MILLINOCKET – Doreen M. Monaco, 83, died Sunday, May 16, 2010, at a Millinocket hospital. She was born Sept. 5, 1926, in Millinocket, the daughter of Milton P. and Flora B. (Gaskin) Higgins. Doreen grew up in Millinocket, and married Restant P. “Peck” Monaco, Jan. 8, 1949. Together they shared 46 years until his death in 1995. Doreen and Peck raised three daughters, whose accomplishments Doreen was very proud of, as well as those of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved her family and spent a lot of time following all of their activities – be it sports, arts or school programs. Doreen greatly enjoyed her annual trips to Atlantic City, N.J., with her “girls.” When those trips were no longer possible, she found new pleasure in stopping in Bangor for an hour or so of “fun.” She was a communicant of St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church, Millinocket, and was one of the original workers at St. Martin of Tours Thrift Shop. She worked there for many years and was very passionate about making it a success. In her spare time, she enjoyed Beano and crocheting. Doreen is survived by her three daughters, Sheila DiCentes and her husband, Paul, Carolyn Arey, and Linda Leavitt and her husband, Ricky, all of Millinocket; five grandchildren, Tony DiCentes, Jonathan DiCentes and his wife, Erica, Terri Lynn Dorr and her husband, Scott, Kristen Smith and her husband, James, and Jamie Leavitt; four great-grandchildren, Samantha, Nicholas, Katie and McKenna; a sister, Imogene Mason of Millinocket; a special friend, Tina Morrison; several nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to her parents and her husband, Doreen was predeceased by two brothers, Hanley and Philip Higgins. Friends are invited to visit with the family 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at Lamson Funeral Home, 11 Tamarack St., Millinocket. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 10 a.m. Thursday, May 21, at St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church, 19 Colby St., Millinocket, with the Rev. Joel Cyr, pastor, presider. Interment will be at Millinocket Cemetery. Gifts in memory of Doreen may be sent to Katahdin Area Support Group, 10 Field St., Millinocket, ME 04462 or Food Pantry at St. Martin of Tours, 19 Colby St., Millinocket, ME 04462. Messages of condolence may be expressed at www.lamsonfh.com. “As a mother holds a child…”
DOREEN M. MONACO
