Frances Ethel (Harkins) Rousseau

As seasons change so does life. It is with deepest sadness that the family of Frances E. Rousseau mourns her passing into eternal life on October 22, 2013. Her struggle with Lymphoma may have claimed her life, but it never dampened her spirit. She has been an inspiration to everyone whose life she touched. Born on May 9th, 1928 to Walter P. Harkins Sr. & Ethel (Trask) Harkins in Portland, Me., she was one of 7 children. She was educated in the Portland school system graduating with Portland High Schoolâ€™s Class of 1946. Following High School, she worked at New England Telephone. Upon her marriage to Albert P. Rousseau, Sr. on July 31st, 1948, she began her most important career, that of devoted wife and mother. As her family grew older, she again joined the work force beginning at W.T. Grant and retiring from the City of Westbrook Finance Department. She was highly respected by colleagues for her meticulous bookkeeping skills. Whenever a finance problem arose she was sure to be consulted. Frances was a devout Catholic attending St. Anthony of Padua church. She was active in the Daughters of Isabella. During her illness, her deep faith carried her through this most difficult journey. She was predeceased by her parents, Ethel & Walter; her brothers, George, Walter P Jr., and John; and her sister, Constance Dittmar, on August 6, 2013. She also suffered the loss of 2 children, Lori Ann who died shortly after birth and her beloved son, Albert P. Rousseau, Jr. (Phil), who passed away on July 4th of this year. She is lovingly survived by her husband, Albert, who has been honored to share his life with her for the past 65 years. She is also survived by her daughter, Debra LaBrecque, (Peter) and their family Kristi Hamilton(Scott) and Ethan, Molly, and Elizabeth; Gregory (Angela) and Owen and Maya; and Eric (Stephanie); her daughter, Bonnie McClure (Dennis) and their family Jason (Anita) Jayden and Alanna; Jessica Houston (Eric). Tyler and Zoey; and her daughter, Lynn Rose. Her daughter-In-law Melissa Rousseau and their children Jesse, and his daughter Kaylie Rose, and Dawnamarie and her son Thorian. Words can never express the loss that we feel with the passing of this wonderful mom, wife, Nana & Great-Nana. We are so blessed to have had you in our lives. Brothers Donald & Richard and her sister Lillian also survive her along with numerous nieces, nephews & many devoted friends. Our family would like to express our gratitude to the caring, compassionate caregivers at Gorham House. You were her â€œangelsâ€ in her final days. We would also like to acknowledge the staff at Gibson Pavillion for the concern and wonderful care given to our mom during her stays there over the course of 9 months. Visiting hours will be held Sunday, October 27, 2013 from 4 to 7 PM at Blais & Hay Funeral Home, 35 Church St. Westbrook. A Memorial Service will be held on Monday at 10:00 AM at the Funeral Home. Online condolences can be expressed at blaisandhayfuneralhome.com.

Frances Ethel (Harkins) Rousseau

May 9, 1928 - October 22, 2013

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