WATERVILLE, Maine — Claudette Bouchard McNeil, 82, of Waterville passed away peacefully at her home with her family at her side on October 28, 2015.
She was born on December 18, 1932 in Upper Frenchville, Maine. After losing her parents at a young age, Claudette was raised by her sister, Lilly and brother-in-law, Romeo Roy. In 1951, she graduated Valedictorian from Mount Merici. Claudette attended the University of Maine at Fort Kent where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Education. Shortly after beginning her teaching career in Lewiston, she met Joseph (Jerry) McNeil at her cousin’s wedding. They married on June 24, 1961 and raised their family in Caribou. Claudette was a devoted 6th grade math teacher whose passion and enthusiasm left a lasting impression on her students. In 1988, they moved the family to Waterville where she resumed her teaching career filling many different positions in the Waterville Public Schools. As soon as she retired, she began volunteering in the community by visiting people as she delivered Meals on Wheels. Claudette was a competitive bridge player who enjoyed her weekly bridge outings at the Muskie Center. In their retirement, Jerry and Claudette made many friends during their winters in Myrtle Beach.
Claudette was best known for making everyone feel special. She believed in the importance of capturing special moments as she was always seen with a camera in hand. Claudette was never one to miss an opportunity to send a card or hand written note. She was known for remembering and celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, births and other special occasions in the lives of neighbors, friends and extended family. Nothing brought Claudette greater joy and pride than her role as a Mimi to her seven grandchildren.
She is survived by her children and their spouses, Tom and Cindy McNeil of Waterville, Sue and Bruce Pelletier of South Portland, Shelly and Jonathan Moody of Oakland; grandchildren, Ryan, Matt, Meghan, Sarah, Jacob, Grace and Olivia; sisters, Claire Martin, Theresa Roy, Irene MacDonald and Lucille O’Donnell; and brothers, Lucien Bouchard and Paul Bouchard; and more than fifty nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her spouse, Joseph McNeil; sisters, Lillian Roy, Bernice Bowtruczyk, Rolande Bouchard; and brothers, Rosaire Bouchard and Roger Bouchard.
The family would like to thank the caring and compassionate professionals from Care and Comfort and Bridges Homecare who provided 24 hour support to Claudette for the past 20 months.
Visitation will be held on Monday, November 2, 2015 from 4-7 p.m. at Veilleux Funeral Home, 8 Elm St., Waterville. A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2015 at 11 a.m. at Notre Dame Church, 116 Silver St., Waterville.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Muskie Center, Meals on Wheels Program, 38 Gold Street, Waterville, ME 04901.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Veilleux Funeral Home, www.veilleuxfuneralhome.com.
