OBITUARIES | July 26, 2026 – BIDDEFORD GAZETTE

A review of local obituaries from the Biddeford Saco area for the week of July 26, 2026

CONSTANCE ‘CONNIE’ GRENIER FLEURENT

Aug. 14, 1936 – JULY 13, 2026

DOBSON FUNERAL HOME | Constance “Connie” Grenier Fleurent, 90, a lifelong resident of Biddeford, passed away peacefully on July 13, 2026, at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House in Scarborough after complications from Alzheimer’s disease. She was one month shy of celebrating her 91st birthday.

Connie was born in Biddeford on August 14, 1936, to Aldebert Grenier and Bella (Arcand) Grenier.

She was blessed with the love and guidance of her stepfather, Edward Berube Sr.

She attended St. Mary’s School and local Biddeford schools.

As a young woman, Connie worked at the beloved Fishman’s store and soda fountain in the heart of downtown Biddeford. She enjoyed serving customers, visiting with friends, and being part of the vibrant downtown community.

Those years reflected her warm personality and friendly nature long before she devoted herself full-time to raising her family, where her greatest joy was being a loving wife, mother, and homemaker.

As a late teenager, Connie met the love of her life, Gerard “Jerry” Fleurent, while ice skating at the Westbrook Skating Rink. Their chance meeting blossomed into a lifelong love story. Together they built a home filled with love and laughter, raising three children during their 47 years of marriage until Jerry’s passing in 2003.

Connie was an accomplished candlepin bowler and proudly earned the title of York County Women’s Candlepin Champion during the 1960s.

While she enjoyed numerous hobbies and adventures throughout her life, nothing brought her greater joy than spending time with her family.

Known affectionately as “Mama Bear” by her children and countless neighborhood youngsters, Connie had a nurturing spirit that made everyone feel welcome. She was a devoted and loving Memère to her four grandsons, who lovingly called her “Mem.” She rarely missed an opportunity to cheer them on, enthusiastically attending countless Little League, High School baseball, and hockey games over the years.

Connie and Jerry shared a love of travel and adventure, enjoying motorcycle weekend trips, cross-country van vacations, and memorable visits to Florida, San Jose, California, and Niagara Falls. She also loved trying her luck at casinos, where her remarkable winning streak earned her the affectionate nickname, “Lucky Connie.”

Known for her infectious smile, warm sense of humor, and thoughtful spirit, Connie had a special gift for making everyone feel welcome. She would often greet family and friends, by taking their hand and making each person feel valued and loved. Her kindness, generosity, and genuine interest in others left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her.

In August 2025, Connie celebrated her 90th birthday surrounded by extended family, enjoying lobster rolls, dancing to a live band, and creating one more treasured memory with those she loved most.

For the past three years, Connie was a resident of Southridge Rehabilitation & Living Center in Biddeford, where she received compassionate care and formed many meaningful friendships.

Connie is predeceased by her parents, Aldebert and Bella Grenier; her stepfather, Edward Berube Sr.; all her siblings; and her beloved husband, Gerard “Jerry” Fleurent.

She is lovingly survived by her daughter, Michelle Gunn and her husband, Donald Gunn, of Biddeford; her sons, Stephen Fleurent and his wife, Lynn, of Biddeford, and Ron Fleurent of East Waterboro; her four grandsons, Tyler Fleurent and his wife, Casey, of Biddeford; Aaron Gunn and his partner, Suzanne, of Topsham; Trevor Fleurent and his wife, Brooke, of Old Orchard Beach; and Brady Fleurent and his wife, Rachel, of Biddeford.

She also leaves behind six cherished great-grandchildren, Colin, Nolan, Faith, Beau, Celine and Scottie, whose lives are a testament to the love, values, and devotion she instilled in her family.

Upon Celine’s birth, she was given the middle name Constance, chosen to honor her grandmother, Connie, whose love, and legacy continue to inspire our family

Connie will also be lovingly remembered by her former companion of 16 years, Paul Bombardier of Middleborough, Massachusetts, and by her cherished lifelong friend, Doris (Roy) Heimburg of Brunswick, Maryland.

