Doreen M

Larlee

Doreen M. (McCue) Larlee

“

Her favorite saying was, “Big things come in small packages.”

Fairfield, Waterville, Millinocket - Doreen M. (McCue) Larlee, 89, died peacefully on November 6, 2026, at her home at Mount St. Joseph’s in Waterville, Maine, with her beloved husband at her side.

Doreen was born on November 18, 1936, in Millinocket, Maine, to Michael J. and Ina L. (Howard) McCue. She grew up in Millinocket and graduated from Stearns High School, where she met Bryant Preston Larlee, a boy from the same community who would become the love of her life. They were married in 1958 and in 1961 they made their home in Fairfield, where they raised their family.

Doreen began working at 16 at J.J. Newberry’s five-and-dime in Millinocket, in the women’s apparel department. One of her favorite stories from those days involved her best friend’s father, who leaned on the counter and asked her to “show me your flufferstuffer.” She felt her cheeks glow bright red as she spun around to relay exactly what the customer had said. She went on to work at Belanger’s Market/Drive-In, Keyes Fibre, Mount St. Joseph’s, Thayer Hospital, Larlee’s Market, CMP, Home Phone Service, Laverdier’s Pharmacy, the Somerset Motor Lodge, and SAPPI Paper, her many roles included positions in customer service as well as switchboard operating. She officially retired from JC Penney in Waterville. Still, being a homemaker was always her true joy. She also gave her time to others as a Brownie troop leader creating lasting memories for all.

Those who knew Doreen remember her exceptional heart, her infectious smile, and her love of people. She never did anything halfway and followed through on everything she began. Empathetic and courageous, she was always a fighter for what was right, and when she put her foot down, her Irish spirit shone brightest.

Doreen loved the outdoors. In 1952 she climbed Mt. Katahdin, finishing the climb the morning after roller skating in Brownville until 11 p.m. She treasured summer trips with her family, camping in their Nimrod camper and making many happy memories. When ten-pin bowling came to the area in the 1960s, she and Bryant joined a couple’s league and won six first-place awards, among many others. Later in life they joined another couple’s league, where they took on Wii bowling and kept on winning. Her favorite saying was, “Big things come in small packages.”

Doreen is survived by her husband, Bryant; her son, Stephen Bryant Larlee; her daughter, Deborah Ann Larlee; and many other loved ones and friends. She was predeceased by her parents; her daughter, Karen Belinda Larlee, who passed at age 25 from cystic fibrosis; and her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, David and Jeanie Larlee.

Above all, Doreen will be remembered for her comfort, her warmth, and the way she cared for everyone she met. “I’ll Meet You in the Morning” was a song she and Bryant shared. He often sang it to her, personalized just for her, and it continues to bring him comfort.

Those we love remain with us

For love itself Lives on,

And cherished memories never fade

Because a loved one’s gone…

Those we love can never be

more than a thought apart

For as long as there is Memory,

They’ll live on in the heart.

A graveside service will be held at the Maine Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery on Blue Star Ave. in Augusta, Maine, on November 18, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. All are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Doreen’s memory to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.