Lorette Philomene Bedard Obituary (1916 - 2009)

Lorette and Joseph Bedard Waterville Lorette Philomene Bedard, age 92, died on January 12, 2009, in Waterville, Maine. Her beloved husband, Joseph Bedard, died in London, England on Dec. 4, 2008. Lorette was born in Waterville on November 14, 1916, the daughter of Joseph and Marie Cloutier Cote. Joseph was born July 27, 1910 in Lac Megantic Canada to Joseph and Alphonsine Morin Bedard. They were married on Nov. 30, 1939 at Notre Dame Church in Waterville. Lorette was educated at Notre Dame School, and was employed for many years as an inspector at the Hathaway Shirt Company. Joe was employed by the Wyandotte Industries until his retirement. He then worked in the maintenance department of Zayres Department store for several years. Both were active members of Notre Dame Church, and the Parish of the Holy Spirit. Their faith was the center of their life. Joe was a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus, Waterville Council 148, and Lorette was a lifelong member of the Daughters of Isabella. Lorette told wonderful stories about the familys cottage on Great Pond, many featuring the antics of their French-speaking dog, Tippie. Lorette and Joe loved to dance, and Lorette always said that it was Joe who was the good dancer all she had to do was follow. Rarely apart, they were true soulmates, whose generous, lively spirits touched everyone they knew. Joseph was pre-deceased by his parents, his brother Napoleon, sisters Imelda Labb and Marie Morin, half-siblings Lionel and Philip Bedard, and Margaret Courchesne. Lorette was preceased by her parents, her brother, Lafey, and her sisters, Orena Fortin and Amanda Babe Libby, They are survived by their son, Richard, of London, England. They are also survived by nieces Gloria Simpson of Winslow, Lucille Lanteigne and Carmen Easinsky of Weathersfield, CT, special cousins Jerry and Francine Bedard, sister-in-law Rita Bedard of Taunton MA, and special friend, Dr. Ann Leblanc, of Augusta. Arrangements are by Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm St., Waterville. Visiting hours will be from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Thursday, January 15, 2008 with the Daughters of Isabella meeting at the funeral home at 7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, January 16, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. at Notre Dame Church in Waterville, Maine, with burial in the spring.