In accordance with Connie’s wishes, there will be no calling hours or public funeral service. Burial will be private and held at the convenience of her family. | FULL OBITUARY

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ANDRE (KIT) LEFEBVRE

Nov. 19, 1931 – July 12, 2026

HOPE MEMORIAL CHAPEL | Andre (Kit) Lefebvre, 94, of Biddeford, died on July 12, 2026, at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House. He was born in Biddeford on November 19, 1931, to Leonide and Cesarine (Nadeau) Lefebvre.

Andre served in the United States Army during the Korean War. In 1954, he married Myrtle Cote at St. Andre’s Church in Biddeford. They were married for 68 years.

Andre owned Merchants Express for close to 30 years. He later worked for the Biddeford Ice Arena and the University of New England, retiring at age 85.

He had a passion for golf and was an active member at Dutch Elm Golf Course still golfing into his 80’s. Andy was very proud of his grandchildren always supporting them at their sports or activities. He loved being outdoors, often taking walks with Myrtle, always chatting with his neighbors or others he met along the way.

You would often see him doing yard work, he was very meticulous about his property. Both he and Myrtle met two to three times per week with a group of friends at Burger King, which Andy continued to do until his illness. In February, he took one last trip to California with his daughters to visit his granddaughter in San Diego.

Being an avid sports fan, he followed all the New England teams with the only exception being baseball. His team of choice was the Detroit Tigers. Andy really enjoyed music and in his younger years he often played the guitar. He would still take out his harmonica on occasion to entertain us. Country music was his favorite, though live music of any kind made him happy!

More than anything, Andy loved being around people. Everyone was always welcome into his home — especially if willing to help with the puzzle he was currently working on!

Andre was predeceased by his parents; his wife, Myrtle; five brothers; and six sisters.

He is survived by his daughter, Tammy Dion and her husband, Guy, of Wells; his son, Keith Lefebvre and his wife, Sue, of Lyman; his daughter, Tracy Busa and her husband, Jon, of Kennebunkport; his grandchildren, Whitney and her husband, Josh; Carly and her husband, AJ; Hilary and her significant other, Doug; Colby; Brooke and her husband, Nate; Megan; Derrick and his wife, Meghan; Morgan and her significant other, Steve; and Austin and his fiancée, Erin; and 13 great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews.

The family extends a special thank-you to Liz Spofford, Andre’s caretaker, who became his “best bud,” and to the staff at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House for their care and kindness.

Visitation will be held Monday, August 3, 2026, from 10 a.m. to noon at Hope Memorial Chapel, 480 Elm Street, Biddeford, Maine. A funeral Mass will be held at 1 p.m. at St. Joseph Church in Biddeford, followed by burial at St. Joseph Cemetery in Biddeford. | READ MORE

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KENNETH PLOURDE

July 2, 1949 – July 19, 2026

HOPE MEMORIAL CHAPEL | Kenneth Plourde, 77, of Largo, Florida (and always of Biddeford, Maine), passed peacefully on Sunday evening, July 19, 2026, from congestive heart failure. He went by many names over the years, some called him Kenny, others Big Ken, Mr. Ken, and he will always be Dad to the lucky ones.

Ken was born in Biddeford at the old Webber Hospital on July 2, 1949, to Omer C. Plourde and Madeline A. (Sheehan) Plourde, both of Biddeford, Maine. Ken was the oldest of two boys, his wonderful brother Carl O. Plourde predeceased him in 2014.

He was a student at Biddeford High School, as a member of the class of 1967. He excelled at academics and football until a knee injury sidelined him in his senior year. His love for the game kept him on the sidelines for 40 years as part of the “Chain Gang”; manning the downs box for the Biddeford Tigers home games until passing the baton in 2014 to good friend Denis.

Ken found love and marriage twice in his life. His first wife, Jane McNaughton who passed in the mid-70s, had a baby girl, Lauren Jane, from a prior relationship. Upon Jane’s passing, Ken legally adopted Lauren as his own.

