Simone M.J. Gadbois

Biddeford

Simone M.J. Gadbois, 85, of Biddeford, passed away on Wednesday, March 9, 2022, at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House in Scarborough. She was surrounded by family who loved her.

She was born in Biddeford on October 2, 1936, a daughter of Arthur and Marielaurer (Labrecque) Roy. She graduated from St. Josephs' High School, class of 1955 and on June 29, 1957, she married her husband Robert L. Gadbois and they began a life built around faith and family that lasted for the next 64 years.

Simone was a women devoted to her Catholic Faith and love for Christ. Her trust in God gave her the courage and strength to accept what would follow with a devotion and commitment few can imagine. Over the next 11 years she and Robert would have 7 children, with one more still to come before the family was complete. Her greatest joy was her family and she always placed her children before herself.

She practiced her faith as a lifelong parishioner of St. Joseph's Church in Biddeford and all of her children attended the Catholic grammar school. She was kind and gentle and always had a warm smile for everyone she met.

Thankfully, Simone was from the generation of hard work and large supportive extended families. The demands of her large family required her to work outside the home which she did without hesitation. Early on she was employed by Reilly's Bakery, then worked as an underwriter for Prudential Insurance Company in Portland and did bookkeeping for Potter's Furniture in Biddeford.

In 1972, with a small gift from an Aunt Jean and an abundance of prayer Simone and Robert established Prestige House of Flowers. The family flower shop in Biddeford has been a staple amongst the community offering floral arrangements and gifts for the past 50 years.  When they happily volunteered for many church functions, holiday fairs and suppers they were proud and pleased to provided flowers and various decorations.

When life slowed down a bit after the children were grown, she and Robert were blessed to be able to travel to Europe. They took many trips which included destinations to France, Rome, Greece, Italy and Spain. Their most memorable were cruises to the Caribbean and a River Cruise along the Mississippi. They also traveled to visit their children in Texas and Arizona, which they found especially enjoyable because they could escape the Maine winter for the warm sunshine of the Southwest.

Simone was predeceased by five siblings.

She is survived by her loving husband Robert Gadbois, eight children Dolly Morin and husband Norm and their children Jessica, James and wife Jen and Joshua; Dan Gadbois and wife Michelle and their daughter Julia; David Gadbois; Diane Gadbois and her children Sean, Ian and wife Molly; Dennis Gadbois and wife Ann and their children Ryan and Alex; Denise Martin and husband Dan; Donna Tippett and husband Jeff and their children Colin and Kyle; Donald Gadbois. She is also survived by six great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours will be from 4-8PM Sunday, March 13, 2022, at Cote Funeral Home Chapel, 87 James Street, Saco. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11AM Monday, March 14, 2022, at St. Joseph's Church in Biddeford. Burial will follow in St. Joseph's Cemetery in Biddeford. To view Simone's memorial page or leave an online condolence, please visit www.cotefuneralhome.com

If family and friends desire, donations may be made in Simone's name to the Good Shepherd Parish Endowment Fund, 271 Main Street, Saco.