Jean (Sarantis) Theriault

SALEM – Mrs. Jean (Sarantis) Theriault 79, of Salem, beloved wife of the late Eugene H. Theriault, died Saturday, October 28th, 2023 at her home, surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Mount Sinai, Egypt, during World War II, she was the daughter of the late Isidoris D. and Mary (Theodorakis) Sarantis. Jean was raised and educated in Peabody and was a graduate of Peabody Veterans Memorial High School. She continued her education earning her Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education from Wheelock College.

Mrs. Theriault had been employed as a Pre-School Teacher with the Jewish Community Center of the North Shore in Marblehead and more recently with, Harborlight Nursery School until the time of her retirement. She truly loved her profession. It was a calling and never "work" for her. She was adored by all of her students and well known for her dedicated concern for the those in her charge.

A loving wife, mother, Yia Yia, great Yia Yia, sister, aunt and companion, Jean was devoted to her family. She was known as the neighborhood “Mom” to all and doted on her own children. She had a passion for knitting and crocheting and anytime a new addition came to the family or neighborhood, they were fully stocked with Jean’s homemade creations. Her slight stature contained the biggest heart and she shared that love with all. She will be deeply missed. May her memory always be eternal.

Jean is survived by her children, Kim Marquis of Salem, Michael Theriault of Salem, Angela Villandry of Tyngsborough and Anthony Theriault and his wife, Victoria of Billerica. She was Yia Yia to 9 grandchildren, Amanda Marquis, Matthew Marquis and his wife, Lainey of Salem, Dylan Marquis Howell of Salem, Kerri Ann Theriault of Salem, Morgan Blake and her wife Katie of Hudson, NH, Alexa Theriault of Framingham and Anthony, Jake and Kyleigh Theriault of Billerica and great Yia Yia to 7. She was the sister of Dora Tsimounis and her husband, Antonios of Salem, Nicholas Sarantis of Watertown, NY and the late Katherine Panopolous and the late James and George Sarantis. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews and extended family, including her former son-in-law, James R. Marquis and her longtime companion, George Gullage of Chelmsford, with whom she enjoyed many memorable moments. She was predeceased by her husband, Eugene H. Theriault.

ARRANGEMENTS: Her funeral service will be held at O’Donnell Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations, 84 Washington Sq., (at Salem Common) SALEM, Tuesday, Nov. 7th at 12 Noon. Relatives and friends invited. Burial in Greenlawn Cemetery, Salem. Visiting hours prior to the service from 10 A.M. to 12 noon. Donations in Jean’s memory may be made to Alzheimer’s Foundation, 322 8th Ave., 16th Floor, NY, NY 10001. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com

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