Theresa M. Gauthier

Theresa (Mercier) Gauthier, 97, of Ridgefield died January 11, 2021, despite the heroic efforts of her team of doctors and nurses at Danbury Hospital. Born December 12, 1923, she was the third child of Philip and Marie (Coetmeur) Mercier of Baltic, CT. Theresa and her husband Frederick raised three children (Bill, Anne, & Deb) in Bolton, CT, where they resided for over 60 years.  Theresa applied her secretarial skills acquired at Norwich Free Academy in employment early on at the Baltic Mills and later at The Hartford and Plastonics, Inc. where she served as office manager.  The hardships of growing up during the Depression and World War II helped mold Theresa’s inner strength and determination which contributed to her longevity. Her unapologetic patriotism was rooted in the military service of her husband and three brothers as well as the ultimate sacrifice paid by her cousin Alonzo Marcil. Theresa was predeceased by her husband and brothers Arthur, Philip, and Joseph.  Along with her children and their spouses Larry and Irene, she is survived by sisters-in-law Frances and Dorothea, grandchildren Paul, Denise, Rob (Liz) and Jake, and several great grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews. She felt blessed to be able to hold her newest great granddaughter Hazel. In her later years, Theresa was celebrated for her artistic talent and admired for her impressive knowledge of history and current events. She never stopped learning; to the very end, she sought out books and followed current events. She remained deeply concerned about the geo-political crisis threatening the future of America. She loved her family and, during her final illness, she fought valiantly to remain with us a little longer. Those of us who knew Theresa will cherish her natural dignity, her determination to persevere despite her many age-related physical disabilities, her patience and leadership in supporting those less capable than she, and her uncommon moral courage.  We bow our heads in love, admiration, and respect for our mother and grandmother Theresa. Services and burial were private.  Visit www.holmeswatkins.com to leave a message of condolence for the family.

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