John Réjean Sirois Van Buren and Waterville John Réjean Sirois, of Van Buren, Maine, died January 10, 2022 at Mount St. Joseph Nursing Home in Waterville, Maine. After an exceptionally long and full life of almost 99 years, he was welcomed home by his Creator, the God whom he so faithfully worshiped throughout his life, and rejoined with his wife, Thérèse (predeceased 2006). John, the seventh of nine children, was born in St. Francis, New Brunswick, on 2/16/1923 to Felix and Albertine (Marchand) Sirois. A part of The Great Generation, John did not shy away from difficult, manual labor. He was raised on a farm and his family relied exclusively on the resources of the land (crops, lumber, hunting, fishing and making maple syrup) for sustenance. John always felt his family was one of the “lucky” ones because they owned a large parcel of land. He often reflected on how his childhood dinner table was open to people less fortunate in the community because of the generous spirit of his parents. Upon reaching adulthood, John entered Business College in DalHousie, NB, and earned an Associate Degree in Business. This experience would serve him well as he eventually became the co-owner of Sirois Supply Company in Van Buren for approximately 40 years. John distributed automobile parts to his customers throughout Aroostook County while his younger brother, Philip, managed the store in town. Together, they provided beautifully for their families. John’s career and family life were preceded by a three-year commitment to the Royal Canadian Air Force where he was a navigator on a mosquito fighter plane. He often spoke of one of his unsuccessful plane flights which ended in a crash where thankfully, no injuries or casualties occurred. He was always very grateful that he never experienced war first hand as WWII ended just as his training did. In 1953, John was introduced to his future wife and best friend, Thérèse Ferguson. They married on 12/27/1955 and settled in Van Buren to raise their family of three children. Their parenting was centered around a strong Catholic faith. John was a regular communicant of St. Bruno’s Catholic Church, at one time a parish council official and a member of the Knights of Columbus, having achieved his 4th degree. Family car rides and severe thunderstorms were always accompanied by the recitation of the rosary, and daily mass became part of John’s routine during his retirement years. Although John would say that life was very kind to him, his mantra during any time of suffering was “I will pick up my cross and follow Christ.” This teaching has and will continue to be treasured by his three children. John’s pastimes included picnics with his family, gardening, outdoorsman activities, the Red Sox and let’s not forget lively card games with his Ferguson family. He may have been quiet but he thoroughly enjoyed the competitiveness of a good game of cards! John is predeceased by his wife, Thérèse and their firstborn child, Joseph who died shortly after birth. He was the last living member of his immediate childhood family. John is survived by his three children, Marc Sirois (Sarah LaJoie) of Waterville, Richard Sirois (Marygrace Peeler) of Waterboro, and Louise Burns (Robert Burns) of Berwick. He also leaves behind his treasured grandchildren: Jonathan Sirois (partner Helena Favaretto), Jessica Jones (Adam Jones), Andrew Sirois (Louisa Moller), Catherine Sirois (Johan Hong), Michelle Sirois (Bruno Ferreira), Rebecca Sirois (partner David Levasseur), Rachel Sirois (fiancé Ben Allen), Margaret Mills (Christian Mills) and Emma Burns (partner Ryan Couture). He was also blessed with six great-grandchildren: Alexandria and Zachary Jones, Francis and Lilian Sirois, Gabriel Sirois-Hong and Ezra Mills. Also surviving are several brother and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews who were very dear to him. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at Notre Dame Catholic Church in Waterville on Saturday, January 22, 2022 at 11:00 am. The family respectfully requests the wearing of masks. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John’s memory to the Arthritis Foundation (www.arthritis.org). Unfortunately, due to the ongoing pandemic, there will be no public reception following the funeral. Interment will take place at St. Bruno Cemetery this spring. Arrangements are under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm Street in Waterville. An online guestbook may be signed, condolences and memories shared, at www.gallantfh.com The family would like to acknowledge the staffs of Mount St. Joseph Nursing Home and Beacon Hospice for their care of our Dad during the final phase of his earthly journey.