Huguette Annette (Pivin) Croteau

Alfred

Huguette A. Croteau, 86, of Alfred and formerly of Old Orchard Beach, passed away early Thursday morning on June 13, 2024, surrounded by her loving family at home.

She was born in Drummondville, Quebec, Canada on December 12, 1937, one of eight children of Arthur and Beatrice (Joyal) Pivin.  At the age of 16, she came to Biddeford to help babysit her older sister's children.  It was on one of those trips to Biddeford, she met Wilfred and their story began. When Huguette went back home to Canada, Wilfred kept in contact with her, writing letters and even visiting her in Canada. They married in 1956 and settled in Biddeford.

As the story goes, Wilfred asked Huguette to marry him at Rapid Rays, one of their favorite destinations. The family found a letter, written in French, with Wilfred's intentions, asking her hand in marriage. Even though Huguette did not speak English, she made the trip and their life began together. She became a United States citizen in May of 1964. The couple's favorite earlier pastimes included dancing at the VFW, Eagles and Amvets. They had four children, Theresa, Daniel, Linda and Sandra.

Huguette worked in various industries including Allied Shoe and Southern Maine HealthCare, where she spent 22 years of employment.

Most of all, Huguette loved her family and the time they spent together. Family gatherings and weekends with Aunt Gisele and Uncle Clement always included bean suppers and going out to eat. Each week the family hosted a meal and holidays that will be remembered as the best of times with pork pies and other special treats.

Huguette loved to travel. Traveling to Canada several times a year to see her parents and siblings were the family's priority. They also took trips to Connecticut and Florida to see her brother and sisters. Other trips were throughout the United States to visit their children, wherever they lived. Family was the most important to Huguette.

Mom made friends easily, always engaging in conversation with anyone. She was known for speaking her mind, standing her ground and having a dry sense of humor.

Tragedy struck and Huguette and Wilfred lost their son Daniel and life was not the same. But the couple stayed strong together, leaned on each other and had support of their family and friends. Their love together gave them strength to get through this difficult time.

As time went on, mom enjoyed many special moments with dad. When time permitted, they would visit Foxwood Casinos, Scarborough Downs and eat their favorite foods like ice cream, pizza, french fries and clam cakes. When dad got ill, his main concern was to make sure our mom was taken care of.  So in June 2022, dad and mom moved to Alfred. During the days of caring for mom and dad the family enjoyed many precious moments.

After dad passed, a large void came in mom's life.  We feel they are back together, dancing, as dad is singing Hey Hey Good Looking and Five Foot Two eyes of Blue in mom's ear. They will be sadly missed by many.

She was predeceased by her husband Wilfred M. Croteau on January 4, 2024, son Daniel Croteau and by siblings Roland Pivin, Gilberte Martel, Jeannine Fontaine, Gisele Cote, Marie Paul Lamb and Jean.

She is survived by three children Theresa Maker and husband David, Linda Houy and husband John, Sandra McDade and daughter in law Roxanne Croteau. She is also survived by six grandchildren Celina, Danielle, Joseph, Michelle, Richard and Ashley, two step grandchildren Tammy and David. She also has great children Curtis, Lexy, Grace, Andrew, Ty, Macey, Reese, Arabella and Emilia and brother from Drummondville Quebec Marcel Pivin and his wife Pierrette, many nieces and nephews.

Visiting Hours will be from 9-11AM with a Funeral Service at 11AM on Friday, June 28, 2024, at Cote Funeral Home Chapel, Saco. A Graveside Service will follow in Laurel Hill Cemetery, Saco. To view Huguette's memorial page or leave an online condolence, please visit www.cotefuneralhome.com