CARIBOU, Maine – The gentle soul and spirit of Reverend Clement D. Thibodeau, 85, has gone to be with his Lord. Reverend Thibodeau was born February 17, 1932 in Connor Twp., the son of the late Paul M. and Caroline (King) Thibodeau.
He was a 1950 graduate of Caribou High School as well as a 1954 graduate of St. Francis College in Biddeford with a Bachelor’s Degree in the Arts. He went on to graduate in 1958 from Grand Seminary at the University of Montreal with a Bachelor’s Degree in Sacred Theology. Later on, Father Thibodeau obtained a Doctor of Humane Letters from Nasson College in Springvale. Father Thibodeau was Ordained May 31,1958 to the priesthood at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Portland by Most Reverend David J. Feeney, Seventh Bishop of Portland. In 1970, he traveled to Rome, Italy, to study/work at the Institute for Continuing Theological Education.
Father Clem, as he was called by many, retired in 2001 after serving the Roman Catholic Diocese for 45 years. On the occasion of his retirement then Bishop, Most Reverend Joseph Gerry, OSB, wrote “Although your primary focus as a priest had to be your parish assignment, you were always willing to put your considerable gifts of intelligence and wisdom to the service of the wider Church community. A hard worker, a committed priest, one who has updated theologically, one who has been open to offering spiritual direction, and one who has been most generous in responding to requests from your Bishop, are just some of the qualities you have marked your years of ministry as a priest.” Father Thibodeau served as Pastor of St. Mary’s in Eagle Lake, Notre Dame in Waterville, St. Mary’s in Bangor and St. Joseph’s in Gardiner. He served as Pastoral Vicar at Cathedral Parish in Portland, Notre Dame in Springvale, and St. Mary’s in Lewiston, not to mention serving as Chaplain at Nasson College in Springvale and Notre Dame Institute in Alfred. Father Thibodeau also spent 17 years as a teacher at St. Ignatius High School in Sanford as well as teaching religious studies at Nasson College. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Rev. George Poirier Assembly #2755 in Springvale, Canabas Council #1299 in Gardiner, and served as Chaplin of Council #148.
Following his retirement, Father Thibodeau remained very active assisting various parishes and priests, wherever and whenever needed. Over the years, Father Clem helped raise money for Guest House, a center in Michigan that helps treat clergy for substance abuse. He also will be fondly remembered by many for his help, compassion, and understanding of their substance abuse issues. Father Thibodeau is survived by a brother, Robert Thibodeau and his wife Betty of Raymond, New Hampshire, and two sisters, Maxine Bell and her husband Gilbert, and Joan Bishop all of Caribou, along with many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by three brothers, Mack, Frank and Leo Thibodeau, and two sisters, Mae Chamberlain and Rachel Saucier.
A Reception of the Body began at 2 p.m., Monday, October 9, 2017, at the Parish of the Precious Blood Holy Rosary Church in Caribou with visiting hours until 7 p.m. Evening Vesper Prayers with area clergy were held at 5 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Holy Rosary Church with the Most Rev. Robert Deeley, J.C.D., Bishop of Maine officiating. Interment was at the Sacred Heart Church Cemetery in North Caribou. Friends who wish to contribute in Father Thibodeau’s memory may do so by making contributions to DEEMI, P.O. Box 268, Orono, Maine 04473, or the Seminarian Fund through the Diocese of Portland. Arrangement by Mockler Funeral Home, 24 Reservoir St., Caribou. www.mocklerfuneralhome.com
