Gertrude H. Theriault, 92, lost her final battle at West Shore Health Center, her residence since 2012, due to declining health impacted by the COVID-19 virus and passed away July 2, 2020 - having battled and conquered many illnesses and injuries over the years. She was the daughter of the late Florence M. (Mahar) and John E. Lee, and the late Joseph Arthur Bellefeuille.
Born in Providence, Gert and her late husband, Eugene R. Theriault, moved their family to Warwick in 1966. “Miss Gert” worked for the Providence School Department for 23 years in several different elementary schools and the administration department. She was an over 50-year member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Elmwood Unit 60, and an alumnus of St. Francis Xavier Academy. She leaves her cousins, Helen Anthony, Victoria Quinn and Linda McGee. She was the companion of the late James E. Cundy with whom she enjoyed traveling to cribbage tournaments.
Gert always said she felt “blessed” with her children; Susan T. Hartington and husband, Robert, of Warwick, RI; Dr. Richard L. Theriault and wife, Kathleen, of Houston, TX; Stephen J. Theriault and wife, Donna, of Minden, NV. Other survivors include her “sister,” Claire M. Theriault and long-time family friend Sue C. Simonds, both of Orange, MA. She leaves her treasured grandchildren: Bethany, Daniel, Michael Hartington, Tracey Ashness; John, Dr. Rachel, Benjamin and Sarah Theriault, Daniel Theriault, Victoria Grant and their spouses. Also, great-grandchildren: Devon, Addison, Austin, Claire, Lucy, Katherine, Lincoln, Michael and Matthew. She was the mother of the late Michael J. Theriault.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations in Gert’s memory be made to either St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or to West Shore Health Center, Activities Department, as children and games were her enjoyment. The family would like to thank all the staff at West Shore Health Center for the loving care they provided to Gert.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held at St. Peter’s Church, Fair Street, Warwick. Burial was at St. Ann Cemetery, Cranston.
