Dolores Levesque

Dolores "Del" Levesque, 79, of Lewiston, passed away peacefully surrounded by family. Born Dolores Rachel Pelletier in Lewiston, Maine, she was the daughter of Annette and Albert Pelletier and the fourth of ten children.

Del was raised in Auburn and later moved to Lewiston, where she attended local schools, including Lewiston High School. She was especially proud of her time as a member of the Lewiston High School band.

After graduating, Del worked various jobs in the Lewiston-Auburn area before being introduced to Anthony Levesque by one of her sisters. While Anthony served overseas in the Army, the two maintained a close relationship, with true love finding them upon his return. They were soon married and built a life together, raising their three children.

Del later graduated from CMVTI and became a licensed practical nurse, working at D'Youville Pavilion. When her children were young, she chose a new path, becoming a licensed daycare provider. Known affectionately to many as "Tante Del," she cared for generations of children in her community for more than 40 years. Even in retirement, Del remained active, working at the L.L.Bean call center, where she formed many lasting friendships.

Nothing brought Del more joy than being "Mémère" to her beloved grandchildren, Silas, Zara, and Nellia. She cherished time spent with her large French-Canadian family, especially sibling dinners, gatherings at camp, hosting Thanksgiving, and the annual family Christmas party. She also loved attending her grandchildren's events, enjoying lunches with her Lewiston High School Class of 1964 friends, and spending time with her coworkers from L.L. Bean. Del enjoyed traveling with friends and family, with favorite destinations including Alaska, Florida, Pennsylvania, and Colorado.

Del had a wide range of interests and hobbies. She loved playing cards, supporting the Girl Scouts, decorating cakes, playing bingo, completing puzzles, collecting houses for her Christmas Village, and listening to country music-especially songs by Kenny Rogers. She was also a devoted supporter of the Alzheimer's Association, a cause close to her heart.

Del was predeceased by her parents, Albert and Annette Pelletier; her brothers Raymond, Roger, and Normand Pelletier; and her sister Claire Feeney.

She is survived by her loving husband, Anthony Levesque; her children, Julie and her husband Brett Proctor of Chicopee, MA, Jennie and her husband Alex Lwanyaga of Maynard, MA, and Jason Levesque of Lewiston; and her cherished grandchildren, Silas Levesque of Lewiston, ME, and Zara and Nellia Lwanyaga of Maynard, MA. She is also survived by her siblings Richard and Rose Pelletier of Lewiston, Claudette Spear of Lewiston, Connie and Steve Ludington of Pittsburgh, PA, Jeannine Pelletier of Auburn, and Michelle and Ed Connor of West Springfield, MA; her sisters-in-law Jeannette Pelletier and Jeannine Pelletier; her brother-in-law Donald Feeney; and many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.

A funeral liturgy celebrating Del's life will be held on Friday, April 24th at Holy Family Church on Sabattus Street in Lewiston, Maine, at 1:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the Alzheimer's Association.