Therese E. (Courcy) Martineau

Therese E. Martineau passed away peacefully in her sleep Wednesday 10 November 2021 at her home on Methuen Street in Dracut where she resided in the house she and her late husband built in 1967.  She was the widow of Paul A. Martineau with whom she was wed for 63 years.
     
Born 3 July 1933 at home in Derry, New Hampshire, she was eldest child of the late Albert E. Courcy and Marie Reine (Irene) (Bernier) Courcy; "Memere" Martineau leaves four children, five grandchildren, and thirteen great-children. 

Therese and her family moved to Lowell, Mass. in 1935 before settling on Union Street in the former St. Peter's parish.  A graduate of St. Peter's School, Therese attended Lowell High School before working in several shoe shops prior to raising her family.

A remarkable accomplishment of her life involved a great travesty.  On 18 December 1945, Therese was stricken with polio.  One of the first children to exercise the Sr. Kenney Method, Therese, with adamant determination and unbridled support from her parents, was able to regain her ability to walk without the benefit of braces and to lead a fulfilling life.

Therese was a member of St. Francis Church and was a CCD Master's teacher for a number of years.  In addition, she was the sole Altar Society member who cared for and tended the altar linens for the church.  Therese had a long-time devotion to St. Therese of Lisieux and was a member of the Society of the Little Flower for many years.

Therese is survived by her four children: Diane Duquette who lived with and cared for her, Sharon and her husband Peter Wasik of Dracut, Paul Martineau of Florida, and Kenneth J. Martineau of New York City, five grandchildren: Scott Duquette and his wife Lindsey, Dennis Duquette and his wife Jessica, Alicia Duquette and her fiancé  David Christian, Stacy and her husband Christopher Sanzo, and Thomas and his wife Michelle Wasik, and thirteen great-grandchildren including Shylize and Ilize Guzman and Aiden Christian who were particularly close to their great-grandmother, a dear niece, Gloria Carpentier, and many nieces and nephews.    

She is predeceased by her only sister Pauline A. (Courcy) Dubey, widow of Roger Dubey, in 2020. 
    
At the wish of Therese Martineau, there will be no calling hours or services.  A private graveside service was conducted for Mr. and Mrs. Martineau at the family plot at St. Louis de Gonzague Cemetery in Nashua, New Hampshire.  Arrangements are entrusted to MCKENNA-OUELLETTE FUNERAL HOME, 327 Hildreth Street, Lowell.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Society of the Little Flower or a charity of your choice. For condolences please visit www.mckennaouellette.com.