Florence A. Fortin Obituary (1925 - 2022)

Westbrook-Florence A. Fortin's earthly life ended on July 27, 2022, at the memory care center at Avita of Stroudwater in Westbrook, Maine. She was born to Pierre and Delima LaPointe on February 4,1925 and always considered Winslow, Maine to be her home. She married the one true love of her life, Lawrence W. Fortin, on April 22, 1950. They raised six loving children until his passing in 1989, remaining a widow thereafter. Her guiding principles were faith, family and friends. The proximity of her home to Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church was not a coincidence. She prayed there regularly, sent her children to the parish school and served in any capacity she could: as a Eucharistic minister, singing in the church choir, working in the school library or in any role she felt called to undertake. Her family learned to pray and play together from early childhood as she put her beautician career on hold to raise them. She resumed her career in later life, having a shop in her home. When her mother was left a widow, she brought her into her home to care for until her passing. Likewise, Lawrence remained in her care in their home until he succumbed to terminal cancer in 1989. She didn't complain about challenges and accepted and appreciated life as it happened, going with the "Flo". Mom knew how to have fun! She surrounded herself with her growing family whether at home by the pool, on trips and excursions, or visiting their homes. Mom played bridge at the Muskie Center weekly, for many years. She loved card games, especially cribbage, table games, and lawn games. She was always up for a game and showed no mercy, but it was always in good fun. As a widow she remained a strong, vibrant woman living in her well-maintained home, tending her gardens, and being a landlady to her upstairs tenant. She also spent winter months for many years in Florida with her lady friends, exemplifying the "Maine Golden Girls". At the age of 93, living on her own became too difficult and she received care, first at Sunset Home in Waterville, and later at Avita of Stroudwater in Westbrook. She received many visits from her family and friends, and spoke regularly with her loving sister, Jeanette Martin, living in Long Island, New York. Mom was predeceased by her parents Pierre and Delima LaPointe, brothers Leo and Lucien, husband Lawrence Fortin and grandson Travis Strout. She is survived by her sister, Jeanette Martin. Surviving children include Lawrence Jr. (Debbie), Michael (Wanda), Thomas (Denise), Jane Franchetti (Peter), Paul (Debbie), Diane Levesque (Mark). Grandchildren include: Michael Fortin, Laurie Fortin(Scott), Bryon Fortin, Calli Meader (Jeremy), Jason Lofstrom (Tabitha), Tyra Holt (Ryan), Mika Visentin (Brian), Garrett Strout (Rosalie), Anthony Franchetti (Brianna), Emily Fortin, Julia Fortin, Devan Rodrigue (Racheal). There are numerous great grandchildren as well. The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the caring staff of Avita of Stroudwater and to the hospice service who provided support to Mom and the family during the end of her journey. She will be deeply missed by all those whose lives she touched and those who loved her. Family and friends are invited to visit from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 PM on Tuesday, August 2, 2022 at Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm St., Waterville, Maine. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 AM, Wednesday, August 3, 2022 at Notre Dame Church, 116 Silver Street, Waterville, Maine 04901. The service will be live streamed on Corpus Christi Parish Facebook page at www.corpuschristimaine.org In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to: Servants of the Blessed Sacrament, 101 Silver Street, Waterville, Maine 04901. To share a memory or condolence with the family, please visit www.gallantfh.com.