1939
2017
Jerome Wilfred Sirois, Sr., "A Maine Native" died January 15, 2017 after a short stay in a Florida Hospital. He was 77 years old.
Jerome passed on with his beautiful Brenda and close friend, Marge at his side. He is now reunited with his entire birth family.
Although he battled with a rare form of cancer called G.I.S.T. for many years, he did not allow it to define him. He courageously took grueling chemotherapy and was even declared cancer-free for a time. He held a tremendous respect for the sanctity of life.
He was born October 22, 1939 in Skowhegan, Maine, The youngest son of Wilfred Joseph Sirois and Bernadette Lessard. He was predeceased by his parents, his sister Dolores, his brothers Damase "Danny", Abel "Cubby", Edmund "Bonhomme" and Armand as well as his ex-wife Shirley Arline Kingdon.
He is survived by his children Sharon, Brenda, and Roger of Oregon and Jerome Jr. and Richard of Maine; his grandchildren, Justin Power, Miranda Adams, Kyle Power, Greg Sirois, Savanna Power, Hudson Sirois, Sterling Sirois and Elyza Sirois; daughter-in-law's Teresa Higgins Sirois and Kimberly Sirois; grandson-in-law Nick Adams; Sister-in-law Marilyn Sirois; nieces and nephews Maria, Robert, Angela, Ronald, Gail, Donald, Jean, Ann, Michael, Theresa, Janeen, and many grand-nieces and nephews.
Jerome was a "snow bird" and followed the pleasant weather by spending time between Norridgewock, Maine and Zephyrhills, Florida. Wherever he was he paid attention to weather in the places where his loved ones were.
He was raised in Skowhegan and attended public school while being an altar boy at Notre Dame de Lourdes Church. He then attended St. Francis Catholic School in Biddeford, Maine where he lettered in football and baseball, but could never quite handle his brother Bonhomme's knuckle ball. He came back to his roots in Skowhegan to work briefly and met his wife Shirley at a local restaurant. While in Skowhegan he would meet a man who offered him a chance to move to Pennsylvania to become the chef he was for the rest of his life. He found his place of true passion working at Sacred Heart Hospital in Norristown as a chef and food service administrator. He had a deep respect for the sisters he worked with and worked there until its closing due to downsizing in the 90's. He then worked at a nursing home where his understanding of older people flourished. After that he went to work at Lockheed Martin supervising the mail room where he quickly learned the ropes around security protocols. He had a strong work ethic at whatever job he held and mentored many people who worked with him.
He was a man of the 50's and loved classic cowboy movies much like Uncle Gus used to and the rockabilly music of Imelda May. He had a true fondness for folk and bluegrass music and attended many fold festivals when he life in Pennsylvania. He had a competitive nature his entire life and pursued tennis, softball, hockey and baseball. He also enjoyed deep sea fishing excursions and Canadian fishing camps. He was a lifelong avid sport fan; the Philadelphia Eagles, Philadelphia Flyers, Boston Celtics and Boston Red Sox were his favorite teams. Jerome came to understand the bond his children had for animals when Ruth, his cat came into his life. He was a man that understood how difficult life could be and tried to celebrate the important moments – weddings, graduations, his children and grandchildren's lacrosse, hockey or soccer games, preparing meals for his community in Zephyrhills, attending Friday night suppers on the church circuit in Maine, or volunteering at the VFW in Florida. In the summer you could often find him at Angelo's Pizzeria in Skowhegan. He was always at ease joking with strangers, or with his doctors and nurses. He knew he was blessed to have a lifelong partner and friend Karen Z, and good friends like Marge, Phyllis, Barb, Mike, Vic, Joyce, Alice, Carol, and Sherry and many others along the way.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Notre Dame de Lourdes Church, Water Street, Skowhegan, Maine, May 13, 2017 at 10 am with his burial to follow at the Calvary Cemetery in Skowhegan, Maine.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Smart & Edwards Funeral Home, 183 Madison Ave., Skowhegan, Maine.
In place of flowers donation may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1 Bowdoin Mill Island, Suite 300, Topsham, Maine 04086-1240
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Smart & Edwards Funeral Home.
January 23, 2017
Angela Sirois Martinez
Jerome & I both worked at the Sisters Hosp. 1961-62. I got to meet and babysit his 2 beautiful baby girls Sharon & Brenda. I then left for nursing school and then Texas. He left for Penn. Our path seldom crossed after that. We both visited Me. but at different time. I would always ask and worry about him. I really was so glad to spend a little time with Jerome in Aug. 2014. I loved hearing him, his smile and yes his laugh. A wonderful sweet memory that I can hold to,til we meet again at our Heavenly Father's throne as a united family. What a happy reunion it will be.May you all find comfort in His love.
January 23, 2017
Angela Sirois Martinez
My 1st memories go back to 1949-50, Jerome was 10 & I was 7 and both attending Notre Dame school.One afternoon Jerome came running up the stairs announcing to his mother that pepere just got hit by a car on North St. not far from the house, all this in french of course. Memere said, where is your father? The 2nd memory was 10 yrs later, summer of 1960 while working at the rest. Memere died that Oct.
January 21, 2017
Theresa Bridges
Uncle Jedome, I will miss you!! Thank you for your occasional visits with Buzz and I and the kids. You always made me feel special. I loved your laugh, I will miss it!! Rest in Peace. My thoughts and prayers go out to all my cousins. He will forever live on in each of you!!
January 21, 2017
Theresa Bridges
Uncle Jedome, I will miss you!! Thank you for your occasional visits with Buzz and I and the kids. You always made me feel special. I loved your laugh, I will miss it!! Rest in Peace. My thoughts and prayers go out to all my cousins. He will forever live on in each of you!!
January 21, 2017
jerome jr sirois
I am glad we reconected , terry ,greg and I will miss you love your son
January 21, 2017
JEAN BRETON
I have many fond memories of you , uncle, and can imagine the happy family reunion that is taking place in heaven now! Rest happy and peaceful, Uncle Jerome.
January 21, 2017
Rita Hernandez
January 21, 2017
Rita Hernandez
So sorry to hear of your dad's passing. He is in my prayers. Sending you and family hugs.
January 21, 2017
Thank You Dad, I will Miss you and Cherish our time together
Rick
January 21, 2017
Sharon Sirois
Once while visiting Paris, Dad asked me to light a candle for him at Notre Dame Cathedral. I have lit a few more since then. Rest in Peace, Dad.
January 21, 2017
Robin Moore
My sympathy to your family. I had the pleasure of meeting Jerome at Rick's house several times and enjoyed his company.
January 17, 2017
May God's loving kindness and comfort help you and your family through this very sad time Psalms29:11
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