Ghislaine Renée Clément

Born May 25, 1936 in Angoulême, France, daughter of Maire Lavoir and Maurice Vachier. She was the youngest of three. By her family’s side, she lived through WWII’s German occupation, unfortunately witnessing unforgettable events. As a young woman she worked for a book binding company in Angoulême. Upon marrying Bernard Clément, her true love, they moved to Aussac-Vadalle, a village 24 KM from home and lived on his family’s agriculture enterprise. In 1962, she immigrated to Lewiston with Bernard and their 2 children, Xavier and Sylvie to join his mother and sisters who proceeded him. Roger Roy, a friend of the newly immigrated Clément family, sponsored their immigration. Her 23-year marriage ended in a divorce in 1979. She worked 36 years for St. Mary’s Hospital kitchens. As a dog lover, she owned many dogs named Bazoo. You could easily find her walking Bate’s Campus, riding her bike to work, observing nature and enjoying the ocean. She had a love for spending time with her grandchildren, reading, gardening, knitting, sharing and maintaining her culture in the arts, music, style and language. Gigi enjoyed cooking traditional French cuisine. She was saddened by the passing of her French friend Collette Nadeau but continued to enjoy the friendship through her daughter Micheline Houle. She made many trips to visit her family and friends in France. In 2015 after her last trip to France, Ghislaine became a US citizen. She loved visiting Sylvie in Philadelphia, Chicago, DE and NJ. In her last 8 years of dementia, she treasured Xavier’s visits, the trips to the ocean and eating out.

Ghislaine was the loving mother of son: Xavier Clément, Greene ME; daughter Sylvie (Brad) Thorstensen, four grandchildren Heather (Michael) Cannon, Michelle (Christopher) Sampson, Émilie and Roy Thorstensen, two great-grandchildren Keller and Sage Wyman and two step-great-grandchildren Haley and Abby Cannon.

She is survived by her brother Christian Vachier in Angoulême, other extended family members in France and friends of the Auburn area. She was predeceased by her parents and sister.

A graveside service will be held At Mount Auburn Cemetery on Friday July 7, 2023 at 11:00 AM. Friends and Family are welcome.