Geraldine M. Boudreau

Lewiston – Geraldine M. Boudreau, age 87, “Coming in on a wing and a prayer” is exactly what Gerry did in the wee hours of Sunday September 29, of this year. She was met by eleven siblings and her parents with open arms!

Geraldine Marie Boudreau came into this world on November 1, 1925 in Rumford Maine. She is the 8th of 13 children born to Elizabeth Marie Bernard and Benjamin Dominic Boudreau.

Gerry, as everyone called her, was baptized, received Holy Communion, and Confirmation at St. Theresa’s Church in Mexico Maine. She attended and graduated from grammar school at St. Theresa’s. She went on to Ste. Chretienne Academy in Salem Massachusetts for her high school education. She then went on to the Novitiate in Giffard, Quebec Canada to study for the religious life. She took on the name of Sister Marie Benoit.

Her stations for teaching brought her to Pawtucket Rhode Island, Amesbury, Salem, Ipswich and Methuen Massachusetts; and Rumford and Lewiston Maine.

While teaching special needs children from K1 to High School, she managed to acquire her Master’s Degree from the local universities. She was instrumental in starting a full day kindergarten. She at one time was teaching 74 students, most of whom were reading by the time they completed her program. She made learning fun, but all the time with discipline and love. She had the privilege of coming up with the knowledge that those little souls grew up to be doctors, dentists, ophthalmologists and other professional people! She instilled knowledge and encouragement in all her students. Her saying has always been “Being a Teacher is a Beautiful Vocation.” Gerry taught herself to sew while in the convent and consequently was called upon to create some beautiful outfits for her co-workers since the Pope had lightened the habit restrictions.

Gerry was always a good friend to everyone she met. Anyone’s command was her wish! She was absolutely good in every soul she met. She or he was on her “prayer” list from then on. You could count on it! She wrote her book, “Who Really Cares?” It shows all the love that goes into teaching children with difficulties in life.

Surviving is her only sister, Rose Marie Watson and husband John of Windham; and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews all over the United States.

She was predeceased by her parents, and siblings, Donalda Rancourt, Ivan Boudreau, Flora Cormier, Martha Delepine, Fernardo Boudreau, Adelard “Gerry” Boudreau, Theresa Ronan, Robert Boudreau, Aime Boudreau and Barbara Boudreau.

The family would like to offer a special thank you to dear friends Sandy and Val for their wonderful care and friendship; also, a special thank you to the staff at the Hospice House, Marshwood Center and everyone at the Chapman House.

If so desired contributions in Gerry’s memory may be made to the Hospice House 236 Stetson Rd. Auburn, ME 04210.