AUBURN – Claire M. Rouillard, 88, of Auburn, passed away on Oct. 21, 2024, at Andwell Hospice House in Auburn with her loving family by her side.  She was born on June 2, 1936, being the third child (out of 17 children) born to Roland and Juliette (Tanguay) Charest. Claire was born and raised in Lewiston having attended local schools.  On June 27, 1959, she married the love of her life, Ronald Rouillard, with whom she raised three children.  Claire worked as a stitcher at various local shoe manufacturers before retiring at age 59 to pursue a new career: babysitting her grandchildren (all of whom affectionately referred to her as “Memere”).

Claire had many friends with whom she enjoyed playing cards, her favorite game “Left, Right, and Center,” going to bingo, or simply visiting and sharing a meal. She loved Thanksgiving and Christmas, always decorating for the season and hosting meals and gift swaps.  Claire was famous for her holiday meat pies and desserts. Claire most enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her six grandchildren of whom she was most proud. She spent the final years of her life at the independent apartments of Schooner Estates where she made many friends. Claire was a kind soul who discovered the simple joys of life and inner happiness in her final years.

Claire was predeceased by her husband, Ronald (2009), her parents, Roland and Juliette Charest, her siblings, Marcel, Doris (Girardin), Bertrand, Gerard, Maurice, and Jules Charest.

She is survived by her three children, Ronnie and wife Paula of Turner, Kevin and wife Monique of Lewiston, and Lisa (Bell) and husband Shawn of Lewiston; six grandchildren, Justin Rouillard and wife Heather of Wales, Steven Rouillard and wife Sadie of Turner, Kayla Farrar and husband Ryan of Poland, Jenna Rouillard of Lisbon, Brittany (Bell) Poulin and husband Zachary of Winter Garden, Florida, and Briley Bell of White House, Tennessee; five great-grandchildren, Taylor, Evan, Miles. Chase, and Rory; and siblings, Rolande (LeClaire), Robert, Raymond, Michael, Danny, Paul, Diane (Ryerson), Linda (Cloutier), Ronnie, and Lorenzo.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the staff of Andwell Hospice House for their kind and compassionate care.

A visitation at the Fortin & Pinette Group in Auburn will be held on November 9, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., followed immediately by a funeral service at the same location at 12 p.m.

Arrangements are under the care of The Fortin & Pinette Group, 305 Alfred A Plourde Parkway Lewiston, ME 04240, (207) 784-4023.