Claudette Labrie Belanger

Born and raised in Frenchville/Fort Kent, Maine she graduated in 1961 from FKCHS and in 1962 Pellitier Cosmetology School. Claudette married her high school (Madawaska HS 1960) beau Gerry in November 1963 and they recently celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary. Her career passion always revolved around helping people, whether it was working on wigs for cancer patients, helping someone find a new look by styling their hair, or aiding students in the library. The focus was providing quality service to those in need.

Her oldest daughter Dawn Kirschner was born at Fort Benning, GA in 1965, while her youngest daughter was born in 1971 at the Presidio of San Francisco, CA. Living the life of a military wife led her to live in GA, VA, CA, KS, IN, FL, plus Nancy, Toul and Verdun, France and West Berlin, Germany.

She is survived by her husband, Gerry, her daughter, Dawn Kirschner, her husband John Kirschner and two grandsons Brandon and Jason Kirschner of Pfafftown, NC; daughter Sherri Miller, her husband Chris Miller and two granddaughters Kylie and Paige Miller of Evansville, IN in addition to her older sister, Phyllis Bernardi, The Villages, FL and a younger brother John Labrie, Portland, ME.

As a colon cancer survivor, Claudette and her husband Gerry retired in 2005 and moved to The Villages. In 2008 Claudette began her battle with Alzheimer’s. She was devoted to her family and enjoyed playing cards, pickle ball, bowling, dancing, house plants, exercising and daily walks. Ultimately, she found the most reward in the upkeep and care of her home and family.

Claudette’s remains will be placed in Arlington National Cemetery; upon the death of her husband, Major G.R. Belanger (USA, Ret). A funeral mass will be held at Saint Leo the Great Catholic Church in Winston-Salem, NC on Thursday, February 5th. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in her name to the Alzheimer’s Association National Office, 225 N. Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60601 (alorg.org)