1940 – 2013

AUBURN — Alice A. Couturier, 73, a longtime resident of Auburn, began her heavenly journey on Thursday, Oct. 10, at 4:30 p.m., after a brief illness, while surrounded by family in her home.

She was born on Aug. 14, 1940, to Maurice G. Jutras and Anita L. Rouleau at 72 Webber Ave. in Lewiston. She lived in an orphanage in Jackman until it burned down, then she lived at St. Joseph’s Orphanage in Lewiston until almost 13 years old. Alice went to school at Holy Family, St. Peter’s and St. Dominic’s, Class of ’59.

Alice left high school early to marry Roger Couturier on Nov. 6, 1958, living the life of a military wife for 20 years until they divorced in 1978.

She returned to school and received her diploma in 1977 with her eldest daughter, Donna. She later graduated from the University of Maine at Augusta in 1984 with honors and a degree in psychology and mental health. She also worked as a CNA at Greene Acres Manor then at St. Mary’s Hospital. Alice was also employed as a Mental Health Worker II at Augusta Mental Health Institute.

During her 73 years, Alice led a very active and giving lifestyle. She was a scout leader for juniors and cadettes for eight years, a eucharistic minister for 13 years and a member of K.C. Ladies Auxiliary for 18 years. She was part of the original Franco Festival in the park with Connie Cote, and volunteered there for eight years. She also volunteered at the Good Shepherd Food Bank for 18 years, the Festival de Joie for seven years, the Balloon Festival as security for a few years, the Deering Oaks Festival as a cook, Red Cross blood drives for nine years and St. Peter’s bean suppers for many years. Alice was also a SEARCH board member and a member of St. Louis’ Parish. She was also an active member of the Sabattus Seniors Group.

Alice had a passion for many things. She loved holidays, especially preparing all the food and decorating. In the later years, she especially loved Halloween, as she enjoyed the holiday with her many grandchildren.

She loved to sing and dance, especially the polka. She enjoyed a wide array of music genres, including country western, classical and Broadway. She was a faithful listener of Connie Cote’s French program every Sunday morning.

Alice had a passion for cooking and baking, and up to the day before she was ill, she was still dropping off baked goods in bags on people’s doorsteps.

Continual enjoyments for her were the senior group trips to Canada and the sugar shacks, Indian Head Resort and Foxwoods Casino. She was an avid outdoors lover and farmgirl at heart — a love that is shared by one of her daughters.

She enjoyed gardening, nature in general, horseback riding and native outdoor birds. As those who knew her would agree, she also had a passion for those “sticky notes.” She was always afraid of forgetting something, but up until the end, her mind was as clear as could be.

Alice’s greatest loves were her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They were what she lived her life for, and she was very proud of them all.

Due to Alice’s history of being raised in an orphanage, it was important to her to be home with her children. To make ends meet, she would do laundry, ironing and sewing, and take on spring and fall cleaning when the kids were in school. She helped raise several of her grandchildren, off and on, and supplied many of the kids’ clothes.

Alice had such a large heart that she raised and guided many people in her years. All children and grandchildren that were not biological to her could not tell the difference, because she treated them all equally. The following differentiation is to maintain historical accuracy.

She is leaving behind five daughters, Donna and Richard Dube, Denise and Marc Bonenfant, Diana and Robert Belanger, Deana Julian and Gary Sokoloski and Doreen and Bob Plourde; the “daughter” she raised, Michelle & John Hallstrom; and Melinda and Jay Novella, whom Alice took under her wing. She is also survived by 15 biological grandchildren; Shawn and wife, Stephanie Rioux, Sarah Rioux and fiancé, Joe Melvezzi, Christopher Bonenfant and wife, Amber, Katie Groves and fiancé, Rob Newell, Beauregarde and Benjamin Bonenfant, Renee Couturier, Marina and Keileigh Belanger, Nicole, Tiffany and Kevin Couturier, Laura Julian, Emily and Noah Plourde; seven non-biological grandchildren, Christine, Dwan and Tracy Dube, Nicholas and wife, Amanda Plourde, Thomas Gagne and fiancé, Krystal Williams, Brandon Gagne and Katie Novella; eight biological great-grandchildren, Madison Julian, Kiana and Christopher Bonenfant, James and Joseph Julian-Kobel, Hannah and Bryson Wyman, Caitlyn Couturier; and six non-biological great-grandchildren, Zachary Barnaby and Juliana Gagne, Dominick and Zachary Plourde, Sebastian Gagne and Slade Haycock.

Alice is also survived by her brother, Robert Jutras and his wife, Frances; her nephew, Stephen Jutras and wife, Cynthia; as well as a favorite aunt, Theresa Bell. She also leaves behind the cousins of the Sabattus Seniors, Theresa Bernier, Veda Wright, Georgette Turcotte, Aline Poirier and Bert Turcotte.

She is also leaving behind dear and close friends, Claudette Lemelin, Pat Levesque, Maxine Pride, Tom Slavinski, Collette Cyr, Beverly Regan, the Rev. Paul Plante, the Rev. Richard Bertrand, the Rev. Ray Richards, the Rev. Richard Lavoie, friends at Dunkin’ Donuts, and many friends around the twin cities.

She is predeceased by her grandparents, John Narcisse and Corinna Jutras, and Fortunate and Henedine Rouleau; her father, Maurice Jutras, in 1968; her brother, Edouard Jutras, in 1992; and her mother, Anita Jutras, in 1995.

You are invited to share your thoughts, condolences and fond memories with the Couturier family by visiting their guest book at www.thefortingrouplewiston.com.