AUGUSTA – Gerald “Jerry” Cloutier passed away peacefully in the hospital, at the age of 79, on Oct. 21, 2023. Jerry had spent the past few months being in and out of the hospital, making nurses and doctors fall for his sweet and kind personality, before needing to turn away from medical intervention and towards comfort and peace. His family surrounded him with love until his very last moments earthside.

Jerry was born to Albert and Lucienne Cloutier on April 4, 1944 in Waterville, ME. There isn’t a single person that has met Jerry that didn’t have some funny, sweet, or kind memory to share about him. Jerry was a caregiver through and through. He cared for his wife, his son, his daughter-in-law, his sister-in-law, his niece, and any person who walked into his home. Even during times when Jerry’s health waned, he found strength in caring for his family when they were in need. As a person who had certainly seen difficulties throughout his life, he still found a way to show up with joy, positivity, and light for his people. From his love of nurturing his family through his delicious meals and homemade treats, to his obsession with Christmas and sneaking decorations up as early as he could, he brought laughter and warmth to his family. As the keeper of our family’s Christmas Joy, he’d want you to know there are 55 days until Christmas, so mark your calendars.

In his earlier years, Jerry was an active member in his community. He volunteered at the soup kitchen and did janitorial services for the church. He had a passion for music and enjoyed being a part of the Sacred Heart Folk Group and the Kennebec Valley Chordsmen.

Jerry had a way of genuinely connecting with folks, he would ask questions about their life and have true interest in the answer. He could have hours of conversations with any kind stranger that was willing to talk, and would often get caught up in chatting with neighbors as he walked the neighborhood loop.

This love of human connection carried over into his later years. At the Woodlands Assisted living in Hallowell, he was a bingo champion, and enjoyed summer afternoons on the patio with his wife Lorraine and fellow residents.

His favorite hobby, above all, was his love of literature. Jerry was an avid reader with a preference for mystery novels, and read 407 books in the final year and a half of his life. He kept a reading log in one of many journals, which included a rating and a review for each book. His favorite authors included James Patterson and Agatha Christie.

He is predeceased by his parents, Albert Sr. and Lucienne Cloutier (Boucher); his brother, Albert Cloutier Jr.; his sister, Linda Cloutier; his mother and father-in-law, Joseph Fernand and Bernadette Trahan (Rodrigue); and his favorite four-legged visitor, Cooper Ferguson. His love of the color red and the Lawrence Welk Show will be carried on by his beloved wife of 55 years, Lorraine Cloutier; his son and daughter-in-law, Nicholas and Anna Cloutier; his sister and brother-in-law, Lori and Mike Gifford; his niece and her husband, Jenn and Ryan Ferguson; his friends and community at Woodlands Senior Living in Hallowell; as well as a number of extended family members and friends.

Jerry’s funeral mass will be held at Notre Dame Church (116 Silver Street in Waterville, ME) on November 10, 2023 at 10am. The invitation is open to all who wish to come and pay their respects. There will be a reception afterward with light refreshments. You are encouraged to wear your favorite red accessory, in honor of Jerry.

To echo the closing words of his favorite show: “Goodnight, goodnight, until we meet again. Adios, Au Revoir, Auf Wiedersehn ’til then. And though it’s always sweet sorrow to part, you know you’ll always remain in my heart.”

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in memory of Jerry to the Waterville Public Library at 73 Elm Street, Waterville, ME 04901.

Copy the Story Link