Monique C. Morin

Monique C. Morin, 92, of Sanford, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 1, 2026, at The Landing at Saco Bay Assisted Living in Saco. A woman of remarkable strength, unwavering faith, and deep devotion to her family, Monique lived a life defined by hard work, resilience, and, above all, love for those closest to her.

Monique was born in Sanford on November 22, 1933, the daughter of Arthur and Irene (Tremblay) Cloutier. She grew up in Sanford, where she attended local Catholic schools and graduated from St. Ignatius High School in 1951. Her Catholic upbringing helped shape the strong faith and values that would remain an important part of her life.

In 1954, Monique married Robert Morin, and together they welcomed four children and built a loving family. They shared 19 years of marriage before Robert’s untimely passing in 1973. Suddenly widowed at just 40 years old, Monique found herself facing the enormous responsibility of raising four children on her own. It was during this difficult chapter of her life that her extraordinary strength and determination truly shone through. Having never needed a driver’s license, she learned to drive, entered the workforce, and took on the many responsibilities of providing for her family. Though the road ahead was not always easy, Monique met each challenge with courage, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to her children. She worked tirelessly to make sure they were cared for, loved, and provided with a good home. Her quiet sacrifices and steadfast determination were a testament to the remarkable woman and mother she was.

For many years, Monique was employed by the Sanford School System, preparing lunches in the cafeteria at Memorial Gym. It was a job she genuinely loved, not only because of the work itself, but also because of the many friendships she formed along the way. Her hardworking nature, friendly personality, and dedication made those years especially meaningful to her. She took pride in her work and treasured the camaraderie she shared with her coworkers.

In 1977, Monique met Albert Sousa, who would become her longtime companion and an important part of her life for more than three decades. Together, they enjoyed many wonderful experiences, traveling to different parts of the world, attending shows and theatrical performances, and making countless memories along the way. Their years together brought Monique much happiness, companionship, and adventure. They shared a special bond until Albert’s passing in 2009.

Although Monique enjoyed the opportunities to travel and experience new places, she was, at heart, a homebody. Some of her happiest moments were the simplest ones, spent in the comfort of her home surrounded by the people she loved. Family was always the center of her world, and nothing brought her greater joy than being together with her children and grandchildren. She was a loving and devoted mother who took great pride in the family she had worked so hard to raise.

Becoming a grandmother brought an especially wonderful chapter to Monique’s life. Her grandchildren held a very special place in her heart, and spending time with them was among her greatest pleasures. The love she had for her family extended through the generations, and she was blessed to see that family grow to include nine great-grandchildren. The time they shared, the memories they created, and the love she gave so freely will remain treasured gifts to those she leaves behind.

Throughout her life, Monique remained devoted to her Catholic faith and was a longtime communicant of St. Ignatius Church in Sanford. Her faith provided a source of comfort and strength through life’s joys and hardships and was an important part of the values she passed along to her family.

Monique’s life was not without its share of heartache and challenges, but she never allowed those difficulties to define her. Instead, she will be remembered for the strength with which she faced them, the sacrifices she willingly made for those she loved, and the enduring devotion she showed to her family. She did not need grand gestures to express her love; it was evident in her hard work, her presence, and the countless everyday ways she cared for those around her. Her legacy lives on in the family she raised, the generations that followed, and the many lives made better by her love. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Monique was predeceased by her beloved husband, Robert Morin; her longtime companion, Albert Sousa; her parents, Arthur and Irene Cloutier; and her two siblings, Paul Cloutier and Sylvia Royal.

She is lovingly survived by her four children, Susan Allen and her husband Jayson of Niceville, Florida, David Morin and his wife Brenda of Sanford, Lisa Gagné and her husband David of Porter, and Michelle L’Heureux and her husband Conrad of Oxford; seven grandchildren, Kevin and his wife Rebecca, Angie, Todd and his partner Tracy, Kristen, Kayla and her husband Jans, Kelly and her husband Nick, Eric and his wife Kate, and Nicholas(Nick); and nine great-grandchildren, Collin, Shelby, Brady, London, Reilly, Calvin, Elowen, Maxwell, and Zachary.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 PM on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, at the Black-Heald & Walker Funeral Home, 580 Main Street, Springvale. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at St. Therese of Lisieux Parish on North Avenue in Sanford. Interment will follow at St. Ignatius Cemetery in Sanford.