BANGOR – Our beautiful mother, Fernande M. Nadeau, died Friday, May 25, 2012, on her 81st birthday.

Before her illness, Fern enjoyed an active and independent life. She was a kind and gentle woman who adored her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was cherished by all of us and will be greatly missed. We will carry her memory in our hearts forever and she will be the light to guide us through our life journey. Our family chain is broken and nothing will ever seem the same, but one day we will all be reunited and the links will join again. Until then, rest in peace Mama.

Fern was born in Saint-Odilon-De-Cranbourne, Canada on May 25, 1931, the daughter of Alfred and Marie Anne (Roderigue) Poulin. Fern was a housewife and busy mother, raising seven children and, after her children were grown, working at Inland Hospital for many years.

Fern was predeceased by her husband of 50 years, Clermont A. Nadeau; a son, Patrick J. Nadeau; her parents; and sisters, Antoinette Giroux, Jeanne Vallieres, and Therese Poulin.

She will be sadly missed by her two sons, Richard Nadeau and David Nadeau; her four daughters, Linda Nadeau, Marlene Nadeau, Rachel Mastriano, and Jolene Berube; her 12 beloved grandchildren, Gregory, Daniel, Christy, Erik N, Timothy, Nicholas, Danielle, Erik M, Gabrielle, Faith, Meg and Liz; and her ten great grandchildren. She will also be sadly missed by her two sisters, Rose Poulin and Rita Poulin of Waterville; her brother, Paul Poulin of Canada; as well as many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank Dr. Roland Knausenberger for taking such good care of our mother. She trusted him dearly and we are forever in his debt.

You are invited to pay your last respects, celebrate her life, and visit the family from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 29, 2012 at Veilleux Funeral Home, 8 Elm St., Waterville, Maine. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Wednesday, May 30, 2012 at 11 am at St John Church in Winslow. Committal will follow at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Veilleux Funeral Home, 8 Elm St., Waterville, ME 04901. Condolences may be expressed at www.veilleuxfuneralhome.com.