Patricia W. Bourque

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Patricia W. Bourque

OTISFIELD — Patricia W. Bourque, 78, of Otisfield passed away on February 11, 2011 at Stephens Memorial Hospital in Norway after battling a sudden illness. Born at her home in Otisfield on July 31, 1932 to Eastman and Olga Bean, she later became affectionately named "Marzy” by her first grandchild, Charlie, and that is how she was known to everyone.

She was married to the love of her life, Charlie Bourque, on May 14 and together they showed how to raise and love a family. In time, they retired to live with their oldest daughter Kyra, her husband Norman Eells and their children on the Bean Road in Otisfield.

Mrs. Bourque was a stay-at-home mom who worked tirelessly and was never comfortable sitting down unless it was with her three girls. She taught them how to cook, dance, to cherish family and how to treat others. Their home was a place for all friends to gather. She passed on great insight about life and numerous family traditions.

When her daughters were in school, she became the cafeteria manager at Otisfield Central School and later Guy E. Rowe School in Norway.

She and Charlie opened and operated a convenience store, The Landing, on Lake Thompson in Oxford for 12 years. There, she became a surrogate mother and grandmother to many. They sponsored Landing basketball and softball teams and owned their own softball field with their son-in-law, Rick. She was the biggest cheerleader watching her sons-in-law and daughters play ball. They later owned their own company, Reg and Chay trap Co. with their son-in-law, Reggie. She volunteered in her daughter Kemsen’s classroom many years and substituted for her daughter Kyra in the lunchroom as well as substituting in the library. The principal at Otisfield said she would have loved to have her as part of her staff, too.

She was never absent from any sport in which her grandchildren participated and was at all high school games. Later, she would have the front row seat to watch Reggie, still pitching softball and playing on teams with her grandson, Charlie. She traveled with her buddies Rick, Ky, and Kem to watch her granddaughters, Courtney and Kaymala play in many sports for Thomas College.

She loved to take a drive around the back roads of Otisfield to see what was going on in the town. Many townspeople looked for her daily. If someone happened to be outside, she would stop and chat with her friends. Most of all, she loved the numerous family get togethers. Her birthday was a grand celebration and she would love to get up, dance, and talk into the night. Being with her family was her treasure on earth.

Grit: Firmness of mind or spirit; unyielding courage in the face of hardship or danger. If Mrs. Bourque didn’t have grit, her family doesn't know anyone who does.

Mrs. Bourque is survived by her three daughters, Kyra Eells and her husband, Norman; Kophia Corbett and her husband Reggie; Kemsen Bourque and her husband Rick Micklon; and her son in heart, Paul Lowe and his wife Penny. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Charlie Corbett and his wife Amy; Courtney Corbett and Lindsay Sierra; Kashina Bourque-Micklon; Kabe Micklon; Cooper Eells; Kass Eells and Karley Estes; Kaymala Eells and Josh Nickerson and Morgan Lowe. With immense joy, she had two great-grandchildren, Kylie Elizabeth Corbett and Joshua Charles Corbett. She had the wonderful opportunity to look after them twice a week. When it was time for a nap, Josh went right to his Ma’s lap. She was never a typical parent or grandparent and was the very best of friends to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Barbara Kane of Otisfield; her sister-in-law, Sammy Bourque of Connecticut and many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins. Lastly, she is survived by countless friends who considered her a part of their family.

She was predeceased by her parents, Eastman and Olga Bean; her brothers-in-law, Bob Kane and Eddie Bourque and her husband, Charles (Chay) Bourque.

Following Mrs. Bourque's request, private graveside services will be held in the spring at the Elmwood Cemetery in Otisfield. In lieu of flowers, donations in her name may be made to Otisfield Community School, 416 Powhatan Road, Otisfield, ME 04270 attn. Linda Park.

Arrangements under the care of Oxford Hills and Weston Funeral Services, 1037 Main Street, Rte. 26, Oxford. On-line condolences may be expressed to the family at www.oxfordhillsfuneralservices.com.