MARCH 16, 1918 – MARCH 26, 2017
PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Surrounded by the love of her family during her final days, Cecile Martin Derosier passed away peacefully on March 26, at the age of 99. Cecile was born on March 16, 1918, in Van Buren, Maine to the late Joseph Martin and Agnes (Langlais).
She was a graduate of Sacred Heart High School in Van Buren, and Houlton Business College in Houlton, ME.
She married Fred Derosier, the love of her life, in 1940. Together they had five daughters and one son. Cecile loved and lived her faith her entire life and that faith carried her through the death of her husband only 22 years into their marriage.
After Fred’s death in 1962, Cecile worked at General Adjustment Bureau, and her last employer was Aroostook County Action Program where she began as a receptionist. Because of her knowledge and work ethic, she earned the title of Business Manager, remaining in that position until her retirement in May of 1996.
Cecile enjoyed traveling to Europe, Hawaii and throughout the United States. She was an avid bridge player, a lover and reader of books, a talented seamstress, an outstanding cook, and an expert knitter. She also had a passion for her daily cross word puzzles.
One of her greatest loves was spending her summer vacations on the coast of Maine with her family. She so cherished time spent with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren whom she loved dearly.
Cecile was a devout Catholic and communicant of St. Mary’s in Presque Isle and was active on the Prayer Line as well as a member of the funeral volunteers.
Left to cherish her memories are her five daughters: Patricia Svitenko, of Concord CA, Elizabeth (Robert) Palitto of Overland Park, KA, Margaret (James) Smart of Vernon, CT, Susan Trynoski (fiance Jay May) of Dallas, PA, and Mary Derosier of West Lebanon, NH. She is also survived by her son James Derosier (Twink/Sally) of Presque Isle, along with her 15 grandchildren, twenty-eight great-grandchildren,and many nieces and nephews. She was pre-deceased by her husband, Fred; her parents, four brothers: Lionel, Patrick, Emile, and Fred Martin; her half sister, Florence Dagneau, and half brother, Fred Cyr.
Her sharp wit and huge heart, as well as her inward and outward beauty, will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved her. She was, and we are all, so very thankful for her two caregivers/friends, Kathy and Terry, who provided her with such loving care. Also, for Sheila, for her love and going above and beyond to be sure her hair always looked beautiful, and for Goldie, Barb, Cora and Ethel.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, April 4 at The Parish of The Precious Blood, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Main St., Presque Isle, Maine. Visitation will be at 10 AM preceding the celebration. The Presider will be the Very Rev. Jean Paul Labrie.
The family wishes to extend a sincere and heartfelt thank you for the amazing care and support given to Cecile and her family by Hospice of Aroostook, EIM, and Care & Comfort.
In Cecile’s memory donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Online condolences may be shared at www.duncan-graves.com.
