Sister Therese Bouthot

BIDDEFORD – Sister Therese Bouthot, formerly known as Sister St. Lionel, died at St. Joseph Convent in Biddeford, on April 13, 2025, at the age of 102. Sister Therese was born in Biddeford, on June 18, 1922 to Philippe Bouthot and Rose Girouard Bouthot.

In August 1942, Sister entered the Congregation of the Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, also known as the Good Shepherd Sisters of Quebec. After her initial training in religious life, she earned her B.A. in Social Science and her M.S.W. from Boston College. She earned her Doctorate in Social Work from Columbia University in New York.

In her younger years, she taught elementary school in Van Buren, and at Mt. Carmel School, Methuen, Mass. She later became the Administrator of St. Ann Orphanage which then became St. Ann’s Home for youth requiring therapeutic services. Sister Therese also served on the Leadership Team of the Community. After receiving her doctorate from Columbia University, she was on the faculty of Salem State College from 1978 to 1994. In 1999, she was appointed as the Administrator of Good Shepherd Pavilion of St. Joseph Convent and later assumed the role of Superior until 2009 when she retired.

Sister Theresa is survived by several nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours will be on April 24, from 9-10:45 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m., at St. Joseph Convent, 409 Pool St., Biddeford. Burial will be at St. Joseph Cemetery, Biddeford.