FRENCHVILLE and FORT KENT – Juliet R. Gagnon, 93, passed away peacefully June 27, 2010, at a health care facility in Fort Kent. Beloved mother and abiding friend, she was valiant in life until the very end and now rests in peace having surely earned her heavenly reward. Juliet was born July 3, 1916, the oldest daughter of George and Leona (Daigle) Roy of Fort Kent. She graduated from Fort Kent High School in 1933. She married her husband, Ernest, in 1940 and together they owned and operated a general store in Upper Frenchville, where Ernest served as postmaster for 27 years. Juliet succeeded her husband as postmaster after his death in 1969 and she retired from federal service in 1976. Juliet was a tireless worker her entire life and passed on her strong work ethic to her three sons. Her positions included employment with the Farm Security Administration, precursor to FmHA; Selective Service System; and most notably the U.S. Postal Service. Juliet enjoyed her retirement years tremendously by taking up golfing, cross-country skiing and traveling, the latter including two trips to the Holy Land, testimony to her strong faith and commitment. One of her greatest pleasures was her enthusiasm for fishing. Favorite spots included Little Black Lake during summers and Long Lake, where she ice-fished. Juliet had a knack for catching some “nice ones”; she would talk very animatedly about her fishing adventures. She was a fast, accurate typist, efficient bookkeeper, accomplished seamstress and crocheter, an avid reader and crossword puzzle fan. Undoubtedly, Juliet’s proudest achievement was a more private one, namely, ensuring that her sons each earned a college education. Her strong advocacy for education was also manifested in her work as a local school secretary in the mid-1960s. Juliet will also be recalled as someone who spoke her mind, kept abreast of current events, and demonstrated a strong spirit of independence. She appreciated forthrightness and, at the same time, had a tender heart. She would wish to be remembered most as a devoted mother and worker who did her duty to the best of her ability while setting a good example. One of the biggest surprises in her life was her 80th birthday party, an event that she referred to as “Mon party.” Juliet is survived by her three sons and their spouses, E. Carroll and CaroleAnn of Budd Lake, N.J., John and Janet of Charleston, W.Va., and Paul and Kay of Old Town; grandchildren, Colette and husband, John Oliveira, Celeste and husband, Michael Scholl, Valerie and husband, Mike Dolan, Paul and wife, Rebecca, and Karen and husband, Stephen Lattimore; stepgrandchildren, Alan, Stacey and Jody Farley and wife, LeeAnn; 11 great-grandchildren, eight great-stepgrandchildren; her brother, Clifford and wife, Annette Roy, of Fort Kent; her sister, Valerie and husband, James Smith, of Sunland, Calif.; her brother-in-law, Ludger Ouellet of Fort Kent; many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her sisters, Jeannette Cannan, Augustine Ford, Claire Bouchard, Bernice Cyr and Sylvia “Vi” Ouellet. Special among her many friends are longtime neighbors, David and Rose Bourgoin, Marcella Flanagan and CrossWinds Residential Care staff. Calling hours will be held 6-8 p.m. June 29 and 8:30 a.m. until the time of service June 30 at Michaud Funeral Home, Frenchville. A funeral Mass will be celebrated 10 a.m. June 30 at Our Lady of the Valley, St. Luce Church, Frenchville, where Juliet was a parishioner most of her life. The Rev. Richard Ouellette will officiate along with the Rev. Philip Cyr. A reception will be held after the service at Frenchville Community Center. In lieu of flowers, friends are encouraged to donate in memory of Juliet to their local public or school library or to CrossWinds’ activity fund.
JULIET ROY GAGNON
