WATERVILLE – Dame Marie Fefa Deeb, 98, of Waterville, passed away peacefully on March 5, 2024. It was Dame Marie’s great honor to have been invested into the Order of St. Gregory the Great by Maronite Bishop Gregory of the Archdiocese of Brooklyn on Aug. 24, 2018, for life service to the Maronite rite. Marie Fefa was born Sept. 27, 1925, to Sam and Lottie Deeb. She lived her many years in Waterville valuing family, faith, education, and service.

Marie Fefa worked at Hathaway Shirt Factory in the Accounting office for 17 years, then choose to pursue higher education. In 1959, she attended Thomas College, receiving a bachelor’s degree in business education. She continued on to receive master’s degrees in economics and accounting from the University of Maine at Orono. Marie touched the lives of many young people as a professor of Finance and Economics at Thomas College until she retired after 26 years.

Service to St. Joseph Maronite Catholic Church was an integral part of Marie Fefa’s life. A choir member at seven years old to the choir director for 32 years, Marie was a lifelong contributor to the church community. She was on the Church Council and President for two years, Member of the Maronite Guild and two-year President, on the Rosary Sodality, Bingo, and Finance Committees, and headed the church accounting office for 32 years. Marie Fefa was awarded the prestigious Massabki Medal in 1954. This is one of the highest honors bestowed on NAM (National Apostolate of Maronites) members for extraordinary contributions of their time, talent and treasure. “Fefa” was known for cooking on her wood stove, baking bread and cookies in the Lebanese tradition, and regularly cooking for church festivals and events.

Marie’s service extended to the greater Waterville community as well. She was an active volunteer at the Waterville Public Library for 27 years and the Waterville Boys’ Club for 23 years, where she was honored in their hall of fame. She was involved in the Haines Charity, Zonta Club (president), AAUW (American Association of University Women), Delta Gamma sorority for teachers, and she donated her time and talents to several other charitable and religious organizations.

Marie Fefa was fortunate to have so many valued relationships with family and friends who were like family. She was a matriarch, a nurturer, and a wonderful cook and hostess. Her absence will be felt deeply.

Dame Marie is survived by her niece Rosemarie (John) Masetta of Irving, Texas, nephew Sam (Kathleen) Deeb of East Syracuse, great nieces and nephew, Brittany (Christopher) Schwarz, Ryan Masetta, and AnneMarie and Mary Kate Deeb, great, great nephew River Schwarz many dear cousins and friends.

She was predeceased by her parents, Sam and Lottie Deeb, brother and sister-in-law George and Jean Deeb, and several cousins.

In her final months, Marie was thankful for Maine Medical Center’s doctors and nurses, Dr. Feero, her hospice nurses, many friends and relatives, and members of St. Joseph’s Maronite Catholic Church for the care, prayers and support.

Family and friends may call from 10-11 a.m., on Tuesday, April 23, at St. Joseph Maronite Catholic Church, 3 Appleton Street, Waterville. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated immediately after the calling hour. Family and friends are invited to a reception following the service in the church hall.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm Street, Waterville. An online guestbook may be signed, condolences and memories shared at http://www.gallantfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Marie Fefa’s name to St. Joseph Maronite Catholic Church.

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