Doris Bilodeau

AUGUSTA – Doris Bilodeau, 88, passed away peacefully on April 8, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Lewiston on Dec. 27, 1936, she was the daughter of the late Willie Fortier and Simone Fortier (Leblond).

In August 1956, Doris married the love of her life, Robert Bilodeau. Their marriage was a testament to love, partnership, and unwavering devotion to one another that spanned 68 years.

Doris was known for her bright smile, tireless work ethic, and deep compassion to put others first, which led her to a life of service. Early in her marriage, she and Robert managed Augusta Car Cleaners. Over the years, she also brought warmth and kindness to roles as a waitress, she loved interacting and meeting new people. Even after retirement, Doris remained devoted to her work ethic and helping others, working part-time at Hannaford during Maine summers and at Publix during winters in Florida. Doris brought great strength and determination to any task she undertook. Her attention to detail and courage were remarkable.

Family was the heart of Doris’s world. Some of her favorite things to do were spend time with her husband, help prepare for holidays and family gatherings, spending time with her boys, and traveling to Florida and Aruba with her daughters. She went to concerts and Bruins games with her loved ones and especially delighted in time spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whose smiles lit up her life.

Doris is survived by her loving husband, Robert; and their children, Ron Bilodeau of Danvers, Mass., Roger Bilodeau (Maria) of Edgewater, Fla., Raymond Bilodeau of Manchester, Diane Tolhurst (Rick) of Ocean Isle, N.C., Rita Bilodeau (Daniel Plant) of Sidney, Rose Bilodeau (Daniel Laflin) of Hallowell and Theresa Bilodeau-Keene (Mike) of Manchester; as well as her grandchildren, Renee Edwards (Eric Kaplan), Matt Edwards (Elyse), Shawn Coulombe, Eric Caisse (Tracy); and great-grandchildren, Preston, Cole, Crew, Madeline, Andrew, Shelby, Evan and Olivia; bonus grandchildren, Danielle Plant (Ian Landry), Jason Cruz (Patricia), Megan Laflin (Alex Burdett) and Jake Laflin (Meghan); along with many nieces, nephews; and godchildren.

Doris was predeceased by her father, Willie Fortier and mother, Simone Fortier; brother, Maurice Fortier; and granddaughter, Heather Bilodeau.

Doris’s legacy is one of love, kindness, and a life well lived. Anyone who met Doris never forgot her. She leaves behind a family who adored her and a lifetime of precious memories.

A memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 21 at St. Mary’s Church, 41 Western Ave., Augusta. Interment will follow at Holy Family Cemetery, Townsend Road, Augusta. A celebration of life will be held afterward at the Governor Hill Mansion, 136 State St., Augusta. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend and honor her memory.

Arrangements are in the care of Knowlton and Hewins Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 1 Church St., Augusta. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the Knowlton and Hewins Funeral Home website: http://www.khrfuneralhomes.com.