Evelyn "Marie" Champagne

Evelyn "Marie" (Hess) Champagne, 86, of Princeton Drive, formerly of Hendley Street, Middletown, beloved wife of the late William A. Champagne, Sr., died peacefully Sunday, October 13, 2013 at her home after a long struggle with dementia. She was born in Wilkes-Barre, PA, daughter of the late Halley and Marie (Yost) Hess. Prior to her retirement, she was a library aide at Wilbert Snow School and Wesley School in Middletown.
Marie was fun loving, caring and full of life. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, she loved dancing, music, and family get-togethers, she was an avid reader, puzzle solver and loved to play cribbage. Until recently she was an active member of St John's Church and a member of the "Bowling Belles"
Marie is survived by four loving children and their spouses, William Champagne, Jr. and his wife Sharon of Portland, Marilou Augeri and her husband Wayne of Middletown, James Champagne and his wife Pat of Covina, CA, and Steven Champagne and his wife Francine of Middlefield; eleven delightful grandchildren whom she loved dearly and cherished. Jessica, Bill and Jeffrey of Portland, Michael and his wife Marissa of Middlefield and Matthew and his fiancé Erika of Missouri, Christopher, James, Nicholas, and Thomas of CA, and Jonathan and Daniel of Middlefield; as well as a new great-grandson Ethan Augeri of Middlefield. In addition to her immediate family she also leaves several wonderful nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by two brothers, Charles and Robert Hess.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 19th at 10:30 a.m. at Biega Funeral Home, 3 Silver Street, Middletown. Burial will be in the State Veterans' Cemetery. Friends may call at Biega Funeral Home on Saturday from 9 to 10:30 a.m. prior to the service.
Those who wish may send memorial contributions to the libraries of Wilbert Snow School or Wesley School in Middletown. Checks should be made out to the school and mailed to the Middletown Board of Education, Attention: Marcy, 311 Hunting Hill Avenue, Middletown, CT 06457
Her family wishes to thank Dr. Rubin Hirsch for all of his help, kindness and assistance during our mothers' illness, as well as the wonderful caregivers whose help enabled her to remain at home with us, especially Debbie, Alicja, Julia, April and Carolyn. To share memories or express condolences online please visit www.biegafuneralhome.com.