Maurice “Moe” Rene Lussier, 82, of Portland, Maine, passed away peacefully on May 14, 2026, at the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House in Scarborough, Maine, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Born on August 29, 1943, in Vergennes, Vermont, Maurice was the son of Raoul R. Lussier and Irene Agnes (Massé) Lussier. He pursued his passion for education with unwavering dedication throughout his life. Maurice graduated from Castleton State College in Castleton, Vermont, and later earned his Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Maine at Farmington.

Maurice devoted more than 38 years to teaching fourth grade at Addison Central School in Vermont. Following his move to Portland, Maine, he continued teaching until retiring alongside his beloved wife, Mary. His career was marked by compassion, patience, and a steadfast belief in the value of education. He touched the lives of countless students, many of whom carried his lessons and encouragement throughout their lives.

Maurice shared 58 wonderful years of marriage with his beloved wife, Mary Richards Lussier, who predeceased him on December 20, 2024. Together they built a life centered on love, family, faith, and adventure. After many happy years in Ferrisburg, Vermont, they moved to Portland to be closer to their treasured grandchildren.

Maurice loved traveling and especially cherished spending winters in Safety Harbor, Florida, where he formed many lasting friendships. A devoted member of Our Lady of Hope Parish in Portland and St. Peter’s Church in Vergennes, Vermont, Maurice was admired for his strength, kindness, and gratitude throughout his illness. He often expressed deep appreciation for the caregivers and medical professionals who supported him during his cancer journey.

Maurice is survived by his daughter, Erin Lussier Tosi and her husband, Gregory Tosi, of Portland, Maine; his grandchildren, Lauren Tosi of Portland, Maine and Jacob Tosi and his wife, Cheyanne Tosi, of Meriden, Connecticut. He also leaves his son, Brian Lussier and his wife, Debbie Lussier, of Newport, New Hampshire; his goddaughter, Anne Lasher and her son, Will Lasher, of Durham, North Carolina; as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, his brothers, and his sister.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the medical teams at MaineHealth Cancer Care, Maine Medical Center, and the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House and his caregivers from Alignhomecare for their compassionate care, kindness, and support. Their dedication brought comfort not only to Maurice, but to the entire family, and they became cherished friends along the way.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady of Hope Parish at St. Pius X Church, 492 Ocean Avenue, Portland, Maine, on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. A reception will follow at Rio Bravo Restaurant in Westbrook, Maine. Interment will take place later in the year at Our Lady of Seven Dolors Cemetery in Fair Haven, Vermont.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Knights of Columbus Council 101, Our Lady of Hope Parish, 492 Ocean Avenue, Portland, Maine 04103.

Maurice’s legacy of compassion, devotion to family, love for his students, and kindness toward all — including the many dogs and animals he fed in his neighborhood, which he adored throughout his life — will continue to inspire all who knew him. May his memory bring comfort and peace to those who mourn his passing.

To share memories of Maurice or to leave the family an online condolence, please visit www.athutchins.com