Westborough – Leonore M. “Lee” Mathieu, 88, passed away peacefully at her home Wednesday, June 22, 2011, surrounded by her loving family. She was the wife of the late Robert J. Mathieu.
Born in Winchendon, the daughter of the late Ernest and Mary Emma (Berard) Bernard, she was educated at the Presentation of Mary School in Hudson, N.H. and graduated from Rivier College in Nashua, N.H.
Along with raising 12 children, Mrs. Mathieu and her husband founded a real estate company that bore their names. Bob and Lee Mathieu Real Estate started out of their home and grew to a company of over 100 associates, including several of their children. In later years, she remained active with her family in real estate sales, working well into her 80s.
She was a communicant and active member of St. Luke the Evangelist Church, a member of the Westborough Women's Club, a member of the Women of St. Luke's, a lifetime member of the Greater Worcester Board of Realtors and a former member of the YMCA Financial Committee.
She is survived by her 12 children, Rev. Robert E. Mathieu of Bloomfield, New Mexico; Michael J. Mathieu and his wife, Paula, of Westborough; Thomas A. Mathieu of Palm Beach, Fla.; Beatrice M. Duncan and her husband, Douglas, of Natick; Leonore M. Griffin of Worcester; Leo J. Mathieu of Westborough; Theresa M. Strouse and her husband, John, of Westborough; Joseph P. Mathieu and his wife, Judith, of Belfast, Maine; Mary M. Christensen and her husband, Preben, of Westborough; Mark L.J. Mathieu and his wife, Lisa, of Dover, N.H.; Roberta M. Falvey and her husband, Brian, of Westborough; and John J. Mathieu and his wife, Kerry, of Westborough. She is also survived by 23 grandchildren, one great-grandchild, and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by one sister, Jeannette Jeffers.
The family would like to extend their appreciation to her many caregivers. Mrs. Mathieu was able to remain in the comfort of her home because of their love and assistance.
Her funeral Mass will be celebrated Monday June 27, at 10:30 a.m., in St. Luke the Evangelist Church, 70 West Main St., Westborough. Burial will follow in St. Luke's Cemetery. Calling hours are Sunday June 26, from 2 to 6 p.m., at the Rand-Harper-Pickering Westborough Funeral Home, 62 West Main St., Westborough. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Women of St. Luke's/Lee Mathieu Scholarship Fund, 70 West Main St., Westborough, MA 01581. For online condolences, please visit www.westboroughfuneralhome.com.