MARIE RUTH (MICHAUD) O’CONNELL BREWER – Marie Ruth (Michaud) O’Connell went to be with her maker on the morning, le matin, of Sept. 3, 2008, in the loving presence and protection of her eldest grandson, Sean O’Connell. Marie, one of nine children, was born at home in Island Falls, to Lucille “Lulu” Gendreau and Dennis Michaud. Marie was salutatorian of her Island Falls High School, Class of 1943. She moved to Bangor and attended Bangor School of Commerce, now Husson College, where she graduated. Marie was the bookkeeper at Penobscot Paint Products for many years, as well as a homemaker. Marie raised her family in Brewer. In later years, she became one of the many loyal Freeses’ employees, often seen working behind the cosmetics counter. She was a caring daughter-in-law and provided loving care to her mother-in-law, Annie O’Connell, at home for many years. Marie was a Renaissance woman, born out of her time. Her friends and family called her artist, singer, mason, carpenter, poet, seamstress, inventor, woodcutter, gardener, veterinarian, hair stylist, longtime Silk Street neighborhood rock star, devoted wife, mother, sister, daughter, grandmother, aunt and friend. Two of her favorite places to visit were the Webber family camp in Belfast and her Aroostook County family and friends near her birthplace. Marie was a devoted servant of God and forever faithful. Marie was predeceased by her brothers, Albert, Elmer and Leroy; as well as her sisters, Irene Sturgeon, Mabel Webber and Geneva Marin; and her beloved husband of more than 44 years, Francis Dwyer O’Connell of Bangor. A fond memory of them is both singing “You Are My Sunshine” in two-part harmony together. Marie is survived by her family, Kevin O’Connell and his wife, Elaine, of Hampden and their children, Emily and Sean O’Connell; Steve and Tracey O’Connell of Orono and their children, Moira and Fiona O’Connell; Dan and Lisa O’Connell of Bangor and their children, Hope, Sara and Noah O’Connell; and her daughter, Denise O’Connell of Bangor and her significant other, Gregory Dorr. Additional survivors include her siblings, Rita Flint of Belfast and Frances Michaud of Bangor. She leaves behind several dear nieces, nephews and cousins. Marie also leaves behind her loving, caring friends including, Mary Siemion of Aurora and Donna Giles of Brewer; as well as her second “family” at Ellen Leach Memorial Home, Brewer. A memorial Mass will be celebrated 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 5, at St. John’s Catholic Church, York Street, Bangor, with the Rev. Timothy J. Nadeau, celebrant. Contributions in her memory may be made to Ellen Leach Memorial Home, attn: Dorothy Igoe, 53 Colonial Circle, Brewer, ME 04412. Arrangements by Kiley & Foley Funeral Service, Brewer and Bangor. Messages may be left at www.kileyandfoley.com.