WATERVILLE – It is with great sadness that the family of Bernadette Marie Paradis announce her passing. Bernadette Marie Paradis passed away peacefully on Feb. 3, 2023, after a long nearly two-year hard-fought battle with ALS.

Bernadette was born Oct. 25, 1945, in Fort Kent, to the late Patrick and Nellie (Voisine) Dempsey. Bernadette was the eldest of six children, raised in Waterville where she attended local schools.

Bernadette had a great love of God and life itself, however, her children were everything to her. She moved to Connecticut in 1961 where she would give birth and raise her five children. She stayed some 30-plus years, working at General Electric for more than 20 of these, before returning to Maine.

She loved music, both Christian and Country, attending many concerts. Bernadette brought a bright light of love and joy to all those she encountered, including all her Facebook friends. She loved Church, cooking, as well as going to Bingo with her family. She loved football, especially the Patriots and Tom Brady, she anxiously anticipated each Sunday for football after church, she enjoyed movies, cooking shows, reality TV and much more, and yes, much to our dismay, even the Kardashians.

Her greatest love though was for her family, her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Bernadette loved to spend as much time with each of them as possible. She could be as feisty as they come while maintaining a great sense of humor all the while being as stubborn as they get when needed. This showed in her battle with ALS, she gave her all and was as stubborn about letting it win as she could be. She showed great strength, courage and determination during this time and seemed to be as positive as one could be. She was supported and comforted by her children and many family and friends during this process.

Bernadette is survived by her children, Thomas (Penny) Paradis, of Bristol Conn., James (Sandra) Paradis of Fairfield, Tammy (Frank) Van Linter of Bristol, Conn. She also leaves grandchildren, Jason Galvin, Zachory Paradis, Kyle and Kayla Paradis, Bryan Paradis, Jessica Pelletier, Alyssa Paradis, Kade and Adam Van Linter, Christoher Pelletier; and great-grandchildren, Aiden Paradis, and Bennett Pelletier; her brother, Danny and sisters Karen and Gayle, all of Maine; and many nieces and nephews, as well as many whom although not family, she treated as such.

Along with her parents, she was predeceased by two special sons, Dale Paradis of Bristol, Conn. and Glenn Paradis of Waterville; as well as her sister, Thelma and brother, Jerry, both of Maine.

Her family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to her ALS care team, her doctors, specialists, nurses, therapists, counselors, and her Hospice team. You each played a special role in her care, and she had a special love and appreciation for all that each of you did for her. You all made her feel very special during this difficult battle.

Family and friends may visit from 3 to 5 p.m. on Feb. 8, at Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm St. A Celebration of Life will be held in the spring.

An online guestbook may be signed, condolences and memories shared at http://www.gallantfh.com.

Donations can be made to the

ALS Association Development Department

1275 K Street, NW,

Suite 250,

Washington, DC 20005

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