Obit: Mildred Jean Roberge ... 'The mother hen'

ROCHESTER - Mildred Jean (Wright) Roberge, 72, died on Sept. 1, 2013, at Rochester Manor following a courageous battle against cancer.

Born in Lowell, Mass., on Sept. 3, 1940, she was a daughter of the late Stanley and Connie Wright. She was raised in Kittery Point, attending Kittery schools including R.W. Traip Academy until her Junior year when she left to start life.

She returned to receive her G.E.D at the age of 57 and graduated with her granddaughter Debbie who was also graduating class the same year. She worked for 25 years as a CNA and for 10 years as a housekeeper at various hotels in the area.

She was an active volunteer with the Portsmouth Seafarer's Friend Society for nine years, aiding seafarers from all over the globe, transporting them shopping, assisting them making calls home and helping them "shop" for second hand warm clothing, as well as opening up her home on Thanksgiving and Christmas blending the traditions of their homeland and ours. She was lovingly known as "The Mother Hen" by hundreds of Seafarers.

Mildred was an active Blue Star grandmother for many years aiding with many projects, writing cards, going on walks and helping with care packages.

She had a deep love for all animals, and always kept the birds, squirrels and occasional woodchucks happily fed.

She will be dearly missed by all, but her legacy of life, laughter and love will live on.

She is survived by her loving son, Park Clegg Sr. of Milton, and his longtime girlfriend Jackie Norton, a brother and two daughters of her heart, Lynn VanCoonis of Rochester and Betty LaRue and her spouse Moe of Kittery, 10 grandchildren and the great-grandmother to 25 wonderful children.

She was predeceased by her brother, Clayton.

Friends may visit with her family on Tuesday September 10, 2013 from 5-7 p.m. in the JS Pelkey Funeral Home 125 Old Post Road Kittery Maine, where a memorial service will be held at 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in her memory to the Cocheco Valley Humane Society, 262 County Farm Road Dover, N.H. Care for the Roberge family has been entrusted to the JS Pelkey Funeral Home.