Claudette L. Strout Obituary (1941 - 2017)

Waterville- Heaven gained another angel this week. On Monday, May 22, 2017, Claudette "Claudie" Strout (LaPlante), 75, succumbed to her dauntless battle with Alzheimers at Woodland's Memory Care in Waterville. With the biggest set of angelic wings ever seen, she immediately began scrubbing the pearly gates, polishing the marble floors, and making everyone shepherd's pie for dinner. Miraculously remembering where she left her pocketbook, she handed out gift cards to all the young children who had arrived too soon. Claudette was born on July 8, 1941 in Waterville, ME to Ovila and Leone (Dusty) LaPlante. She graduated from Waterville High School in 1959 and married her high school sweetheart, William "Bill" Strout the following year. After moving to Hartford, Connecticut, she worked for Aetna Insurance while Bill was serving at Fort Dix in NJ. The couple returned to Waterville in 1962 and had six, loving children. Claudie was an incredible homemaker, an accomplished business owner, and a compassionate personal caretaker. She volunteered at the old Boys/Girls Club Thrift shop, served one year on the Waterville School Board, and was her Class of '59 Reunion Treasurer. Together with Bill and their children, she owned & operated C & H Country Store for 5 years. She was a generous individual who cherished her family, who loved all "grammies babies," and who adored her '59er friends. Claudette is survived by her children; Debra Strout and her partner, Michelle Fowler, Lori and husband John Clark, her only son, Mark Strout, Sharon and her fiance, Edgar Fowler, Pamela Strout, and Betsy and husband David Strout; her siblings, sister Carol Falcone of East Greenwich, RI, sister Janice and her husband Daniel LaPointe of Winslow, brother Brian and wife Gale LaPlante of Waterville, and sister-in-law Jeanne LaPlante and partner, Chuck Perkins of Waterville; brothers-in-law Jerry & wife Elaine Strout of Florida, and Tim and wife Sue Strout of Waterville; her nine precious grandchildren, Justyn Clark, Joseph Adams, Jordan Clark, Zachary Williams, Kody Williams, Sydney Gagne, Paige Strout, Hunter Williams, and Dylan Gagne; her five, adorable great-grandchildren, Jamison Clark, Jaxx Clark, Kaia Walsh, Avery Clark and Jace Clark; special family friend, Vi Hamlin and husband Steve, family-appointed angel, Deb Bowden, who tirelessly monitored her final journey, and several wonderful aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. She is preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Bill, her parents, Ovila & Leone, her in-laws, Robert & Lucille (Boivin) Strout, her brother, Ron LaPlante, her nephew Travis Strout, and her brother-in-law Dan Strout. A funeral service is scheduled for 10:00 am Tuesday, May 30th at Notre Dame Church 116 Silver St, Waterville with a Celebration of Life reception to immediately follow at the church's hall. A graveside burial will be held at 9:00 am Wednesday, May 31th at the Veterans' Memorial Cemetery 163 Mt Vernon Rd, Augusta, ME. Arrangement are under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm St., Waterville 04901. An online guestbook may be signed and condolences express at www.gallantfh.com. The family would like to especially thank Linda Johnston, Marcie Barnes, Kelly Richardson, their fabulous caregivers, and the dedicated staff at Woodlands Senior Living for their tireless support and compassionate care of Claudette throughout her residency. We are grateful for the MaineGeneral Hospice Team, including Pastor Bill, Deb Golden, Lori Martin, nurses, and CNAs for their committed assistance to those at the end of life and to our family. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Claudette's name to either:The Ron LaPlante Scholarship Fund, c/o Superintendent's Office, 25 Messalonskee Ave. Waterville, ME 04901 Woodlands Senior Living, Memory Care, 147 W River Road | Waterville, ME 04901