1919 – 2016

RUMFORD — Therese M. Giambattista, 96, passed away peacefully with family by her side on Monday, May 9 at the Rumford Community Home.

She was born Therese Mary Arsenault on Nov. 16, 1919, in Mexico, the daughter of John Arsenault and Mary Richards.

In her twenties, Therese worked at the Oxford Paper Company and later on met her husband, Crescenzo “Shenny” Giambattista, through his sister and special friend, Stella, whom she worked with in the mill. Therese and Shenny were married on June 10, 1949 and happily raised six children in their home in Smithcrossing. Shenny passed away on July 21, 1994.

Throughout the years, Therese was an active member and officer of the Sons of Italy Lodge Goriziette. As a communicant of St. Athanasius–St. John’s Church, she served as Eucharistic Minister and worked for many years at the annual Christmas fairs and Beano. Therese was a devout Catholic and her family especially remember her deep devotion to the Blessed Mother.

Therese found her greatest joy in loving and serving her family, especially the children. She always welcomed gatherings in her home with delicious food and lots of laughter. Her Italian meatballs were her favorite and she always had homemade sweets in her pastry dish for all to enjoy. When Santa (Steve Gallant) made his stop at the Giambattistas on the 23rd of December, Therese’s meat pies were one of the highlights. This was a tradition for over 50 years. One of Therese’s favorite pastimes was playing cards with family and friends.

Therese is survived by her daughters, Aleta Blouin of North Yarmouth, Marie Freeman and her husband, Randy, of Rumford, Linda Gallant and her husband, Michael, of Byron; two sons, John and his wife, June, of Rumford, David and his wife, Maureen, of Norwich, Conn.; daughter-in-law, Paulette Giambattista of Durango, Colo.; 11 grandchildren, Meredith Giambattista Wheelock, Michael Blouin, Chris Blouin, Jennifer Giambattista, Ryan Giambattista, Jody Raio, Keith Freeman, Brian Freeman, Eric Gallant, Brent Gallant and Kristen Giambattista; 14 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Amelia Richard and Stella Glazier; Mary Mariconda; many nieces and nephews; and special friend of the family, the Rev. Raymond Picard.

She was predeceased by her husband Shenny; her son, Stephen; brothers, Agape, Albert, Clarence, Edgar and Lucien; and sisters, Rita and Sr. Mary (Eva) Philibert.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Rumford Community Home for the excellent care given to Therese. They would also like to thank Therese’s special niece, Susan Arsenault for the many visits during Therese’s stay at the home.

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