In September 1976, Ken married Frances (Fran) Lothrop of Portland, Maine. Though their marriage wasn’t perfect and did not last, the family they built did. Ken and Fran raised Lauren together, and had two additional children, Kenneth Jr. (Kenny) in 1977 (deceased) and Megan in 1981.

Ken was a hard worker. At the early age of 14 he was working for Delorge’s Bakery in Biddeford baking bread. Once he got his license he began delivering the baked items, which led to his time with Atlantic Distributors where he delivered Cott Soda, where he transitioned from deliveries to sales. He spent most of the ‘80s and ‘90s working in paint sales. He found his passion for this industry at McKenney & Heard, Biddeford Maine Hardware, Maine Linoleum, and then realized his dream of owning his own shop in 1988 when York County Paint and Supply was born (tee-shirts still exist).

His little business was quite successful for many years, earning a write-up in an industry publication for being a national leader in California Paint Product sales.

Unfortunately, the world changed and big box stores pushed many mom-and-pop stores out of the market; Ken’s store was not immune. The paint store closed in 2000, when he started a new chapter as beloved school bus driver Mr. Ken, caring for the special needs students in the Biddeford school district for 15 years before retiring and moving to Florida.

Ken was always active in the community, participating as a board member for multiple La Kermesse festivals, as president of the Biddeford Band Boosters in the late 1990s, he was always an active “Stage Dad” for Meg’s dance team always manning the camera for recitals, all while participating on the aforementioned “Chain Gang”. He was well known and respected in the community, making life difficult for his children during their teen years. To know him was to love him and be cared for by him.

Ken was the dad that was always there, with a ride home from practice, pizzas during competitions, or a spotted $10 for a hungry kiddo at a football game. In his final years he was a member of the Sons of the American Legion Post 119 in Largo, Florida.

Ken is survived by his ex-wife Frances Plourde, his daughters Lauren Cote and Megan Linscott, five grandchildren Chantal Dubois, Paige Ford, Camdyn Cote, Tyler Plourde and Erica Plourde, one great-grandson, his sister-in-law, two nieces, multiple cousins, and lots of fur-grandbabies.

There will be a Celebration of Life for Ken on August 7, 2026. The day will start with a graveside service for close family and friends at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Biddeford, Maine at 11 a.m., where he will be interred with his parents.

Please note this will be standing room only, so please bring a folding chair if required.

The celebration will then be moved to The Elks Lodge in Saco, Maine from 1 to 3 p.m.; this event is open to all that knew him. Ken was not a solemn man, so bring your stories and share. Let’s send him off with a Ken style laugh-fest.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of Ken’s favorite charities: St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Wounded Warrior Project, a local Animal Rescue (non-kill), or a local Food Bank. | READ MORE

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MONIQUE C. AUDET

Feb. 7, 1941 – July 20, 2026

HOPE MEMORIAL CHAPEL | Monique C. Audet, 85, passed away on Monday, July 20, 2026.

She was born in Biddeford on February 7, 1941, the daughter of Raoul and Therese (Landry) Sevigny. She was educated in the Biddeford school system and graduated from Biddeford schools.

On September 7, 1963, she married Raymond Audet. They shared 54 years of marriage until his passing in 2017.

Monique enjoyed knitting, crossword puzzles, and jigsaw puzzles. Above all, she cherished spending time with her family, who were the center of her life.

She was predeceased by her husband, Raymond Audet, and by her parents, Raoul and Therese (Landry) Sevigny.

She is survived by her son, Guy Audet; her daughter, Roberta Audet; her son, Michael Audet and his wife, Jennifer; her granddaughters, Ashley Chute, Alyssa Mwangi, and Chelsea Audet; her grandson, Zachary Audet; and her great-grandchildren, Elana Farnham, Evelyn Farnham, Zoe Chute, and Adella Mwangi.

Visiting hours will be held on Friday, July 31, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Hope Memorial Chapel, 480 Elm Street, Biddeford.

A funeral service, outside of Mass, will follow at 1 p.m. at Hope Memorial Chapel. Burial will be at St. Joseph Cemetery in Biddeford. | READ MORE

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GILBERTE B BORDUAS

Feb. 25, 1957 – July 22, 2026

HOPE MEMORIAL CHAPEL | Gilberte B. Borduas, 99, of Biddeford, passed away on July 22, 2026.

