VAN BUREN – Edwin A. Parent, 81, died May 30, 2005, at a Van Buren nursing home. He was born April 5, 1924, in Van Buren, the son of John and Annie (Thibodeau) Parent. He was a proud veteran of World War II serving with the 83rd Infantry Division until his discharge in Dec. 1945. Edwin was a member of the American Legion, Levasseur-Farrell Post No. 49 of Van Buren since 1946 and held many offices over the years, including Post Commander. He was married to Marie Louise Albert in St. David on June 18, 1952 and was a devoted husband and father to his eight children. Edwin was a man of faith and was active in his parish of St. Bruno-St. Remi over his lifetime, including serving as a member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society and Parish Council, and as a Lector, Eucharistic Minister, and Altar Server for funerals. He was in charge of the parish’s Food Pantry for 10 years. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council No. 1635 and the Fourth Degree Assembly No. 0349 of Van Buren. Edwin was also a member of the Third Order of Mary and an Associate of the Good Shepherd Sisters. His concern for others, especially those in need, led him to be active in his local community. He chaired the local Heart Fund Drive for 10 years, was a driver for the Aroostook Agency on Aging for 10 years, and directed a home building project in Van Buren during the 1990’s. He also served on the board of the Van Buren Water District for 12 years. He was an employee of the State of Maine for 35 years, retiring in 1983. He had a great love for music and for model trains, as well as steam engines and railroads in general. Edwin is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Louise (Albert) Parent of Van Buren; by his five sons, Fr. Philip Parent, SM of Australia, Daniel Parent of Sanford, Patrick Parent and wife, Nancy, of Limerick, Dr. Charles Parent and wife, Sally, of Kennebunk, David Parent and wife, Jane, of Bradford, Mass.; by his three daughters, Lorraine LaJoie and husband, Brian, of Van Buren, Ruth Moreau and husband, Dave, of Woodland, and Ann Valente of Scarborough; his sisters, Edwina Cunningham of Denver, Colo., Lumina Grasso of Madison, Conn., Betsy Schneider of Troy, N.Y., and Theresa Wright of Myrtle Beach, S.C. He also is remembered with love by his 13 grandchildren and by his many nieces, nephews and friends. He was predeceased by his parents and by his brothers, Robert, Lionel, and Tommy Parent; and his sisters, Mabel Dupont, Juliette Thornton, and Joan Guyotte. Relatives and friends may call at the Ouellette-Thibault Funeral Home, 118 High St., Van Buren, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Thursday and 1 p.m. until time of service on Friday. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 3 p.m. Friday, at the St. Bruno-St. Remi Catholic Church. Committal service and interment will be in the parish cemetery. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may contribute in his memory to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 1332 North Halsted St., Ste. 201, Chicago, IL 60622.
EDWIN A. PARENT
