CHINA – Jacqueline Caron Gamache, RN, 98, passed away peacefully on May 5, 2024 at her home in China, Maine. She was born in Waterville, the daughter of Paul J. Caron and Beatrice Darveau Caron.

She graduated from St. Francis De Sales Elementary School and Mount Merici Academy in 1944. Jackie joined the United States Nurses Cadet Corp. in 1944 and subsequently graduated from the Sisters Hospital School of Nursing in 1947.

She married Arthur J. Gamache of Winslow, and later moved to Bingham, where she enjoyed raising her family and made lifelong friendships. She was a member of and served as president of the Altar Guild at St. Peter’s Parish in Bingham. In 1968, Jackie returned to Waterville, Maine and resumed her nursing career, practicing at Seton Hospital and later at Mid-Maine Medical Center. Jackie worked in special units and retired as an Infection Control Educator in 1980.

She was a member of the Exchangettes which is an affiliate of the Exchange Club of Greater Waterville. She served in the capacity of secretary and president. She then joined the Exchange Club of Greater Waterville and remained a member until the time of her death. Jackie enjoyed golfing and was a member of the Waterville Country Club and Natanis Golf Course. She was an active bridge player at the Muskie Center in Waterville. She enjoyed attending baseball games with her brother, Ronald, whose son-in-law, Manny Acta, was the manager of the Cleveland Indians and Washington Nationals.

In later years she spent winters with her husband in Fort Walton Beach, Fla. They were communicants of Hurlburt Field Air Force Base Chapel. She also enjoyed her time as a member of the Okaloosa Island Garden Club.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Arthur, to whom she was married for 60 years. Jackie loved the Lord Jesus, loved her family and loved life. Nursing and caring for others were her life’s callings.

Survivors include son, A. Paul Gamache and wife Linette of Vassalboro, Michele Ferris and her husband Joseph of China, Celeste Erickson and her husband Alton of Ocala, Fla., Peter Gamache and his wife Nancy of China, and Dr. A. Jules Gamache and his wife Brenda of York. She is also survived by 17 grandchildren. Jason Gamache, Brienna Gamache, Sean Gamache, Andre Gamache, Joseph Ferris III, Renee Sudnick, Shannon Davila, Benjamin Smith, Christopher Smith, Peter Gamache II, Celia Castro, Mallorie Blake, Candace Leland, Dustin Dupee, Dalton Gamache, Keenan Gamache, and Bryce Gamache. She also has numerous great grandchildren; one great great grandchild; and her brother-in-law, Allen Paddock.

Jackie was predeceased by her beloved husband, Arthur, her brother, Ronald J. Caron, her sister, Alice C. Paddock and many sweet nieces and nephews.

A Catholic Mass will be held on Tuesday June 11, 2024 at Notre Dame du Perpetual Scours Catholic Church-Corpus Christi Parish, 116 Silver St Waterville, Maine. The time of the mass will be 10 a.m. Following the Funeral will be the Rite of Committal at the St. Francis Catholic Cemetery 78 Grove St. in Waterville. A celebration of life will take place immediately following the graveside service in the parish meeting hall at Notre Dame Church.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Giberson Funeral Home and Cremation Services. To leave a condolence for the family and to view the online obituary, please visit http://www.gibersonfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers,

donations may be

made in her memory to:

Impactakids.org.

ImpACTA Kids is a charitable organization created by Manny Acta. The foundation focuses on providing opportunities for children to achieve their dreams

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