Lavenia May Thibeau

RANDOLPH – Lavenia May (Brooks) Thibeau, 83, of Randolph, passed away Friday, Sept. 5, 2025, at Glenridge Long Term Care, Augusta. She was born in Gardiner, on Aug. 27, 1942, the daughter of Virginia (Pare) Brooks.

A 1960 graduate of Gardiner High, Lavenia was a lifelong resident of the Gardiner and Randolph area. She had deep roots in her community and treasured her connections with several dear childhood friends, often sharing stories of growing up on Kinderhook St. In her early adult years, Lavenia was employed as an operator for the New England Telephone and Telegraph Company in Gardiner. Later, she operated a home daycare, becoming a special “Grammie” to many children over the years. Lavenia’s work also included establishing the Raggamuffins consignment shop in Gardiner and waitressing at Dave’s Diner and Brownie’s Restaurant, where patrons always requested her tables.

Lavenia enjoyed playing beano and cards with friends, caring for her flower gardens and bird feeders, watching Hallmark movies and Maine Cabin Masters. She was most content sitting in the sunshine on her deck listening to the radio and on days when her kitchen was filled with company. She loved trips to the coast, especially Reid State Park and Boothbay Harbor. Lavenia was a lawn sale aficionado who had a knack for buying and selling secondhand treasures. She had a passion for decorating for holidays, most notably Christmas, when trees filled every room in her home.

Lavenia’s family was her greatest joy; her brightest smiles saved for time shared with her grandkids. She will be fondly remembered for her genuine smile, warm spirit, and unconditional love that she offered to everyone. She was a comforting shoulder to all who needed it and made strangers feel as welcome as friends. In the words of her youngest granddaughter, “Grammie loved to love.”

Lavenia was predeceased by husband, Leonard; grandsons Christopher Thibeau and Matthew Thibeau; as well as beloved sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law; and special nieces and nephews.

She is lovingly missed by daughter, Sherri Carter and husband Ed, son, John Thibeau, son, Rick Leighton and wife Sara, daughter, Debbie Marcellino and husband Scott, daughter, Jackie Toman and husband Jim. Her legacy will live on through her grandchildren, Jennifer Pegram, Tricia Alexander and husband Jeff, Ricky Leighton and wife Sarah, Cole Leighton, Kate Marcellino and partner Gabe, Ally Marcellino, Nicole Marcellino, Aaron Toman and wife Michaela, Mary Toman, Anna Toman; and great-grandchildren, Logan and Brooklyn Alexander, Grayson Pegram, Hazel Leighton, Sloane and Jack Toman; brother, Tom Brooks and partner Jan, sister, Wilma Dobbins and husband Bill, brother-in-law, Phil Thibeau, sister-in-law, Helen Thibeau; and many beloved nieces, nephews; and special friends.

Visiting hours will be held on Monday, Sept. 15, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Staples Funeral Home, 53 Brunswick Ave., Gardiner. A private burial service will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 16, at the Maine Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery.

Her family is grateful for the care provided by Glenridge LTC and Beacon Hospice.

Arrangements and guidance are in the care of Staples Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 53 Brunswick Ave., Gardiner.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the Staples Funeral Home website, http://www.staplesfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to MaineHealth Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital

bbch.org/giving

in Lavenia’s honor.