Kathleen Wanda Chretien

Kathleen Chretien, a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend to many, passed away peacefully on October 1, 2026, after being diagnosed with Cancer, leaving behind a legacy of kindness and joy. Born on December 29, 1942, in St. John’s Newfoundland, Canada, Kathleen was the cherished daughter of Earl J. and Kathleen P. Foston. She grew up in Halifax, Nova Scotia, where she completed her high school education in 1960, setting the stage for a life filled with adventure, love, and compassion. In the early 1970s, Kathleen embarked on a memorable journey with her husband, Henri Chretien, whom she married in Manchester, N.H. Their marriage of over 30 years was marked by travel across Europe due to Henri’s service in the U.S. Air Force, which took them to Germany. Together, they shared a passion for antiques, which inspired them to open their own antique shop upon returning to the United States in Maine. Kathleen had her own talk show in Canada for a brief time interviewing locals in Goose Bay Labrador, Canada prior to her marriage. She wanted to be an actress but instead pursued her secretarial skills at Goose Bay Air Force base where she met her husband. Her Visa paperwork got messed up so she went to give Henri a piece of her mind and the rest is history. Kathleen dedicated 20 years of her professional life to York Hospital in York Beach, Maine, where she worked as an admissions supervisor. Her commitment to helping others continued even after her retirement to Florida, where she served as an aide to two individuals, offering care and companionship. A devoted member of Calvary Church and then later on at First Baptist church in Melbourne, Florida, Kathleen's faith was a cornerstone of her life. She found joy in attending church services and Bible study, always eager to spread kindness and goodwill. Her charitable spirit was evident in her support for causes such as wildlife conservation, St. Joseph’s Indian School, and the Humane Society, just to name a few. Kathleen’s life was rich with hobbies and interests that reflected her zest for life. An avid lover of the ocean, she cherished time spent canoeing, a passion that began in her youth when she was part of an all-women’s canoe club in college, winning state competitions. She found delight in movies, shopping, and spending precious moments with her daughter, Laura-Ann Rowe, and her grandsons, Chadwyck Dunnuck and Noah Rowe, making memories at the beach and during snowy adventures. Her love for animals, especially cats, dogs, and horses, was well-known, and she often extended her warm regards not only to people but also to their pets. Kathleen had a remarkable ability to make everyone feel welcomed and valued, always cheerful and in good spirits, believing firmly in seeing the good in others. Her natural redhead spirit gave her a feisty edge, standing up for what she believed in with grace and conviction. Kathleen is predeceased by her beloved husband, Henri Chretien, and her parents, Earl and Kathleen Foston. She is survived by her daughter, Laura-Ann Rowe, Marc Anderson, daughters boyfriend and her grandsons, Chadwyck Dunnuck and Noah Rowe, who will continue to honor her memory and cherish the love and wisdom she bestowed upon them. A celebration of life will be held in about a month in Reno, NV and will be broadcast live through a website. I will post the link on facebook once date is determined. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Humane Society, reflecting Kathleen's enduring love for animals or the Cancer Foundation. Kathleen Chretien's warmth, generosity, and unwavering faith touched the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her. She will be deeply missed, but her spirit will live on in the hearts of those she loved.