WASHINGTON — The mother of U.S. Rep. Mike Michaud of Maine died Wednesday morning in Millinocket.

Geneva “Jean” Michaud, 79, died at Millinocket Regional Hospital of what the congressman’s office described as “natural causes.”

Born in Ashland in 1934 as Jean Morrow, she eventually moved to Medway, near Millinocket, where she and her husband, James Michaud Sr., raised six children. James Michaud died in 2001.

According to her obituary, Jean Michaud was an avid Red Sox fan who enjoyed politics and gardening. She had 11 grandchildren.

Rep. Michaud’s office announced her death Wednesday evening in a prepared statement.

“As families across Maine gather to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday, 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,” the statement read.

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Mike Michaud, a Democrat, has represented Maine’s 2nd Congressional District since 2003 and is running for governor next year.

He served previously in the Maine Legislature and worked for several decades at the Great Northern Paper mill where his father and grandfather worked.

A relatively low-key and private politician, Michaud apparently informed his mother and other family members that he is gay several hours before he made it known publicly earlier this month.

Michaud’s gubernatorial campaign said late Wednesday that a small-business tour that the candidate planned to attend in Brunswick on Saturday with Karen Mills, former head of the U.S. Small Business Administration, has been canceled.

A funeral Mass for Jean Michaud is scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday at Christ the Divine Mercy Parish at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in East Millinocket. A viewing is scheduled from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at the Lamson Funeral Home in East Millinocket.

Kevin Miller can be contacted at 317-6256 or at:

kmiller@pressherald.com

Twitter: @KevinMillerDC


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