Local residents inducted in Maine Franco-American Hall of Fame
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From left, James Beaudry, his daughter Nicole Hines, State Senator Susan Deschambault and Beaudry's daughter Kaitlyn Beaudry. James Beaudry's father (also named James Beaudry) was recently inducted posthumously to the Maine Franco-American Hall of Fame. SUBMITTED PHOTO
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AUGUSTA — Residents from Biddeford, Saco and Old Orchard Beach were among those inducted in the Maine Franco-American Hall of Fame.
Twelve new members were inducted in a ceremony that was held in both English and French on Sept. 7 at the Maine State House in Augusta.
James Beaudry of Biddeford was inducted posthumously. Beaudry grew up in Portland and after attending Cheverus High school served in World War II. During his military service he participated in the D-Day battle in Normandy, France.
Beaudry earned a degree in education from the University of Maine and taught in several places across the state before settling in Biddeford to accept a position at St. Francis College. While at St. Francis College, Beaudry coached men’s basketball, men’s soccer, men’s cross country and men’s golf. In 2005, Beaudry was the first inductee into the UNE Varsity Club Athletics Hall of Fame and the gymnasium has been named after him. Since then, he also has been inducted into the New England Basketball Hall of Fame, the Maine Basketball Hall of Fame, the Maine Sports Legends Hall of Honor and the Cheverus Athletics Hall of Fame. Beaudry passed away in December of 2020 and was represented by his family at the ceremony.
“I am so proud to induct Jim Beaudry into the Franco-American Hall of Fame,” said State Senator Susan Deschambault. “His dedication to education, college athletics and his players left a lasting impact on the community. His courage, kindness, wisdom and generosity embodied sportsmanship and the true spirit of the Franco-American community in Maine.”
Susan Deschambault was also inducted into the Maine Franco-American Hall of Fame. She is a fourth-generation Biddeford native and grew up speaking French with French as her fist language.
She is currently serving her fourth term in the Maine State Senate. Prior to her work in the legislature, Deschambault had a lengthy career in criminal justice. She was Biddeford’s first-ever female police commissioner and worked for the Department of Corrections as a social worker for more than 40 years before her retirement.
Deschambault was appointed by governors John McKernan, Angus King, and John Baldacci to serve on the Maine Criminal Justice Commission, a position she held for 17 years. She also served on the Biddeford City Council and on the city’s Planning Board. She is a proud member of the Legislature’s Franco-American caucus and has presided over the State Senate in French during past Franco Day celebrations.
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Jerome “Jerry” Plante of Old Orchard Beach was inducted into the Maine Franco-American Hall of Fame. Plante served in the Maine House of Representatives from 1957 to 1964. After his time as a legislator, he served two years as clerk of the House and then went on to serve as a member of U.S. Congressman Peter Kyros’s staff for eight years.
Plante was also the town manager of Old Orchard Beach for 15 years. He has been involved in many local committees and organizations, including the RSU 23 school board and The Ballpark Commission.
“Jerry has been and continues to be a central figure in the Old Orchard Beach community. I am honored to serve OOB in the shadow of Jerry Plante and blessed to call him my friend,” said State Rep. Lori Gramlich, D-Old Orchard Beach, who nominated Plante for the Hall of Fame.
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Andre Janelle and State Senator Donna Bailey at the State House. SUBMITTED PHOTO |
Saco resident Andre G. Janelle, a judge for the Biddeford District Court, was inducted in the Maine Franco-American Hall of Fame. Janelle was raised in Franco-American home in Lewiston. He became a Maine District Court Judge in 1986, sitting in Biddeford, after serving as an Assistant Attorney General and Governor’s Legislative Counsel.
Janelle was known for his use of the French language and has conducted court proceedings in French when those before him did not speak English. This included conducting a criminal trial totally in French in the St. John Valley and an arraignment for a Canadian resident visiting the beaches in York County. He and his wife, Suzanne, taught their children French and continue to share the language with their grandchildren.
“Hon. Judge Janelle has dedicated his life to public service and justice. It was so exciting to honor him and his Franco-American heritage today at the State House,” said Senator Donna Bailey, D-Saco, who spoke on his behalf at the ceremony.
Publisher Liz Gotthelf can be reached at [email protected].