Janice Mathieu

Janice "Jan" Margaret Robertson Pooler Mathieu passed away peacefully at home in Winslow, Maine, on July 17, 2025, surrounded by her eight loving children. She was 87.
Born on October 21, 1937, in Waterville, Maine, Jan was the daughter of Thais Lightbody Robertson and Stuart Douglas Robertson. During World War II, her family relocated to Rhode Island, but her early years following their return to Maine were shaped by cherished time at the family farm in Canaan and her grandparents' home on Allen Street in Waterville. It was in these places that her deep love of gardening, cooking, sewing and knitting began - passions that would remain with her throughout her life.
Reflecting on those years, she once wrote: "When I was a young girl, some of the fondest memories I have are going to the farm in Canaan, Maine, to stay with Aunt Sadie and Uncle Raymond, my father's brother. She welcomed me and was always happy to have me stay with them. Can you imagine a young girl wanting to spend part of each summer, school vacations and weekends on a farm with only a pump in the kitchen sink for water, where I ran to the bottom of the hill with a pail for drinking water, an outhouse in the shed, wood stoves for heat, freezing cold in winter and hot as heck in summer sleeping in a double bed with 2 cousins upstairs in the open chamber? Yes, these are truly some of the best memories I have growing up."
On July 17, 1954, Jan married Anthony J. Pooler, with whom she raised a large and loving family in a rambling old farmhouse on 48 acres in Sidney, Maine. In June 2001, she married Stanley J. Mathieu, who remained her devoted partner through her later years.
In the mid-1970s, Jan began a career with Colonial Distributors in Waterville, Maine, where she worked as a receptionist and bookkeeper. Through dedication and natural leadership, she advanced into sales and ultimately became Manager of the Wine Division. She later joined Colby College, serving as Administrative Assistant to the Treasurer until her retirement in 2002.
In her later years, Jan was an active member of the Universalist Unitarian Church in Waterville, where she served on several committees focused on community care - including preparing meals for those experiencing homelessness and supporting outreach efforts to the LGBTQ+ community. Her service reflected a lifelong commitment to kindness, equity, and quiet strength.
Jan was known for her intelligence, calm presence, and unwavering love for her family. She was a guiding force to many - warm, gracious, and deeply rooted in her values. Her legacy is one of compassion, dignity, and enduring care.
She is survived by her eight children: Jeffrey W. Pooler, Susan P. Sevey, Michael L. Pooler, Craig J. Pooler, Kathleen P. Turner and Sandi P. Cadorette, all of Maine and Dana A. Pooler and Bruce A. Pooler, of New York.
She is also survived by her two brothers, Douglas Robertson of Arizona, and James Robertson of Maine; 15 grandchildren; and 30 great-grandchildren.
Her memory will live on in the hearts and lives of all who knew and loved her.
Visiting Hours will take place August 9th from 10am to 12pm at Veilleux Redington Lawry Brothers Funeral Home 8 Elm Street Waterville, ME 04901.
There will be a private family burial at Maplewood Cemetery in Fairfield, Maine following the visiting hours.
A Celebration of Life will be held on August 9, 2025 from 2:00-4:00pm at O'Briens on Main Street in Waterville.