1929 – 2015

AUBURN — Joan Louise Dechene, 85, of Auburn, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, April 22. She passed peacefully at Clover Health Care with her loving daughters by her side.

Joan was born in Lewiston on Dec. 30, 1929, the daughter of Earl S. and Florence K. (Bannon) Mason. She attended schools in Auburn and graduated from Edward Little High School, Class of 1948 and then went on to graduate from Becker Junior College in Worcester, Mass., in 1950.

Joan married Robert Dechene on Oct. 13, 1951, and they raised three daughters in the Auburn area.

Joan worked various jobs in her younger years and later worked at Mechanic Savings Bank and Rainbow Federal Credit Union, retiring in 1991. The job she loved most was raising her three girls.

She enjoyed playing cards, games, croquet and bowling, but most of all, being with family and friends. She spent many happy times at camp on Tripp Lake, and for several years, in Englewood, Fla., after her retirement.

Joan is survived by her three “girls,” Kathleen Comtois and her husband, Michael, of Springfield, Mass., Nancy Morin and her husband, Gregory, of Poland, and Diane Dechene of Auburn; grandchildren, Jennifer DeJesus, Tanya Nutting, Carmella Nutting and Michael Nutting of Springfield, Mass., Jessica Langevin and Callie Cooper of Minot; and 12 great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her husband, Robert, in 1998.

The family wishes to extend our deepest gratitude to all of the “angels” at The Chapman House and Clover Health Care for the loving care they provided. She was loved and well cared for.

Joan, the “I Love You Lady” as known to many, was a beautiful soul and the best mother in the world; we hold many cherished memories. To all who knew and loved her, we have been forever blessed by her life. She bids us all a final “I love you.”

You are invited to offer condolences and pay tribute to her life by visiting her guest book at www.thefortingroupauburn.com.