Annette B. Stevens Obituary (1932 - 2014)

Waterville -- Annette B. Stevens 82, passed away Tuesday June 10, 2014 at MaineGeneral Medical Center, Alfond Center for Health, in Augusta with family by her bedside. She was born in Winslow, March 8, 1932 the only child of George Noel Bourque and Viola Poulin and step-daughter of John J. Mercier. Annette attended Winslow and Waterville schools graduating from Waterville High School in 1950 and from Thomas College in 1951. Annette was a clerk in the City of Waterville Tax Assessor's Office and also served as secretary to the Board of Assessment Review until 1986. She was secretary to the Principal at Mount Merici Academy and Elementary School for many years. Annette was appointed as Director of Religious Education in 1982 at Notre Dame Church and later as Director of the RCIA Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults in the Parish of the Holy Spirit, retiring as a Catechetical Leader in June of 1997. Annette will be remembered for her warm and loving ways and the services she gave to many community, school and church groups over the years, including the Christ Child Guild Auxiliary assisting St. Andre's Homes in Biddeford; as a Girl Scout Leader in Brownies, Junior, Cadet and Senior Scouts during 70's and 80's. She also served on the Diocesan Scouting Committee of the Diocese of Portland; a member of the Notre Dame Ladies Guild; the Daughters of Isabella serving as regent for four years; a member of the American Mothers Inc. Maine Association and one of its past presidents. Annette was chosen to be the Maine Mother of the Year in 1981. She had served as Catechist, Lector, Eucharistic Minister, Pastoral Caregiver for many years in the Parish of the Holy Spirit and was the first woman President of the Parish Council in 1979 at Notre Dame Church. Annette married Leonard W. Stevens of North Belgrade on May 30, 1953. He passed away in 1989. She leaves her two daughters, Maryanne Cleary of Acton, MA. and Karla Stratton and husband Dennis, Jr. of Fairfield; two granddaughters, Kayleigh Stevens of Sunnyside, N.Y. and Liza Stratton of Fairfield; four step-grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Annette Stevens name may be made to St. Andre Homes, 283 Elm St., Biddeford, ME 04005. Visiting hours will be held from 7-9 P.M. Thurs., June 12, 2014 at Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm St., Waterville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 A.M. Fri., June 13, 2014 at Notre Dame Church, 116 Silver St., Waterville. Committal prayers and burial will follow in St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, 78 Grove St., Waterville. An on line guest book may be signed and condolences may be expressed at www.gallantfh.com.