Joan Marie Brissette

OLD TOWN AND BANGOR--Our Sweet Feisty Mom: Joan M. Brissette, 82, died peacefully April 1, 2020 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s and Dementia. She clearly held out until April 1st as this was her father’s birthday. She was born April 7, 1937 in Old Town, Maine, daughter of Philip and Etta (Maynard) Arsenault.

She attended Old Town Schools and graduated one year early in1953. She met George M. Brissette in high school and they married shortly after graduation raising 4 children together. Mom entered the the work force in 1969 as a part time secretary in the School of Nursing. Over the course of 30+ years she forged a professional career in Nursing education. At times the sole employee of the School of Nursing. She retired in 2002 as the Assistant to the Dean. One of her greatest joys was advising her nursing students. But really, it was her family that made her the happiest. She encouraged education, because she herself was unable to attend college. Family dinners, parties, vacations were the most important parts of her life. Dancing, playing golf, playing cards, jeopardy, flowers and Shopping! She loved to shop! Out of love for her daughter Theresa, she was instrumental in establishing educational programming for hearing impaired children in the Bangor region. She was a Literacy Volunteer and volunteered at Eastern Area Agency on Aging. She loved helping people.

She is survived by her daughter Susan Shorette and her husband Kevin Sproul of Lake View Plantation, son George Brissette of Bangor, son Michael Brissette of Vassalboro, and daughter Theresa Brissette-Moss and her husband Sion of Morganton, North Carolina. Four grandchildren, Erica Goodrich, Alicia Hewes, Dustin Moss and Marvin Moss. And three great grandchildren, Keely, Liam and Lily. She was predeceased by her parents Philip and Etta Arsenault, her sister Elizabeth Keane and husband Bob, and ex-husband George (Pete) Brissette.

The funeral mass will be delayed until public gatherings are allowed.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Country Villa, 509 Kenduskeag Ave., Bangor, Maine, 04401. Notes of condolences may be left at www.birminghamfuneralhome.com