[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 64 (Wednesday, May 8, 2013)]
[Senate]
[Page S3252]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      REMEMBERING AUDREY THIBODEAU

  Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, on May 25, loving family members and 
countless friends will gather in Presque Isle, ME, to celebrate the 
remarkable life of Audrey Bishop Thibodeau, who passed away January 2, 
at the age of 97. I rise today in tribute to a caring citizen and dear 
friend.
  It has been said that we all have a birth date and a death date, with 
a dash in between. It's what we do with our dash that counts.
  Audrey Thibodeau's dash was long, and she made it count. She was a 
devoted wife, a wonderful mother, an educator, a farmer, and an 
entrepreneur. Wherever there was a need, she was a committed volunteer 
and a generous philanthropist.
  She was born Audrey Elaine Bishop on December 13, 1915, in Caribou, 
ME, my hometown. She attended Caribou public schools and, in 1937, 
graduated from the University of Maine with a degree in nutrition. It 
was while teaching high school home economics that she developed one of 
the great passions of her life--raising awareness and fostering 
education for students with reading disabilities. Her commitment to 
youth was also seen years later when she founded a Pony Club to help 
young people learn the skills and responsibilities of horsemanship.
  In 1939, she married Lawrence Thibodeau, a high school classmate. 
After a brief adventure with farming in New York State, they returned 
to Maine and settled in Fort Kent, on the Canadian border. It was there 
that Audrey immersed herself in French to better appreciate the culture 
of the region.
  The couple, with their growing family, relocated to Presque Isle in 
1946 and soon became valued members of that community. Audrey's love of 
local culture led her to become instrumental in the incorporation of 
the Vera Estes House into the Presque Isle Historical Society and the 
creation of the Cultural and Museum Center at the Old Presque Isle Fire 
House, which celebrates the heritage of the local area. Audrey 
witnessed much history during her long life. Just as important, she was 
devoted to preserving the rich history of Aroostook County for future 
generations.
  Her husband, Lawrence Thibodeau, better known as ``Tib,'' passed away 
in 2008, but he will long be remembered for his contributions to Maine 
agriculture and support of the University of Maine Cooperative 
Extension Service. Together, the couple will always be remembered for 
the Larry and Audrey Thibodeau Scholarship that helps Aroostook County 
students pursue careers in medicine. After Audrey's passing, her family 
carried on her commitment to others by asking that memorial 
contributions be made to the Audrey B. Thibodeau Charitable and 
Educational Fund.
  Audrey's philanthropy and volunteerism earned her accolades from the 
Maine Legislature and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Presque 
Isle Area Chamber of Commerce. Her service and compassion will always 
be cherished by the people of Aroostook County. A strong leader, Audrey 
Thibodeau filled her dash with an infectious smile, enthusiasm for 
life, assistance to others, community participation, a dedication to 
Aroostook County, and a great deal of love for her remarkable family. 
May her memory inspire us all to follow her example.

                          ____________________