Florence M. Lemieux

PORTLAND — Florence M. Hamblet Lemieux, 93, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2010, at the Gorham House, where she resided for the past 17 years. During these years, she struggled with Alzheimer’s disease, eventually regressing into the quiet of her own being.
Florence was born on Dec. 10, 1917, the eldest child of the late Henry and Margaret Brien of Portland. Schooled in Portland, she graduated from Deering High in 1936. After graduation, she attended the Maine Eye and Ear Infirmary School of Nursing.
In 1940, Florence married Richard Hamblet, also of Portland. Together, they raised a family of four children. She worked for many years as a nurse at Portland’s Osteopathic Hospital. The highlight of her years was unquestionable — summers spent with family at their cottage on Little Sebago Lake. There she enjoyed entertaining family and friends alike.
Florence was an active member of the Woodford Club Ladies Group and a talented craftsman. She took pride in special projects that include sewing, stenciling and caning. She loved to swim and enjoyed playing Scrabble.
In 1979, Richard, her husband of 39 years passed away. She continued to work and care for her family. Then, Edmund Lemieux of Portland came into her life. They were married in 1985. Together, they enjoyed traveling and spending winters at Jekyll Island in Georgia, until his passing in 1996.
Florence was not only predeceased by two loving husbands and her parents, but by her son, Richard D. Hamblet.
Florence is survived by two daughters, Mary M. Smith of Gorham and Anne Marie Kane of New Market, N.H.; son, James H. Hamblet of Las Vegas, Nev.; stepdaughters, Laurie Farnsworth and Pricilla Garlaneau; sister, Bertha Montgomery of South Portland; brothers, Ernest Brien of Buxton, Henry Brien of Arkansas, Gerald Brien of Bridgton and Edward Brien of San Diego, Calif.; four grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
Visitation was held on Monday, Dec. 20, 2010 at Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home, 199 Woodford Street, Portland. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Tuesday, Dec. 21, 2010 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 1342 Congress Street, Portland. Interment in Brooklawn Memorial Park will be private.
Please visit www.jonesrichandhutchins.com for additional information and to sign Florence’s guest book.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Alzheimer’s Association, Maine Chapter, 163 Lancaster Street, Suite 160B, Portland, ME 04101.