Ruth P. Dionne

CARIBOU - Ruth P. Dionne, 75, passed away unexpectedly at home January 28, 2025. She was born in Van Buren, August 21, 1949 the daughter of the late Patrick and Huberte “Hub” (Charette) Pelletier. Ruth was a 1967 graduate of Van Buren High School, and of the University of Maine at Fort Kent earning her bachelor’s degree in education in 1971. She began her teaching career in Brownville Junction and Wiscasset, before accepting a teaching position in Caribou where she taught grades 6, 7, and 8. She retired from Caribou Middle School in 2012 after 36 years in education. Ruth was a member of the Maine Teachers Association where she served as Union Representative. Ruth was a dedicated educator who was very active in her school community. She served as the Caribou Middle School English department chair and coordinated the “Puttin’ On Hits” production each year. Mrs. Dionne was a beloved middle school teacher who left a lasting impact on students and everyone she met. Ruth enjoyed following athletic teams, particularly the Caribou Vikings where she especially enjoyed watching her grandchildren. She was also an avid UConn Huskies and University of Maine fan. Ruth was known as the hub of her family and the peacemaker. She lived for family gatherings and organized many meals, family functions, and card games. Ruth also enjoyed reading, gardening with her husband Bear, and spending time at camp.

Ruth was predeceased by her husband of 51 years, Albert “Bear” Dionne, Jr., and by an infant brother, Joey Pelletier. She is survived by her three children, Matthew Dionne and wife Meaghan of Wallingford, CT, Jennifer Plante and husband Roger, and Elizabeth Quinones all of Caribou, five beloved grandchildren, Cameron Hill and wife Vivian of Riverview, FL, Aidan Plante and significant other Jessica Shaw of Presque Isle, Ari Plante and significant other Cassidy Page of Old Town, Leo Quinones, and Rose Quinones both of Caribou, one special great-granddaughter, Elena Hill of Riverview, FL. Ruth is also survived by her siblings, John Pelletier and wife Noreen of Van Buren, Nancy Ouellette and husband Rudy of Long Lake, Patty Smith and husband Wayne of Woodland, and Leah Levasseur and husband Peter of Van Buren, a sister-in-law, Cecile Mackenzie, many nieces and nephews.

Friends may visit with the family at the Mockler Funeral Home, 24 Reservoir Street, Caribou on Sunday, February 2, 2025 from 2PM until 4PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated the following day, Monday, February 3, 2025 at the Parish of the Precious Blood Holy Rosary Catholic Church, at 11AM. Friends may also visit with the family before the Mass at the funeral home from 9:30AM until 10:30AM. Spring interment will be in the New Holy Rosary Cemetery.

Those who wish to contribute in memory of Mrs. Dionne, may do so through a scholarship fund to be established in her name at Caribou High School, 308 Sweden Street, Caribou, Maine 04736, or through the Caribou Public Library, 30 High Street, Caribou, ME 04736.