Gertrude A. Frateschi

July 2, 1916 - August 23, 2012

LEWISTON - Gertrude Frateschi of Lewiston was called home to heaven August 23, 2012, surrounded by her loving family. She was 96 years young. She was born Gertrude Baribault in Lewiston to Edouard and Marie Baribault. She married Nelmo “Mac” Frateschi in 1933 and raised a large and loving family. Her greatest joy was spending time with them. She was a lifetime member of Holy Cross Prince of Peace Parish and dedicated countless hours to the community, the church and many elderly programs. She was well known for her spectacular Italian spaghetti dinners in which she opened her home and heart to everyone for many years. So many people have such fond memories of the generous, loving spirit she shared with all at her home and her summer cottage at Tripp Lake. The adored matriarch, she will be sadly missed and survived by her six children: Lola and Fred Lawence of New Smyrna, Florida, Nila and Forrest Stickney of Bellerica, Mass, Nelmo Jr. (Woots) and Liz Frateschi of Litchfield, Me., Sandra and Dick Belanger of Poland Springs, Me., Ed and Dede Frateschi of Nashua, N.H., and Lisa and Bill Karson of Ottawa, Canada. Her fifteen grandchildren: Marcus, Nila, Gerry, Sandy, Chip, Rik, Sherri, Peter, Brenda, Rhonda, Marc, Billy, Kendra, Cris and Eddie. Her twenty great and great-great grandchildren, also her three sisters-in-law; Anita, Jane and Marge Baribault, her beloved niece Tony Tempesta, and many other nieces and nephews whom she loved so much. She was predeceased by her husband Mac and was the last surviving member of the Baribault family siblings; Sr. Marguerite, Edward, Arthur, Louise and Jules and her dearest sister-in-law Rose Tempesta. For the last 30 years she has enjoyed traveling with and cherished her time with each of her children. She was truly loved by her large, extended Canadian family and touched the hearts of everyone who ever met her. The world was a better place because she was in it. The family would like to offer a heartfelt thank you to all the incredible nursing staff of 4 East and Jesse Michaud at D’Youville for making her final days so special. Online condolences and sharing of memories may be expressed at www.lynchbrothers.com