Jeanne (Gagnon) Chamberland

Jeanne Gagnon Chamberland Saint Agatha – Jeanne Gagnon Chamberland, 97 passed away peacefully, with family by her side on April 16, 2021 at Forest Hill Manor in Fort Kent, Maine. Born April 2, 1924, Jeanne was the eldest daughter of Leonard and Emma (Martin) Gagnon of Upper Frenchville, Maine.

Jeanne was the matriarch of our family, the mother to all. She was a devoted sister, wife, mother, and Memere. In her early years, she went to Stearns High school in Millinocket, Maine and traveled as far south as Maplewood, New Jersey. Eventually, she returned to northern Maine where, along with her husband, Valere Chamberland, dedicated her life to the family farm along the shore of Long Lake in Saint Agatha.

Through the years she was actively involved with the St. Agatha Parish serving on the parish council. She is a Dames de Saint Anne, an avid supporter of the St. Agatha Historical Society, and 2008 Mother of the Year. Jeanne had strong faith and believed in the power of her God; she was always offering prayers for family, friends, and those in need.

Jeanne loved to travel visiting family and friends in the Southwest United States, Florida, and throughout New England. She adored having her family around especially the annual summer visits where she cooked the family’s favorite dishes. She enjoyed these visits and would pass the time playing cards or sitting on her porch swing while waving to neighbors passing by the farm. She loved to knit and crochet colorful blankets, mittens, scarves, slippers, and woolen socks to be given as gifts. From her garden and the farm, she canned countless vegetables and berries. All these traditions she has passed on to her family.

Jeanne, Mom, Memere was our heart: a strong woman who instilled values and life lessons. She will be remembered for all the hugs she gave, the children she rocked, the amazing meals she cooked and her strong faith that withstood the test of time.

Jeanne is survived by her daughter, Carmen (Chamberland) Martin and husband, Clayton, of Terryville, Connecticut; grandson, Jason Paradis; great granddaughters Kaitlyn and Jessica; son, Carl Chamberland and wife, Eileen, of Manchester, Maine; grandson, Ryan Chamberland and wife, Michelle, great grandchildren, Brooke, Jillian, Colin, and Isabel; granddaughter, Kim Chamberland; son, James Chamberland and wife, Gisele, of St. Agatha; grandson, Gary Chamberland and wife, Krista; great grandchildren, Matthew and Nathan; grandson, Glen Chamberland and wife, Therese; great grandchildren, Andrew and Caleb; granddaughter, Gail Savage; great grandchildren, Ben and Paige; son-in-law, Maurice Deschaine of Bristol, Connecticut; grandson, Keith Deschaine and wife, Anne; great grandchildren, Alexandra and Abigail; grandson, Bruce Deschaine; son, Rodney Chamberland and wife Judy, of St. Agatha; granddaughter, Lena Wyand and husband, Dan; great grandchildren, Michael, Emma, Kate, and Anna; granddaughter, Cindy and husband, Jason Beaulieu; great grandchildren, Sadie and Henry; granddaughter, Jill Heitzer and husband, Daniel; great grandchild, Lauren; son, Ray Chamberland and wife, Linda, of Ellington, Connecticut; grandchildren, Nicole, Neil, and Megan; siblings, Pearl (Gagnon) Martin, Marie Anne (Gagnon) Thibeault, Rita (Gagnon) Dumont, Aline (Gagnon) Michaud, and Gerald Gagnon. She is predeceased by her husband, Valere Chamberland, daughter, Rinette (Chamberland) Deschaine; grandson-in-law, Daniel Savage; siblings, Claude Gagnon, Clifford Gagnon, Lillian (Gagnon) Bussiere, Therese (Gagnon) Michaud, Antoine Gagnon, and Benoit Gagnon.

The family is grateful to the many friends and staff at Forest Hill Manor for their compassion and dedication provided to Jeanne. Special thank you to friends and neighbors who checked on her well-being during her later years at the farmhouse.

Due to restrictions, a private funeral Mass will be celebrated by the family at Our Lady of the Valley Church in St. Agatha, Maine. For those wishing to make a memorial donation in remembrance of Jeanne, the family encourages contributions in her memory to Our Lady of the Valley Church or a charity of their choice. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the Michaud Funeral Home. Condolences can be expressed at michaudfuneralhomes.com. 

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