Theresa Ringuette

Theresa Ringuette, 97, passed away peacefully June13, 2024, while a resident at High View Manor in Madawaska, ME.

Mrs. Theresa Ringuette, a beloved resident of St. Agatha, ME, has led an extraordinary life filled with compassion, dedication, and a genuine love for others. Born in the small town of Saint Mary's, Prince Edward Island on July 6, 1926, she grew up as the youngest of seven children. Her parents were Frank and Mary Doiron and siblings included Dena, Rita, Raymond, Aubin, Lydia, Arthur, and Theresa. She is fondly remembered by her many nieces and nephews in Canada who always looked forward to seeing their Aunt Terry and Uncle Dick on their annual visit to Prince Edward Island.

After completing her education at the local one-room schoolhouse in Saint Mary's, Theresa ventured to Massachusetts, following in the footsteps of her eldest sister, Dena. There, she worked for the Dean of Wellesley College, gaining valuable experiences and broadening her horizons. It was during this time that fate intervened, and her life took a new turn. Theresa relocated to Bath, Maine, where she enrolled in a hairdressing program. It was in Bath that she met Richard Ringuette, her future husband, through her roommate, Richard's sister.

Once married, Theresa and Richard settled in the close-knit community of Saint Agatha, Maine. Known for her infectious warmth and strong work ethic, Theresa quickly became an integral part of the town's fabric. She accepted a position as a teacher's assistant for intellectually disabled children in the Saint John Valley. She had found her niche in her work with children with disabilities. While working as a dedicated teacher's assistant at the school in Grand Isle, Theresa yearned to further her own education. Driven by her passion for teaching, she pursued a Bachelor's Degree in Education at the University of Maine at Fort Kent. The next 21 years of her life were dedicated to empowering intellectually disabled students, leaving an indelible mark on their lives.

Theresa's nurturing spirit extended beyond her professional life. In a twist of fate, she and Richard found themselves unable to have children of their own. However, the couple opened their hearts and home to many children of the community who needed their love and support.

Deeply committed to her faith and recognizing the importance of community involvement, Theresa volunteered at her local church, singing in the choir, teaching religion, and coordinating parish meetings. For over six decades, she also dedicated herself to assisting the director of a local funeral home, ensuring that the departed were respectfully prepared for their final farewells. Theresa found solace and purpose in this work, grateful for the opportunity to help grieving families find comfort in their loved ones' peace and tranquility. She was also an active member of the American Legion Auxiliary and the Fire Department Auxiliary.

Throughout her years, Theresa Ringuette has been a beacon of support, compassion, and love in the Saint Agatha community. Her warm and inviting presence endeared her to all who had the fortune of crossing her path. Theresa spread joy and kindness to all she encountered, embodying the true meaning of community spirit. Her legacy serves as a reminder that a life dedicated to helping others is a life well-lived.

Theresa was predeceased by her husband, Richard; her parents; and her siblings.

A funeral service will be held at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church in St. Agatha on a date to be determined.Any donations in Terry’s memory can be made to support the Our Lady of the Valley Church heating fund.

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