AUGUSTA – Janet M. Gilbert, 95, died Friday, August 23, 2024, at her home, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Presque Isle, Maine on Nov. 22, 1928, the daughter of the late Henry Soucier and Dora Paradis.

Mrs. Gilbert attended school in Presque Isle and independently moved to Augusta as a young woman. She was a communicant of St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Augusta and was employed by Kathleen and William Dalton who were known to us as “Aunt Kay and Uncle Bill”. They loved Janet as their own and even gave her the wedding to her late husband, Gilles G. Gilbert. This special Matriarch was a wonderful homemaker for most of her life, raising a family of six and caring for many other children as well. She cherished each and every one of her children, their life partners and offspring and they cherished her back. She called everyone beautiful or handsome and had a warm smile for everyone. She loved all of us unconditionally, even our beloved pets. She had her beautiful cat Toby, who was her constant companion for many years and after he passed, she had her sweet mechanical cat, Tommy. They provided mom with comfort and entertainment up until her last days. She had many birdfeeders and loved watching all the birds, especially the cardinals and hummingbirds. She loved playing cards and games, often using her own rules. She was sharp, witty and spunky her whole life, but especially these last years. Some of her favorite sayings were, “ I am 95 years young!”, “I am a tough broad” and “I love you more”.

Though today we say goodbye to our “warrior princess,” we will find comfort in knowing that her spirit will live on in each of us. Let us carry forward her love, values and honor her memory by living our lives as she did.

Janet was predeceased by her husband, Gilles G. “Gil” Gilbert. She is survived by her children, Deborah Tondreau and her husband Jerry of Augusta, Mary Packard and her husband Doug of Gray, Sandi Brunelle and her husband Paul of Pittston, Bob Gilbert and his wife Mary of Palermo, and twin daughters, Carol Gilbert-Tondreau and her significant other Bruce Cameron of Manchester and Sharon Martin and her husband Ernie, Jr. of Pittston. Also, many grandchildren, step-grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Our entire family would like to thank her wonderful caregivers, Rosemary from Wholistic Home Care, and Angela Sousa and her mom, Jacqueline Blaisdell, as well as Maine General Hospice and all their caregivers.

At her request, there will be no public visiting hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Sept. 4, 2024, at 11 a.m. at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, Western Ave., Augusta. Burial and committal prayers will follow in Holy Family Cemetery, Townsend Rd., Augusta.

Arrangements are under the care of Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta.

Condolences, photos and stories may be shared through the funeral home website at: www.plummerfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, those who desire may make donations in Janet’s memory to:

Kennebec Valley

Humane Society

186 Leighton Rd.

Augusta, ME 04330