Old Town – Carolyn A. LaBossiere, 78, passed away in Bangor, July 22, 2019. She was born in Houlton, August 29, 1940, the daughter of Lawrence and Lola (Adams) Roach.
Carolyn attended Houlton schools, where she also graduated. She received her RN from Mercy Hospital and later completed her BA in Community Health from the University of Maine Farmington. Carolyn worked for St. Joseph’s Hospital and St. Joseph’s Women’s Center; she was Head Nurse for Old Town Health Center; and she eventually retired as a school nurse for the Old Town School System.
Carolyn was an active member of Holy Family Catholic Church and was often found volunteering at the Holy Family Thrift Store. She was very proud of becoming a Master Gardener at Roger’s Farm. Carolyn also enjoyed running 5K’s in the past, as well as going for hikes. She was also fond of attending group exercise classes at the Old Town YMCA.
Carolyn was a people person- she was genuinely friendly to everyone she met and she had a great sense of humor. She was a devoted wife to her husband, Jim; and a loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She loved all animals, but especially her two dogs, Maggie and Jules; and her two cats, Puma and Sarah.
Carolyn is survived by her husband of 34 years, James LaBossiere; children, Steven Thomas and wife, Deborah of Hermon, Cheryl Thomas of California, Jason Thomas of Mississippi; stepchildren, Beth LaBossiere and fiancé, John Gerken of Yarmouth; Michael LaBossiere and Alyssa Terry of Florida; grandchildren, Jordyn, Dominique, Whitney, Noel, Kyle, Brett, Hannah, Frank, Mariah and Dale; and great-grandchildren, Zoey and Jaxxon. She is also survived by her brother, William Roach; and nephew, David Roach. In addition to her parents, Carolyn was predeceased by her sister-in-law, Bernette Roach; and niece, Debbie Winship.
Relatives and friends are invited to call, 5-7 p.m. Monday, July 29, 2019, at Birmingham Funeral Home, 438 Main St., Old Town. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10 a.m., Tuesday, July 30, 2019, at Parish of the Resurrection, Holy Family Catholic Church, with Father Kyle Doustou, officiating. The family invites relatives and friends to share in conversation and refreshments at the Parish Hall following a brief committal service at St. Josephs Cemetery, Old Town. In keeping with Carolyn’s wishes, casual attire will be appreciated by the family. Those who wish to remember Carolyn in a special way may make gifts in her memory to the Animal Orphanage, 71 Airport Rd., Old Town, ME 04468.
Very sorry for your loss, Michael – she sounds like a wonderful woman. It was only a few weeks ago that she commented on this blog, am I right? I’m sure you’ll cherish that small bit of support; I’m sure it was just a glimpse of how she held you in high esteem. Sympathies to your entire family.
Thank you; she was a wonderful person and well loved in the community. It was my mother who commented, though. Carolyn was also very supportive of me, although we did have some differences of opinion on some issues.
Oh, sorry for the misunderstanding. I see on my re-read that you definitely identified as a step-son.
“Carolyn was also very supportive of me, although we did have some differences of opinion on some issues”
It’s easy to offer support to someone you agree with. Supporting someone with whom you have differences is more difficult. I think that’s called “Love”.
Very sorry for your and your family’s loss, Mike. The first time I lost someone that close was my mother as well. I had no illusions it would be easy but I had no idea how hard it would be. And judging from this obituary she was a wonderful person. God bless you and grant you peace at this difficult time.
Thank you; losing someone is a hard thing. It is also disconcerting, because you keep expecting to see them-it is like they just stepped out of the room for a while and will be back shortly.
I’m sorry to hear that, Mike. My condolences.
Thank you.
My condolences, Mike. I note that she was a runner as well.
Thanks; she used to run when it wasn’t cool to be a runner. My sister, mother and she (she is my stepmother) did the Beach to Beacon 10K in Maine a few times. Always fun to run with the family.