Van Buren--- Omerine N. Smith, 80, died peacefully Friday, January 15, 2016, with her loving family by her side. She was born May 30, 1935 in Grand Isle, a daughter of the late Noel and Cecile (Lajoie) Ouellette.
She last worked at Borderview Manor for over 15 years as a GPNA, until her retirement in 2001. Previously she worked many years as a volunteer with Van Buren Ambulance Service and a variety of local pharmacies, including former Richard's Pharmacy, Van Buren. She's been a life parishioner of St. Bruno-St. Remi Church, a Eucharistic Minister, an avid member of the Mercy Meal Committee for the parish, a member of Van Buren Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary. She was a devoted community member, serving many meals and bringing communion to local sick and disabled people and often assisting in transporting them to doctor appointments. In her limited spare time, Omerine enjoyed meeting with her "Breakfast Club" and bereavement group. She loved cooking and having her family visit.
She is survived by: six children, Daniel Smith, Bob Smith and his wife Karen, Michael Smith and his wife Donna, all of Van Buren, Sandra Smith of Fredericton, NB, Canada, Tommy Smith of Saco, and Pamela Smith of Lumberton, NJ; seven siblings, Charleen Kirkman of Santa Barbara, CA, Rena Albert of Plainville, CT, Rolande Parent and her husband Roger of South Bend, IN, Claudette Ouellette of Old Orchard Beach, Georgine Ouellette of Saint Augustine, FL, Robertine Ouellette of Glenburn, Rudy Ouellette and his wife Nancy of Van Buren; twelve grandchildren; seven great grandchildren and one on the way; and many nieces and nephews.
Besides her parents, Omerine is predeceased by her husband of 50 years, Tom "TJ" Smith in 2005.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 AM on Wednesday, January 20, 2016, at St. Bruno-St. Remi Catholic Church, Van Buren. Relatives and friends may greet the family 2-4:00 PM and 6-8:00 PM on Tuesday at Lajoie Funeral Home, 118 High St., Van Buren. Spring interment will be in Grand River Cemetery, Van Buren. In lieu of flowers, donations in Omerine's name may be made to: Aroostook Home Health/Hospice, 658 Main St., Suite #2, Caribou, ME 04736 or Make-A-Wish Foundation-Maine, 477 Congress St., Suite M1, Portland, ME 04101.
CORRECTION:
Please note donations were wrongly listed in the Bangor Daily News and St. John Valley Times newspapers. Please issue donations in Omerine's name to:
Visiting Nurses of Aroostook/Hospice
14 Access Highway
Caribou, ME 04736
