BIDDEFORD — Geraldine D. Marchand, 86, of Biddeford died peacefully on Nov. 17, 2017 at Avita of Stroudwater surrounded by her family.

She was born on Nov. 6, 1931, in New Canada, Maine, a daughter of Zephirin and Alma (Michaud) Dube and attended Biddeford schools.

On April 20, 1953, she married Paul Marchand at St. Andre’s Church in Biddeford. They spent 58 years together until his death on May 21, 2011.

Gerry had a great love for children. In addition to raising her seven children, she operated a home daycare center for school teacher’s children for over 20 years.

More than anything, she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and her family, especially during the holidays. She also enjoyed her lunch dates and outings with her good friends.

She is predeceased by sisters Dorella Pontbriant, Lauretta Violette, Priscilla Millbury, Mildred Poulin, Gilmay Sowell, and Claudette Savoir.

She is survived by her children: Ronald and his wife Wendy Marchand, Philip and his wife Dot Marchand, Susan and her husband Richard Butt, Donna Marchand, Robert Marchand, Richard Marchand, and Diane and her husband CJ Nusom.

She is also survived by five siblings Milford and his wife Connie Dube, Robertine and her husband Richard Morrow, Marilyn Melanson, Carlene Methot, and Dianne Dube; Brother-in-law Al Poulin and sister-in-law Jeanne Gagne; 10 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours will be 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday Nov. 24, 2017 at Hope Memorial Chapel, 480 Elm St. Biddeford, ME 04005. A Mass of a Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 25, 2017 at St Anne’s Chapel at St Joseph Church in Biddeford. Burial will be at St Joseph’s Cemetery in Biddeford.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Geraldine’s memory may be made to Hospice of Southern Maine 180 US Route 1, Scarborough, ME 04074