WINDHAM — Ida A. Fecteau, 95, died on Thursday, Sept. 7, 2017, with her family by her side.

She was born in Montella, Italy, on April 2, 1922, the daughter of Nicola and Lucia (Marinari) D’Alessandro.

Ida lost both her parents when she was very young, and was placed in an orphanage at the early age of nine. In 1939, she made the journey to immigrate to the United States. She arrived at Ellis Island, and stayed there a week while awaiting her uncle Genesio Marinari Jr. before heading to Washington D.C. Ida was a hard worker with a tremendous amount of drive. She was even able to teach herself the English language by going to the movies. She then began writing to a pen pal, George P. Fecteau, a Westbrook native, who was in the service during WWII. The pair became close and eventually married. Together, they raised their four sons in the Windham community. Family was an integral part of Ida’s life, and she always thought of others before herself. Ida was an exceptional cook, with recipes from the “old” country. Her spaghetti sauce was out of this world, and she enjoyed making cakes and pies. Ida also enjoyed working with her hands, whether that it was in her garden tending to her flowers, or helping hem a dress.

Ida is survived by three sons, Gene Fecteau of Windham, Stephen Fecteau of Casco and Nick Fecteau of Poland; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by her husband, George P. Fecteau in 1980; her son, George R. Fecteau; and her brother, Sabino D’Alessandro.

Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 22, 2017 at Dolby Funeral Chapel, 434 River Road, Windham. Burial will be at a later date in Arlington Cemetery.

To express condolences and to participate in Ida’s online tribute please visit www.dolbyfuneralchapels.com

Memorial donations in Ida’s honor may be made to Hospice of Southern Maine, 180 US Rte. 1, Suite 1, Scarborough, ME 04074.