VAN BUREN – Ida Roy, 85, died Feb. 22, 2007, at a Van Buren nursing home, after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. She was born April 17, 1921, in Stockholm, the daughter of Patrick and Alvina (Marquis) Bourgoin. Ida was well known throughout the state as the “Voice of the Valley,” for her Acadian folklore singing. She was featured in Downeast magazine for her contributions to Acadian culture. Ida was selected as Woman of Aroostook County 1999, and although she won honors for her renditions of American melodies as a child, it was French songs she loved best. Her love of Acadian music had become a lifelong passion to keep the musical art alive. She performed at the Maine State Festival on many occasions, and composed many published poems and songs. Ida had many other passions, such as painting, composing music, crocheting, knitting and singing. Her favorite, recent pastime was using the internet and forwarding her written songs and poems to family and friends. Ida was well known throughout the community for her affectionate personality and talents. She was a member of the American Historical Society, St. Agatha; the Evan-geline Circle No. 464; Daughters of Isabella and a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 49, Van Buren. She is survived by three daughters, Cecile Roy and husband, Claude Sr., of Van Buren, Edwina Roy and husband, Gerald, of Frenchville and Brenda Cyr and husband, Dean, of Lewiston; five sons, Rosaire Roy Jr., and wife, Marie, of North Turner, Louis Phillip Roy Sr. and wife, Diane of Augusta, Angelo Roy of Fort Kent, Romeo Roy, Sr. and wife, Judy, of Augusta, Sylvio Roy of Virginia; 21 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her loving husband, Rosaire Roy Sr.; and one great-grand-daughter, Amanda Roy. She will be greatly missed by her family and many friends, including her special friend, Mrs. Therese Berube. Reatives and friends may call 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 25, and 9 a.m. until time of service Monday at the Ouellette-Thibault Funeral Home, 118 High St., Van Buren. A funeral Mass will be celebrated 11 a.m. Monday at St. Bruno-St. Remi Catholic Church with special friend, the Rev. David Raymond, celebrant. Spring interment will be held at Holy Family Cemetery, Daigle. To leave online condolences, please visit www.ouellettefuneralhome.com
IDA ROY
