PRESQUE ISLE – Clarissa Thibodeau, 71, passed away Thursday, Jan. 28, 2010, at a Bangor hospital. She was born July 22, 1938, in Ashland, the daughter of Leo and Dolores (Proulx) Leblanc. Clarissa grew up in the Ashland area and was a graduate of Ashland High School. She was a dedicated wife and mother who for many years stayed at home to raise her family. Once her children were all grown, she went back to school to obtain her master’s degree in speech pathology from the University of Maine, Orono. Clarissa chose to live in the dorms at college. During her stay she became a friend and mentor to many students. Upon graduating she took a position in Presque Isle and also went to the area schools. Clarissa loved her job because she could make a difference in the lives of children, which was a passion for her. Upon her many other responsibilities she also found time to volunteer at the food pantry. Clarissa was also a member of St. Luke’s and St. John’s Episcopal churches. She is survived by her husband, Ronald Thibodeau of Presque Isle; two daughters, Cindi Levesque and Mike Hasty of New Hampshire and Marie Field of Houlton; three sons, Daniel Thibodeau and Kathleen Coppola of Limestone, William Sutherland and Linda of Bradford and Robert Sutherland of Bangor; several grandchildren and many great-grandchildren; two sisters, Joyce Neer and Darlene Maxfield, both of Iowa; and a brother, Lynn Maxfield of Arizona. Friends may call 6-8 p.m. Monday, Feb. 1, at Duncan-Graves Funeral Home, 30 Church St., Presque Isle. A memorial service will be conducted 11 a.m. Tuesday at St. John’s Episcopal Church, Presque Isle, with the Rev. Robert Smith officiating. Interment will take place in the spring at Fairmount Cemetery, Presque Isle. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make donations in her memory to County Dialysis. Arrangements in care of Duncan-Graves Funeral Home. Condolences may be expressed at www.duncan-graves.com.
CLARISSA THIBODEAU
