Percy Madore

VAN BUREN--- Our father, Percy Madore, passed away peacefully at the age of 84 after hearing the final loving words from our mother: “Let go and let God.” He was born in Van Buren, Maine, on January 18, 1942, son of the late Denis and Leona (Cyr) Madore. For 52 years, Dad lived heroically as a paraplegic, demonstrating a strength of spirit and determination that inspired everyone who knew him.

We, his children, will always remember our father as a man of remarkable courage, resilience, and love for his family. He had a gift of listening and discussing any topic without judgement and then gave invaluable advice. His wisdom was immeasurable despite little formal education. Following a logging accident in 1974 that left him paralyzed, Dad faced life with an iron will and an unbreakable human spirit. He refused to let limitations define him. Instead, he navigated life from his wheelchair with creativity, humor, and determination, accomplishing far more than most would ever imagine. To us, he was simply our hero.

Dad shared his life with our devoted mother, Arlene Madore, whose loving care and unwavering support allowed him to live a full and meaningful life for many years. She was his wife, mother of his children, and his full-time nurse. Their partnership and love were an example to our entire family.

He leaves behind the three of us who were blessed to call him Dad: his son Ken Madore and wife Rita of Old Orchard Beach; his son Allen Madore of Clearwater, Florida and his significant other, Philay Demian; and his daughter Karen (Madore) LeBlanc of Waterville and her husband Andy of Mapleton. He was also the proud grandfather of five grandchildren who brought him endless joy: Ross Madore of Austin, Texas; Brandon LeBlanc of Old Orchard Beach; Kendra Madore of Morocco and her fiancé Ahmed Rhounimi; Kerrigan LeBlanc of Bangor and her fiancé John Oliveira; and Kaylyn Madore of Portland and her significant other, Amrit Singh. Dad also leaves behind three beloved great-grandchildren: Juliette of Austin, Texas; Oscar of Bangor; and Ayla of Morocco; a sister, Germaine Madore of St. Petersburg, Florida; brothers-in-law, Rudy (Diane) Daigle, John Daigle, Roger Daigle, and sisters-in-law, Rinette Cyr, Mabel Daigle, Rita (Doug) Boone, and Joan (John) Sirois; and several nieces and nephews.

Despite the challenges he faced, Dad never stopped living life to the fullest. We admired his many accomplishments: dancing, playing a game of billiards, driving his pontoon boat, snowmobiling, lawn mowing and snowblowing his yard, riding four-wheelers, and even designing and building “Percy’s Coach,” a special creation that allowed him to enjoy outings with his children and grandchildren. He loved taking strolls whenever possible, powering his wheelchair uphill, and even mastering escalators along the way. His determination and adventurous spirit taught us all what perseverance truly looks like.

For the past 14 months, Dad resided at the beautiful and state-of-the-art long-term care facility Fallbrook Commons in Portland, Maine, where he was treated with exceptional care, dignity, and kindness. He cherished his independence there, often driving his van into nearby Falmouth to enjoy the community. Our family is deeply grateful to the entire staff for the compassion and support they showed him. Recently, Fallbrook honored Dad by nominating him and was selected as their “MHCA 2026 Remember ME” recipient, a recognition that will be celebrated in Augusta in May of 2026. It is a tribute that reflects the remarkable life he lived and the impression he left on so many.

We would also like to express our heartfelt gratitude to all nurses and doctors that have taken good care of him throughout the years, a very special nurse, Sonya Doucette, who cared for Dad for many years while he lived at home and became a cherished part of his life, Alan Harding, Paula Crouse, the entire Fallbrook Commons staff, especially his favorite, Shabani.

Our father showed us that courage is not measured by what life gives you, but by how you choose to live it. His strength, determination, and love will remain with us always.

There will be no calling hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 AM on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at St. Bruno-St. Remi Church, Van Buren. A private family celebration and spring interment will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contribution may be made to any “Spinal Cord Injury” Association or St. Peter Chanel Parish. Arrangements are a service of Lajoie Funeral Home, 118 High St., Van Buren. To share memories and condolences online, please visit www.LajoieFuneralHome.com