Audrey Thibodeau

PRESQUE ISLE — Audrey (Elaine) Bishop Thibodeau, 97, of Presque Isle, died Jan. 2, 2013.

Audrey was born in Caribou, on Dec. 13, 1915, the daughter of Elsie (Berce) and Charles T. Bishop.

She attended Caribou public schools and graduated from the University of Maine in 1937 with a degree in nutrition after which she taught Home Economics at Houlton High School.

In 1939, Audrey married Lawrence A. Thibodeau, also of Caribou who had been a high school classmate. The couple then moved to New York State to join Audrey’s brother, Jack, in farming, but missed their home and soon moved back to Maine. Audrey and Tib were off on their next adventure and moved to Fort Kent, where they lived on the banks of the St. John River. Audrey was committed to learning French while there and enjoyed the “valley experience.” In 1946, they moved to Presque Isle, which became the lifelong home of Audrey and Tib. Audrey was a stay-at-home mom as her children were growing up, however, at Christmas she worked at Sears Roebuck demonstrating and selling sewing machines to earn extra money. In the late 60s, she owned and managed the family store, L.S. Hall Co. in Caribou.

Audrey was passionate about raising awareness and fostering education for students with reading disabilities in the public school system. She started the Presque Isle Pony Club and served as the District Commissioner for several years. Audrey was recognized by several educational and charitable organizations in Aroostook County. She was instrumental in incorporating the Vera Estes House into the Presque Isle Historical Society and promoted the preservatwion of the Old Presque Isle Fire Station. Audrey was “a County Girl” and proudly supported UMPI, NMCC and UMFK.

Audrey is survived by her children, Berna (Bunny) T. Andrews of North Yarmouth, Ann T. Seitz of North Yarmouth, Lee Lawrence Thibodeau M.D. of Cumberland Foreside and Don R. Thibodeau of Fryeburg; her brother Harold (Swamp) Bishop of Muncy, Pa.; 10 grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her husband Tib; her sister, Berna Richards; brother Jack Bishop; and a grandson.

A Celebration of Life will be in the spring so all relatives and friends may attend. An announcement will be forthcoming prior to the gathering. Online condolences may be expressed at www.duncan-graves.com

Memorial contributions may be made to: The Audrey B. Thibodeau Charitable and Educational Fund, in care of Hugo Olore, P.O. Box 1087, 408 Main Street, Presque Isle, ME 04769.