Geraldine E Loisel Obituary (1921 - 2012)

Geraldine E. Donna Loisel, 90, a resident of N. Vassalboro since 1953, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, in her home on January 25, 2012 following a brief illness. She was born in Waterville, ME on September 16, 1921, one of two daughters born to Erving and Ruth Gagne Donna. A younger sister, Dorothy, died at four months old. Gerry attended Waterville schools. Following her graduation in 1939, she completed secretarial courses at Northeastern Business College in Portland, ME, and then attained a position at Hollingsworth and Whitney Company in Winslow, ME. During WWII she traveled to California by bus with a friend to support the war effort employed as a blueprint clerk at Mare Island Navy Yard. In March of 1943 she married her first husband, Junior "Pat" Patterson, a sailor from Marion, Illinois stationed in California. While her husband finished his military service, she returned to Waterville, Maine, to reside with her parents. After the birth of her son, Ronald, she worked at the old Sisters' Hospital until her husband's discharge from the military. In spring 1946 they settled in Marion, IL briefly, and then returned to Maine. Over the next ten years she worked for the Morning Sentinel, the American Woolen Co. and the Gilmore Insurance Agency. During this time the family purchased their home in N. Vassalboro, and in 1956 she gained employment with Keyes Fiber Co. where she worked for over 27 years. In 1965 she married her second husband, Warren Loisel. She retired early in 1983 to care for her mother, and continued to work part-time for another ten years. She was widowed in June 1994, and cared for her mother-in-law, Mabel Loisel, until her death the following year. Gerry dearly loved her family and friends and enjoyed spending time with them. She held special family get-togethers throughout the year to celebrate birthdays, holidays, and other special occasions. She also enjoyed shopping; going to lunch with her son or the "girls from the office" at Keyes; taking Sunday drives and watching Red Sox games with her companion, Don; and vacationing with her family and friends. An active member of Vassalboro United Methodist Women's group, Gerry served as treasurer for many years. Other activities she enjoyed included reading, journaling, taking pictures and creating memory books of her experiences and mementos. Gerry is survived by her son, Ronald B. Patterson and his wife Rose, of Winslow; her grandchildren: Edward Patterson, of S. China, his companion, Amy Boudreau, of Waldoboro, and great granddaughter, Samantha, of Rochester, New York; Brian Patterson, of Oakland; Anne Clifford, her husband Derek, and great granddaughter, Emma, of N. Vassalboro; and Joseph Forestell, of Portland. She is also survived by Donald White, her loving companion of 15 years, of Vassalboro and his family. Visiting hours will be held Sat., Jan. 28 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm St., Waterville, followed by a funeral service at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 29th at the funeral home. Burial will be in St. Francis Catholic Cemetery in Waterville. Condolences may be expressed by e-mail at gallantfh@roadrunner.com or by visiting www.gallantfh.com.