Maryann Gaudreau

MARYANN ELIZABETH LEIGHTON GAUDREAU
HERMON

MaryAnn Elizabeth Leighton Gaudreau is now singing with the angels up above in her beautiful alto voice. 85 years was not nearly long enough to have this incredible lady in our lives. She was born January 18th, 1937, and peacefully passed on the morning of August 30th, 2022. Mary was the youngest of 10 children, born to her parents Eugene Simpson Leighton and Vanonia Gesner Leighton. She is predeceased by 2 infant siblings, Vanonia and Carl, sister Ruby, brothers; George, William(Buddy), Orville(Zeke), Garland; and sister, Pat. She is survived by brother James(Jimmy) and sister in-law, Jennie.
Mary graduated high school from Mattanawcook Academy in Lincoln, Maine. At the age of 18, she began working for the DOT (Department of Transportation) in Bangor, where she was employed her entire career of 42 years, retiring in 1998 at the age of 60. She married her husband, Donald “Donnie” August 24th, 1963 and was married for 54 years until his death in 2017. Mary gave birth to 3 children. Delores Ann who died at birth and Kerry Scott who lived 2 weeks. She is survived by her loving son, Timothy, his wife, Kimberly, and her 2 grandsons; Owen and Drew, the loves of her life and absolute pride and joy. Mary had many talents, hobbies, and interests. She was the director and lead alto in a women’s barber shop style chorus group. The River City Harmonizers. She co-authored the book, Hermon, Maine; Then and Now, about the town where she spend 44 years of her life. She had a passion for genealogy and spent an unknown amount of time researching and documenting the genealogy of her extensive family. She loved animals, enjoyed gardening, basket making and coin collecting, but nothing compares to her love of music. She was a talented musician accomplished on many instruments such as a guitar, piano, banjo, ukulele, coronet, accordion, and harmonica. In her last weeks and days of life she would on occasion sing, play her harmonica, or whistle from her bed. Our deepest and most heartful thanks goes out to our personal caregivers; Luanne Dyer and Matilda Kennedy, as well as our hospice nurses; Helen Soper, Angie Harley, and Belinda Roberts. In the 12 days that Mary spent at home, this team of amazing 5 ladies gave Mary the most compassionate, dignified and most loving care possible. We are beyond grateful for the quality of life Mary could enjoy thanks to their tender hearts. Mary was surrounded by love and music right up until the moment she died.
A celebration of Mary’s life will be held 11AM on October 22nd, 2022, at Brookings-Smith Funeral Home, 133 Center Street, Bangor, with luncheon to follow. All are welcome. Mary will be buried in her home town of Lincoln, next to her beloved husband and infant children.