Therese Louise (Sarasin) Gauvin

Therese Louise (Sarasin) Gauvin, 98, passed away on Friday, June 28. To all who knew her, she was a vibrant, independent, beautiful, and strong woman who defined her life through her Catholic faith and service to others. Her name was Therese but we knew her as Mom, Grammy, Great Gram. She passed peacefully at home with her family by her side.

Mom was born on April 2, 1926 and grew up in Fitchburg, MA. She is predeceased by her mom Pommela, dad Roselphy, and two younger brothers, John and Norman Sarasin.  She married Henry J. Gauvin, Jr., who was also predeceased, in October of 1947 and together they began a cosmetology family business throughout central Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire. At one point, the business included 26 Henri Hairstylists hair salons, Henri’s School of Hair Design and WS Beauty Supply, all under the umbrella of Henri Enterprises, Inc. While Henry opened and ran the salons, mom ran the operations of the business. She did this with humor, integrity and a whole lot of patience. Impressive for a woman born in the 20’s with a two year associates degree from Becker Junior College in Worcester, MA.

When not tirelessly working and raising her family, mom enjoyed travel, family time and the beaches of Aruba, Puerto Rico and Cape Cod. After she “partially” retired, she made her way to Naples, FL where she lived for over 30 years. While there, she volunteered at Naples Hospital, Ave Maria University, the Alzheimer’s Support Network, and served on her condominium’s board of directors for most of the time she lived there. She attended daily Mass at nearby St. William Catholic Church and did volunteer work for them as well. She was a giving, caring person who people remember as always having the nicest smile.

Mom was an avid reader and game player: 200, bridge, mahjong, and cribbage to name a few. The daily crossword and word scramble were no challenge for her. In her later years, puzzles became a favorite past time. She loved Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett and the swing music of her youth. She lived through the Great Depression, World War II and a global pandemic. A long life well lived.

As Frank Sinatra sang …

Fly me to the moon

and let me play among the stars

In other words,

please be true,

in other words,

in other words,

I (we) love you.

The family would like to send a special thank you to Home Instead of Central Mass for their kind and caring help with mom, especially Monique. We would also like to thank Mary Jo for all the loving care for her as well.

Therese is survived by her six children; her daughter, Michelle Busconi of Berlin, MA, her son Paul and his wife, Patricia of Fitchburg, son Peter of Clearwater, FL, son Mark and his wife, Debra of Ashburnham, daughter Denise Bernatchez and her husband, Michael of Westborough and son Mathieu of Westminster; 16 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.

Calling hours will be held on Sunday, July 14th at Lavery Chartrand  Alario Funeral Home, 99 Summer Street, Fitchburg, MA from 4 to 7 PM. The funeral Mass will be held on Monday, July 15th at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 49 Woodland Street, Fitchburg, MA at 10 AM. All are welcome to attend.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Support Network of Naples, 660 Tamiami Trail, Ste 21, Naples, FL  34102 or Ave Maria Catholic University, 5050 Ave Maria Blvd, Ave Maria, FL  34142