Jacqueline F. Nadeau

Biddeford

Jacqueline F. Nadeau, 93, of Biddeford, passed away Sunday evening, October 15, 2023 at Seal Rock Healthcare in Saco.

Jacqueline was born in Biddeford on December 28, 1929, daughter of Wilfred and Florida (Caouette) Frechette. Growing up she had the unique opportunity of receiving her elementary and high school education at a private boarding school in New Hampshire.  As a young woman she worked for her father who owned and operated the Wilfred Frechette Insurance Agency.  It was during this time that, upon calling on one of her father's clients, she met and fell in love with James Nadeau.  The two were married on September 14, 1954 at St. Joseph Church in Biddeford. The young couple settled in Saco where they raised their two children, James and Deborah.

Jacqueline and James were integral in the local community, and with their entrepreneurial spirit they owned and operated Jim's Variety in Saco, and Jim's TV in Old Orchard Beach.  The TV rental portion of their business flourished substantially with sometimes over 1,000 sets rented out to area hotels, motels and hospitals.  Later, they became successful proprietors of the Inn "Breakers By The Sea", located also in Old Orchard Beach.  Sadly their life together suddenly came to a halt with James' unexpected passing in 1973.  Jacqueline persevered and continued operating their businesses, with the Inn remaining under her leadership for 40 years.

Jacqueline had a caring heart and an amazing positive attitude. She belonged to the local Altrusa club, a service-focused woman's organization that coordinates projects and fundraising efforts, tailored to local needs.  She attended weekly gatherings with her close group of friends who called themselves the "Knitwits".  She also had the good fortune of traveling to Europe on a couple of occasions.

Jacqueline was a lady of strong Catholic faith and she had a deep devotion to the Blessed Mother.

For all the things Jacqueline valued and considered precious, there was nothing she cherished more than her family.  She always attended her grandchildren's sporting events, cheering them on from the sidelines.  She will be sadly missed by many.

Jacqueline was predeceased by her husband James Nadeau, and by one grandson James Paul Nader.

She is survived by her two children, James Nader and wife Michelle, and Deborah Bridges and husband Greg; by seven grandchildren: Sean Bridges (Maria), James Bridges (Samantha), Danielle Bridges, Grace Kolzow (Dan), Elizabeth Tumminello (Randy), Henry Nader, and Benjamin Nader; by seven great-grandchildren: Sean Bridges Jr. Gianna Bridges, Quincy Jarvis, Amiyah Bridges, Julian Bridges, Baker Tumminello, and Nora Kolzow; and by one sister Joan Davenport (Nyle).

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 1PM Tuesday, October 24, 2023, at St. Joseph's Church in Biddeford. Burial will follow in St. Joseph's Cemetery in Biddeford.