SANFORD — Imelda M. Dewire, 100, a lifelong resident of Sanford, slipped away effortlessly at her home on Easter Sunday, so befitting a woman who was a warrior for Christ all her life. She was surrounded by her two daughters.

She was born in Springvale on May 4, 1914, a daughter of the late Arthur and Lea (Doiron) Melanson. As a child she attended Notre Dame School and was a lifelong communicant of St. Ignatius Parish.

For many years she was employed by Allied Shoe in Springvale and Universal Shoe in Sanford. Along with her family, she enjoyed spending summers on Loon Pond. She also enjoyed knitting, reading and flowers.

She is preceded in death by: her two husbands, Clifford Caron and Raymond Dewire; and son, Ronald Porell.

She is survived by: her two daughters, Theresa and Barry Weyland of Sanford, and Evelyn Caron and Gary Thornton, also of Sanford; two brothers, Louis Melanson, and Armand Melanson; sisters, Domitile Maggio, and Marie Patrick; six grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; and daughter-in-law, Annette Porell.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Wednesday April 8 at 10 a.m. at St. Thérèse of Lisieux Parish, Holy Family Church. Burial will be held later this spring at St. Ignatius Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Lafrance-Lambert & Black Funeral Home, 29 Winter St., Sanford.

Condolences may be expressed at www.blackfuneralhomes.com.