Jeannette M. Thibodeau

Jeannette Mary Thibodeau (Maillet), 93, of Tyrone, GA entered the loving arms of Jesus peacefully on Tuesday February 3, 2026 with her daughter, Jill and son-in-law, Washington; grandson, Caleb; and granddaughter, Elena Rose by her side, holding her hand as she transitioned from this life to the next. She just celebrated her 93rd birthday. In her final hours she was able to feel the presence of her loved ones, hear the voices of all her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and those she cherished were able to share their love for her.

Jeannette was born December 4. 1932 in Waterville, ME, daughter of Rosalie Maillet and Edward Maillet. She graduated from Waterville Sr High in 1950 and went on to study dance in Boston, and in 1972 opened her own school, The Plaza Dance Studio. During that time, she met her husband, Robert Thibodeau, when she needed a pianist to play for her ballet classes. She and Bob directed the Plaza Dance Studio for 40 years entertaining audiences with original ballets, Nutcrackers, musicals, and over 37 recitals. All her sons performed with her and stayed close to her over the years. She trained dancers who went on to perform all over the world and until her final days continued to reach out to her with gratitude, often sharing memories of their time at the Plaza Dance Studio.

In 1990 she and Bob moved to Hartwell, GA where they, along with her sister Rita, enjoyed growing over 200 tomato plants each summer, selling them off the front porch by the honor system. They loved everyone they met. As part of the Athens Church of Christ for over 20 years, Cedar Creek Baptist church for 10 years in Hartwell, and after moving to Tyrone with her daughter’s family, she was so warmly welcomed into the Trinity Fellowship church family. She never met a stranger and left everyone glad to have met her. She loved and was so grateful for the time she had with her granddaughter, Jessica, who was by her side daily during covid. She loved life, playing games with her best friends until her final year. She was a tremendous listener, interesting storyteller, supportive mother and grammy, loyal friend and a servant to the community. She was so patient and willing to try anything. She loved reading and memorizing scriptures and was faithful to God to the end. She can say… “7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” Timothy 2:7-8

She is preceded in death by her husband, Robert Theodore Thibodeau; brothers, Edward and Raymond Maillet; sisters, Irene Dawes and Rita Maillet; and her son, Bruce Thibodeau who passed in 1996.

She is survived by her three children, Clay Thibodeau of Oakland, ME, Troy Thibodeau of Sullivan, ME, Jill Cuestas and her husband Washington of Tyrone, GA: her nephew, Eddie Dawes of Augusta, Me. She was a proud and loving grandmother of Clay Michael; Lee Thibodeau and his wife, Alicia, Jessica Turner, and Robert Hall; and Jill's children Elena and Caleb. She was beloved by her great-grandchildren, Landon, Ashley, and Luke. She enjoyed the love of all her extended family.

A Celebration of Life was held on Saturday Feb 21 at 3:00pm at Trinity Fellowship Christian Church Student Center, 8817 GA-54, Sharpsburg, GA 32077.

A small memorial will be planned in Waterville, Me. Details, condolences can be sent to [email protected] or 125 Nicoles Nook, Tyrone, GA 30290.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

In lieu of flowers the family is accepting donations for a Memorial Bench placed by the Shamrock Park Lake in honor of Jeannette’s love of life with the inscription… “Just one more time around…” In loving memory of Jeannette Thibodeau who lived life to the full and never missed a chance to dance.

Donations may be made at https://everloved.com/life-of/jeannette-thibodeau/donate/checkout/?flow=201&