SPENCER: Theresa M. “Tess” (Lacaire) Berthiaume, 96, formerly of 100 Cherry St., Spencer, died Sunday, February 27 at Notre Dame Long Term Care Center in Worcester.
Her husband of 54 years, Robert O. Berthiaume died in 2000.
She is survived by four daughters: Jane Bird, Harwich MA, Judith Perreault, Coatesville PA, Mary Lovington, Tamworth NH, and Sue Gray, East Falmouth MA. She also leaves nine grandchildren; Katherine MacDonald, Seattle WA, Amy Knudsen, Winchester MA, Jesse Perreault, Denver CO, Ellen Prosser, Downingtown PA, Jeffrey Lovington, Larkspur CA, Evan Gray, Richmond RI, Abby Gray, Lompoc CA, and Timothy and Scott Lovington, Bolton MA as well as twelve great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews and her husband’s cousin, long time neighbor and “the son they never had,” Peter White and his wife, Patricia, of Spencer.
She was predeceased by six brothers: Anthony, Adrien, Normand, Ernest, John and Paul Lacaire and four sisters: Gertrude Phaneuf, Angeline Berard, Lorraine Young,
and Alma Howard.
Theresa was born in Worcester, daughter of John B. and Alma (Therrien)
Lacaire. She was the cafeteria manager at Maple St. School in Spencer for 20 years, retiring in 1991. She was a member of Mary Queen of the Rosary Parish and the Martha Mary Guild. She was a poll worker for many years and a longtime volunteer for UMASS Hospice. Theresa’s greatest loves were her family, sewing, knitting, crossword and jigsaw puzzles and cooking. Some of her happiest moments were spent in her kitchen at 100 Cherry St cooking for family, friends and neighbors.
A celebration of Theresa’s life will be held in the spring. Notes of comfort may be sent to Theresa’s family at www.morinfuneralhomes.com using the guest book.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Notre Dame Health Care Center, Attn: Development Office, 555 Plantation St., Worcester, MA 01605 or to the Mary Queen of the Rosary Parish food pantry. J. HENRI MORIN & SON FUNERAL HOME, 23 Maple Terr., Spencer is directing arrangements.
The family extends special thanks to the entire staff at Notre Dame Long Term Care Center and Notre Dame Hospice for their kind and compassionate care.