Annette Daigle died on July 19, 2020 after a head injury suffered in a fall.  She was 96.

Annette (Lebel) Daigle was born in St. Francis, Maine on February 14 (Valentine's Day), 1924.  The daughter of Ernest and Lelia Lebel.  She attended schools in St. Francis and Fort Kent.  She met Bert Daigle at a bowling alley in Fort Kent.  The couple dated for several years and were married after Bert returned from World War II.  They had three children: Peter, Anne Marie, and Claire.  When the kids were growing up, Annette worked full time at home as a mother.  Annette and Bert taught their children sound Franco-American values – honesty, pride, a strong work ethic and faith in a higher spirit.  They taught their kids the power of love; they taught their children to speak French.

After her children were grown, Annette took on a variety of activities in her Church and community.  Annette was the long-time president of the Fort Kent Historical Society.  During her tenure, she was instrumental in restoring the Fort Kent Train Station which became the organization's home.  She also worked to acquire the Daigle-Dube House which in now one of the organization's attractions.  In 2010, Annette was inducted into the Maine Franco-American Hall of Fame by the Maine Legislature.  In 2009, she received the Acadian Achievement Award from the Maine Acadian Heritage Council.  She was a past president of the Fort Kent Business and Professional Women, receiving their Member of the Year Award in 2007 and in 1990 was named their Woman of the Year.  She held a variety of positions with The Ladies of Ste. Anne and was named Mother of the Year in 2001. She was a member of the Fort Kent Senior Citizens Board of Directors and received their Outstanding Member Award in 2008.  She was an active quilter and a founding member of the Northern Neighbors Quilters and the Acadian Quilters. She is past president of the Northern Maine Medical Center Guild and a member since its inception in 1953.  She volunteered with many other organizations including the Aroostook Area Agency on Aging, St. Louis Pastoral Council, the Girl Scouts, taught religion to area children, and was a lifetime member of the VFW Auxiliary.  Even at the age of 94 she received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Maine Health Care Association honoring her for her volunteerism and service to the community. But her biggest accomplishment was being a great Mom.

She leaves behind her daughter, Claire Daigle and husband, Martin Meyer of Oakland, California; a son, Peter Daigle and his partner, Lise Duval of Dedham, Maine; one brother, Ernie Lebel and his wife Donna of Portland, Maine; six granddaughters, Jennifer Daigle, Jessica Daigle Ganzekaufer, Casey Lee Daigle, Erica Bushey Stuart, Morgan Rupenski and Whitney Bushey; and twelve wonderful great grandchildren; and hundreds of friends.

Annette was predeceased by her parents; her husband, Bert; one daughter, Anne Bushey; four sisters and four brothers.

The family would like to thank the staff at Sunset Home of Waterville which Annette loved as her home for the last five years.  We thank the exceptional staff at Maine General Medical Center in Augusta.  They offered exceptional care and allowed Annette to die with grace and dignity.  We especially thank Dr. Harry Colt, MD, Annette's family doctor.  He treated her with the respect afforded a friend.

In consideration of the current Covid 19 situation a funeral and memorial service will be planned for a later date.  Instead of sending flowers, please do something nice for someone. Arrangements have been entrusted to Lajoie-Daigle Funeral Home.