Doris M. Petit, 93, of Springvale, passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. A woman of faith, boundless energy, and a wonderful sense of humor, Doris lived a full and happy life centered around the people she loved most. She will be remembered for her outgoing personality, her love of laughter, and the special way she made those around her feel welcome and loved.
Doris was born in Biddeford, Maine, on May 11, 1933, the daughter of Ernest and Bertha (Huot) Laflamme. She grew up in Biddeford, where she attended local Catholic schools and graduated from Marie Joseph Academy.
In 1956, Doris married the love of her life, Ralph Petit. Together, they built a beautiful life filled with love, laughter, and family. Over their 65 years of marriage, they raised three children and shared countless memories, creating a home where family was always the center of everything. Their long and devoted marriage was a testament to the love and commitment they shared until Ralph’s passing in 2021.
As a young woman, Doris began working at Biddeford Maine Hardware, where she remained for several years before leaving the workforce to devote herself to raising her family. Once her children were all in school, she returned to the hardware store, later accepting a position as a coder at the West Point Pepperell Mill. She worked there for many years until her retirement, building friendships and earning the respect of those who had the pleasure of working alongside her.
Retirement brought Doris and Ralph the opportunity to enjoy some of life’s greatest pleasures together. For several years, they escaped the cold Maine winters by spending time in Hawaii before eventually making Florida their winter home, a tradition they enjoyed for approximately 30 years. When the warmer weather returned to Maine, so did they, spending their summers at their beloved camp on Lake Arrowhead in North Waterboro. Whether enjoying the sunshine, visiting with friends, or simply spending time together, Doris and Ralph made the most of their retirement years and the many wonderful experiences they shared.
Doris had been a communicant of St. Joseph Parish in Biddeford and St. Thérèse of Lisieux Parish in Sanford. Her faith was reflected not only in her devotion to the Church but also in the kindness, generosity, and love she showed to others.
Anyone who knew Doris knew that she was not someone who enjoyed sitting still. She was always on the go, always finding something to do, someone to visit, or a reason to have a little fun. Naturally outgoing and social, she made friends easily and treasured the many friendships she developed throughout her lifetime. She had a wonderful sense of humor, always seemed to have a joke ready, and loved nothing more than sharing a good laugh. Her cheerful spirit and playful personality made her a joy to be around, and she had a special gift for bringing smiles to the faces of others. Doris was also an excellent and avid knitter. She made lovely sweaters for her children when they were small and mittens. Doris made hundreds and hundreds of pairs of mittens, in various patterns, colors, and sizes, which she donated to organizations focused on helping children.
Above all else, Doris was devoted to her family. Being a wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother brought her immeasurable happiness, and there was nothing more important to her than the people she loved. She especially adored children and delighted in spending time with them. Never one to let a teachable moment pass, Doris had a way of turning everyday experiences into opportunities to share a little wisdom, offer guidance, or set a good example. She believed in teaching by doing, and she passed along valuable lessons through her words, her actions, and the way she lived her life.
Doris also understood the importance of enjoying life. She loved having fun, playing cards and cribbage, and sharing special moments with family and friends. Whether it was a family gathering, a conversation with a friend, or an ordinary afternoon spent with those she loved, she had a way of making the simplest moments meaningful. Her energy, laughter, and unmistakable personality will be remembered with great affection by everyone fortunate enough to have known her.
Although her family and friends will miss her dearly, they find comfort in the many wonderful memories she leaves behind. Doris lived her 93 years with love, laughter, and an enduring devotion to her family. Her legacy will live on in the generations she helped shape, the lessons she taught, and the countless lives she touched along the way.
Doris was predeceased by her beloved husband, Ralph Petit; her son, John Petit; and two siblings, Rita Hamel and Normand Laflamme.
She is lovingly survived by her two daughters, Carol Cornwell and her husband, Bill, of Harrisburg, North Carolina, and Susan Petit of Sanford, Maine; her daughter-in-law, Susan Sisca Petit of North Waterboro; six grandchildren, Andy Cornwell of Georgetown, Tennessee, Christy Humphreys and her husband, Bryce, of Monroe, North Carolina, Alex Cornwell of Durham, North Carolina, Kevin Hatch and his wife, Kristy, of Mechanic Falls, James Hatch and his wife, Mallori, of Alexandria, Virginia, and Zoe Voisine and her husband, Jake, of North Waterboro; five great-grandchildren, Addalynn, Mackenzie, Walden, Alina, and Jameson; and three sisters, Lucille Johnson of Kennebunk, Aline Jacques of Bucksport, and Annette Cyr and her husband, Noel, of Windsor, Connecticut. She also leaves behind many extended family members and dear friends who will cherish her memory.
Visitation will be held from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 15, 2026, at the Black-Heald & Walker Funeral Home, 580 Main Street, Springvale. Interment will take place in the summer at the Southern Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Springvale.
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We’re very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time.
Anne and Frank Ferraz