AUBURN — Carmel Jeannette Theberge, 83, died peacefully on Sunday, June 10, 2012, at the Androscoggin Hospice House, surrounded by her loving family.

She had resided at Clover Manor for more than five years, previously living in her home on Moreau Avenue in Lewiston.

She was born in Waterville on Oct. 20, 1928, the daughter of Odias and Nathalie (Gilbert) Couture. She was educated in Waterville schools.

Carmel married Normand Theberge on Nov. 11, 1948. Together, they proudly raised six children. He predeceased her in 1992.

Through her early adult years, Carmel worked as the housekeeper for several priests, most memorable were her years in Stonington. She continued to work at various rectories, cleaning and preparing meals for the priests, a job of which she spoke fondly throughout her life. As her family grew, she remained at home and devoted her life to being a homemaker.

She worked at Lebel’s Bridal Salon and Morin’s Bridal World. She was an excellent seamstress, fashioning many outfits for her young children. She also loved to cook.

Her beautiful voice was another talent she shared through membership in her church choir. She was a communicant at Holy Cross Church Prince of Peace Parish and belonged to various church groups throughout the years, notably the Ladies of St. Anne and prayer groups. For many years, she volunteered for the Catholic Charities SEARCH Program.

Despite the fact that Alzheimer’s disease robbed her of many of her abilities, Carmel still remembered the words to songs and sang with total enjoyment when she attended weekly music programs at Clover Manor.

Carmel is survived by her brother, Wilfred Couture of Casco; sons, Roger Theberge of Hallowell and Daniel Theberge of Old Orchard Beach; daughters, Nathalie Scribner of Lewiston, Lucille Ouellette of Auburn, Jane Theberge of Florida and Ann Ackley of Antioch, Ill.; 11 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents; brothers, Laurier Couture, Reginald Couture, Roger Couture and Jerome Couture; sisters, Leonette Petersen and Marcelle Donahue; and a grandson.

A funeral Mass will be held on Saturday at 11 a.m. at Holy Cross Church. Interment will follow in Gracelawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be held on Saturday from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at Dostie Funeral Home, 2151 Lisbon Road, Lewiston.