WATERVILLE – Lillian Cyr LaVerdiere, 102, passed away peacefully with her daughter and son at her side on Nov. 28, 2003, at Lakewood Manor Nursing Home. She was the daughter of Henry and Emily Cyr and the wife of the late Evariste LaVerdiere. Mrs. LaVerdiere lived in Waterville her entire life, she was a graduate of Mount Merici Academy and attended Colby College where she was a member of Phi Mu Delta sorority. Mrs. LaVerdiere was a devoted member and communicant of St. Francis De Sales Church where she served as a eucharistic minister. In addition to her many parish activities, she was a leader of the Maine Diocesan Council of Catholic Women, and served as state president. She went on to become vice president of “The National Council of Catholic Women” in Washington, D.C., where she met with President Kennedy in 1961. Mrs. LaVerdiere was singularly honored by Pope John Paul II when Bishop Gerrity presented her with the Pro Ecclesia Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon a lay person for distinguished service to the Catholic Church. Mrs. LaVerdiere was co-founder, with her beloved husband, Evariste, of the LaVerdiere Drug Store chain. She was his partner, adviser, and confidante, and played a vital role in the expansion of the chain of drug stores. She was beloved by the employees as she always made herself available to help with any personal or financial problems they might be encountering. She succeeded her husband as chairperson of the board of directors on which she served until the drug store chain was sold. She was a member of Zonta International, the Ladies of St. Anne, the Daughters of Isabella, and the Columbus Guild Society. Mrs. LaVerdiere was the strength and foundation of her family. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Evariste; and infant daughter, Lucille; a son, Reginald; and two daughters, Delores Dietrich and Marcella O’Halloran. She is survived by a son, Paul R. LaVerdiere of Waterville, and Elaine L. Cole of Palermo and Marco Island, Fla. She also leaves several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2003, at St. Francis De Sales Catholic Church in Waterville. Memorial donations may be made to Mount Merici School and the Maine Children’s Home for Little Wanderers, both in Waterville. Arrangements are under the care of Veilleux Funeral Home, 8 Elm St., Waterville.
LILLIAN CYR LAVERDIERE
