MILLINOCKET – Winifred E. “Winnie” Cormier, 90, passed away peacefully Saturday, Dec. 8, 2007, surrounded by her family and fully enjoying their company, at Millinocket Regional Hospital. She was born July 23, 1917, in Millinocket, the daughter of Horace and Hattie (Hanson) Higgins. Winnie was a graduate of Stearns High School, Class of 1934. In 1934, she married Edrick J. Cormier, and together they shared 72 years of marriage until Edrick’s death Jan. 5, 2007. During the early years of their marriage, Edrick spent time away from home, doing work in Alaska and Portland. During those times, Winnie kept their household operating, raising their two daughters and maintaining their properties. Winnie greatly enjoyed sewing, knitting and crafts. She was very creative and often had crafts and activities for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren to do while they were with her. Winnie maintained a sharp wit and keen sense of humor throughout her life, endearing her to all who knew and loved her. She was extremely happy when she was with her family. She had a special fondness for her two grandsons-in-law, Cal and Jug, and she always had a sense of security and comfort knowing that Dee and Candy would be there to take care of things. Winnie will be dearly missed by her extended family and her caregivers at Sweet Seniors Guest House, East Millinocket, where she was well taken care of. She is survived by two daughters, Carol Manzo of Hawaii, and Lois Daigle and her companion, Ken Cummings, of Haines City, Fla.; two brothers, Harold Higgins and his wife, Geneva, of Clearwater, Fla., and Millinocket, and Ralph Higgins and his wife, Elaine, of Enfield; five grandchildren, Jaylene Wedge and her husband, Paul, of Ellsworth, Anna Foldesi and her husband, Bryan, of Everett, Wash., Candy Crandall and her husband, Jug, of Oakfield, Deeann Manzo and her fianc?, Cal Wilson, of Millinocket, and Fred Manzo Jr. and his companion, Teri Derouin, of Bangor; six great-grandchildren, Angela Manzo of Ellsworth, Erica Crandall of Harrington, Brandi Cullen of Bangor, Alicia Crandall of Oakfield, and Bryanna and Suzanne Foldesi of Everett, Wash.; two great-great-grandsons, Derek and Jeremy of Ellsworth; several nieces, nephews and cousins. She also leaves behind special family members, Betty Lee Bouchard, Connie Higgins, Doreen Monaco, Sue Hartt and Annabelle Mowbray. Winnie was predeceased by a sister, Madeline Colvin. Friends are invited to visit with the family 3-4:30 p.m. Tuesday at Lamson Funeral Home, 11 Tamarack St., Millinocket, with funeral services beginning 4:30 p.m. with the Rev. Carolyn Bradley officiating. Graveside funeral services will be held at Millinocket Cemetery in the springtime. Gifts in memory of Winnie may be sent to Sweet Seniors Activity Fund, 30 Pine St., East Millinocket, ME 04430. Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.lamsonfh.com.
WINIFRED E. ‘WINNIE’ CORMIER
