LEWISTON - Jeannette M. Gregoire, 92, of Lewiston, passed away surrounded by her family on November 12, 2023. She was born in Lewiston on May 8, 1931, the eldest daughter of Romeo and Flora (Rancourt) Jacques. Jeannette was educated in local schools and graduated from Lewiston High School in 1949. She married Valmond Gregoire on October 3, 1953 and they proudly raised their five children.
Jeannette spent several of her young adult years performing clerical work for local businesses, taking many years off to stay at home with her children during most of their school years.
In 1974, Jeannette and her husband purchased Val’s Root Beer Drive-in. This business venture would create a hub for the family, allowing Jeannette to work side-by-side with her children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and mother and to form close relationships with many of her employees. She continued working there well into her 80s even as her daughter and, later, grandson succeeded her in owning the restaurant.
At the age of six, Jeannette’s tinkering on her grandmother’s piano sparked a passion that would last throughout her life. Though never formally trained, Jeannette learned to play songs by ear, even composing a number of original tunes for her own enjoyment. She shared her gift with family, church, and members of the community. Jeannette’s home piano was the center of many holidays and family gatherings. She was the pianist for the Worship Ministry at Greene Fellowship Church, where she’d been an active member for nearly forty years. For twelve years Jeannette accompanied ‘Les Troubadours’, a local French singing group which entertained the L/A Franco-American community.
Jeannette and Val’s home served as the epicenter of family life for multiple generations and their friends. Neighbors and passersby might have marveled at the constant line of cars that spilled out of the driveway to accommodate guests any night of the week. Laughter, song, and games met those who stopped by. Family and friends were always welcome, with the caveat that they not wake Jeannette before 11:00 a.m.! Jeannette and Val were so engaging that their teenage grandchildren and great-grandchildren were often content to spend weekend evenings with their grandparents. Their home was the starting point for Sunday day trips (often caravan-style) around New England and the point of departure for family vacations to Disney World or hockey tournaments throughout New England and beyond to support their grandchildren’s hockey activities.
Family members attribute Jeannette’s good health and longevity to her decades-long indulgence of a daily Friendly’s hot fudge & peanut butter sundae.
Jeannette could always be relied upon to embrace the very best of someone’s nature and always sought to celebrate their achievements, no matter how small. She attended numerous sporting events, dance recitals, and a plethora of other activities to support her many family members. She was always willing to lend a sympathetic ear to and encourage her family and friends, making her the ideal companion for a cup of coffee or a bite to eat. She was good-natured enough to appreciate the gentle ribbing and antics that came from her large family.
Jeannette’s greatest priority was her commitment to serving her Lord, Jesus, followed by her unconditional love for and concern for her family.
Jeannette is survived by her children, Gail (Jim) Lawrence, Gene Gregoire, Gina (Jim) Field, and David (Tricia) Gregoire; grandchildren Christopher Lawrence, Jeffrey Alexander, Rachel Lawrence-Heckler, Jennifer Alexander, Brian Gregoire, Alex Gregoire, Gregory Alexander, and Angela Gregoire; great-grandchildren Monica Field, Keenan Alexander, Logan Alexander, Brooklyn Alexander, Kaelyn Gregoire, Maxwell Hinkley, Julian Heckler, and Felix Heckler; great-great-grandchild Raelynn Pollard; step-grandchildren Malachi, Katyana and Curtis; sisters Rita Beaudet and Doris Laneuville; and best friend Jackie Lafayette.
She was predeceased by her husband, Val Gregoire; daughter, Karen Alexander; grandchildren, Michael Field and Erica Field; sister Alice Gunn; step father, Antonio Caron; and also her many little furry friends.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend visitations on Wednesday, November 15, 2023 from 4 – 7 pm and Thursday, November 16, 2023 from 11 am – 12:30 pm with a funeral service at 12:30 at The Fortin Group, 217 Turner Street, Auburn. Private burial will be held at a later time at St Peter’s Cemetery, Lewiston, ME.
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