The family of Joanne R. Ouellette of Biddeford, ME announces her passing, and invites all who knew her to remember her here.
Below, a small portrait of a life that will not soon be forgotten.
Joanne spent her working life as ['the remainder of her career alongside her partner'] — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew her best.
We measure lives in love, not minutes.
Joanne R. Ouellette
Born in Biddeford, Maine on June 3, 1954, Joanne spent her childhood in Lewiston as the youngest of three girls. From an early age, she had a deep love of caring for animals and even insects-often pushing them around in a baby carriage or hiding them in her bedroom so she could look after them. After graduating from Lewiston High School, she sought to become a nurse, a career path she had dreamed about since she was a young girl. She became a candy striper as soon as she was able and later attended St. Mary's General Hospital School of Nursing, graduating in 1976.
Joanne began her nursing career at Webber Hospital before SMMC, where she worked in pediatrics for nearly two decades. She later moved to the 4th floor, serving as a charge nurse and forming close friendships with a fun and spirited team including Pat Peck, Mona Gervais, Terry Howard, Janet Gleason, and Cam Bissonnette. Joanne also often volunteered as a nurse at the local shelter. She ultimately became the cardiac nurse for the SMMC Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Center, where she worked for the remainder of her career alongside her partner, Deb Brown, who became a cherished friend.
Joanne was so proud of her children and dearly loved her dog, Nuggett. She is survived by her daughter, Nicole Ouellette of Massachusetts and her son, Philip Ouellette of Biddeford. She is also survived by her sisters, Sandi Chretien of Florida and Donna Steckino (Fred Frohardt) of Saco; her niece, Laura Steckino; grand-nephew Greyson, and several cousins. As a single mother raising two children, she met Robert St. Louis through mutual friends, Kim and Ray Crepeau, and they were married for nearly 30 years. She was devastated by his passing in 2022. Joanne was also predeceased by her parents, Raymond and Theresa Chretien, and her nephew, David Steckino.
She loved soft rock music, dancing, ice cream, gardening and admiring bright, blooming flowers, and the color purple-which she proudly chose as the theme for an entire room in her home. Joanne spent her adult life in Biddeford, and lived for a time in Biddeford Pool, where she joined the mothers' group and formed invaluable friendships, including those with Kim Crepeau, Alleen Eastwood, Mary Morrow Moreau, and Eleanor and Gary MacMullen.
For more than nine months, Joanne's caregiver, Karen, was a blessing to our family. Her skill, kindness, and joyful spirit ensured Joanne was lovingly cared for and never alone. She brought companionship, laughter, and comfort during the hardest of times. Joanne passed away peacefully in her home on April 20, 2026, with her wonderful sister, Donna, holding her hand.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the MaineHealth Palliative Care team-Dr. Rebecca Hutchinson, Lisa Freeman, RN, and social worker Betty Fortuin-for their unwavering support and their kindness, patience, and dignity in honoring Joanne's wishes every step of the way. We are also deeply thankful for her loving neighbors, the Allaires, the Martens, the Morins, and Bill Shaw, and for the compassionate care she received from Nurse Sue, Chaplain David, and many others through Hospice. Services will be held through Hope Memorial Funeral Home at St. Joseph's Cemetery on May 11 with reception to follow.
