Wende C. (Poitras) Whitten, 49

Wende Whitten

BUXTON — Wende Christine (Poitras) Whitten, 49, of Buxton, passed away on Friday, Feb. 8, 2019, after a courageous and brave fight against brain cancer.

Wende was born on Jan. 15, 1970, in San Diego, Calif. She grew up in Westbrook and Gorham and graduated from Gorham High School in 1988. Wende went onto USM and spent most of her career in the insurance industry. Wende was employed by Prudential for over 10 years and previous to that worked at Unum for 12 years.

Wende was one-of-a-kind and to know her was to love her. She had a heart of gold and was giving beyond measure to all those she loved. She loved to laugh and spend time with those she held close. She had many strong friendships that spanned decades, which is a true testament to the beauty she held within. You could always count on her to tell it like it is — she always stayed true to who she was.

She had a love of photography, often taking photos of her nieces and nephews, friends, families and captured nature at its finest. Wende enjoyed going on adventures while four-wheeling and spending time at the races. She was creative and loved to scrapbook, making many precious books over the years for family members that will be cherished forever. Wende also loved to cook — she was often trying new recipes and made amazing comfort food. She was famously known for her BBQ skills!

Wende's two favorite roles in life were being “Mimi” to her beautiful granddaughter Aria and “Auntie Wende” to her nieces and nephews. She has left them with many memories filled with laughter, heartfelt handmade gifts, and hugs that will be held in their hearts forever.

Through her battle, Wende graced the path of several amazing doctors, nurses, and medical staff that were truly in awe of her amazing strength, spirit, and personality. One quote from an individual says it well, “When you left her room you left with a smile…”

Wende is survived by her husband of 19 years, Peter Whitten; her mother, Jacqueline Verrill and her husband, Arthur, from Limington; her father, Rodolphe Poitras and wife, Cathy, of Buxton; a sister, Kathy Usher of Gray; her brothers, Marc Poitras of Gorham and Brendan Poitras of Naples.

Wende was predeceased by her brother, Brad Poitras.

The family will host visiting hours on Friday, Feb. 15, from 5 to 7 p.m., at the Westbrook Chapel of Dolby, Blais & Segee, 35 Church Street, Westbrook. A memorial service will follow on Saturday at 11 a.m. at the funeral home.

To express condolences or to participate in Wende’s online tribute please visit www.DolbyBlaisSegee.com

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to support further brain tumor research by sending to: Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital, 22 Bramhall Street, Portland, ME 04102, or Maine Medical Neuro Science Institute, 22 Bramhall Street, Portland, ME 04102.