Alethia May Cloutier

Alethia May Cloutier, 78 passed away Monday June 24th in Lewiston Maine. She is predeceased by her parents Henry and Gladys (Emma) Dube, her brothers Robert and Richard Dube, and her ex-husband David J Cloutier. She is survived by her daughters Stephanie and husband Stanley Doughty Jr, Jennifer and husband Jeffrey Girardin, and Samantha and her husband Bryan Raymond. Her grandchildren Candace and her husband Jeremy Williams, Krystal Doughty, Joseph Doughty and fiancé Laura Andrich, Emily Girardin, Nathaniel Girardin, Kameron Harrison, Bryanna Raymond, and Potter Raymond, her great grandchildren Lillian Holbrook, Emmalynn Williams, and Henry Williams.

Mum was born in Lewiston Maine. She grew up, attended schools, and later raised her family in Lisbon Maine. She worked as a quality control inspector at Maine Electronics, then ran a daycare in her home, later moving on to become a chef at the Highlands in Topsham, finally retiring in 2014.

Mum was really never called Alethia she was better known as: Tish, Miss Tish, Tisha, Pinky, Grummy, Mum, Ma, or The Crazy Lady (this daughter’s personal favorite).

Mum loved watching her family do what they loved to do. She spent her free time attending any and all events involving her children or grandchildren including school concerts and events, cheerleading competitions, dance recitals, field hockey games, football, hockey, and basketball games, wrestling matches, softball games, track meets, and lacrosse and baseball games. We aren’t sure but think that spending so much time at sporting events eating dinner from snack stands cultivated her LOVE for hot dogs, especially her own invention the nacho dog- for those of you not in the know that is a hot dog smothered in nacho cheese and onions.

When not cheering on her family at some event she did find time to have hobbies of her own. She loved painting ceramics, crafting of any sort, and knitting. She liked spending time with her friends at Women’s Camp, assisting in the 4H tents at the Topsham Fair, and attending Red Hat Ladies events. She loved to be in groups chatting and telling stories, simply being with others made her very happy.

She was known for wearing a bright smile and even brighter clothing. Her closet was full of brightly colored, tie-dyed, and outrageously patterned items. She had countless pairs of different colored sneakers, boots, and clogs all of which she adored. She was never without at least one ring on every finger (most had two or more), sparkling earrings, and enough bracelets to sound like wind chime in a hurricane. She loved expressing herself through what she wore, but she was most proud of her hair. As she told it; during a breast cancer research fundraiser back around 2002 she made a deal with several coworkers, if she colored her hair pink, they would double their donations to the cause, of course they didn’t think she would follow through, little did they know! She arrived the next day at work with a bright pink stipe right down the center of her head and a huge smile on her face. The fund raiser raised more that year than it had any other. After that she never looked back, going completely pink a few years later. Her grandchildren could be heard saying “well at least she super easy to find in the crowd at my games” or “that’s my Grummy, you can see her in the stands, the one with the bright pink hair”.

In 2016 after a lifetime of being separated Mum was able to reconnect with parts of her birth family. She met her brother Al then was introduced to her sister Naomi and parts of each of their families. This reunion allowed her to put to bed a lot of her questions and anxieties about her past and gave her an opportunity to find more of what she held most dear- family.

After retirement Mum spent several years going back and forth between Maine and Florida, spending summers here and winters down south. While in Maine she spent many days at the MTM Center in Lisbon, while in Florida she spent her time at the Oceanway Senior Center where she made many wonderful friends. In 2018 she moved to Florida fulltime, enjoying the warm sun and the ability to get out easily all year round. When she became sick earlier this year, we were able to find her a place in a nursing facility here in Maine. She was sad to leave her family and new friends in Florida but very happy to be back in the place she loved. She spent her last days close to family she hadn’t seen in a while and catching up with old friends.

Life, as it is for most, was not always easy or smooth for Mum but in spite of everything she built a large and loving family, she cultivated many warm and lasting friendships, and enjoyed a fulfilling life. She was not perfect, but she was ours. She brought color and whimsy to everyday life in a way that inspired others to do the same and we all hope that is the way she will be remembered.

Mum felt strongly that we should all stay connected, she spent hours each morning texting each family member individually to wish them good morning always signing off with stay safe, I love you. I send that wish to all that read this, we appreciate your love and support through this difficult time. Please reach out and tell those close to you that you love them every day and please stay safe.

Her family will be hosting a celebration of life in September, details will be posted as they are confirmed. If anyone is interested in doing something in Mums memory, please consider making a donation to either the Lisbon Senior Center located at the MTM Center in Lisbon Maine (207-353-0646), or the Oceanway Senior Center in Jacksonville Florida (904-696-4331).