Christine M. Arbour

AUGUSTA, MAINE

Christine M. Arbour died peacefully on Saturday, September 27, 2025, after a prolonged illness. She was born in Augusta, on May 5, 1931, to Emile and Marie (LaFlamme) Arbour. Her siblings include Marie Thérèse Arbour, (D); Lucille Arbour Paré (D); Paul Emile Arbour, (D); Joseph Alphonse "Pete" Arbour, (D); Joseph Edward Arbour, (D); John Michael Arbour, of Sun City West, AZ, and Marie Estelle Arbour. (D)

Christine attended St. Augustine Elementary School in Augusta, before graduating from Cony High School in 1949. Following her graduation, Christine worked for the State of Maine. Yet, her true passion lay in nursing - a lifelong dream which, in time, she was able to pursue. From 1957-1961, she attended St. Mary's School of Nursing in Lewiston, Maine. She then continued her studies at the Boston University School of Anesthesia, and became a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, a relatively new credential which had only come into existence in 1956.

For Christine, nursing was far more than a profession - it was a vocation. She approached medicine with deep knowledge, compassion, and an abiding dedication to patient care. Her steadfast empathy and devotion ensured that every patient she encountered was met with dignity and expertise.

Christine dedicated much of her career to serving veterans, working at Veterans' Medical Centers in Providence, RI; La Jolla, CA; and Togus, ME. From 1970-1972 she took a 2-year leave of absence to serve as a Medical Missionary in Malawi, Africa, under the direction of the Catholic Medical Missionary Board. The exposure to severe poverty and the desperate needs of the often forgotten poor fostered in Christine a desire to assist them in whatever way possible.

Her time in Africa profoundly shaped her perspective, inspiring a simpler lifestyle and a lifelong dedication to those in need. Upon returning to the US, she resumed her role as a Nurse Anesthetist within the VA Healthcare System. In the mid-1980's she extended her charitable efforts by spending two years volunteering at a medical and prenatal clinic in the impoverished neighborhoods of Juarez, Mexico. Following this time of service, she worked for the American Red Cross and subsequently retired as a Nurse Anesthetist from the Togus VA hospital in Maine.

As a lifelong parishioner of St. Augustine Catholic Church in Augusta, Christine served as a lector, taught OCIA, organized a weekly holy hour at St. Monica's Chapel, maintained the altar linens, and served the parish in many hidden ways. She was devoted to her Catholic faith and lived a life of service with particular attention to the sick, the homebound, and those in need.

In 2023, Christine became a resident of Balsam Elder Care Facility in Readfield. Christine's family would like to thank all the dedicated caregivers at Balsam Home for their exceptional care and dedication. We also want to express our gratitude to Denny and Pat Arbour, and Sandy Bernier, for their many acts of kindness over the years. Moreover, we want to acknowledge the very compassionate care that Christine received from Maine General Hospice during the final months of her life.

Per Christine's request, there will be no visiting hours. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Augusta at 11:00 AM on Monday, October 6th. Burial and committal prayers will follow in St. Augustine Cemetery, Augusta.

Memorial donations may be made to either: St. Michael's School, 56 Sewall St, Augusta, ME, 04330,

Or the Bread of Life Soup Kitchen, 157 Water St., Augusta, ME, 04330.