Gertrude D. Lapierre

Sanford, Maine - Gertrude D. Lapierre, 83, of Sanford, Maine died peacefully on May 11, 2015, at Maine Medical Center, Portland, Maine, after a period of failing health. The family would like to thank the staff members of Maine Medical Center, Greenwood Center in Sanford, and her physician Dr. Schneider for all the caring, kindness and support they showed to both Gertrude and her family while in their care. Gertrude (Gert) was born on November 5, 1931 in Sanford, Maine. She was the daughter of Aime Chevalier and Rose (Cote) Chevalier. She married Edmond Lapierre of Sanford, Maine, June 25, 1953. Soon after, they purchased their home on Beulah Street, where they resided together all of their married life. Gert worked in the shoe factories and textile mills of Sanford, Maine before retiring. In her younger years she took some memorable trips with her sisters and friends to Florida, Canada, New York City, the Bahamas and Las Vegas. She was an avid bingo player and especially loved her trips to Foxwoods with her cousin Rita O'Meara. She was full of spirit and always had a quick joke or comment to make. She was known by many as Gert, Gertie or Ma tante. She enjoyed getting to know the wait staff at her favorite breakfast and lunch spots, her doctor's offices and other businesses. Gert was also an animal lover, and in particular she adored Chihuahuas. She first had a mail order pocket Chihuauhua named Peewee, followed by Lady and then Peppy. Along with her beloved dogs, her two cats (both named Mickey) kept she and Eddie company over the years. She loved to feed the squirrels and could get a few to eat from her hands. They kept many bird houses and feeders in their yard. Although, Gert and Eddie did not have children of their own-they were like second parents to many of their nieces and nephews. Gert was one-of-a-kind, and the type of aunt, sister and friend that everyone should be so lucky to have. She was loved by all who knew her, and will be missed by many. She was a parishioner of the former Holy Family Church in Sanford, Maine. Gert was a very generous person and gave to many charities over the years. Gertrude is survived by her sister Jeannette (Chevalier) Whitten and her husband Richard Houle of North Port, Florida; God Son Mark Therrien; and many loving nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind her good friends and care takers, Veronica Lord and Ruth Welch, who both helped care for Gert, along with her nieces and nephews, so that she could remain in her home as long as possible. She was predeceased by her husband, Edmond H. Lapierre, who passed away on January 3, 2014; two sisters, Doris Bilodeau and Beatrice Cote; as well as two brothers, Lionel Chevalier and Conrad Chevalier; and, her God Son, Steve Whitten. Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, May 20, 2015 from 9:00 to 11:00 AM at LaFrance-Lambert and Black Funeral Home located at 29 Winter Street in Sanford. Immediately following visiting hours, a graveside service and burial will take place at St. Ignatius Cemetery, Berwick Road, Sanford, Maine. Arrangements are under the direction of Black Funeral Homes and Cremation Service, Sanford-Springvale.To leave a message of condolence for the family please click on the condolences tab to the left.