Bette Ann Marquis

Bette Ann Marquis, 83, of Raymond ME, passed away July 16, 2018 in Andover, MA.  She was born January 22, 1935 in Boston, MA to Peter J. DiSanto and Olive M. Locke. 

Bette Ann received an Associates Degree in Business from Fisher College.   Bette Ann raised her children in Revere, MA and was a homemaker and later worked at Fidelity Investments.   She was a fierce advocate for her children through the school years and many serious medical issues twice saving two of her children’s lives.  Her daughter born with a congenital birth defect gained full use of her legs through Bette Ann’s two year three times daily physical therapy on her own while raising 3 other children as her husband worked two jobs.   Bette Ann was tireless in the pursuit of the best for her children and would settle for nothing less.  

Bette Ann married “the man of her dreams” as she would frequently say.   Our parents were the best of friends and truly adored one another.   Many days during their retirement they spent “getting lost” together in long drives through New England, frequently ending up in Maine where they found their retirement home.   They always put each other’s needs ahead of themselves, loved each other so very deeply in a marriage that will endure long past their 62 years together as a legacy for their family. 

Bette Ann was funny, loving, tenacious, and full of life.   She fiercely loved her family and was their champion through good times and bad.  “Bring your best self on your worst day” is a quote from her that perfectly described how she lived her life right to her last days.   She was a dedicated wife, mother and grandmother always ending conversations with her warm and loving “Love you darling”.   She was adored by her family and their guiding light. 

Bette Ann enjoyed gardening, crocheting and was a voracious reader.  She was a member of “Chicks with Sticks” knitting group at Rosemary’s Yarn Shop in Windham, ME.   Bette Ann crocheted hats for cancer patients for many years and volunteered at the local library when she and her husband first moved to Maine.  

Bette Ann was preceded in death by her parents Olive M. Locke, Peter DiSanto and her step father John Locke; sister Barbara M. Locke and brother Robert “Sonny” Locke.  She is survived by her husband of 62 years Ernest M. Marquis of Raymond ME; her sister Sheila Moore of Danvers, MA, children Paul G. Marquis of Raymond, ME, Jon P. Marquis and his wife Diane of Conway, NH, Allen E. Marquis and his wife Robin Linn of Marblehead, MA and Melissa A. Marquis of Andover, MA; and seven grandchildren, Christopher Marquis, Nicholas Marquis, Heather Marquis, Samantha Marquis, Treen Marquis, Sarah Toubes-Marquis and Ethan Toubes-Marquis.

Donations may be made in Bette's name to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute at www.jimmyfund.org.

Visitation will take place from 3:00 – 5:00 PM on Thursday, July 19, 2018 at A.T. Hutchins Funeral Home, 660 Brighton Ave., Portland, ME.  The casket will be open from 3:00 – 4:00 PM for those who wish to view Bette. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, July 20, 2018, also at A.T. Hutchins Funeral Home.

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