ASSALBORO – Janet Ellen Drouin, 62, passed away Thurs-day, July 17, 2008, in Waterville, after a brief illness. Born Aug. 17, 1945, in Waterville, she was the daughter of Abram and Jeanne Laverdiere Houle. She graduated from Winslow High School in 1963. She received her nursing degrees from Sisters of Charity Hospital, Waterville and the University of Maine. She was employed at Seton Hospital as a floor nurse and in the intensive care unit, until she and her husband became owners of Volmer’s Nursing Home, now Volmer’s Country Living Center. Janet was strongly dedicated to improving the quality of life for the elderly. She served as a clinical consultant for Hi-Tech Software in her quest for excellence in health care. She was an avid golfer and a mem-ber of Natanis Golf Course, Vassalboro. She also served as Women’s Maine State Golf Association’s Handicapper, 1992-1999; tournament committee, 1993; TriState chair 1996-1997; scoring chair, 1998-1999; rules committee, 1999; historian, 2004 until time of death; advisory committee, 2004-2005; public relations, 2005 until time of death; executive board, 2006 and 2008 until time of death; and budget committee, 2008. She was the president of Natanis Women’s Golf Association for the 2007 and 2008 year. She served on the handicap committee at Natanis and helped run the Monday night Mixed League. Before joining Natanis, she was an active member of Waterville Country Club. Mrs. Drouin is survived by her husband, Roland E. Drouin; and daughter, Shelly Cunningham and her husband, Shawn; along with their daughters and granddaughters, Taylor, Allison and Leah of Falmouth, whom Janet adored. She is also survived by a sister, Charlotte “Bunnie” Picher and her husband, John, of Vasalboro; a brother, John Houle and his wife, Georgia, of Poland; several nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her parents, Abram and Jeanne Houle; and a sister, Roberta “Bobbie” Houle. She will be sadly and deeply missed by her family, her husband’s family; especially sister-in-law, Theresa Dumont and her husband, Steve; and her many close friends and business associates. Edna St. Vincent Millay in her poem First Fig wrote: My candle burns at both ends; It will not last the night; But ah, my foes, and oh, my friends- It gives a lovely light! This makes perfect sense as it applies to Janet’s life. Reference to burning a candle at both ends of the day…that is, needing candle light before the sun comes up, and again after the sun goes down. She indeed had been awake earlier and later than most folks throughout her career as a nurse. She had been there for friends, her family and her acquaintances…diligently serving despite illnesses that would have incapacitated anyone else. She was the “nurse in charge,” making people better, making things better for all. Whether it meant leaving her bed in the middle of the night to tend to the sick or organizing a golf league, tournament or a family bash, she was there. Who knows how many people benefited by her candle’s light? A memorial service will be celebrated 3 p.m. Thursday, July 24, at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 209 Eastern Ave., Augusta, with the Rev. Donald S. Davenport officiating. Family and friends will gather 4-5:30 p.m. immediately after the memorial service at Prince of Peace church hall for a time to share. A private interment service will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations to benefit Girls Youth Golf programs may be sent to WMSGA, Janet Drouin Memorial Fund, care of Madeline Kilmister, treasurer, 145 Old Belgrade Road, Augusta, ME 04330. Arrangements are under the direction of Veilleux Funeral Home, 8 Elm St., Waterville.
JANET E. DROUIN, R.N.
