Bernice Poitras

GORHAM — Bernice Smith Poitras, 88, passed away peacefully on Monday, Oct. 5, 2015, surrounded by love at the Gorham House, where she received tender cared for 15 years.

Bernice was born on May 15, 1927 in Westbrook, the daughter of George and Marguerite Smith.

She was a waitress at Tom’s Restaurant in downtown Westbrook, where she met the love of her life, Connie Poitras. They were married on Dec. 15, 1951 in St. Hyacinth Church.

Bernice’s house was always full; she was the best baker in town who had many specialties that she prepared for many occasions, including showers, birthday parties, illnesses or funerals. Bernice led a simple life. She was a fulltime stay-at-home mom and she never drove a car. She was a calm, patient, loving woman, who taught many by her example to be understanding, empathetic and kind. She radiated compassion.

She was predeceased by her husband, Conrad in 1991; her sisters, Beatrice Smith Waite and Pat Smith Mulkern; and a brother, Eddie Smith.

She leaves behind her sister, Beverly Smith Thibeault; her four children, Christine Anderson of Harrison, Susan Jeffords of Windham, Michael Poitras of Gorham and Jean Roma of Windham; her 12 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Bernice had so many wonderful friends through her lifetime who were touched by her loving kindness. Whether you needed a shoulder to cry on, a place to stay for a while, a birthday cake or a perm, she would gladly oblige. Of all her accomplishments in life, being a good mother and grandmother were her proudest. Her greatest passion was knitting. She knitted countless items for her own children and neighborhood children.

A visiting hour will be from 1 to 2 p.m., Thursday, followed by a funeral service at 2 p.m. at Blais & Hay Funeral Home, 35 Church Street, Westbrook. Interment will follow in St. Hyacinth Cemetery. Online condolences may be expressed at blaisandhayfuneralhome.com