Arlene Mae Thibeau

MEXICO – Arlene Mae Thibeau passed away July 27, 2022, at the Rumford Community Home. Born June 30, 1942, in Biddeford, Maine, to Evelyn (Cormier) and Rapheno Thibeau, Arlene had just celebrated her 80th birthday with family and friends at her side. She was educated locally through St. Theresa’s school and Mexico High School. Through the years she was employed in many places, including Bass Shoe, Diamond Match, Goodwin’s Restaurant, Mammoth Mart, Zayre’s and the Rumford Community Home.

Arlene enjoyed many hobbies, crafts, sewing, shopping, yard sales and watching movies. Arlene especially enjoyed visiting with relatives, friends and classmates. She volunteered for the local food bank and participated in knitting prayer shawls. Arlene started a sewing group that focused on creating quilts to recognize local veterans of World War II, Korean, and Vietnam wars. In 2018 she was the recipient of The Spirit of America Service award which was presented to her at American Legion Post #24, where she served as Chaplain and as part of the Auxiliary.

Arlene was married (1970-1979) to the late John Dumont. She is survived by her two children, James and his wife Darlene of Norway, Maine; Tasha Dumont-Brennan and her husband Matt of Salem, Ore.; her brother Rapheno (Junior) Thibeau and sister-in-law Janice of Mexico; and former son-in-law Chris Purington of Lacey, Wash. Also, her devoted friend Michelle De Roche-Johnson of Crossville, Tenn.

Arlene is survived by her grandchildren: April Leeman of Williston, S.C.; James Thibeau and wife Priscilla of Virginia Beach, Va.; Thomas Thibeau and wife Krista of Dixfield, Ashley Jones and husband Morgan of Bandera, Texas; Megan, Lisa, and John Purington of Salem, Ore.; and Em Purington of Lacey, Wash.; and her great-grandchildren: Kennedy and Jameson Thibeau of Virginia Beach, Va., and Claire Cahill of Rumford Point.

She was predeceased by her parents, and a brother Edgar.

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

A service will be held at St. John’s church on August 11, at 2 p.m..; coffee and refreshments to follow downstairs. Arrangements are under the direction of the Meader & Son Funeral Home, 3 Franklin St., Rumford.