LEWISTON — Therese Lorette Gendron went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on August 16 with her loving family by her side.

Terry was born on November 1, 1931 to Alfred and Alphonsine Pender Tardif. She attended Lewiston schools and before she married, she worked in local shoe shops. Terry and Bert married in May of 1953 and from there started their family, 6 girls and 4 boys, who were always a significant part of their lives. Despite a family of this size, Terry and Bert always provided a safe and loving home where everyone felt welcomed.

Terry enjoyed being a wife, mom and homemaker. In May 1974, she obtained her GED, of which she was very proud. A few of her favorite activities included, cooking and collecting a library of cookbooks. She also enjoyed collecting antiques and refinishing them with her dear friend, Cecile. Additionally, Terry enjoyed the art of bread making, and looked forward to her morning coffee with her daughters and her weekly visits with her longtime friend, Colette.

Terry was known for her witty sense of humor. She loved watching sitcoms as well as historical documentaries. She was an avid Bruins and Cowboys fan. Among the many trips Terry and Bert took, visiting Italy was her most enjoyable. Besides international travel as well as RVing in the U.S., she loved camping with her children and their families. Home is where the heart is, which would be an understatement to Terry. As the family grew, so did their house with Bert always giving life to Terry’s visions. Besides being call Mom by her five daughters, four sons, and Sonia (who at the age of 18 became part of the family), Terry was known as Memere, Mimi and Lala to her 29 grandchildren and Gigi/Mimi by her 44 great-grandchildren.

Terry is survived by her 4 sons, Burt and his wife, Jill, Mark and his wife, Janice, Tony and his wife, Lori, and Randy and his partner, Suzanne; 5 daughters, Gayle Fournier and her husband, Dickie, Kathy Mercier and her husband, Phil, Paula Grondin and her husband, Mark, Renee Rivet and her husband, Edward, Melissa Williams and her partner, John Therrien and Sonia Dallaire and her husband, Raymond; sister, Dorothea Ritchie and her partner, Mike Lajoie; brother, Fern Tardif; and brother-in-law, John Deschaines. She was predeceased by her loving husband, Bertrand; an infant daughter, Anne Marie; sister, Rolande Deschaines; and grandson, Christopher Michael Gendron.

As a mother, sister, and friend, Terry deeply touched our lives and will be forever greatly missed.

Online condolences may be sent to www.funeralalternatives.net.

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