He was born in Salem, Massachusetts, to Raymond and Cecile (Gagnon) Jalbert where he grew up and attended local schools. He moved his family to Sanford 34 years ago. He worked hard all of his life to provide for his family in the shoe industry, leather industry, Salem Hospital Maintenance Department, as a truck driver and a painter.
He was a communicant of St. Thérèse of Lisieux Parish in Sanford.
Cookie, along with his wife, enjoyed being Santa to hundreds of Sanford-Springvale children who would come sit on his lap and tell him what they wanted for Christmas and would receive a candy cane and sometimes hats and mittens that were made and donated by the Ladies of Saint Anne members of Holy Family Parish. The Sanford Fire Department would pick up Mr. and Mrs. Santa at the airport and drive them in a fire truck to Central Park to light the tree, and he would be at the town parks every weekend from Thanksgiving to Christmas. He looked forward to this time of year for many years.
He also enjoyed making spaghetti sauce and made Thursday night suppers at his home for some members of the Ladies of Saint Anne that would come and enjoy a great meal with his family.
His home was always filled with love and joy. His family meant everything to him and he will be missed, but will always be remembered and carried in the hearts of his loved ones.
Cookie was preceded in death by: his parents; his stepfather, John H. Hughes; a sister, Shirley Jalbert; and and a great-granddaughter, Evelyn Rose Marby.
He leaves behind: his wife of 53 years, Sandra ( Konieczny) Jalbert; three children, John Raymond Jalbert Sr., René Monahan and her partner, Tom Harden, and Michael Jalbert, all of Sanford; seven grandchildren, Jennifer Jalbert and her partner, Ricky Moore, John Jalbert Jr., Stephanie Monahan and her partner, Frank Durgin, Ruby Monahan and her partner, Keith Marby, Joshua Jalbert and his wife, Alyssa, Devin Morgan, Kayla Hopkins; a grandson-in-law, Joseph Belanger; 12 great-grandchildren; a brother, David Jalbert and his wife, Noelle of Peabody, Massachusetts; a favorite sister-in-law, Linda and her husband, Albert Denis of Georgia; as well as many uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews and his little puggle, Emma.
Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider, Waban, Kennebunk Animal Shelter, St. Thomas School, or National Allegiance of Mental Health of Maine.
A time of visitation will be held 9 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 29 for family and friends at Carll-Heald and Black Funeral Home, Springvale. A Mass of Christian burial will follow at 11 a.m. at St. Thérèse of Lisieux Parish Holy Family Church, Sanford.
Arrangements are under the direction of Black Funeral Homes and Cremation Service, Sanford-Springvale.
To leave a message of condolence please visit blackfuneralhomes.com.
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