Jeannette F. Thibault

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our dear mother, Jeannette F. Thibault, 102.

Jeannette was born on April 26, 1921 to Ovide and Dorilla (Lyonnais) Gariepy in Leominster, Massachusetts. 

The oldest of seven children, she attended St. Cecilia School and graduated from Leominster High School in 1939. During WWII, she worked at Fort Devens and was the secretary to a Captain. Her friend, Claire Thibault, set her up on a blind date with her brother. Norman and Jeannette corresponded while he was in the South Pacific with the U.S. Navy Seabees. They married on June 1, 1946.  Together they raised four sons and a daughter. They owned and operated N.J. Thibault Co., a Fitchburg construction and remodeling company, with Jeannette’s office management and accounting skills.  Jeannette and Norman surrounded themselves with family and many friends.  They took the opportunity to travel each year in the US and abroad, most memorably to Australia and New Zealand. 

Mom was a wonderful home maker, talented baker and cook.  She thoughtfully shared favorite family recipes, presenting each of her children with a book compiled from years of perfecting delectable meals and treats for family gatherings and Sunday dinners.  She loved their homes in Fitchburg, summers at their lakeside cottage, and most recently, her senior living at Leominster Crossings.  There, new friends, lunches, card games, reading, journaling, cribbage, daily walks, movies and family visits filled her days.  Jeannette was a woman of faith and her love of Jesus and devotion to His mother, Mary, were the pathways upon which she conducted her life. In her own quiet way, she taught us life lessons by example. 

Jeannette is survived by her siblings, Marie Gould, L. Paul Gariepy, and George Gariepy; her children, Dr. Thomas J. and Anzelma Thibault, Richard N. and Kathy Thibault, Lawrence L. MaryThibault, Peter N. Joyce Thibault and Janice M. Murray.