1915 – 2013

RUMFORD — Sylvia Fontaine, 98, of Mexico died at the Rumford Community Home on Monday, Oct. 14.

She was born in Caraquet, New Brunswick, on May 4, 1915, a daughter of William and Alice (Parise) Blanchard.

Sylvia’s family left Canada in 1925 and moved to Rumford. Sylvia had three sisters and three brothers. The siblings were all very close and had many good times while they were growing up in Rumford. The sisters had a special bond that was lifelong.

Sylvia met Edward R. Fontaine Jr. and they were married on Sept. 6, 1937.

While Edward was away during World War II, Sylvia relocated to Bridgeport, Conn., and was employed at Remington Arms, making bandoliers for the servicemen. During that time, she was chosen to sell war bonds with Mickey Rooney, Judy Garland and John Wayne, which was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Upon Edward’s return from the war, they left Connecticut and came back to Maine, where they purchased a three-story block in Mexico. In that building, they ran a business called Eddie’s Café.

There were many good times during the years the café was in operation. She also worked for years in small stores like Roy’s Variety and Bob’s Kwik Stop. Many local people would visit the neighborhood stores just to chat and visit with Sylvia. She also worked in the kitchen at Freddie’s Restaurant with her sister, Marie Doucette. That kitchen was never the same when those two were around. She also enjoyed playing beano, card games and trips with friends and family to Foxwoods Casino.

Sylvia will be remembered as a fun-loving, lighthearted and kind person who had a very infectious laugh. She was a faithful communicant of St. Theresa’s Church and later, the Parish of the Holy Savior.

Surviving are her children, Edward Fontaine III and wife, Sue, of Mexico, and Linda Howe and husband, Robert, of Bethel; five grandsons, Seth and Jonathan Howe, Edward IV, Steve and Jarod Fontaine; and one great-granddaughter, Emilie Mae Fontaine of Orono. She also leaves behind two special sister-in-laws, Bernadine Fontaine of Lewiston, and Dot Fontaine of Mexico; and many wonderful nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents; her husband, Edward Jr.; three sisters, Germaine Dorion, Toni Slabi and Marie Doucette; and three brothers, Lucien, Paul and Henry Blanchard.

The family would also like to thank the staff and all the caregivers on South Wing and West Wing at the Rumford Community Home. They not only cared for Sylvia, but loved her as well. Special thanks go out to Nurse Patti and caregiver Bonnie from Androscoggin Home Health and to Dr. Deluca for his medical care given to Sylvia, his “birthday buddy.”

You are invited to share your thoughts, condolences and fond memories with the Fontaine family by visiting their guestbook at www.SGThibaultFuneralHome.com.

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