VAN BUREN and WATERVILLE – Therese Marie Sirois completed her journey to the Lord Saturday, Aug. 26, 2006, at a Waterville area nursing home, after a lengthy illness. This peaceful and prayerful transition took place in the arms of John, her devoted husband of nearly 51 years. It occurred after each of her nine grandchildren was able to say good-bye to his/her beloved Memere. Therese was born Oct. 15, 1929, in Sheila, New Brunswick, the daughter of Leo and Georgina (St. Pierre) Ferguson. Upon graduation from Fredericton Teacher’s College, she began her career as an educator. In her humble manner, she was always a teacher, whether in the formal classroom setting, imparting the truths of Christian faith to her children, or sharing many of life’s important lessons with her grandchildren. On Dec. 27, 1955, Therese married Rejean “John” Sirois, in a ceremony presided over by her brother-in-law, the Rev. Yvon Sirois, in her hometown church. They subsequently settled in the beautiful St. John Valley community of Van Buren, where they raised their family and resided for almost all of their married life. Stricken with crippling rheumatoid arthritis during her mid-40s, Therese was determined not to let this illness prevent her from baking, knitting, crafting and praying the rosary for her family, relatives and neighbors. Among her many gifts, she is remembered for her own extraordinary memory, particularly her ability to find almost any item that was thought to be hopelessly lost. As her children moved away and subsequently returned to Van Buren several times a year, many a family moment was spent chuckling over Mom’s warnings to “Watch out for the moose!” while driving along Maine’s northernmost roads. In addition to her husband, Therese is survived by her three children, Louise Burns and husband, Robert, of Berwick, Richard Sirois and wife, Marygrace, of Waterboro and Marc Sirois and wife, Sarah, of Winslow; nine grandchildren, Margaret Anne and Emma Nishra of Berwick, Jonathan Lee and Jessica Anne of Waterboro, Andrew David, Catherine Martha, Michelle Ann, Rebecca Marie and Rachel Elizabeth of Winslow; one brother, Vincent Ferguson and wife, Betty, of Tracadie-Sheila, New Brunswick; three sisters, Florence Brideau of Quebec City, Marina McGrath and husband, Viateur, of Tracadie- Sheila, New Brunswick, and Noella Jean-Marie Donovan of Woodstock, New Brunswick; one brother-in-law, Halverson Godin of Tracadie-Sheila, New Brunswick; two sisters-in-law, Gisele Ferguson of Tracadie-Sheila, New Brunswick, and Marie-France Ferguson of Quebec City; along with several nephews and nieces. Therese lived her final few days knowing that her own loving 98 year-old mother, Georgina, had passed away Aug. 21. In addition, she was predeceased by her father, Leo; an infant son, Joseph; two brothers, Cedric Ferguson and Sydney Ferguson; one sister, Patricia Godin; one sister-in-law, Gabrielle Ferguson; and two brothers-in-law, Armand Brideau and Paul Donovan. Relatives and friends may call 7-9 p.m. Monday and 10 a.m. Tuesday until the time of service at Ouellette-Thibault Funeral Home, 118 High St., Van Buren. A Mass of Christian Resurrection will be celebrated 11 a.m. Tuesday at the St. Bruno-St. Remi Catholic Church. Interment will be at the parish cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the sacrifice of the Mass may be offered for the repose of Therese’s soul, or donations may be made to the St. Bruno-St. Remi Church Memorial Fund. To leave on line condolences, please visit www.ouellettefuneralhome.com