Family members recently gathered in celebration of Fernand and Leonette Michaud’s 90th Birthdays and 68th Wedding Anniversary.

Fernand was the sixth of nine children born to Eloi Michaud and Leonie Nadeau, in the picturesque village of Lac Baker, Nouveau Brunswick, Canada. His Dad worked in the woods for much of the year, while the family managed their farm. Hard work, faith and family were focal points in his childhood. Fern developed a deep respect for animals, cultivated a love of skiing, and a passion for baseball. Always resourceful, he fashioned his own skis and cleared his own trails. During the great migration of French-Canadians, Fern came to Maine at age 17, settling in Winslow and proudly serving in the US Navy (1944-46). He worked at the former Waterville Hardware for 28 years and later owned and operated a boarding home until his retirement in 2001. Fern was a member of the American Legion, Knights of Columbus, and Le Club Calumet, and a champion bowler.

Leonette was the fourth of five children born to Aime Mathieu and Felixine Fecteau in Winslow. She is a lifelong communicant of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, growing up in the time of the Church’s founding by Rev. Frawley, and living in the church neighborhood for much of her life. One of her favorite pastimes was ice skating. Leonette was always proud to say that she graduated from Mt. Merici Academy, Class of 1943, one of only sixteen students in her class. She enjoyed family sing-alongs, with her sister Madeline playing the piano, participating in the St. John’s Church choir and serving as Lector. Leonette was a school teacher at Mount Merci Academy and the former Sacred Heart School. She loved shopping trips with her daughters and was particularly adept with the latest fashions. A woman of many talents, she was an excellent seamstress, outstanding cook, enjoyed flower gardening and making seasonal crafts. She is also an avid New England Patriots fan! Faith and family have always been the center of her life.

Fern and Leonette were married on May 15, 1948 and raised 4 daughters, Sonia Butler, Claudette Massey, Patricia Grenier and Terry Michaud. They have 6 grandchildren, David and Kelly Butler, Aimee and Christina Massey, Katie and Alex Grenier. They also have 3 great-grandchildren, twins David and William Butler, and Jonah Stark.