LEWISTON – In life, Jeanne Theriault was a businesswoman with a sharp financial mind who was utterly devoted to her church and to her family.

Three years after she died at the age of 84, Theriault’s generosity continues.

It was announced Monday that nearly $1 million from Theriault’s estate will go the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul on Ash Street.

The church will receive the proceeds of a $975,000 life insurance policy, which will be put in an endowment fund to be known as the J. Nazaire Theriault Memorial Fund, named for her father.

“This was not a last-minute decision for her,” said Denis Theriault, Jeanne’s nephew. “It was church first, family second, always. This was something she wanted to do for the legacy of the Theriault family and for her dad in particular. She was very devoted to her dad.”

Jeanne Theriault was part owner of Lewiston Crushed Stone, the family business. She managed the company office, and Denis Theriault said his aunt had a mind for figures in an era where most women were primarily housewives.

“She was on the cutting edge as a woman in business,” Denis Theriault said. “At that time, it was not common. It was actually looked down upon.”

Jeanne thrived, however, and she managed her money well. As a condition of her will, the principal of funds left to the basilica can never be spent. Interest from the total amount will be used exclusively for maintenance and repairs.

Theriault was born in 1920 and lived in Lewiston her entire life. She was a member of Saints Peter and Paul’s Parish, the Society of St. Peter’s and the Knights of Columbus 106 Lewiston Ladies Auxiliary.

“She was very involved in the church throughout her entire life,” said Robert Gilbert, a member of Saints Peter and Paul. “She was always dedicated to the parish and always had the interest of the parish at heart.”

During her life, Jeanne also supported St. Peter’s Church, St. Peter’s School and St. Dominic Regional High School. The bequest to Saints Peter and Paul stipulates that if the church should cease to exist, the fund would be used exclusively for scholarships to residents of Lewiston and Auburn who are attending St. Dominic Regional High School.

A ceremony is planned for Thursday when church leaders will present a plaque honoring the gift and memorializing J. Nazaire Theriault, for whom it is named.

The bequest is not the first show of generosity from the family, known for ongoing philanthropy in the community.

After Jeanne Theriault died in September 2004, Denis and other family members gathered up her belongings and used them to benefit others.

“We took her jewelry – she was quite a collector – and followed in her footsteps with that,” Denis said. “We gave that to St. Mary’s Hospital for the d’Youville Fund.”

The family also gathered up Jeanne’s extensive wardrobe and donated all of it to the business Classy Ladies, which helps to outfit women going into business or starting new careers.

Near the end of her life, Jeanne became ill and did not get to participate in church activities like she used to. But those who knew were not surprised Monday after learning about the bequest three years after she died.

“She was always very generous,” Gilbert said.