Jean Michaud, the mother of U.S. Rep. Mike Michaud, D-Maine, and five others, died Wednesday at a Millinocket hospital. She was 79.

A statement from Michaud’s office Wednesday night said Jean Michaud died of natural causes.

“As families across Maine gather to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday,” a Michaud spokesperson wrote, “the congressman wishes to express his deepest appreciation for the support he’s received and respect for his family’s privacy, and wishes everyone a very safe and happy Thanksgiving.”

According to her obituary, Jean Michaud was an ardent Red Sox fan who enjoyed gardening and following politics. Services are planned for Friday and Saturday in East Millinocket.