GORHAM — Lorraine Pothier Paquet, 93, passed away on Dec. 13, 2017 at The Gorham House in Gorham, Maine following a journey with Alzheimer’s disease. 

She was born to Albert and Louise Nillus Pothier on Oct. 5, 1924 in Saco, Maine.

At a very young age, Lorraine and her siblings lost their mother to a tragic accident in Saco. Her father took a position as a maintenance custodian at Stella Maris Orphanage (now on the campus of the University of New England) in Biddeford to be close to his children. For the next six years, she and her family lived at Stella Maris. Lorraine and her siblings enjoyed weekends at her grandparent’s farm in North Saco. 

Lorraine lived with her father and cared for him until his death in 1965.

Lorraine attended St. Joseph School and graduated high school through adult education. She enjoyed taking classes in art, drawing and painting.  Lorraine loved dancing to the big bands on the Pier in Old Orchard Beach, writing in her journal golfing and skiing.  She was skilled at knitting and crocheting and created many items the family still treasures today.

In 1950, Lorraine and her sisters, Lillian and Simone, took a two month voyage to visit her mother’s family in France.  They were reunited with their grandparents, aunts and cousins. 

Lorraine met the man of her dreams, Philippe Paquet, and they were married on Oct. 15, 1962. Together they built a home of love, humor, respect and joy.  Sadly, Philippe passed away on June 15, 2017. 

Throughout their marriage, she loved to host holiday parties.  She enjoyed Saturday evening “date” nights, Sunday afternoon drives, walks on the beach, visits to Florida, San Diego, Phoenix, Colorado, a special trip to Europe, and a Caribbean Cruise.  Philippe and Lorraine were each other’s very best friend and were always together.  Together, they adopted two children. 

Lorraine’s love for her husband, children, and grandchildren was beyond exceptional.  It was of utmost importance to Lorraine to make sure every gift she gave was “personal and thoughtful.”  She cherished her siblings, friends, nieces, and nephews. 

She worked at Saco-Lowell Shops, for an attorney and also in her husband’s accounting practice.  Her greatest job was being home for her children and she was an exceptional baker, cook, and homemaker.

Five years ago, Lorraine and Philippe moved to The Wardwell Assisted Living Home where they shared three years together.  As their health deteriorated, they moved to The Gorham House where they were able to stay together.  During this time, the most important thing for Lorraine was “to be with her husband.”  Sadly, since her husband’s passing Lorraine’s health had significantly deteriorated. 

Lorraine leaves behind her son Albert Paquet, her daughter-in-law Lynette and grandsons Dominic, Lucas and Brock) and her daughter Lisa Morin (her son-in-law Jerry and granddaughter Sydney). 

She also leaves behind her very special nephews and nieces. 

Lorraine is preceded in death by: her parents, Albert Pothier (1965) and Louise Nillus Pothier (1930); her brother, Charles “Charlie” Pothier (2011); her sisters:  Simone Pothier Lane (2002) and Lillian Pothier Boilard (2015); and her loving husband: Philippe Paquet (June 2017).

The family thanks The Gorham House and the Team at Compassus Hospice for their care of Lorraine which provided her family with loving comfort during her final hours. 

Gifts in lieu of flowers for Lorraine’s memory can be made to The Center for Grieving Children, 555 Forest Avenue, Portland, ME 04101.

A funeral service will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2017 at Hope Memorial Chapel, 480 Elm St., Biddeford, ME 04005. Burial will be at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Biddeford.

Arrangements by Hope Memorial Chapel. To share condolences please visit www.hopememorial.com.