GORHAM – Alma M. Buotte passed away peacefully on March 25, 2025, at the age of 91. She was born June 20, 1933, in Westbrook, the beginning of a remarkable life.

Alma was the youngest of seven children of Horace and Yvonne Galipeau of Westbrook. She graduated from Westbrook High School in 1951. She had a close relationship with her family, especially her sister Marguerite “Maggie” Gallant Harnois. Alma also had a lifelong bond with her in-laws Fred and Margaret Sturdivant, of Portland.

Alma, a single parent, had a successful business career starting as an accountant for Sebago Moc Company in Westbrook. Alma and her first husband, Donald Sturdivant owned a general store in Higgins Beach in the late 1950s. Alma’s long tenure with Vallee’s Steak House began when she was hired by Joe McDonald to work in their corporate office. She eventually becoming a vice president and trusted advisor to CEO Donald Valle. After the restaurant chain closed, Alma started a second business career as a Restaurant Consultant serving several Portland area restaurants including the last Valle’s then owned by dear friend Judy Valle. She continued her consulting business into her 80s.

Alma was a big sports fan! She loved watching NFL football (Patriots, Pittsburg, Miami). Alma was also an avid golfer and a longtime member of the former Gorham Country Club as well as playing Maine and Florida amateur golf circuits. She had two holes-in-one in her lifetime, one in each state.

Alma was predeceased by her second husband, Philip “Bunky” Buotte.

She is survived by her son, Peter Sturdivant of Standish; two granddaughters, Sara Sanborn of Portsmouth, N.H., and Cassandra Sturdivant of Marblehead, Mass. Alma had four great-grandchildren, Andrew Leblond Sturdivant and Peter, Margaret “Maggie” and George Watt.

A celebration of life will be held at the home of Peter and Linda Studivant, 7 Pond View Rd., Standish on May 10, from 1 to 3 p.m. Burial will be at a later date at St. Hyacinth’s Cemetery in Westbrook.

Online condolence messages can be submitted at the Poitras Funeral Homes website, http://www.mainefuneral.com.