1925 – 2013

LEWISTON — Geraldine M. Boudreau, 87, “Coming in on a wing and a prayer” is exactly what Gerry did in the wee hours of Sunday, Sept. 29. She was met by 11 siblings and her parents with open arms!

Geraldine Marie Boudreau came into this world on Nov. 1, 1925, in Rumford. She was the eighth of 13 children born to Elizabeth Marie Bernard and Benjamin Dominic Boudreau.

Gerry, as everyone called her, was baptized, received Holy Communion and confirmation at St. Theresa’s Church in Mexico. She attended and graduated from grammar school at St. Theresa’s. She went on to Ste. Chretienne Academy in Salem, Mass., for her high school education. She then went on to the novitiate in Giffard, Quebec, Canada, to study for the religious life. She took on the name of Sister Marie Benoit.

Her stations for teaching brought her to Pawtucket, R.I.; Amesbury, Salem, Ipswich and Methuen, Mass.; and Rumford and Lewiston.

While teaching special needs children from K1 to high school, she managed to acquire her master’s degree from the local universities. She was instrumental in starting a full-day kindergarten. She at one time was teaching 74 students, most of whom were reading by the time they completed her program.

She made learning fun, but all the time with discipline and love. She had the privilege of coming up with the knowledge that those little souls grew up to be doctors, dentists, ophthalmologists and other professional people. She instilled knowledge and encouragement in all her students. Her saying was always “Being a teacher is a beautiful vocation.”

Gerry taught herself to sew while in the convent and consequently was called upon to create some beautiful outfits for her co-workers after the pope lightened the habit restrictions.

Gerry was always a good friend to everyone she met. Anyone’s command was her wish! She was absolutely good in every soul she met. She or he was on her “prayer” list from then on. You could count on it! She wrote her book, “Who Really Cares?” It shows all the love that goes into teaching children with difficulties in life.

Surviving is her only sister, Rose Marie Watson and husband, John, of Windham; and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews all over the United States.

She was predeceased by her parents; and siblings, Donalda Rancourt, Ivan Boudreau, Flora Cormier, Martha Delepine, Fernardo Boudreau, Adelard “Gerry” Boudreau, Theresa Ronan, Robert Boudreau, Aime Boudreau and Barbara Boudreau.

The family would like to offer a special thank-you to dear friends Sandy and Val for their wonderful care and friendship; also, a special thank-you to the staff at the Hospice House, Marshwood Center and everyone at the Chapman House.

You are invited to share your thoughts, condolences and fond memories with the Boudreau family by visiting their guest book at www.SGThibaultFuneralHome.com.

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