Muriel Rancourt

WATERVILLE – On Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024, Muriel Rancourt passed away unexpectedly, at the age of 90, at Sunset Home in Waterville. She was born on the 4th of July, 1934, and was the daughter of Napoleon and Josephine Begin of Waterville.

Muriel grew up in the historic Head of Falls, by the Kennebec River, in Waterville. Shortly after graduating from Waterville High School, Muriel married Karl Rancourt and moved across the Kennebec River to Winslow where she and her husband, Karl, made their lifelong home and, also the place where they raised their three children, Sandra, Wayne and Mark Rancourt. Muriel worked for the Hathaway Shirt Company for nearly 43 years as a stitcher making Hathaway shirts.

The passion of Muriel’s life was her family and friends. Muriel was well known for her friendly, helpful and outgoing nature. After retiring from the Hathaway Shirt Company, Muriel was employed part time for a Colby College catering service, working the banquets at the college. When she was unable to do the catering work, she volunteered at the Hospice resale store in Waterville.

Muriel was predeceased by her husband, Karl, in 2013. She was the last living member of her very large French-Canadian, Begin family. Muriel is survived by her three children, Sandra Rancourt and husband Virgil Stimer, Wayne Rancourt and wife Benita, and Mark Rancourt. Muriel was a grandmother to seven grandchildren, Todd (Katie) Burbank, Jeremy (Lorelie) Burbank, David (Sarah) Rancourt, Michael (Laura) Rancourt, Faith, Aaron, and Daniel Rancourt; 12 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. Muriel was very much loved by her family and friends and will be sorely missed in this life.

A service for Muriel will be held at a later date for the immediate family.