A story by Biddeford Cultural & Heritage Center Voices of Biddeford project from 1920s to 2018
View a transcript of this interview, more pictures, and additional information.
Voices of Biddeford interview with Sister Therese Bouthot - December 4, 2018
Born in Biddeford in 1922, Sister Therese Bouthot joined the Sisters of Good Shepherd, thinking she would spend her life as a teacher. Her path evolved to attaining a master's degree in social work and a doctoral degree. She developed programs for orphans and special needs children in Massachusetts and taught at the university level. She was a board member for numerous community organizations. She played a leadership role in the tough decisions associated with continuing services started by the Sisters that needed to be turned over to others with reductions in their ranks. Her career culminated with her role as Superior/Administrator of St Joseph's Convent and Infirmary in Biddeford.
She reflects extensively on her Franco-American roots, growing up in a musical family with her famous brother "Toots" Bouthot, the interaction of different ethnic groups in Biddeford, "piece work" at the Pepperell Mills, Old Orchard Beach, unique experiences attending St. Joseph's School, and making the decision to becoming a nun.
For more stories from the Voices for Biddeford project, visit Voices of Biddeford.
Sister Therese Bouthot 2018
Sister Therese's welcome sign on her door
1927 1st prize singing contest at Pepperell Mills Field Day
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