Henri O. Theberge age 84, a life long resident of Salem, died unexpectedly on Friday April 1, 2011. He was the devoted husband of Sheila A. (L’Heureux) Theberge with whom he shared 58 years of marriage.
He was the son of the late Alice (Perigny) and Henry D. Theberge.
Henri was a graduate of St Joseph’s High School in Salem and received his undergraduate from Northeastern University in Boston. He went on to earn a Graduate Degree in Education from Salem State College.
Henri taught Science at Memorial Jr. High School in Beverly for 32 years. Active in community affairs, he also was a member of Club Richelieu and held various offices within that organization. In addition, Henri was a member and one time President of the Beverly Teacher’s Association. He also was a member of the 2000 Strong L’Association des Familles Theberge Inc., the Franco American Institute, and The Peabody Essex Museum among others.
During the summer as a way to renew, Henri and his wife, Sheila also a teacher, traveled extensively. Trips to Europe, Scandinavia, Canada, South America, and throughout the US reenergized the couple giving them new perspectives and ideas for their positions in the classroom. As a way to relax, Henri enjoyed card games with friends and family and always loved a good polka.
Innovative design and house construction was a lifelong passion even considering refurbishing the original Theberge family home in Les Biards, France. Henri was an avid reader and a non-fiction book collector.
In addition to his wife, Henri is survived by three children, Andrew Theberge and his wife, Nancy of Danvers, Dawn Theberge and her husband, Jack Pinard of Dunstable, Dale Theberge and her husband David Grasso of Ipswich; one brother Maurice Theberge, D.D.S. and his wife Edith of Haverhill; and two sisters Esther Houde of Danvers and Trudi Ouellette of Arizona. Henri is also survived by five grandchildren; Andrew, Nicole and Elizabeth Theberge, Alex Pinard, and Leila Grasso and several nieces and nephews.
Arrangements: Visiting hours will be on Saturday, April 9, 2011 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Levesque Funeral Home, 163 Lafayette St. [Rt. 114 / 1-A] Salem to be followed by his funeral service in the funeral home at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to, St. Joseph Harvest of Hope Food Pantry, P.O. Box 876, Salem, MA 01970. For guestbook and additional information, please visit www.LevesqueFunerals.com