LEWISTON – Aliette Y. Béland Couturier, 84, of Lewiston passed away on Dec. 2, 2020 at Central Maine Health Center from complications with Covid-19.

Aliette was born in Augusta on Dec. 14, 1935, the daughter of Antonio Béland and Irène Bisson Béland. She attended St-Augustine Grammar School and graduated from Cony High School in Augusta in 1955.

She joined the Sisters of the Presentation of Mary in 1956 in Hudson, N.H. She obtained her B.A. degree from Rivier College in Nashua, N.H. Aliette taught primary and elementary grades in Willimansette, North Hampton and South Billingham, Mass., as well as Caribou and Lewiston, Maine. She left the community and worked one year in the office at Knapp Shoe then taught in the Lewiston school system from 1971 until her retirement in 1995.

Aliette married Ronald M. Couturier on April 19, 1976. He predeceased her by three days from the same illness.

Aliette was involved in many local French organizations. She was a member of La Survivance Française as well as its president for well over 20 years. She was also a member of l’Association Canado-Americaine. She performed with the Silvertones in nursing homes, Christmas parties and festivals. Her wooden “gigueurs” and “spoons” were always a hit with the audience. She also loved line dancing with the D and D dancers. Aliette also led French sing-a-long groups at USM/LA. In 2012, Aliette was inducted into the Franco-American Hall of Fame in Augusta. She donated a great deal of her time at D’Youville Pavilion as a Eucharistic minister and assisted the elderly in various activities.

Aliette is survived by her twin sister, Juliette Béland Rudnicki of Bangor, four brothers, Reginald Béland of Newport, Laurent and Jeanne Rodrick Béland of Augusta, Normand and Francis Rudnicki Béland of South Windsor, Conn., Romeo and Linda Coro Béland of Newport. She also leaves three sisters-in-law, Jeanne Perry Béland, Lorette Boacher Béland, of Augusta and Ginette Beaudoin Béland Thompson of Winthrop. She leaves a dear friend, Rita Gosselin of Lewiston; as well as many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents, Antonio and Irene Béland; three brothers, Ronald, Armand and Gerald Béland, two sisters, Giselle Béland Bourassa, Lucille Béland and two sisters-in-law, Fernande Turcotte Béland and Wanda Duckworth Béland.

Due to Covid-19, a memorial service will be held at a later date. Burial will take place in the spring at St. Peter’s Cemetery in Lewiston. Condolences may be accessed online at http://www.albert-burpee.com.