Van Buren--- Fernande Vaillancourt, 97, peacefully entered into rest October 13, 2023, at a Van Buren healthcare facility, with her beloved family at her side. She was born March 26, 1926 in Drummond, NB, Canada, a daughter of the late Jean & Elise (Caron) Lafrance.

She worked for Vaillancourt Trucking, where she assisted her husband in the day-to-day operations for many years. Overall, Fernande was a devoted mother who loved raising her many children and caring for her husband. She was a lifelong member of the Daughters of Isabella, a member of the Red Hat Society and a life parishioner of St. Bruno-St. Remi Church, where she also volunteered for their Mercy Meal Program. Fernande was skilled at sewing and enjoyed bowling and camping with her many family and friends. She was the Charlemagne champion among her family but never gloated to her brothers and sisters.

She is survived by eight children, David Vaillancourt of Van Buren, Michael Vaillancourt and his wife Patty of Arizona, Larry Vaillancourt and his wife Enola of Van Buren, Judy Abbott and her husband Edward, Mona Tatro and her long-time companion Walter Paszul, all of New Hampshire, Danny Vaillancourt of Bangor, Gary Vaillancourt and his wife Diane of Van Buren, and Michelle Rioux and her husband Gabriel of Hamlin; 16 grandchildren; 29 great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Besides her parents, Fernande was predeceased by her husband of 53 years, Gerard Vaillancourt, in 2002, a son, James Vaillancourt, in 2015, and ten siblings.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on Saturday, October 21, 2023, at St. Bruno-St. Remi Catholic Church, Van Buren. Relatives and friends may greet the family Saturday morning, 8:30 – 9:30 AM at Lajoie Funeral Home, 118 High St., Van Buren. Burial will be in Grand River Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: St. Bruno Parish Needs c/o Knights of Columbus, 284 Main St., Van Buren, ME 04785.