1921 – 2016
AUBURN — It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Carmen F. Pontbriand on Wednesday, June 15, with “her girls” by her side.
Carmen was born on Jan. 26, 1921, in Lewiston. She was the eldest of three children born to Arthur and Delima (Arsenault) LaPointe. She attended local schools and was a graduate of Bliss Business College, excelling in typing and shorthand. She was employed in the office of Sears & Roebuck Co. and later served as office manager of the family business, Twin City Furniture. On Oct. 18, 1941, Carmen married Bertrand Pontbriand at St. Louis Church. They were blessed with five daughters, 13 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.
She was a strong woman and a nurturing mother who inspired her daughters to live life to the fullest, as well as to face its challenges with the fortitude she embodied. Carmen dearly loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They held a very special place in her heart.
She was a member of St. Mary’s Patronesses and volunteered at its hospital gift shop. Her interests included memorable trips to the ocean, golfing, bowling, playing bridge, gardening and especially reading. As a couple, they travelled extensively and enjoyed visits with their daughters in Europe and Hawaii.
She is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Claire (Scott) Bryant, Jane (Bernie) Turner, Janet (Paul) Cutter, Connie (John) Maloney and Peter Durgin; her grandchildren and their spouses, Deborah (Greg) Hammond, John Durgin, Katie (Tony) Letourneau, Jeff (Demi) Bryant, Kelly (Dave) Cabral, Derek (Shannon) Cutter, Mark (Adrienne) Durgin, Kacie (Brett) Gough, Peter (Deidre) Cutter, Travis Turner, Matt Maloney, Alex Cutter and Eric Cutter; her great-grandchildren, Michael, Sarah and Caroline Hammond; Miles, Jacob and Asher Durgin; Finley and Carley Gough; Kendall and Delaney Bryant; Cameron Letourneau; Cade, Nolan, Anden and Dane Cabral; Emily, Cambry and Caleb Cutter; Gabe, Jillian and Valerie Cutter; several nieces and nephews and their families; and her close friend of 90 years, Madge Gardner, who was her matron of honor.
Carmen was predeceased by her parents; husband; daughter, Judy; sister, Irene; and brother, Arthur.
The family wishes to express their appreciation to the many caregivers that touched her life.
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