AUGUSTA – Andreé J. (Helfŕe) Boucher Leighton, 93, passed peacefully at home surrounded by family on Jan. 8, 2022.Mom was born in Nancy, France on Oct. 7, 1928, daughter of André and Suzanne Helfŕe, a merchant marine and gifted seamstress. As a child she enjoyed foraging for mushrooms in the woods and other adventures with her father.Mom witnessed and experienced the German occupation in her home town of Nancy, France where she ultimately met and married an American soldier. Mom reunited with our father traveling from France to New York on the ship, Edmund B. Alexander, with their firstborn child. Upon arrival in New York, Mom insisted they settle in Dad’s home state of Maine where they had another nine children in Waterville and Augusta where she remained.Well-read and having taught herself the English language, Mom’s love, compassion, and strength was demonstrated everyday raising her children, providing for her family working at Lipman’s and Statler Tissue, sewing, cooking, and gardening. As the virtuous women in Proverbs 31, all the days of her life willingly worked with her hands, like a merchant ship supplied food, clothing, and wisdom with love, strength and honor.”Mèmére”, to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, she was especially known for the aroma and presentation of food in her home when visiting. We were all so excited and proud of Mom when after retirement she became a first-time home owner where she nurtured a tremendous array of floral plants. She especially enjoyed making flower arrangements from her garden for her home, often sharing a single rose or floral bouquet to adorn our homes as well. Mom’s retirement was enriched with gardening, family, many travels in Maine with her children, and as an avid reader made frequent trips to Lithgow Library with a generous book bag.Mom enjoyed many cats over the years, but more dearly, “fe fe”, her long-time retirement companion, and more recently, “Big Boy”, a delight to her and the cat in her final days – with special thanks to our brother, Billy, for this arrangement. She will always be in our hearts and at our family gatherings with cherished memories.Mom was predeceased by her spouses Albert Boucher and Albert Leighton. Mom was predeceased by her children Bernard Boucher, Jeannette Weymouth, Gloria Wright, Nancy Maillet; grandson, Jeremy Boucher; and great-great-granddaughter, Leah Boucher.Mom is survived by her children Peter Boucher and his wife Lila (embraced daughter) of Hampden, William Boucher of Augusta, Robert Boucher of Hudson, Evelyn Poulin of Augusta, Juliette Dulac of Augusta, Christine Braden and her husband Charles of Richmond; 11 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren.The family would like to thank Beacon Hospice Care for their support. A private family gathering will be held this spring to honor Mom’s wishes.