Claire (Gagne) Poulin

AUGUSTA – Claire (Gagne) Poulin passed away peacefully on Feb. 16, 2024 at MaineGeneral with her loving daughters at her side. She was born in Rumford on May 8, 1925, the daughter of Gideon and Antonia (Blier) Gagne.

As a teenager, Claire moved with her parents and brother Marcel to Augusta and was a graduate of Cony High School’s Class of 1944. On May 8, 1946 she married the love of her life Joseph Vincent (Vince) Poulin. They were happily married for 62 years until Vince’s death on February 19, 2009.

Vince was a “Lifer” in the US Navy. He, Claire and their three daughters were transferred and lived in Jacksonville, FL; San Diego, CA and Kittery, ME. In 1966 the family happily returned to their home in Augusta. At that time Claire went to work at the Augusta Supply Co on Western Avenue, as their head cashier. After 20 years she and Vince retired to become full time grandparents to Emily Jo.

Claire and Vince were communicants of St. Mary’s Catholic Church where they served as Eucharistic Ministers. For many years they administered Holy Communion to nursing home residents and shut-ins all over the city. She was a member of the Daughters of Isabella and a past president of St. Mary’s Guild.

You could find Claire keeping busy making quilts or hand braiding rugs, usually recruiting her husband’s help. She spent endless hours playing Kings in the Corner with her sister in law and best friend Pat Gagne. She was a remarkable cook and baker. The house always smelled of homemade bread, yeast rolls, and simmering stews. Everyone was always welcome in her home, and whenever you stopped by for a visit, she would insist on feeding you. She was kind with a huge heart, always willing to lend a helping hand and always putting others’ needs before her own.

Together, Claire and Vince lived life to its fullest. They loved to laugh, spend time traveling, volunteering at the Knights of Columbus Hall, and making wonderful memories at their camp on Moxie Pond with daughters, family and friends.

Claire is survived by three daughters: Sylvia and Jonathan Dyer of Augusta, Celeste and Jeff Brown of Southport and Stephanie and Roland Sherman of Augusta/Southport; granddaughter Emily Jo Bilodeau and fiancé Michael Norweg and great grandchildren: Finnegan and Olivia, all of Augusta, as well as many nieces and nephews.

A special heartfelt “thank you” goes out to Aunt Claire’s three remarkable nieces Nikki, Karen, Kathy and nephew Michael for their unconditional love and the many heartfelt memories we all have shared.

The family also wishes to thank the entire staff of the Maine Veterans Home for their compassion, dedication, and exquisite care over the past 3 years. God bless you all as you continue to care for Maine’s Veterans.

Our hearts may be broken, but we are comforted by knowing you are in Heaven, dancing in Dad’s arms again.

Relatives and friends may visit on Monday, Feb. 26 from 6 – 8 p.m. at Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, Feb. 27 at 11 a.m. at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, Western Ave., Augusta. Burial will be in the spring in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Manchester.

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

At the family’s request, donations may be made to a charity of one’s choice