Theresa Vaillancourt

1927 - 2022

Rumford-Theresa Vaillancourt entered heaven on April 27 after a brief illness. She was surrounded by her four adoring children who prayed with her, sang to her and comforted her until the end.

The eldest of eight children, she was born in Rumford, Me. in 1927 to Gertrude (Poirier ) and Elphege Theriault. She grew up on Waldo Street with a host of neighborhood children who remained lifelong friends including the boy across the street (“Oats”), who became the love of her life. She showed her courage and strength at the tender age of twelve when her beloved father suddenly passed away by supporting her bereaved mother and helping to raise her seven younger siblings, all of whom remained devoted to each other throughout their lives.

She married Omer “Oats” Vaillancourt in 1947 and together they raised a close-knit family in Mexico. Her husband and children were her greatest joy. A wonderful homemaker, she filled our home with delicious food, joy and love…so much love. She was the epitome of a “lady”…beautiful and full of grace. Yet, she could belt out a song at family parties (remembering all the French words), step dance to Acadian French music, and bring people, especially our Dad, to tears with laughter with her sense of humor.

Together with our Dad, she nurtured and encouraged our love of family, the arts and our spiritual growth. Mom and Dad never missed our recitals or concerts which were always followed by ice cream sundaes. Our family was enriched with a strong Catholic foundation, never missing a Mass at St. Theresa’s parish. We enjoyed homemade birthday cakes, meat pies on Christmas Eve, camping trips, pilgrimages to Acadia and Quebec to visit shrines and family, summers at Roxbury Pond and French jigs. People were drawn to Theresa’s kindness, wisdom and sweet personality. She had a large circle of friends who loved her and whom she loved deeply. She maintained lifelong friendships and also made new friends leaving deep imprints on their hearts.

Mom enjoyed her career at the Oxford Federal Credit Union, where she worked for over a decade. She retired with Dad and together they shared adventures traveling to Florida, the American West, Canada, Washington, DC, and Europe. She also enjoyed cross-country skiing with Dad, and going for rides to spot moose.

When she lost her beloved husband of 50 years, Mom courageously carried on. She nurtured friendships old and new, enjoying a bowling league, visits, dinners out and rides in rural Maine. She remained devoted to her children, visiting our respective homes often for vacations, holidays or a quiet chat. She joined us for family vacations ranging from Italy to Disney world. She delighted in her eight grandchildren who thought she was the best Memere in the world (and she was) and in her six great grandchildren.

Mom died the way she lived - with courage, grace and great faith in God. We know she is in heaven reunited with many loved ones. We are especially comforted to know that she and Dad are together again.

A magnet on Mom’s fridge summed it up nicely. It reads: “You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem and smarter than you know”. For the rest of our lives, she will continue to be our role model of love, grace and courage .

Theresa is survived by her four children; Diane (Bob Gallagher), Thornton, N.H., Denise ( Albert Robbins), Bethesda, Md., Mark ( Judy Vaillancourt), Harrison, Me. Jane (Vaillancourt-Velarde), Fredericksburg, Va., eight grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Also survived by many nieces and nephews whom she cherished. She was predeceased by her husband of 50 years and her seven siblings.

On line condolences can be shared at www.thibaultremembrancecenter.com

A Mass of Christian celebration will be held on June 11 at 12:00pm in Rumford at Parish of the Holy Savior followed by a reception hosted by the family.

A private burial for immediate family at St. John’s cemetery will follow the Mass. Those wishing to make donations in her memory may do so to The Parish of the Holy Savior 7 Brown St. Mexico, Maine 04257.

Arrangements are under the care of Thibault Remembrance Center 250 Penobscot St. Rumford 364-4366