WATERVILLE – Claudette Marie Belanger, 90, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 9, 2022, surrounded by her loving family at the Lakewood Nursing home in Waterville. She was born on Sept. 1, 1931 in Waterville, the 10th child of Edward Carey and Esther Hachey Carey.

Claudette was a strong women. She was also a loving soul, and a caring and giving person. She was a Great mom, and an equally great grandmother. She was the heart of her family. She worked hard to provide a safe and loving home for her children.

While her children were young, Claudette began her long career as a waitress, often working both the lunch and the dinner shifts, first at the Silent Woman Restaurant, and then many years at John Martin’s Manor. She was well regarded as a superb server and incredible worker, and was known for her friendly and respectful attitude. She worked full time as a server until she was 68 years old.

After her retirement, she kept busy doing what she loved, helping her family. She was either baking bread to share, buying clothes at garage sales for her family, crocheting blankets for everybody, or spending time with her grandchildren. She was a positive inspiration and excellent role model for her family and was proud of herself and her accomplishments. She didn’t slow down as she aged. Her daily routine included walking three miles every morning, and then swimming for one hour every afternoon.

At the age of 78, Claudette suffered a life changing stroke that left her paralyzed on one side, blinded in one eye, and unable to read or speak the words that she wanted to say. She fought hard and recovered from her paralysis, improved her speech, and eventually returned to live alone again for several years. She still was busy making blankets, shopping, and spending time with family. Unfortunately, a series of health issues caused her to need more care in her final years. She was well taken care of at the Sunset home in Waterville, and then at Lakewood Nursing home, where she passed.

Although Claudette had struggles during her life, she also had many good times. She loved the time that she had at the family camp when her kids were young. She was an avid swimmer, and had taught not only her kids to swim, but also many of her nieces and nephews. She loved to be in the water, and could easily swim a mile even into her later years. She loved to make bread, and then share it with family and friends. It was great bread! She loved to go dancing and hanging out with her friends after work! She liked going to the beach, and sitting in the sun! She loved family gatherings and just being with her sisters and brothers, nieces and nephews! In later years, she was very happy just to be with her grandkids. She would take them on almost daily little adventures to McDonalds, or to the pool for a swim, or just back to her place to make them a snack and hang out. She loved her family and they loved her very much!

Claudette was predeceased by her parents and all of her siblings. She is survived by her sons Richard and wife Debbie, Robert and wife Kathie, Bruce and partner Valerie, daughter Gail and husband Paul Moeller. She is also survived by her grandchildren Kristen Crook and husband Paul, Danielle Towle and husband Max, Steve Hale, Benjamin Belanger and wife Stevi, Michael Belanger, Kaitlin Belanger, Lauren Belanger, Jaimie Belanger, Carey Young and husband Ryan, and Aaron Moeller. She is survived by Valerie’s children, Victoria, Brittany, Andrew, Henry, and William. She is also survived by several great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and a special niece and friend Norma Bourgoin.

A funeral service will be held for Claudette on Monday, May 23, at 10 a.m. at St John Catholic Church in Winslow. Family and friends are welcome to attend. There will be a gathering for family and friends at the Winslow VFW after the funeral. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Veilleux and Redington Funeral Home, http://www.VeilleuxFuneralHome.com.

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