Laurie (Pooler) Sweet

WINDHAM — Laurie Dawn (Pooler) Sweet, 48, of Windham, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 3, 2017, at the Gosnell House in Scarborough.

She was born on Dec. 4, 1968, to Robert G. Pooler and Florence M. (Bancroft) Pooler. She was a graduate of Portland High School and Cosmotech. She worked in the field of cosmetology for many years, building a large clientele of loyal customers, most of whom became personal friends.

She owned multiple hair salons, most recently renting a station at As You Wish in Portland. She also worked for many years at Port Resources as a second job, not because she needed to, but because she loved it. She made many dear friends there along the way.

Laurie was a vibrant ray of light, who brought joy to all who knew her. She had a smile that could light up a room. She was known as a prankster and loved playing practical jokes on her loved ones. She loved to laugh and her laugh was contagious. Laurie loved her family and would do anything to support them in any way possible. She was fiercely protective of those she loved and made it her mission to take care of them.

She was a loyal and giving person, often putting others ahead of herself. Laurie got great joy from being a grandmother and could often be seen with at least one of her grandchildren in tow.

She is predeceased by her father, Robert G. Pooler.

Laurie is survived by her loving husband, Steven Sweet of Windham; her mother, Florence Pooler, of Portland; daughters, Alexis Jones of Bronx, N.Y. and Olivia Hanlon of Lewiston; stepdaughter, Ashley Sweet of Raymond; brothers, Robert J. Pooler of Westbrook, Edward Turcotte of Auburn, Harold Turcotte of Portland, Joseph Turcotte of Portland, Ernest Chilcotte of Sterling, Va. and Jeffrey Pooler of Windham; sisters, Penny Gilliam of Scarborough, Florence Bortell of Cincinnati, Ohio, Sandra Olinger of New Castle, Pa.; and Gina Pooler of Portland; and multiple grandchildren, nieces and nephews, cousins and friends who loved her very much. She made a lasting impression on all and will be very sadly missed.

A celebration of Laurie’s life was held Wednesday, March 8, 2017, at North Deering Congregational Church, 1364 Washington Avenue, Portland. Visiting hours began at noon, with a service following at 2 p.m. There was a gathering immediately after to share some refreshments and memories of this beautiful soul. Online condolences can be expressed at: www.blaisandhayfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Laurie’s memory to: Gosnell Memorial Hospice House, 11 Hunnewell Road, Scarborough, ME 04074.