Van Buren--- Betty Paradis, 75, died peacefully November 5, 2019. She was born in Van Buren on October 11, 1944, a daughter of the late Herbert and Artheline (Beaulieu) Smith.

She last worked at Van Buren Secondary School as a one-on-one aide with autistic children and cherished the relationships she made with her students. Previously, she assisted her husband managing former Country Cabin Convenience Store, Hamlin, for many years. She loved to scrapbook family memories and tending to her gardens. An avid dog lover, she enjoyed tending to the family's pet over the years and loved to "dog sit" when needed.

Betty is survived by: four children, Jeff Paradis and his husband Paul Fichtner of Ashland, MA, Laurie Marcotte and  her husband Jim of Bangor, Neil Paradis of Van Buren, and Kaye Fortin and her husband Eric of Edina, MN; four siblings, Joan Cyr, Irene Smith, both of Van Buren, Mildred Kelly and her husband Bill of Pennsylvania, and Elmer Smith of California; six grandchildren, Jack, Sarah & Thomas Marcotte, Joshua Fortin, Skylar Paradis, and Spencer Paradis-Fichtner; special students, Matthew Ouellette and Alex Vaillancourt; and several nieces and nephews.

Besides her parents, Betty was predeceased by her beloved husband of 46 years Paul Paradis in 2012, and two brothers, Tom and infant Patrick Smith.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 AM on Saturday, November 23, 2019, at St. Bruno-St. Remi Catholic Church, Main St., Van Buren. There will be no calling hours. Spring interment will be in Grand River Cemetery, Van Buren. In lieu of flowers, donations in Betty's name may be made to: Autism Society of Maine, 72 B Main St., Winthrop, ME 04364. Arrangements are a service of Lajoie Funeral Home, 118 High St., Van Buren.