Judee discovered her passion early in her career while working at Tardiff’s Jewelry and Larsen’s Jewelry, both in Waterville. After training in these established businesses, she launched her jewelry sales company. Judee’s talent for selecting and marketing her jewelry enabled her to create a long-lasting and highly successful business that has spanned over 40 years. She frequently traveled to New York City to personally handpick exquisite and unique jewelry for her many clients. She also represented a host of jewelry artisans from various parts of the world.

Judee was delighted to live near the ocean in Kennebunk, loving the sandy beaches, salty air, and community of people living there. She was deeply involved in her community as a board member of the Kennebunk Historical Commission and a member of the Kennebunk Yacht Club. Judee loved celebrating the holidays, especially Halloween and Christmas. Her decorations and parties were beyond compare.

Throughout her lifetime, Judee achieved great success due to her hard work and perseverance; however, she was always humble and filled with kindness and thoughtfulness toward everyone. She truly was beautiful inside and out with her gorgeous, long, blonde hair, stunning blue eyes, open smile, and loving heart. And just like Maria in The Sound of Music, Judee had her favorite things: fashion, decorating, gardening, jewelry, sports cars, and her family and friends. Judee enjoyed nothing more than celebrating her loved ones’ special days with a beautifully handwritten note, a heartfelt message, and often a piece of jewelry.

Judee was predeceased by her parents, Donald and Pauline Jandreau; sister, Nancy Jandreau Johnson; brother, Richard Jandreau.

She is survived by her son, Christopher Jandreau, and his wife, Jami, of Arundel; dear love, Barrie Miller, of Concord, New Hampshire; siblings, Donald Jandreau, Jr., of Waterville, Peter Jandreau and wife, Carol, of Soldier Pond, Brian Jandreau, of Norridgewock, Kevin Jandreau and wife Janice, of Benton, David Jandreau and wife Kristie, of Winslow; several nieces and nephews, Nicole King, Jared Jandreau, Brent Jandreau, Kenneth Jandreau, Britney Jandreau, Sabrina Jandreau, Nathan Jandreau, Sarah Martin, Moriah Giguere, Andre Giguere, and Deahna Liguere.

A Celebration of Life was held on Monday, October 9, 2023, 4-7 p.m., at the Silver Street Tavern, in Waterville.

GERMAINE I. JACKSON

WATERVILLE – Germaine Irene Jackson, 89, passed away on Tuesday, September 26, 2023. She was born on December 7, 1933, in Waterville, to Clarence and Margaret Stewart.

Ger­maine grew up in Waterville, and lived in Maine for most of her life. She graduated from Waterville High School. She was employed at Laverdiere’s Drug Store, First National Supermarket, Cottles Supermarket, Hannaford and Marden’s, all in Waterville. Once she retired she was a teacher’s aide at St. John School, in Winslow.

She enjoyed her trips to the casino and stayed active doing aerobics well into her 80s. Those who knew her never heard her say a bad word about anyone. Germaine’s memory will be deeply cherished by all.

Germaine is survived by her sons, Gary Jackson (Kathy), of Winslow, Rick Jackson (Mary), of Augusta, James Jackson, of China; her sisters, Beverly Stewart, of Waterville, Patsy Jolicoeur, of Waterville; and her brother Alfred Stewart, of Oakland; her grandchildren, Carrie Jackson, Jamie Jackson, Kimberly Jackson, Travis Jackson, Samantha Moore, Jody Jackson, Thor Borssen, Adam Chase, Monica Jackson, Erica Jackson, and Krista Jackson; great-grandchildren, Willow, Kendalyn, Maddyn, Landon, Keira, Brady, Chase, Jada, Kaiden, Sanova, Aiden, Brooklyn, Leah, Jackson, Jordanna, and Kylee; as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles.

She was predeceased by her parents, Clarence and Margaret Stewart, her son Bruce Jackson, her daughter Brenda Jackson, and her brothers, Clarence (Sonny) Stewart and James Stewart.

A Catholic Mass is scheduled for 11 a.m., Saturday, October 14, 2023, at Notre Dame Church, 116 Silver St., Waterville, with the burial to follow at St. Francis Cemetery, Grove Street, Waterville. Following the burial a celebration of life will be held at Notre Dame Church.

