SACO — Theresa L. Gaines, 91, passed away in her sleep on Aug. 9, 2017.

Born on April 8, 1926 in Biddeford, daughter of Leonard and Mamie Mazerolle Leclair, she was the last survivor of 17 children, several of which died at birth or very young. She attended Biddeford schools through the sixth grade after which she stayed home the help with the family. Her mother died when she was 8-years-old.

On Dec. 14, 1946, she married Bernard W. Gaines in Biddeford after which they moved to Saco where she resided for the remainder of her life.  In the early years, she and her husband were in the Tavern business where they built what later became the North Saco Grange. She loved dancing and meeting the public – she was an outgoing people person.

Her pride and joy were her five sons which she raised nearly by herself when her husband became a travelling salesman.  Her whole life centered around her five boys which included a set of twins. Later in life she and her husband returned to the Tavern business by owning and operating the Saco Grille and later The Rustic Nail Tavern both on Main Street, Saco. She also became an avid bingo player which she would participate several times a week.

Theresa was predeceased by her husband, Bernard, brothers: Larry, Conrad, Gilbert, Ernest, and Robert; sisters: Noella, Edna, Rita, Laura, Louise and one of her twin sons, Dennis, and a granddaughter Amy.

Surviving are her sons: Bernard Jr. and his wife Susan; Douglas and David all of Saco, and Bruce of Derbyshire, England; eight grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren.

There will be no calling hours.  Graveside services will be held at Laurel Hill Cemetery, Tuesday Aug. 15, 2017 at 2 p.m.

Dennett, Craig & Pate Funeral Home, 365 Main St., Saco has been entrusted with the arrangements.  

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Southern Maine Health Care, 1 Medical Center Drive, Biddeford, Maine 04005.