Lorraine Thibodeau

Lorraine Thibodeau, 92, of Sanford, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 5, at Summer Commons in Sanford.

She was born on January 24, 1933, in Sanford, Maine, to Stanislas and Marie Anna (Guillemette) Belanger. Lorraine grew up in Sanford and attended local schools. At a young age, she entered the workforce, employed at several area businesses including local dress shops, Elcon, Sprague Electric, and William Arthur.

On June 27, 1953, Lorraine married Leonard J.M. Thibodeau. Together, they raised four daughters and shared 65 years of marriage until Leonard’s passing in 2018.

Lorraine was a devoted communicant of Holy Family Church and attended Mass weekly until her health no longer allowed.

In their younger years, Lorraine and Leonard loved to entertain. They hosted parties, enjoyed sing-alongs, played cards—especially their favorite game, Hand and Foot—went camping, and cherished time spent at their camp on Granny Kent Pond.

For a number of years, Lorraine and Leonard ran the Len-Lor Ceramic Shop in Springvale. One of her proudest creations was a handcrafted ceramic Christmas village, which she lovingly displayed each holiday season.

In her later years, Lorraine continued to enjoy playing cards and spending time with friends and family. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her family always came first, and her love and support will be missed.

Lorraine is predeceased by her husband Leonard JM Thibodeau, her parents, her daughter Denise Fournier, sisters, Irene Melanson and Rose Melanson, and brothers Leo, Henry, Emile, Roland, and Gerard Belanger.

Survivors include, her daughters Peggy Worden of FL, Julie Urbancik, and her husband Matt of MI, and Michelle Beaudoin and her husband James of Sanford, a brother Raymond Belanger of Waterboro, 10 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, 5 great- great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

A time of visitation will be held on Sunday, May 11 from 3:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. at Black Heald Walker Funeral Home, 580 Main Street, Springvale.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Monday, May 12, at 10:00 A.M. at St. Therese of Lisieux Parish, Holy Family Church, 66 North Ave., Sanford.