LILLIAN G. BICKFORD

CLINTON – Lillian Greenier Bickford, 79, passed away on Friday, September 29, 2023, following a long battle with cancer. She was born on January 7, 1944, in Fort Fairfield, to Sterling and Marjorie Drew Greenier.

She graduated from Winslow High School in 1963.

During her lifetime, Lil worked several different jobs, including C. F. Hathaway Shirt FActory and Stern’s Department Store, both in Waterville. She owned her own fitness business called the Health & Reducing Spa and eventually found her true passion as a hairdresser. She worked in various shops and made lifelong friends along the way.

Lillian was a social butterfly, touching the lives of many throughout her life. Her heart was large, and she did not hesitate to bless those around her, adopting many as extended family. She will be missed dearly.

Lil is survived by her husband of 40 years, Andrew Bickford, of Clinton; two sons, Scott Raymond and his wife Anne, of Waterboro, and Philip Raymond and his wife Lesley, of Virginia Beach, Virginia; two grandchildren, James Raymond and Cameron Raymond; as well as nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Faith Church Waterville. Watch their Facebook page for details.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to Resolve Lif – 872-5070.

BEVERLY J. RIAVEZ

UNITY – Beverly Jane (Landry) Riavez, 90, passed away at home on Friday, September 29, 2023. Beverly was born in Waterville, February 1, 1933, the daughter of Clarence and Mary (Pelham) Landry, one of six children.

Her family moved to Rahway, New Jersey, when she was 12, where she attended Rahway High School, graduating in 1950. Beverly met Joseph Riavez soon afterwards, and they were married on September 7, 1952.

Beverly was an at-home mom raising her nine children. Once her children were grown, she worked in the family-owned business, Five Queens Bakery. After the bakery closed, she worked as a diamond setter. She moved back to Maine in 1992 with her husband, living close to her sisters, nieces, and nephews. Soon afterwards, many of her children followed.

Beverly loved to sew, cook, and bake. No one could make cookies like she did. The entire family looked forward to the boxes given at Christmas. Her wedding cakes were exquisite, and, of course, she made them for all of her children when they married. A few weeks prior to Thanksgiving, they would spend the weekend making hundreds of home-made ravioli. Beverly loved spending time with her children and grandchildren. When living in New Jersey, Christmas mornings were spent gathered at her home. She loved when spring arrived because that meant the hummingbirds were soon to follow. Watching them was her favorite pastime, she hated when they left. Her family and friends will always remember her kindness, humor, and sarcasm.

Beverly was predeceased by her parents, Clarence and Mary Landry, husband Joseph P Riavez, daughters Suzanne Riavez and Michele Schindler, son Mitchell Riavez, granddaughter Marylin Riavez, as well as all her siblings.

Beverly is survived by her sons Joseph Riavez Jr., Keith Riavez and his partner, James Norwak; daughters Donna Regaj, Denise Works and husband Keith, Lori Bertram and husband Raymond, Kelli Riavez and partner Richard Beaulieu, daughters-in-law Maryellen Riavez and Debbie Riavez; 18 grandchildren, 39 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Since Beverly was a breast cancer survivor, in remembrance of her, contributions can be made to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (www.bcrf.org).

JON FORTIER

WINSLOW – Jon Fortier, 59, passed away on Saturday, September 30, 2023, following a three-year battle with cancer.

Jon grew up in Maine and graduated from Winslow High School in 1982. He went on to graduate from Maine Maritime Academy, in Castine, with a BS in engineering in 1986.

Jon embarked on his prolific engineering career after graduation. He was the engineer on the Lightship Nantucket for her journey from Rockland to New York Harbor for the Fourth of July unveiling of the refurbished Statue of Liberty in 1986. After several years with General Dynamics Electric Boat Division as a Submarine Construction Foreman, Jon began his long career with Westinghouse/ Northrup Grumman as a field engineer supervising the construction and installation of turbines and turbo generators in many US Navy vessels.

Jon retired from Northrup Grumman as a full-time engineer in 2010 and began a career as an independent contract engineer where his expertise was in constant demand. One memorable assignment for the Navy had him flying to the Middle East and landing on an aircraft carrier to oversee a turbine repair. Once done he was catapulted off the carrier (one of the wildest rides of his life) to begin his journey home.

