Francine Maheu (LeFormal)

Francine H. Maheu, a longtime resident of Winona Lake, passed away quietly on Saturday, January 4th at 6 o’clock in the morning in Fort Wayne at Visiting Nurse Hospice Home. She was 79 years old.

Born in La Rochelle, France on June 5, 1940, she was the daughter of Rene Jean LeFormal and Paulette (Jolivet) LeFormal. She completed her early education at La Providence school and attended university at Moderne Des Jeune Fille. While living in France, Francine had worked for the US Army; it was there that she met the love of her life, James Maheu. The two were married on June 11, 1960 and had called Kosciusko County home since 1968.

Francine was a selfless, kind person with a deep faith in the Lord. She was a prayer warrior, praying for others even when she herself was ill. She was an active member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church where she was always willing to help with cooking, spiritual retreats and the like. She was known for her cooking and baking ability. She had a love for traditional French cooking and really enjoyed sharing her skills with those who meant the most to her.

Professionally, Francine worked at Miller’s Merry Manor as a Qualified Medical Assistant for many years. More recently, she was with Lakeview Middle School in the cafeteria where her labor of love (feeding people) was a natural fit.

Family meant everything to Francine and she treasured time spent with each of them. Surviving are son, Frederick of Atlanta, GA; daughter, Corinne (husband, Keith) Houghton of Sachse, TX; two grandchildren, Phillip (wife, Crystal) Houghton of Wylie, TX and Nathalie Houghton of Bedford, TX; two great-grandchildren, Alice and Emily and a brother, Marc LeFormal of France. In 2002, after more than forty years together, James preceded Francine in passing. Also preceding were her parents; brother, Rene LeFormal and two infant children.

Friends may gather for a time of visitation at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 135 North Harrison Street in Warsaw on Wednesday, January 8th beginning at 10 a.m. At Noon, Father Jonathan Norton will officiate a Mass of Christian Burial with committal in Oakwood Cemetery. A prayer service will be held at Titus Funeral Home, 2000 East Sheridan Street, on Tuesday, January 7th at 6:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that those wishing to express sympathy give to Sacred Heart Catholic School, 125 North Harrison Street, Warsaw, IN 46580. Condolences may be sent online by visiting www.TitusFuneralHome.com