Isabelle Pelotte Obituary (1922

Waterville - Beloved mother and grandmother, Isabelle Pelotte, 92, of Waterville, Maine passed away on December 16 at the Garden’s Health and Rehab Center in Daytona Beach, Florida with her daughter Diane and granddaughter Melanie by her side. Isabelle was born to Paul and Josephine Begin on March 6, 1922 in St.-Méthode, Quebec. The family later relocated to Waterville, Maine. At approximately eight years old, Isabelle left home to attend school at a convent in Lewiston, Maine. To pay for her education, she worked as a cook providing meals for the nuns in residence until she completed her eighth grad year. In Lieu of continuing her education, Isabelle returned home as a young teen and began her life-long calling as a provider for her family. The third oldest of 14 children, Isabelle entered the workforce to assist her parents in providing financial support for her siblings. She loved to tell the story about how she was too young to legally work for the Lockwood and Dutchess Cotton Mill, but Isabelle was able to hide her age for a number of years from her employer. By the time supervisors discovered she had duped them, she was of legal working age. She worked at the mill until is closed in the 1950’s. Isabelle met her husband, Alphie Pelotte, at the Lockwood. They wed in 1941 and were married for 66 years until Alphie passed away in 2007. Together they owned Elmhurst Florists and are famously remembered for the Christmas decorations at their home on Elmhurst Street and for the intricate lighting and greenery that lined the city streets of Waterville for many holiday seasons. In addition to her contribution to the family business, Isabelle worked at the Keyes Fibre where she served as a loyal employee until retirement. Finally, Isabelle was able t fulfill her dream of completing her education. One of her proudest moments was realized at the age of 70 when she earned her diploma from Waterville Adult Education. She found it humorous to be enrolled at a rival school while her grandchildren attended other area high schools. Fun-loving and adventurous, Isabelle was a reader, a traveler, and avid Bingo player, and enjoyed visiting Vegas and working at the Daytona Flea and Farmer’s Market with her daughter and son-in-law. We will always remember the mischievous twinkle in her eyes, especially when she was able to bring joy to members of her family. She spent every summer with her children, grandchildren, siblings, and nieces and nephews at her favorite place, her camp in Belgrade. Isabelle opened her home to anyone who needed a little recreation or assistance during difficult times. She entertained us with endless hours of conversation, card playing, swimming, boating, home-made cooking, and hunts for hidden treats strategically placed throughout the house, mostly for children, but adults were never denied. Isabelle was a true giver. We love her and miss her dearly. Isabelle is preceded in death by her husband Alphie Pelotte and her siblings Doralasse, Emmercienne, Jacqueiline, Alfredine, Julliette, Norma, Theresa, Roland, Perley, Ronald, and Raymond, and her son-in-law Dennis Harris. Isabelle is survived by daughter Geraldine and her husband Ronald King, daughter Diane Harris and her special friend Frank O’Connor; sister Murielle Rancourt and brother-in-law Fernando Pelotte; grandchildren Lissa and husband Joe McDonald, Raymond Harris and partner Marty Ripley, Steven King and wife Sue, Melanie Harris and fiancé Lisa Plunkett, and Greg King; Great grandchildren Kate and husband Matt Pelotte, Tori and husband Ron Gaulin, Anna Harris and partner Kurt Karlsson, and Samantha King; Great-great granddaughters Kendall Karlsson and Gabrielle Pelotte, and many nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Halifax Health Hospice of Volusia/Flagler, Attn: Vicki Viscomi, 38 Woodbriar Trail, Port Orange Florida 32129. Online link in HOV.org The family of Isabelle wishes to extend our sincere thanks to all the caretakers at the Garden’s Health and Rehab Center in Dayton Beach, Florida. Our sincere thanks to all of the hospice caretakers from Volusia-Flagler Visitation for Isabelle will be held on Monday, December 22, 2014 from 9 to 1030 Am at Veilleux Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, December 22 at 11 Am At Notre Dame Church, 112 Silver St. Waterville, Me 04901. Services are under the care and direction of Veilleux Funeral Home 8 Elm St. Waterville, ME 04901 www.veilleuxfuneralhome.com