Nancy Mathieu

BIDDEFORD — Nancy Rose Mathieu, 89, was born Oct. 7, 1933, in Biddeford, Maine, and passed away peacefully on Nov. 19, 2022, at Seal Rock Healthcare at Atlantic Heights, Saco, Maine. Nancy passed due to complications from Alzheimer’s Disease exacerbated by COVID-19.

Nancy was the daughter of Eva (Rouillard) Dubuc and Adelard Dubuc both of Biddeford.

Nancy was predeceased by her husband of 32 years, Raymond Arthur Mathieu, in 1985. She is survived by her loving family, which includes her daughters, Rae Mathieu and husband Peter Busher of Newburyport, Massachusetts, and Robyn Caron and husband William of Wells, Maine. She was blessed with five grandchildren, Julia Bubar and husband Ryan, Mackenzie Mathieu-Busher, Samantha Lewandowski and husband Matthew, Erica Croteau and husband Greg, and Macauley Mathieu-Busher, as well as five great-grandchildren, Kennedy, Nolan, Cohen, Emerson, and Avery. She is also survived and remembered by her caring and devoted niece, Paulette (Laflamme) Thibodeau and husband Phillippe of Old Orchard Beach, and her loving partner of three decades, Joseph DePeter of South Portland.

Nancy leaves many friends including two of her oldest, Claire Gendron and Jeanne Loignon, and many more whose lives she touched.

Nancy attended Emery School and graduated from Biddeford High School, class of 1951. At Biddeford High she was academically successful and active in extracurricular activities. She excelled in sports, cheerleading, debate and was president of the Glee club. In her senior year, Nancy received the Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen Award, was Salutatorian for her class and a member of the first group of BHS students to be named to the National Honor Society.

After her marriage to Raymond in 1953, Nancy became a mother, a homemaker, and a partner in the Raymond Mathieu Oil Company. She also worked in retail at Day’s Jewelry store and Benoit’s clothing store, and in accounts receivable at the Biddeford and Saco Water Company and Central Maine Power. She later became the human resource officer at York County Counselling, completing 18 years of gratifying employment until her retirement in 2000. She was a member of St. Andre’s Church for 77 years before its closing in 2010. She was a member of the church choir as it evolved from singing in Latin to singing in French and English, which was brought about by The Second Vatican Council. Nancy proudly served as a Eucharistic minister and looked forward to working the Christmas Fair with other parishioners. She always enjoyed her interpersonal relationships in all settings.

In 1998, Nancy became a member of the Tri-City Community Chorus singing in 34 concerts over 17 years. After retirement she volunteered at Southern Maine Health Care for 14 years totaling 2,329 hours of service. She traveled with her partner, Joe, enjoyed playing cards with her women friends and actively participated in the lives of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Nancy’s daughters are grateful to have had her guidance, companionship, and unconditional love for over six decades and will always remember her as a wonderful mother and friend.

Nancy had a positive impact on everyone she met while living and this continues with her passing since she has donated her body to the anatomical body donor program at the University of New England. Services will be held at a future date.