1927 – 2016

BONITA SPRINGS, Fla. — Theresa M. Soucy, 88, died on Friday, Feb.12, at her residence in Bonita Springs, Fla. She was formerly of Rumford.

She was born in Mexico on Oct. 29, 1927, a daughter of James and Jacqueline Thibodeau. Theresa graduated from Stephens High School in Rumford and attended Mercy School of Nursing in Portland. Ultimately, she pursued her calling as a talented pianist and vocalist. She was a gifted piano teacher and taught private lessons from her home. She had many students over the years, some of whom went on to music conservatories. She also had a beautiful voice and often sang as a soloist at weddings, at church events and as an active member of the choir at Parish of the Holy Savior in Rumford, where she and her family were communicants.

While in high school, Theresa met the love of her life, J. Robert Soucy. They dated for several years and when he returned from the Merchant Marines, they were married on June 24, 1950. They had two children, Elyse and John, with whom they lived in Rumford and enjoyed many happy times together as a family. Theresa loved to cook, and holidays and family times were always special with her thoughtful preparations and specialty dishes. She was an excellent seamstress and enjoyed both knitting and needlepoint. She liked playing bridge with friends and was a true master at crossword puzzles.

Once their family was grown up, Theresa and Bob traveled together, both within the United States and various countries. She spoke French and English fluently and some Italian as well, which enhanced their travel experiences. Having spent a lot of time in Florida over the years, Theresa and Bob moved there full time when they retired. They were completely devoted to one another and were married for 65 years.

In addition to being a loving wife, good friend and great mom, Theresa was a wonderful grandmother. She enjoyed having her grandchildren for overnights, entertaining them with mini-golf outings, with board games, and by reading to them. She was always an enthusiastic audience for their “shows and performances.”

Theresa is survived by her husband, J. Robert Soucy of Bonita Springs, Fla.; her daughter, Elyse End and her husband, William End, of Belgrade, Mont.; her son, John Soucy and his wife, Laurie Soucy, of Rumford; three grandchildren, Alison End Fineberg and her husband, Tao Fineberg, David End and Kristen Soucy; two step-grandchildren, Laura End and Christopher Gilbert; a great-granddaughter, Nova End Fineberg; and two sisters-in-law, Eva Mae Ducheney of Westfield, Mass., and Bernadette Coulombe of Rumford.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to Hope Hospice of Fort Myers, Fla., and staff at both the Renaissance and the Terraces at Bonita Springs, Fla., who provided such great care and comfort over the last year.

Friends and relatives are invited to sign the online guest book and share memories with the family at www.meaderandson.com.