In 2011, the City of Boston hired him to oversee the construction of its new fire boat which was being constructed in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. When the project was completed, Jon’s fee was officially noted to be the best money they spent because of his attention to detail. Jon sailed on the delivery voyage through the locks into the Hudson River then down around New York City and back up to Boston.

Jon’s passions included a lifelong love of music and photography. The outdoors always spoke to Jon. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and especially loved snowmobiling where he circumnavigated both Moosehead Lake and the Gaspe Peninsula, in Québec, several times.

At Maine Maritime Academy Jon became part of a large “band of brothers” that became lifetime friends. Many of those midshipmen were the very ones, amongst his many other great friends, who kept him laughing and reminiscing in the last weeks of his wonderful life.

Jon made a generous donation to the MMA Class of 1986 endowed scholarship fund prior to his passing and will forever be associated with that great institution.

A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.

Jon’s family would like to invite you to visit her memorial page at https://dsfuneral.com/obituaries/jon-fortier to share condolences, photos, and special memories.

PAULINE M. MULLEN

OAKLAND – Pauline Maryann (Quirion) Mullen, 79, better known as “Paulinsky”, “Mother Bear”, or just “Ma”, passed away at her home on Saturday, September 30, 2023, following a several year battle with cancer. She was born on December 27, 1943, in Jackman, in her family home. She is the daughter of Anntoinette (Roy) and Alfred J Quirion Sr.

Pauline enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, lawn saleing, and always had to have the strangest item that she or another person could find.

She was predeceased by both parents, siblings; Shirley, Raymond, Alfred Jr., Theresa, Robert, Elsie, and Leana.

Pauline is survived by the love of her life of 59 years James Chester Mullen Sr., of Oakland; nine children, Michael Quirion, Scott with Jerrilene Mullen, all of Oakland, James Jr. with Jodie Mullen, of Waterville, Billy with Tammy Mullen, Thomas Mullen with Michelle Bard, Rebecca with David Violette, Todd with Lindsy Mullen, Lorene with Rev.Dean Marston, and Kirk Mullen with Sarah Landry, all of Oakland, 27 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 14, 2023, at noon, at Blood Bought Church, at 866 Kennedy Memorial Drive, in Oakland, where she was a faithful member for 20 years.

A graveside memorial service will immediately follow at Lewis Cemetery, in Oakland.

The family invites you to visit Pauline’s memorial page at https://dsfuneral.com/obituaries/pauline-mullen to send condolences, share photos, and special memories.

RICHARD L. AYER

WATERVILLE- Richard L. Ayer, 90, passed away on Sunday, October 1, 2023. He grew up in Gray and New Gloucester, the son of Frederick and Marie Ayer.

He graduated high school from Pennell Institute and earned a degree in Industrial Arts Education from Gorham State Teachers College.

He married his true love Pauline in 1954, finished college in 1955, and spent his first year of teaching in Fort Kent. In June 1956 he moved to Winthrop, where he filled the position as the WHS Industrial Arts teacher. During his years at WHS he taught drafting, was athletic director, and led the Cooperative Ed. Program. He taught Drivers Ed. for many summers. Richard coached girls basketball, boys baseball, archery and golf. He was also a basketball referee. After 16 years at WHS he became a consultant for the Department of Vocational Education. As time passed, he missed the classroom and returned to teaching at the middle school level in Waterville.

Richard was a loyal fan of the Boston Red Sox and Boston Celtics. In his younger adult years, he enjoyed deer and duck hunting with some of his fellow teaching buddies. He had a strong devotion to the Winthrop community serving on the Winthrop Conservation Committee, the start up of the Winthrop Federal Credit Union, and was very active with the Winthrop Bicentennial celebration. He loved the Winthrop Ramblers and kept track of the various teams throughout the years. He was thrilled to hear about Winthrop’s’ state-of-the-art athletic field and expressed a wish to see it for himself.

Richard was devoted to family and enjoyed spending his retirement years being a faithful follower to his granddaughter’s many activities.

Richard is survived by his daughter Susan Lamontagne and her partner Michael Twombly, of Winthrop; his son Michael Ayer and his wife Judith, of Waterville; granddaughter Jenna Lamontagne and her partner Adam Huff, of Winthrop; sister Lucille Sawyer and her husband Ed, of Virginia; his brother William Ayer and his wife Sharon, of Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada; sister-in-law Linda Ferri, of Gray; many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his loving wife Polly and his parents, Richard was predeceased by his brother Frederick Ayer and his wife Barbara.

