Van Buren, Maine – Robertine "Bobbie" Lebel, 88, passed away surrounded by her loving family on Friday, December 19, 2025, at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House in Scarborough, ME. She was born in Van Buren, ME, on July 12, 1937, and was one of eleven children of the late Wilfred and Ida (Michaud) Lebel.

Known for her sense of humor, Bobbie often declared that her "Golden Years" were when she was changing diapers and raising her young family.  Every summer, their backyard pool became a gathering place for their four kids and all their friends and cousins; Bobbie was proud that many learned to swim under her watchful eye.  After her kids left the house, Bobbie worked as a Substitute Teacher for several years.  Because she was happiest in the presence of children, Bobbie then took a more permanent position as a Pre-K and Kindergarten Ed Tech in the Van Buren school system.  In later years, she absolutely cherished the times she would run into her former students as young adults in stores and restaurants that she frequented.

Responsible from an early age, Bobbie used the earnings from her first job at J.J. Newberry's to purchase her parents' first television. She also managed the books for her husband's business for over 20 years.  Bobbie possessed what her family calls the "Michaud Memory," often delighting people with details, stories and memories of individuals from the past.  She enjoyed co-planning Class Reunions for the Van Buren Class of 1956 and reconnecting with her classmates whenever they came to town.  Bobbie took great joy from simple pleasures such as crossing the border into Canada with her late husband Omer "Ti-Mer" Lebel to eat out, shop, and attend French-language Mass.

She is survived by four children—her daughter, Jana Curran and husband Bob of Portland, ME; sons, David Lebel and wife Judy of Queensbury, NY, Mark Lebel and wife Kim of Turner, ME, and Brian Lebel and fiancé Trisha Gagnon of Minot, ME; seven grandchildren—Bethany Lebel, Patrick Curran and wife Julie, Eric Lebel and wife Rosie, Michael Curran and wife Miranda, Hailey Lebel, Deanna Lebel and fiancé Michael Schrammel, and Emily Lebel; and two great-grandchildren, James and Ada Lebel.  Bobbie is also survived by her sisters—Jeannine Daigle of Lewiston, ME, Marlene Reed of Stillwater, OK, Patsy Barth and husband David of Alexandria, KY, and Della Bentz and partner Gene Cyr of Sabattus, ME; one brother Delano "Dee" Lebel and partner Rolande LeBlanc of Naples, FL; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Bobbie was predeceased by Omer, her husband of 64 years; her sister, Theresa Kellum, and her brothers, Raymond Lebel, Albert "Pitou" Lebel, Alphonse "Kit" Lebel, and James Lebel.

The family would like to thank the staff at Borderview Rehabilitation & Living Center, Cedars Nursing Care Center, Fallbrook Commons, Maine Medical Center, and Gosnell Memorial Hospice House for their care over the past eight months.

Relatives and friends may greet the family from 6:00-8:00 pm on Friday, January 9, 2026, at Lajoie Funeral Home, 118 High Street, Van Buren, ME.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 am on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at St. Bruno-St. Remi Catholic Church, Van Buren, ME. Following the Funeral Mass, a luncheon will be held in the Parish Hall. Burial will be at a later date in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish may donate in Bobbie's memory for Parish needs to:  St. Peter Chanel Parish/St. Bruno St. Remi Church, 174 Main St., Van Buren, ME  04785 —where she was a lifelong communicant.