Carmen Elizabeth Cabana

LEWISTON -- Carmen Elizabeth Cabana, 96, passed away May 14, 2011, at the d'Youville Pavilion in Lewiston after a long illness. She was born Carmen Begin on July 3, 1914, to Onesime and Maude (Pooler) Begin in Waterville.

After graduating from Mount Merici Academy, she worked at the C. F. Hathaway Company in the accounting office.

She was predeceased by her parents; two brothers, Donald and Bernard Begin; and by her beloved husband of 71 years, Leonard.

She is survived by a son, Lee, and his wife, Nancie, of Winslow; daughter Jean Koller of Augusta; three grandchildren Erin Cabana of Forty Fort, Pa., Carmen Lessard and her husband, David, of Pittsfield, and John J. Koller III of Augusta, and three great-grandchildren, Elizabeth, Matthew and Thomas Lessard in addition to many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Carmen was a dedicated homemaker who loved her home and family. She volunteered at Thayer Hospital in the gift shop -- often being her own best customer. She loved traveling in the United States and abroad with her husband and was especially delighted when Jean could join them.

She was a talented gardener, and loved her rock garden.

Carmen loved animals, especially cats, and had a special gift of communication with them.

She will be deeply missed by her family and all who knew her.

Her family wishes to express their appreciation to the staff of d'Youville Pavilion and the Androscoggin Home and Hospice Care for the loving care they gave their mother.

Visitation will be held on Monday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at Veilleux Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at St. Francis Catholic Church on Tuesday at 11 a.m. followed by committal prayers at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make gifts in her memory to the Waterville Humane Society, 100 Webb Road, Waterville ME 04901.