AUGUSTA – Marie Estelle Arbour died peacefully on Dec. 8, 2023, after a brief illness. She was born in Augusta, on Oct. 19, 1941, to Emile and Marie (LaFlamme) Arbour.

Her siblings include Marie Thérèse Arbour (D), Lucille Arbour Paré (D), Paul Emile Arbour (D), Joseph Alphonse “Pete” Arbour (D), Christine Arbour, of Augusta, Joseph Edward Arbour (D), and John Michael Arbour, of Sun City West, Ariz.

Estelle was a lifelong parishioner of St. Augustine Catholic Church in Augusta. Over the years, she sang in the choir, and served the parish in many hidden ways. She was a member of the Calumet Club, the Ladies of St. Anne, the Cursillo Movement, and the St. Paul’s Charismatic and Intercessory Prayer Group. She had a great love for music, dancing, and was blessed with a beautiful singing voice.

The youngest of eight, Estelle played a unique and irreplaceable role in the Arbour family. While everyone was busy sharing multiple conversations, and generally carrying on, as large families are prone to do, Estelle was quietly observing, listening, and mentally recording every detail. Over time, Estelle became the family memory keeper, and as such, she amazed us all with her vivid recollections, mastery of dates and times, and her ability to recall every family event at which she was present. Estelle cared about people, their stories, likes and dislikes, and her remarkable abilities were a result of her willingness to listen to and be attentive to others. Estelle noticed things that most of us missed or took for granted.

Estelle also held a cherished position as beloved aunt to her many nieces and nephews. Her love for each of us, and her on-going thoughtfulness, were a constant in all our lives. She made us laugh, shared our tears, held our confidence, and was always ready to celebrate life as it presented itself. Estelle liked to have fun and could be relied upon to participate in all our celebrations. She was our “Ma Tante”, and she will always hold a very special place in our hearts.

Estelle was a devout Catholic and was a woman of great faith. Some six weeks ago, when Estelle received a diagnosis of terminal cancer, she expressed her simple yet firm belief that her life was in God’s hands, and rather than fall into despair, she clung to the hope of heaven.

Since 2009, Estelle was a resident of Chateau Cushnoc in Augusta, where she knew the names and apartment numbers of every resident, and where she developed many meaningful friendships. Estelle’s family would like to thank all the residents who supported her with their prayers, sent cards, and in many ways expressed their love and concern. We also want to express our gratitude to Dot Michaud, Estelle’s hairdresser, confidant, and longtime friend for her many acts of kindness over the years. Moreover, we want to acknowledge the very loving and compassionate care that Estelle received at the Glenridge Comfort Care Unit. Her final days were wrapped in kindness, and we will always be grateful for your obvious generosity of heart.

Visiting hours will be from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 13 at Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., in Augusta. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Augusta at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 13. A burial in the spring is being planned.

Condolences, stories, and photos may be shared by visiting http://www.plummerfh.com.

Memorial donations

may be made to

St. Michael’s School

56 Sewall St.

Augusta, ME 04330

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