Gerard and Gabrielle Legere

Gerard J. Legere, 86 and Gabrielle J. (LeBlanc) Legere, 79, both of Sanford passed away this past week, Gerard on Wednesday November 21, and Gabrielle on Saturday November 24. Both born in Sanford, Gerard was born on September 18, 1921, a son of Prosper and Dehlia (Baron) Legere. Gabrielle was born on June 27, 1928, a daughter of Alfred and Laura (Boivin) LeBlanc.Gerard and Gabrielle have passed on together after 60 happy years of marriage. In those 60 years they experienced many good times highlighted by the births of each of their 11 children. Both were lifelong communicants of St. Ignatius parish. Gerard served his country in the US Army during WWII and fought in the Battle of the Bulge. He retired from the Portsmouth Naval Ship Yard after many years of service. He played semi pro baseball for the Gendron Lumber Team of the Twilight League. He was well known as one of the top candlepin bowlers in the state. He loved all sports but was above all a Red Sox fan. He would follow them from the first pitch of spring training to the finals of the season.Gabrielle also attended Sanford schools during her youth. She worked full time in addition to raising her 11 children. Her family was in awe of her many talents. She perfected her seamstress skills through many years of making everything from her children's clothes to prom dresses and wedding gowns for her daughters and other family members. She made lifelong friends during her tenure as owner and operator of Gabe's Place Ceramics in Sanford where she taught classes for 27 years. Gabrielle leaves behind an entire family who learned from her over many years that nothing else matters much if you don't have the love and support from those around you.Anybody who knew Gerard and Gabrielle would attest, their children and grandchildren were always their #1 priority. One word was always used by the two of them to describe their feelings toward having such a large family to enjoy life with-'fortunate'. After 60 years of marriage, where Gerard and Gabrielle did almost everything together, it is appropriate that they passed just days apart, so that neither of them will have to spend an extended period of time without each other.They are predeceased by two sons, Donald Legere and Roger Legere. They are survived by their children, Linda Baker and her husband, Gary of Sanford, Richard Legere and his wife, Reina of McQueeney, Texas, Elaine Schultz of Sanford, Denise Deering and her husband, Roger of East Waterboro, Sandra Payeur and her husband, Michael of Sanford, Mark Legere of Sanford, James Legere and his wife, Michelle of Springvale, Renee Roy and her husband, Bruce of Sanford, Laura Mayo and her husband, Rob of Bryan's Road, Maryland, 21 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren Gerard is survived by two brothers, Leon Legere and his wife, Connie and Emile Legere and his wife, Lorraine both of Sanford. Gabrielle is survived her brothers, Rene LeBlanc and his wife, Adrienne of Sanford, Raymond LeBlanc and his wife, Gloria of Greenwich, CT, Roger LeBlanc and his wife, Carol of Cadillac, Michigan and one sister, Irene Fortier of Lamesa, California, one brother in law, Rene Richards of East Greenwich, RI, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousinsVisiting hours for Mr. and Mrs. Legere will be held on Monday from 2-4 and 6-8pm at the Lafrance-Lambert & Black Funeral Home, 29 Winter Street in Sanford. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday at 11am at St. Ignatius Catholic Church-St. Therse of Lisieux Parish in Sanford. Burial will follow at St. Ignatius Cemetery in Sanford.In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in their memory to Beacon Hospice 54 Atlantic Place, South Portland, Maine 04106 or to www.rickyd.ws to help with upcoming medical expenses for Ricky D. Arseneault.Condolences may be expressed by clicking on the Condolences tab at left.