CARIBOU, Maine – Rita Irene (Damboise) Theriault, 96, a longtime resident of 14 Page Ave, in Caribou died August 18, 2017 at a local hospital. She was born in Connor, November 2, 1920 the daughter of the late Peter and Yvonne (Cote) Damboise.
Rita married the love of her life, Lionel Theriault November 6, 1939 and he predeceased her in 2006, after 67 years of marriage. They had eight children, and she dedicated her life to her husband and family. Many were entertained by stories of the shenanigans that Rita, her mother, sisters, and aunts were involved in during her early years. They had great fun together. Among other activities, Rita enjoyed playing with the grandchildren and great grandchildren, cooking for her family, caring for her plants, crocheting, knitting, and drawing.
Later in life, being a brave soul, Rita tried her hand at golfing and skiing. Rita and Lionel spent many winters traveling to Florida and visiting family members along the way. While in Florida, enjoying the warmth, they loved spending time with family and friends vacationing to flee the cold of New England. Rita was a devout Catholic and was a longtime faithful member of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church as well as the Ladies of St. Anne. Rita had a deep love for the Lord.
She is survived by her children: Janice Jacobs of Maryland, Robert and Sallie Theriault and Barbara and Norman Collins all of Caribou, Lionel and Nancy Theriault of Presque Isle, Wanda and Stephen Wentworth of Caribou, Alan and Gloria Theriault of Eagle Lake, Joyce and Romeo Dube of Westbrook and Carla and Chad Walton of Bangor; a sister Mildred Ouellette of Connor, a brother and sister-in-law Roger and Claudia Damboise of Fort Kent; a sister-in-law Bertha Morin of Connecticut, her many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Mrs. Theriault was predeceased by her parents, her husband Lionel, a grandson Christopher Jacobs, a brother Bertram Damboise and a sister Rossman Morin.
Friends called at the Mockler Funeral Home, 24 Reservoir Street, Caribou, from 6-8 p.m. Monday, Aug. 21. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday August 22, 2017 from the Parish of the Precious Blood Holy Rosary Catholic Church. Interment was in the New Holy Rosary Cemetery. Rita’s family would like to thank Hospice, the staff at Caribou Nursing Home and particularly the staff at Cary Medical Center who lovingly care for her through her final days. An additional thanks to the other individuals that brought joy to her through music, prayer and care. We could not have done it without you. Friends who wish to contribute in memory of Mrs. Theriault may do so through the Jefferson Cary Foundation, PO Box 89, Caribou, Maine 04736 or an organization of your choice. www.mocklerfuneralhome.com
