Cecile Renaud Dubois

LANCASTER - Cecile Renaud Dubois was born April 9, 1919 in Berlin, NH and passed away on October 12, 2014.  She was the last living sibling of Mary (Taylor) and Edouard Renaud.  Together, they had nine children.  Cecile was educated at St. Regis School in Berlin, and attended high school in Granby, Quebec .   She was soon asked to return to her home in Berlin to help her sister, Yvette, with beautician work.

She married Normand Dubois on July 4, 1940, and together they worked as dry cleaners and clothiers until the early 1950's in Lancaster, NH.  Normand used to boast that Cecile could iron 50 pair of pants in one day. Their mode of transportation was a bicycle built for two.  They had such fun riding their bike throughout Lancaster, and were quickly loved by the community.  In 1947, they had the Dubois block built, and began Dubois Cleaners and Clothiers.

In 1953, they founded Santa's Village in Jefferson.  They managed and grew the theme park for  decades.  She inspired many Helpers by her love and dedication.  The importance of providing JOY to the guests who visited the park was on top of her list!   After Normand's death in 1986, Cecile lovingly continued to work there until her late 80's.

She  was a wonderful cook, and loving matriarch to her family.  She traveled to Fort Lauderdale, Florida during the winter months, and had wonderful friends who helped her live there on her own.  Recently, she moved from her home to the Morrison Nursing Home in Whitefield, NH.   She loved living there, and was loved by all who knew her.

She was a devoted communicant of the Gate of Heaven Parish, and a long time member of the Tabernacle Society.  Her deep faith guided and sustained her throughout her life.

Cecile is also predeceased by their son, Paul, who passed away in 1990.  He had three children with wife Margaret (Hanlon):  Nicole Albert of Fryeburg, ME, Ryan Dubois of Middletown Springs, VT,  and Bridget Hilarides, of Chatham, NH.   She is survived by two daughters:  Elaine and Mike Gainer, and Norma and John Ahern both of Lancaster.  Grandchildren include:  Susan Gainer of Seattle, WA, Melanie Staley of Lancaster and Christian Gainer of Monson, MA.  Meghan Ahern of Cranston, RI, Allison, Andrea and John Paul Ahern all of Lancaster.  She is also survived by eleven great grandchildren, and many close nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours will be held from 5:00 - 8:00 pm on Friday, October 17th at the Bailey Funeral Home in Lancaster.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, October 18th at 10:00, All Saint's Church, Lancaster.   Reverend Matthew Mason, pastor, will officiate.  Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Lancaster.

Donations of remembrance in lieu of flowers may be made to The Morrison Nursing Home, 6 Terrace Street in Whitefield, NH 03598 or The Gate of Heaven Tabernacle Society, Main St., Lancaster, NH 03584.