Cecile T. (Thibault) Landry

Cecile T (Thibault) Landry, 101, of Robinson St., Woonsocket, RI died December 24, 2025 in St. Antoine Residence, North Smithfield. She was the wife of the late Woonsocket Fire Chief Gerald P. Landry. Born in Woonsocket, she was the daughter of the late Ovide and Francoise (Marchand) Thibault. She was a lifelong city resident.

Cecile attended the former Holy Family Elementary School and the former St. Clare High School in Woonsocket, RI. Her high school years coincided with the outbreak of WWII in Europe. After the United States was attacked at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii by the Japanese, the decision was made to join our Allies in defeating Nazi Germany and Japan. This led to Cecile's only brother, Charles, to repeatedly and fervently ask her to leave high school so that he could enlist in the US Army. With a heavy heart and fear of losing her beloved brother to battle, she reluctantly agreed and took employment in the local textile mills to help support her widowed mother and five sisters. We remember and salute these women and how their sacrifices on the Homefront played a critical role in the victories that ended the war. They were the backbone of The Greatest Generation.

Sadly, this much loved only brother was killed in fierce action on the battlefield in Bologna, Italy. It was a time of immense sadness for the women in the Thibault family. But, with steadfast determination and little complaint, they carried on, as did so many of their generation.

As much time passed, and her sorrow at the loss of Charles softened somewhat, Cecile vowed to one day achieve her dream of attaining her high school diploma. With grit and determination and while raising six children and working for the State of Rhode Island School Lunch Program, she was successful in earning her high school degree.

Cecile was a member of St. Ann's Parish and the St Ann's Parent Teacher Association. She became the association President in 1965.

Cecile was also very active in her husband's career in the Woonsocket Fire Department. She served on and chaired many committees with the New England and International Fire Chiefs Associations in addition to committees for New England Deputy Fire Chiefs and Training Directors.

Cecile is pre-deceased by her husband, Woonsocket Fire Chief Gerald P. Landry, daughter Barbara S. Landry and grandson Amherst Lee Landry. Also, brother, Pfc. Charles J. Thibault, sisters Jeanne Caron, Irene Miclette,Jacqueline Leclaire, Pauline Williams and Muriel Mandeville.

Cecile is survived by her daughters Diane and husband Roger Begin of Wakefield,RI., Paulette and husband David McAndrews of Woonsocket, RI., Janice Landry and partner Jim Mouyos of Belleview, FL, sons Roger and wife Shirley Landry of N. Conway, NH, Russell and wife Pamela of Warwick, RI. Also survived by much loved grandchildren, Scott Begin, David Begin and his wife, Ali, Douglas and his wife Megan, Stephanie Begin and her partner Justin Baker, Thomas and his wife Rachelle Jillian McAndrews, Jared and wife Kellie Landry, and Paul and his wife Leah Landry. Also dear great grandchildren, Samara, Julien, Eloise and Asher and many nieces and nephews. Cecile is also survived by her very dear friend and caring neighbor, Rejeanne Houle.

The daughters are forever grateful to the staff at St. Antoine Residence for their devoted care of Cecile, especially through the trying time of Covid-19. They called Cecile,"Sunshine", and told us everyday how they loved having her in their care. That alone gave us comfort in knowing we had chosen the perfect medical setting for our mom.

Private arrangements are under the direction of the Holt Funeral Home, 510 South Main Street, Woonsocket, RI. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Antoine Residence, 10 Rhodes Avenue, North Smithfield, RI. 02896.

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