Raymond A. Breton

GARDINER -- Raymond A. Breton, 81, died Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2012, at the Alzheimer's Care Center, Gardiner, following a long illness. He was born in Augusta on July 19, 1930, a son of Arthur L. and Adrienne (Allarie) Breton.

Mr. Breton was a communicant of St. Augustine Catholic Church.

He had been employed by Bates Manufacturing, Edwards Division, for 17 years. He had previously worked for Pomerleau's Bakery and Augusta Ice.

Mr. Breton for many years enjoyed gardening with his brothers, Richard and Laurent. On many occasions, he would challenge anyone to find a blade of grass in his brother Laurent's garden. He would share and preserve his vegetables through the winter months and start again in the spring. He also had a great love for all living things involving nature, especially animals. While his daughters were out of state, they came to visit with him and commented on his wonderful sense of humor and unconditional love he had for all his children. In his later years, he found great joy in visiting with his many grandchildren. Until the recent decline in his health, he looked forward to his weekly luncheons and long afternoon rides with his son, Ronnie. It was his time to be reunited with his loving wife "Peanut" and son Norman.

Mr. Breton was predeceased by his wife, Marilyn (Whittier) Breton; a son, Norman R. Breton; and a sister, Juliette Safford.

Mr. Breton is survived by a son, Ronald Breton, and wife Jean of South China; three daughters, Anne Holmes and husband Terry of Kissimmee, Fla., Joan Poulin and Sunny Justice of Melbourne, Fla., and Carol Sargent and husband Danielof Kents Hill; two brothers, Richard Breton and wife Joan of Augusta, and Laurent Breton and wife Sandy of Sidney; 10 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

At his request, there will be no public visiting hours. Following cremation, a memorial Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 6, at St. Augustine Catholic Church, Northern Avenue, Augusta. Burial will be in the spring in Holy Family Cemetery, Townsend Road, Augusta.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Raymond's name may be made to Alzheimer's care Center, 154 Dresden Ave., Gardiner, ME, 04345.

Arrangements are under the direction of Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta. Condolences to the family may be sent via the funeral home website atwww.plummerfh.com.