A private family graveside service will be held at Gray Village Cemetery, Gray.

Arrangements are in the care of the Roberts Funeral Home, 62 Bowdoin Street Winthrop where condolences and memories may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the funeral home website by visiting http://www.khrfuneralhomes.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Richard’s memory may be made to support Winthrop High School Athletics. Please make checks payable to Winthrop Athletics and mail to 211 Rambler Road, Winthrop, Maine 04364.

NORMAN LANDRY

BANGOR – Norman “Paul” Landry, 83, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October. 1, 2023, at the Maine Veterans Home, in Bangor. He was born in Waterville on July 15, 1940, to parents Helen (Veilleux) Landry and Napoleon Landry.

Paul attended Waterville schools. Paul enlisted in the U.S. Army where he was stationed in both France and Germany, serving from 1957 – 1960. He then entered the construction trades as a pipefitter and certified welder. He thoroughly enjoyed hunting, fishing, skydiving, and golf with his family and the people closest to him.

Paul was predeceased by his parents, brothers Charles “Charlie” Landry and Roland Landry, and nephew Charles “Chuck” Landry.

He is survived by his wife Vicki (Parker) Landry, of Bangor; daughters, Andrea Gagnon, of Sidney, Elizabeth Padham, of Mercer, Mary-Ellen Savage, of Oakland; sons, Randall Landry, of Londonderry, New Hampshire, Marc Landry, of Falmouth, Barry Wheaton, of Smithfield, Carl Landry, of Norridgewock, Andrew Landry, of Smithfield; along with several nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great-grandchildren; and Vicki’s family.

Out of respect for Paul’s wishes there will not be any services. Arrangements are under the direction and care of Kiley and Foley via Cremation Basics, Inc., Bangor.

PAUL H. PAGE

SOUTH CHINA – Paul Harland Page, 92, passed away on Monday, October 2, 2023. He was born in East Vassalboro, May 22, 1931, to Gustavus and Lena (Levitt) Page.

Paul attended East Vassalboro School and Cony High School. Paul and Charlotte met and married at a young age and were completely devoted to each other. They were an inspiration to their family and everyone whose lives they touched.

Paul was a self-made man, owning and operating Page Construction for many decades. For many years, he also worked for the local towns, whether it was cutting down a tree, delivering a load of gravel or snow plowing the roads. Paul’s love of his work lasted all his life, even after reaching an age when he could no longer physically do it.

He and Charlotte enjoyed traveling, including family trips to Cape Cod. He loved the beauty of winter including snow mobiling with his wife. They shared many wonderful family gatherings at their camps and winter homes in Florida.

Paul was a 50-year and life member of many organizations, such as Kora Shriners, Knights Templar, The Commandery, Masons and Odd Fellows. He was especially proud of his title of Brigadier General of the Odd Fellows and was honored to be chosen by them to lay a wreath at the tomb of the unknown soldier in Washington, D.C. He was also most proud of his family and very loyal to all of his friends he acquired over the years. He will be greatly missed by all. He is survived by many family members, too numerous to mention.

Arrangements are in the care of Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, 107 Main St., Fairfield where memories may be shared, and an online register book signed by visiting http://www.lawrybrothers.com.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to MaineGeneral Hospice.

REV. SYLVIO J. LEVESQUE

AUGUSTA – Rev. Sylvio J. Levesque, 93, priest of the Diocese of Portland, passed away on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, at the Augusta Center for Health and Rehabilitation. Fr. Sylvio was born in Augusta, on July 13, 1930, the son of Joseph F. Levesque and Mathilda (Lagace) Levesque.

He attended the former St. Augustine Grammar School and then went to St. Charles Seminary, Sherbrooke, Québec, for high school. He then completed his studies in Philosophy and Theology at St. Paul Major Seminary of the University of Ottawa, Ontario, where he obtained a Bachelor of Philosophy Degree and a Licentiate in Sacred Theology. He was ordained to the priesthood on June 4, 1955, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Portland, by the Most Rev. Daniel J. Feeney, eighth Bishop of Portland.

