M. Therese (Dionne) Desmarais, 82, of Vinton Road, died Wednesday, December 31, 2008, in her home with her daughter Ruth and her dog Meeko by her side, after a long illness.

   She was predeceased by her husband of 23 years, Leo O. Desmarais of Oxford, who died in 1996. She is survived by two daughters, Gay A. Bouffard and her husband Donald of Princeton, and Ruth L.M. Foster and her husband Paul of Holland; three grandchildren, Jamie Desmarais, Amanda Bouffard, and Andrew Bouffard; and three grandchildren, Falicia, Jacklyn, and Jayden. She was predeceased by two brothers and one sister. She was born in Webster, the daughter of the late Justes and Laura (Bernier) Dionne, and lived in Worcester for many years and Oxford for 32 years before moving to Holland in 2004.

   Mrs. Desmarais worked at Paul Revere Life Insurance Company in Worcester for many years, retiring in 1989. Previously, she worked at Denholm's Restaurant in Worcester for many years. She was a member of St. Roch's Church in Oxford and past president of the Ladies Auxiliary of the U.C.T. She enjoyed golfing and was an avid crafter, making her own jewelry and crafts for over 35 years.

   A funeral will be held on Monday, January 5, 2009, from Paradis Funeral Home, 357 Main St., Oxford, followed by a Mass at 10 a.m. at St. Roch's Church, 332 Main St., Oxford. Burial will follow at Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. Calling hours are Sunday, January 4, 2009, from 2-5 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society, 2100 L. Street N.W., Washington, DC 20037.