Teresa M. Ouillette

Caribou - Teresa Marie Rose Tardif Ouillette, 95, was called home on November 20, 2023 at Caribou surrounded by family.

Teresa was born in Van Buren, on June 19, 1928 to parents Alcide and Eugenie (Ouellette) Tardif. She attended Van Buren Schools, taught by the Good Shephard nuns, graduating from Van Buren High School in 1946.

From then, Teresa worked with her father in retail until she met, and then married the love of her life for 69 years, Reginald G. Ouillette, son of Arthur and Leona (Desjardin) Ouillette on September 19, 1950.

Teresa and Reginald raised 5 children, who all survive, Michael Ouillette and wife Tammi of MA, Patrick Ouillette and wife Gloria of ME, Jennifer Brooks, of PA, Julie Gordon of VT, and Joanne Ouillette of NH. Also surviving Teresa are 15 grandchildren and 32 great-grandchildren.

Teresa was the 8th child, out of 18 brothers and sisters. Surviving are two sisters, Joan Walske of MT and Trisha Fowler of NV.

She was predeceased by her parents, husband, and 15 siblings.

After managing her household for 20 years, Teresa decided to join the workforce, as manager of the first Hallmark store in the area. She held this position for several years. She loved being around people and enjoyed conversations with the customers.

After depending on family members to drive her to appointments and for errands, Teresa decided to get her own driver’s license. She took the driver’s education course and received her driver’s license at age 57. She was very proud of this accomplishment.

Teresa also taught Adult Education classes for 15 years, and received the State of Maine “Teacher of the Year” Award for personal enrichment, an award of which she was extremely proud. Years later, former students would tell her how much they enjoyed her classes. Teresa was a member of the Catholic Daughters, and also contributed to the “Bread of Life” program.

Teresa enjoyed painting, sewing, knitting, and crocheting. Her daughters’ Barbie dolls were the envy of their friends, as the dolls wore Teresa’s original crocheted creations. Visitors and family never left her home without first receiving an apron, pillowcases, or a tote bag that she constructed.

She enjoyed reading as a pastime, and especially enjoyed taking care of her family.

Teresa’s favorite times were when her children, grandchildren, and visiting relatives gathered together for family reunions. Even before one reunion was past, Teresa would be planning the next one. Teresa once said that she had a total of 6 diamonds in her life, one in her engagement ring, and then one diamond for each of her 5 children.

Friends are invited to visit with the family on Wednesday, November 29, 2023 at the Mockler Funeral Home, 24 Reservoir Street, Caribou, from 9AM – 1030AM. A Mass of Christian burial will follow at the Parish of the Precious Blood Holy Rosary Catholic Church at 11AM. Spring interment will be in the Old Holy Rosary Catholic Cemetery.