Gail Besson

SHAWMUT – Gail A. Besson, 80, of Shawmut, died after a long illness with dementia, on Sunday, November 24, 2024, at the Maine Veterans Home in Augusta. She was born in Waterville on December 15, 1943, daughter of Celia (Breton) and Laurier Hubert. She was educated in local schools and graduated from Waterville High School. After graduation, she joined the work force and worked for Federal Trust Company. After marrying and starting her family and living in Winslow for a couple of years, her and her family moved to Anson. Gail worked for Madison Paper Industries for several years until she decided to follow in her mother's footsteps and go to school for Cosmetology. Gail opened her own shop at her home which she enjoyed very much. In 1988, Gail married Richard Besson and they bought a home and moved to Shawmut. Gail went to work for DHS from which she retired.
Gail enjoyed knitting, reading, watching Hallmark movies (right up to the end), going to the movies, going to the beach, swimming in her pool, and shopping – can't forget shopping! She could never have enough shoes OR jewelry! Most of all, Gail enjoyed family gatherings. She loved having her family and friends over for the annual lobster bake in the summer and also for the big Christmas gathering each year. Gail went out of her way to make sure everyone had one of their favorites to eat!
Gail is predeceased by her husband of 29 years, Richard Besson, and her parents, Laurier and Celia Hubert.
Gail is survived by her daughter, Ann Holzworth and husband Jay; her daughter, Michelle Hodgkins and husband Duane; her grandchildren, Autumn Holzworth, Evan Holzworth, and Hallie Jackson; her brother, Ernest Hubert and wife Alice, niece Maria Hubert, nephew Jeff Hubert and wife Marcia, and nephew Larry Hubert; her best friend (and baby sister) Bev Eaton and husband Rob; close friends, Terry and Sharon Smith; her dear friends and caregivers Tammy Poulin, Cathy Hanscom and husband Chet, and Mandy Lewis.
The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to Tammy, Cathy, Chet, and Mandy, who took care of Gail with love and compassion and did everything they could to make it so Gail could stay in her home as she wished for as long as she could. The family also extends many thanks and appreciation to Roberta Doe, Rachel, and the team in the Freedom Bay Bravo House at the Maine Veterans Home, as well as the Hospice team, for their exceptional care of Gail while she was there.
Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, December 5, 2024, from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm at Veilleux and Redington Funeral Home, 8 Elm Street, Waterville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, December 7, at 11:00 am at Notre Dame Catholic Church, 112 Silver Street, Waterville, with a reception immediately following in the church hall.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Maine Veterans Home, 35 Heroes Way, Augusta, Maine 04330.
Services are in the care of Veilleux Redington Lawry Brothers Funeral Home 8 Elm Street, Waterville, Maine.