Laurette D. Fortin Obituary (1928 - 2022)

Laurette D. Fortin age 94, a lifelong Sanford resident died peaceful yet unexpectedly with her family by her side. She resided at the Pinnacle Health Center the last 4 yrs. after suffering a stroke. Laurette and younger sister Hilda grew up on the "East Side" of Sanford, the children of Wilfred and Melina D'Anjou. After graduating from Sanford High School in 1945, she did clerical work at Jagger Mills in Springvale, using the trolley daily, and later at Goodall Mills. On a blind date she met and fell for the redheaded Conrad J. Fortin, she raved about his red wavy hair. After he returned from 4 yrs. in Europe as an Army medic in WWII, they married in May 1951. Conrad soon developed his reputation as a sought-after, self-employed carpenter and builder. Together in the home they built, they raised 6 children. After their first child was born Laurette enjoyed being a homemaker and caring for Conrad's bookkeeping. She particularly enjoyed the ride in Conrad's black Ford Galaxy to Wells Beach with a stop at Forbes for fried clams. Her children will always remember her French Canadian inspired cooking for pork pie, "tourtiere ", and other meals her family enjoyed. In the spring of 1970, a parent's worst nightmare was to lose her 9 yr. old daughter, Joyce, who had slipped on ice in the schoolyard during the winter and died a few months later. In the early 1980's, she did bookkeeping for Riverside Service Center that her husband bought and operated with his sons. She learned to drive and got her license at age 58. She thought it was thrill being in driving school with all 16 yr. old kids. Her husband died of brain cancer in 1995, Laurette continued to take care of bookkeeping for the garage and gas station on River St., while son Norman continued to operate it. She is pre-deceased by her parents, husband, daughter Joyce. She will be sorely missed by daughters Patricia Dolbec and spouse Edgar, Carol L Fortin, Pamela Moore and spouse Thomas, and 2 sons Norman and Craig, 4 grandchildren, and 5 great grandkids. A graveside service will be held May 20th at 10:30am in St. Ignatius Cemetery in Sanford. Arrangements are under the direction of Black Funeral Homes and Cremation Service, Sanford-Springvale. To leave a message of condolence click on Laurette's tribute page.