Jeanne D'arc Blanchette

Jeanne was born in Victoriaville, Quebec, Canada, on January 25, 1939 and was the daughter of Jean-Baptiste and Germaine Paquin Chainey. She was educated in Lewiston schools. At the age of 15 she became an American citizen. She was married to her loving husband Marcel C. Blanchette on May 12, 1956 for 51 wonderful years.

Jeanne worked at Frangedakis, Simones’ Hot Dog Stand, Pepperell Mill, Maine MicroFilm, and her most beloved role was being a homemaker.

As a member of The Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, Jeanne was known for her commitment to Jesus Christ as well as being a prayer warrior. She was very generous and had a love for people. All who knew her will miss her dearly. The family asks that she be remembered for the joy she brought to others rather than the sadness of her passing.

As a young girl, Jeanne enjoyed playing sports, sketching, singing/drama, and being with people. Her family moved several times between Lewiston-Auburn and Canada.

Jeanne was gifted with many talents such as sewing her children’s clothes/barbie doll outfits, cutting their hair, baking, cooking, crocheting, and knitting. As a dedicated mother she was an advocate for her children and very active in their lives from PTA to helping with homework. She was sharp and inquisitive, possessed a wealth of knowledge and had an amazing memory. At the tender age of 75, she was able to keep up with her family by navigating the world of technology (although sometimes we could only see her nose and eyes)!

Wise and full of humor, Jeanne was engaging and positive. She was a faithful wife, loving and generous. She enjoyed her coffee, sitting outside socializing, completing puzzles, taking Sunday rides, and eating out with family. She enjoyed traveling to Canada and visiting with family and friends. Most recently she lived at Healy Terrace and the residents there all lovingly referred to her as “Mama Jeanne ”.

Some of Jeanne’s favorite sayings were:

‘It is what it is’

‘Bon’ (good)

‘Voyons’ (come on, be reasonable)

‘God Bless’ (with a kiss on both cheeks as she said ‘Goodbye’)

Jeanne is survived by her 5 children: daughter Gisele and husband Peter Krippner of Bellingham, Washington, daughter Claire and husband Steve Martin of Ballston Spa, New York, daughter Carmen and husband Rodney Landry of Underhill, Vermont, son Paul and wife Cheryl Blanchette of Poland, Maine and daughter JoAnn and husband Anthony McDonald of Gray, Maine; and her sister Muguette Landry. Jeanne leaves behind 14 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren who she deeply loved as well as cousins and nephews.

Jeanne is predeceased by her husband Marcel Blanchette, her father Jean-Baptiste Chainey, her step-father Rosario Paradis and her mother Germaine Chainey Paradis.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the wake on Saturday, January 20, 2024 at 10am at the Fortin Funeral Home at 70 Horton Street, Lewiston, Maine with a short service beginning at 12pm. Committal prayers will follow at St. Peter’s Cemetery, Lewiston, Maine.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to:

Androscoggin Home Healthcare and Hospice

15 Strawberry Avenue

Lewiston, Maine 04240

If sending by check, put in the memo “In Memory of Jeanne D’arc Blanchette”

You can also donate online at: https://androscoggin.org.