SOUTH PORTLAND — Gertrude Bertha LaBrie, 93, died Tuesday at Sedgewood Commons in Falmouth after a period of declining health.

LaBrie was born July 20, 1920, in Coaticook, Quebec, a daughter of Camille and Celerise Roy.

LaBrie married Gene J. LaBrie July 6, 1946, at St. Marc Church in Quebec. They moved to Portland to start a family, later moving to South Portland to raise their sons.

She worked at Owen Moore, a women’s clothing store, and oversaw the fabric department at Wellwood and F.W. Woolworth before retiring to care for her granddaughters in 1981.

After retirement, she was an active member of the Women’s Council at St. John the Evangelist Church. She was known for organizing the jewelry table at the annual Christmas Fair.LaBrie also served many years as the vice president of Ridgeland Estates Association. She loved organizing events including the annual fall fair, Beano games and dinners with entertainment.

She was predeceased by her husband Origene (Gene) LaBrie in November 1995; three brothers, Marc Aurele, Fred and Paul; a sister, Noella, and a great-grandson, Adam Strom.

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She is survived by three sons, Roger Marc and wife Moinette, Peter and wife Linda, and Daniel and wife Aileen; eight grandchildren, Sean and wife Michele, Jason, Michael, Lisa, Shawn, Keith, Angela Strom and husband Jon, and Alicia; and nine great-grandchildren, Jacob, Caitlin, Dexter, Hayden, Trey, Nicholas, Natalie, Lola and Ella.

She will also be missed by her dear friend, Helga Rogers, of South Portland.

LaBrie will be remembered for her laughter, her immaculate home, and most of all,.for her devotion to her family. Family always came first, whether she was caring for her children, her grandchildren or her great-grandchildren. She was known as Gram, Meme or Big Meme to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They became her passion after she lost her husband in 1995.

Visiting hours were held Thursday at Conroy-Tully Crawford South Portland Chapel. Prayers were scheduled to be recited Friday at the chapel, followed by a Mass of Christian burial at St. John the Evangelist Church, South Portland. Burial was to follow at Brooklawn Memorial Park, Portland.

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