AUBURN — Elaine Poliquin LaBrecque, 66, of Poland Spring, died Friday, Aug. 17, at the Androscoggin Hospice House following a long and courageous battle with cancer. She was born in Lewiston on May 23, 1952, to the late Guildo and Dorita Poliquin.

Elaine graduated from Westbrook College in 1972 with a degree in art and English. In 1977, Elaine married Daniel R. LaBrecque of Lewiston.

Elaine pursued her love of arts and crafts while being a stay-at-home mother. She started her own business named “Mainely Green,” which specialized in hand-painted and hand-stenciled baskets, welcome signs and other wood products. She supplied baskets to L.L.Bean for resale for a number of years and was chosen by L.L.Bean to be part of a group of Maine artists to celebrate L.L.Bean’s grand opening of their store in Japan in 1993.

Later in life, Elaine also earned her real estate license and worked with local real estate agencies. She also enjoyed several years as a seasonal customer service representative for L.L.Bean in Lewiston.

She had a great sense of humor and was most proud of her children, their accomplishments, and her precious grandsons. She was a wonderful cook, devoted wife and mother. She was the family dessert chef and spoiled everyone with her cheesecakes, carrot cakes and Kahlua cakes. Elaine also enjoyed knitting and donated many beautiful hats to the Dempsey Center in Lewiston. Above all, she treasured her family and enjoyed leisurely boat rides on Range Pond.

Elaine is survived by her husband, Dan; daughter, Kelly LaBrecque and her husband, Aaron Twombly; two grandsons, Silas and Beckett; son, Benjamin Labrecque and his companion, Crystal Emerson; brother, Gilbert Poliquin and his wife, Diana; sister, Anne Paradis and her husband, Raymond; brother-in-law, Paul LaBrecque and his wife, Alice; brother-in-law, Jack LaBrecque and his companion, Shirley; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Online condolences and sharing of memories may be expressed at www.lynchbrothers.com. 

Elaine P. LaBrecque