Leo Duquette

Winslow - It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Lionel "Leo" J. Duquette, 103, of Winslow, Maine - a loving father, Pépère, and brother - who passed away peacefully on October 9 after a long and remarkable life defined by faith, service, and love.
Born on January 29, 1922, in Lac-Mégantic, Québec, Canada, Lionel was the son of Alphonse and Alice (Roy) Duquette. Though born while his mother was visiting family in Canada, he grew up in Jackman, Maine, where his parents ran the Puritan Restaurant and where his lifelong values of hard work and kindness were shaped.
After graduating from Jackman High School, Lionel worked at a shipyard before enlisting in the United States Army on December 18, 1942. Serving with the Army's Coast Artillery Corps, he was later attached to the 111th Field Artillery's Headquarters Division, seeing overseas service in England and Germany. He was honorably discharged in 1946 with the rank of Corporal, earning the Good Conduct Medal, American Theater Campaign Ribbon, European African Middle Eastern Campaign Ribbon, and the World War II Victory Medal.
Following his military service, Lionel returned home and built a life rooted in family and community. He operated a shingle mill in Pittsfield before settling in Winslow, where he worked for Scott Paper Company for 35 years. He was a proud member of both the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion posts in Waterville and Winslow.
Leo was blessed to experience love twice in his lifetime-first with Wilma Quirion, with whom he lovingly raised two children, Sheila and Danny, and later with Marie Jane Boulette, who brought renewed companionship and joy to his life.
Leo's gentle spirit, sharp wit, and love of simple pleasures-whether doing his daily sudoku puzzle, fishing, or playing a game of checkers-were constants throughout his life. Many tried and failed to best him, but all who played enjoyed the time spent with him even more than the game itself. I bet he's in heaven right now enjoying a game of checkers with his longtime friend, Leo Paradis. His strong faith in God guided him throughout his 103 years, and his quiet strength and humility left a lasting example for generations to follow. He remained devoted to his faith until the very end, having attended Mass just a few days before his passing.
Leo was predeceased by his wife Marie Jane; his parents, Alphonse and Alice Duquette; and his siblings, Henry Duquette, Lucia Nadeau, Rita Fortier, and Anita Owens; son-in-law Bruce Pomerleau; and granddaughter Holly Benson.
He is survived by his brother, Lawrence Duquette of Jackman; children, Sheila Lord and her husband Roy of Winslow; Daniel Duquette and his wife Elizabeth of Tucson, AZ; stepchildren, Colette McLaughlin of Winchester, MA; Dennis Boulette of St. Romuald, Quebec, Gerald Boulette of West Buxton, ME; grandchildren, Bridget Wing and her husband Randy of St. Albans, Cathy Dumont of Fairfield, Kimberly Whitley and her husband Paul of Gardiner, Shelly Pomerleau of Orlando, FL, Alex Duquette and his wife Setareh of Tucson, AZ, and Benjamin Duquette of Phoenix, AZ; great-grandchildren, Jed Crommett and his wife Mariah of Winslow, Jordan Dumont of Fairfield, Erica Dumont and her fiancé Jeremy Kelsey of Winslow, Kasandra Dumont and her partner Deklan Thurston of Old Town, and Brooke Wing and her fiancé Jacob Crocker of Dover-Foxcroft; Ella Duquette and Ethan Duquette of Tucson, AZ; great-great-grandchildren, Aubrey Crommett and Kennedy Kelsey of Winslow; and many nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10AM on Thursday, November 6 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 26 Monument St., Winslow. A Mass of Christian Burial will be followed by a reception. Arrangements are under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm St., Waterville. An online guestbook may be signed, condolences and memories shared at www.gallantfh.com. Those wishing to honor Leo's life may do so through a donation in his memory to the Kora Shrine Club, 36 Cornell Street, South Portland, ME 04106.