Jeannette Mary Labbee Obituary (1926 - 2013)

Jeannette Mary Potelle Labbee, 86, of Waterville, passed from mortal existence into Eternity Sat. Feb. 2, 2013 after a courageous struggle with Congestive Heart Failure. We, as her children, believed she'd somehow make it through this latest medical crisis, but God and Heaven had other plans. She died peacefully without pain and for that we're grateful. Ma was born May 20, 1926 in Fairfield the eldest daughter and second child of Julian and Emeria Pouliot Potelle. Months before high school graduation from Lawrence High School she was given the opportunity to train as a nurse in Cambridge, MA. Illness unfortunately destroyed that dream, forcing a return home. Apr. 24, 1946 she married our Dad, Joseph Raymond Labbee of Waterville and they enjoyed 52 years together until CHF took him in May of 1998. Surviving are their three heartbroken children, Suzanne of Salem, N.H., Rodney of Waterville, and Judy Pancoast and son-in-law, Phillip of Goffstown, N.H. two granddaughters, Emma of New York City and Louisa in school in New York City with residence in Goffstown, N.H.; Ma also leaves behind her only living sibling, Albert Potelle of Fairfield; several cousins; nieces and nephews; and a Siamese cat she affectionately nicknamed "Yoyo". Her parents as well as six brothers and sisters, Lucian, Florence Berube, Romeo, Lawrence "Tiger", Anita "Dolly" Bryand, and the youngest, Loretta preceded Mom in death. At 19, Lucian lost his life during WW II, a tragedy none of them ever forgot. They're all reunited now, happy and blessed. Ma was a truly remarkable person, a wild force of nature that never diminished. She led us down the winding pathways of imagination, and we were enthusiastic students. This wonderful woman loved Christmas and Halloween, baked with us, danced with us, washed and fed us, made our clothes, planned incredible birthdays, told us stories about the world and her own childhood, emphasized the power of dreaming, dried our tears, taught us to ride bikes, ski, slide, make snowmen, and color inside the lines. Without exception, she encouraged each of her children to do anything and everything, no limits. She wanted us to be kind and polite -- we are. Depression child, 50's homemaker to late bloomer, breast cancer survivor and witty observer, she constantly surprised and amazed. In 1986, more than 40 years after leaving Lawrence High School, Ma then 60 graduated from Waterville High Adult Education at the top of her class. None of us had ever done that! Two years after our father died, she became a school crossing guard -- a job she absolutely loved and served in that position until age 80. We were so very proud of her. How to sum up our loss in a few words? Perhaps William Wadsworth said it best: "Though nothing can bring back the hour Of splendor in the grass, of glory in the flower; We will grieve not, rather find Strength in what remains behind" We'll miss you, Ma, always. There will be no funeral services at this time.