She was born on February 25, 1927, the daughter of Alexandre and Marie Laure (Hemond) Borduas. She graduated from St. Joseph High School and was a parishioner of St. Joseph Church.

Gilberte worked her entire career in the laundry industry as a mangle machine operator. She began her employment at Landry’s Laundry and later worked for what became White Star Laundry, retiring in 1987.

Friends and family were the center of Gilberte’s life. She maintained a large network of friends. She also enjoyed walking around town and was a familiar sight in the community.

She was predeceased by her parents; her brother, Jean Paul Borduas; her sisters, Rita Rouillard and Therese Paquette.

She is survived by her nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Hope Memorial Chapel, 480 Elm Street, Biddeford.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, July 30, 2026, at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph Church in Biddeford. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery. | READ MORE

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ROLAND SALAZAR ROSE

April 4, 1927 – July 22, 2026

HOPE MEMORIAL CHAPEL | Roland Salazar Rose died peacefully on July 22, 2026, at the Maine Veterans’ Home in Scarborough. He was 99 years old.

Roland, who was better known simply as Salazar, was a noted artist in Maine and Mexico. He was born on April 4, 1927 and was a veteran of WWII and the Korean War. He received a liberal arts education on the GI Bill, graduating from New York University. Salazar lived in Biddeford, Maine.

Salazar was a consultant with private firms that held contracts with the federal government. He was a “change agent” on significant projects. He was a principal staff member on the establishment of the Federal Employment Service computer-assisted project “Job Bank.” A racial flare-up in Subic Bay, in the Philippines, and other racial tensions in the US Navy prompted the Navy to contract with a Black-owned firm, and Roland was assigned as lead representative on project implementation. Employment in these well-paid jobs and others helped support his family.

As to his art, he exhibited widely in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, as well as in France and Spain. His work was juried into many exhibitions, and he received significant recognition in corners of the art world. In his twenties, he was already engaged as an artist, traveling to Europe to study and develop his artistic vision. Later, in New York, he pursued his creative talents in drawing and painting.

In Mexico, where he painted for over three decades, his work was acclaimed and exhibited in prestigious galleries and shows. He held a ten-year retrospective at the Museo Casa Diego Rivera in 1999. He developed what he called a wet-in-wet technique, which used natural tar (chapapote). Guillermo Zayarias, Director of Aura Galleries in Mexico City, said: “Salazar’s technique, utilizing a masterful combination of mixed media, using chapapote or tar to enhance the magnificence, results in a rich work of art that reflects the singular talent and personality of this fine artist.”

Returning to Maine in 2012, Salazar continued developing his artistic vision. He said at that time, “I returned to Maine…where I established a goal for my paintings…to seek to express Maine’s true essence.”

Since his return, Salazar has been a presence in the Portland art scene. Fellow artists remember him for the Danforth Gallery on Danforth Street in Portland, an alternative visual arts space founded in 1988, where many new and established artists in Maine and beyond exhibited work. He is also remembered as Artistic Director of the 1996 “Forest City Annual: Wood Sculpture & Symposium.” He guided six artists to do a public arts project in Portland’s Downtown Arts District.

Salazar also published an insightful autobiography and nine e-books. His video production, The Four Seasons of the Master Myth, aired on Maine PBS several times. In 2018, he produced an art-science collaboration with a planetarium director, an audio consultant, a NASA scientific advisor, and a writer. It culminated in the projection of Salazar’s artistic interpretations of nature and human life at the Emery Astronomy Center at the University of Maine in Orono.

Salazar is survived by his four children, Alexander L. Rose, Catherine A. Mackinnon, Jane A.M. Nelson, and Joan C. Forrester; 10 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

Salazar’s reputation as a talented artist has grown, and his work has been frequently exhibited in Portland galleries from the Jewish Historical Society to Cove Street Gallery to Creative Portland. Salazar’s drawings and paintings are in private collections and the permanent collections of universities and museums. The Portland Museum of Art has one of his paintings in its archives. | READ MORE

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