Fort Kent and Frenchville - Betty Mae Levasseur, 84, passed away in her sleep at St. Joseph Memory Care in Frenchville on Thursday, Oct. 20, 2022. Over the last three years, dementia ransacked mom's memory, but it never took away her joy of life or sense of humor.

"She made us laugh every day," said Richard, the head nurse at St. Joe's.

Roland Roy and Juliette Deprey welcomed their only child on June 28, 1938. She was bright and graduated among the top in her class at Mount Merici Academy, a private Catholic boarding school in Waterville.

Her parents were surprised though when just after high school in November 1957 she chose to marry and start a family with the bad boy from across the street, Gilman Levasseur. Gil and Betty thrived together creating a loving family that grew to four children, five grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Mom worked a variety of jobs while raising the kids, sometimes helping out at her dad's neighborhood grocery store, bar tending occasionally at the American Legion, and even answering and directing calls as a switchboard operator for a stint. After taking night classes in accounting, she found her career and a second family at Daigle Oil Co. where she was bookkeeper until retiring in 2000.

Unfortunately, dad died only four years later. Mom chose to stay in the home where we grew up. She kept busy making quilts that are cherished by close friends and relatives; devouring books; completing crossword and jigsaw puzzles; and tending to her flowers.

Betty was a fun and social creature and loved to host or visit with family and friends. She and the other self-proclaimed Golden Girls – Babe, Sandra and Odette – met weekly for cards and drinks. Mom played a mean cribbage game and made a point of telling you she was pitting her skill against your luck.

She entertained and was entertained, particularly during the summer months at her camper at Birch Haven in Eagle Lake. She enthusiastically embraced all who stayed at the campground whether they were there for only a couple of days or the season. In turn, everyone loved "Miss Betty" and included her like family in their gatherings and celebrations.

She loved her two sons and two daughters and adored her grandkids and great grandkids. There were many memorable family gatherings at camp and at home, especially at Christmastime when mom over-decorated, over-cooked and over-baked. Cookies, fudge and other sweets crowded counter space everywhere with additional batches delivered to the library, Daigle Oil office, her beautician and others.

A huge pot of chicken stew typically simmered on one of her two stoves, and various dishes and foods that had been prepped in anticipation of company were stored in refrigerators in the kitchen, basement, and garage. There always was plenty of butter, jam and cretons to slather on the ployes. (Eli still holds the record for most eaten in one sitting.)

With a gleam and grin, Betty inspired cheer and laughter wherever she went. Almost everyone mom ever met seems to have special memories and tales to share. She will be sorely missed but live on in our hearts.

Betty is predeceased by husband Gil and great granddaughter Elianna Athena.

She is survived by son Rick and his wife Theresa of Leesburg, Fla.; son Jim and his partner Sharon Parrott of Hampton, Va.; daughter Judy Morin of Madawaska; daughter Patty and her husband Mark Young of Farmingdale; granddaughter Sonya Lynn Levasseur and her two daughters, Kinleigh Rose and Ivy Mae, all of Hampton, Va.; granddaughter Chantal, her husband Eric Blanchette and their daughters, Hallie Mae and Haisley Val, all of Frenchville; granddaughter Amanda Levasseur and partner Gabe Epstein of Minneapolis, Minnesota; grandson Eli Levasseur of Canandaigua, New York; and grandson Jake Young of San Diego, California.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 28 at the St. Louis Church in Fort Kent. There will be no visiting hours. Interment will be held in the Parish cemetery immediately following the Mass.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Joseph Memory Care Activity and Memorial Fund, 426 US Route 1, Frenchville, ME 04745