WATERVILLE – Viola Marie Beaulieu passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2022, with her family by her side.

Viola was born on Nov. 10, 1931, to Mary (McDonald) and Neil McAskill in Fairfield. Her parents came to Maine from Prince Edward Island, Canada. She attended the Immaculate Heart of Mary school as a young girl which developed her great faith and love for our Lord. She graduated from Lawrence High School in 1948. She married Richard D. Harmon Sr. in 1954 and went on to have four children together. After their divorce in 1971, with four children still at home, she went to work for The Chinet Company (Huhtamaki) as a packer and then quality assurance inspector. She remained there for 22 years taking early retirement in 1991. In 1976, she married Dorius “Joe” Beaulieu, remaining together until his passing in 2000.

As a young woman Viola developed a talent and passion for roller skating and singing. Her voice blessed us all through the years. She sang with the choir at the Parish of Corpus Christi for many years, even well into her late 80s. She was dedicated to her Catholic roots her entire life. She was an active member of the Marian Movement of Priests and hosted many prayer groups in her home. She gave many hours of service to the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament.

Despite the hardship of being a single working mom, she kept her enthusiasm and joy of life. She dedicated herself to the wellbeing of her children by giving us love, faith, security, and fun. With the four of us in tow, we would head for local swimming in the summer having many hours of fun at Bangs Beach, and then ice skating and sliding in the winter. With her son getting a job at the local drive-in, we piled into her car with blankets, pillows, and snacks having many fun nights at the movies.

Mom and Joe put in an above ground pool early on and every summer we would gather to eat, sun, swim, relax, and enjoy one another. Many grandchildren learned to swim in this pool. She kept it going all through the years and swam most every day herself right up until her late 80s.

Mom was dedicated to the love and support of her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, etc. Whenever someone was in trouble or experiencing hardship, she was there for them, opening up her home, giving time, money, prayers, and a listening heart. She invested herself in us all and always had compassion for any suffering the hardships this life can sometimes present.

Viola was predeceased by her parents Mary and Neil McAskill; brother, Neil McAskill Sr., sister, Anne Bickford; husband Dorius J. Beaulieu; and three stepchildren, Stephen, Jeffery, and Allen Beaulieu.

She is survived by her children Richard D. Harmon Jr. and wife, Cathy Taylor, Roseanne M. Bolduc and husband, Peter J., Terri L. Burrows, and Sharon L. Trask and husband, Lylse, stepdaughter Lana Parkis, stepson John Beaulieu; many grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild; as well as many precious nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 24 at Notre Dame Catholic Church, 116 Silver St., Waterville. Burial will follow at St. Francis Cemetery, Grove Street, Waterville, after which, a reception will be held at Notre Dame Catholic Church parish hall.

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff from Northern Light Health and Home Health, the staff at Sunset Home, and Maine General Hospital for their kindness and assistance in Mom’s care.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm St., Waterville. An online guestbook can be signed, condolences and memories shared at http://www.gallantfh.com.

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