As a “Parochial Vicar” he served in the following assignments: St. Louis Parish, Limestone, from June 1955 to September 1957 and St. Joseph Parish, Biddeford, from September 1957 to June 1969. As a “Pastor”, Fr. Sylvio served in the following assignments: St. Joseph Parish, Sinclair, and Holy Family Parish, Daigle, from June 1969 to September 1974, St. Athanasius, St. John Parish, Rumford, from June 1974 to September 1982, St. Francis de Sales Parish, Waterville, from September 1982 to September 1989 and St. Francis Xavier Parish, Winthrop, from September 1989 to June 2001.

Fr. Levesque retired from full-time active ministry on June 1, 2001. In his retirement, he kept on assisting in parishes wherever there was a need, until his deteriorating health made it impossible to continue.

Fr. Levesque also offered faithful services to his diocese, fellow priests, and lay parishioners as Chaplain to the Knights of Columbus and the Order of Catholic Women. He was also a member of the Diocesan Planning Board and the Priests’ Personnel Board.

Fr. Levesque was better known as Uncle Sylvio to his many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, as well as great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews, whom he loved very much. Uncle Sylvio was an avid golfer, a master cribbage player who loved skunking his opponents, and cherished celebrating holidays with family. His face would beam when it came to barbecues, lobster, and ice cream. His humor was contagious and could make anyone laugh.

Fr. Sylvio was predeceased by his parents and his siblings: Gerard Levesque, Marie Jeanne Douin, Leo Levesque and Alfred Levesque.

He is survived by his sister: Annette Dostie.

Viewing of the body took place on Tuesday, October 10, at St. Augustine Catholic Church, Washington St., Augusta, followed immediately by a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated by the Most Rev. Robert Deeley, Bishop of Portland. Fr. Sylvio’s remains will be buried immediately after the Mass in his parents’ lot at St. Augustine Cemetery, Townsend Road, Augusta.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta, ME. Condolences, photos and stories may be shared at http://www.plummerfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Fr. Levesques memory may be made to: Maine Right to Life, PO Box 257, Auburn, ME, 04212 or St. Michael’s School, 56 Sewall St., Augusta, ME 04330.

JENNIFER L. ASSAF

OAKLAND – Jennifer (Lohnes) Assaf was born on December 5, 1971, at 11:52 p.m., eight minutes before her father’s birthday. Every birthday after that only one cake was made and shared by father and daughter.

She was predeceased by her father, Tom Lohnes, of China Village.

She is survived by her husband of 25 years, Rony Assaf, of Oakland; her mother, Susan Lohnes, of China Village; and her brother, Christopher Lohnes, of Lewiston; as well as a large extended family.

There were many obstacles and sometimes high hurdles to jump in Jennifer’s life of 51 years, but she never let that stop her.

She married the love of her life, a man who was equally as strong, sturdy, and honest as Jennifer. Together they withstood every challenge that came their way. A strong faith was the cornerstone of the life they built together. With imagination and a deep love of animals, Paws and Claws daycare was created, redefining the pet care industry in Maine. Jennifer and Rony, through their tireless work turned pet care into an art form.

Jennifer’s love of animals extended to pets with disabilities. She often would reach out to find a good home for three-legged pets that shelters found difficult to place. At times she would take an animal who was due to be euthanized and care for it until the perfect home could be found.

A conversation with Jennifer rarely included talking about herself. Her main concern was always with others. Though she lived with many forms of cancer for 38 years from the age of 13, on, enduring countless surgeries and many rounds of chemo, she felt privileged to have lived such a full life; a life filled with the love of a devoted husband and the love, respect and admiration of family and friends.

Jennifer was able to live an enriched and extraordinary life in spite of cancer because she had a brave heart, endless courage, a loving unselfish husband, and a determination not to let cancer define her.

The things in life that go unnoticed in most of our everyday lives were the little treasures in Jennifer’s life. No one can live your life for you, and no one can face what is yours to face or feel what is yours to feel and no one can do it alone. It was all the love and support that enabled her to have a Life Well Lived.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 24, at 10 a.m., at Notre Dame Church, 116 Silver St., Waterville; followed by a burial at Saint Francis Cemetery, Grove Street, Waterville, with a reception to follow at Notre Dame church hall.

Jennifer’s family invites you to visit her memorial page at https://dsfuneral.com/obituaries/jennifer-assaf to leave condolences, share photos, and special memories.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Jennifer’s name to the Good Shepherd Food Bank, P.O. Box 1807, Auburn, ME 04211.