Romance Therriault Hackett, 87, passed away peacefully on June 4, 2026, in Gorham, Maine. Born on October 5th, 1938, in Lewiston, Maine, daughter of the late Wilfrid and Aurore Therriault, she led a life enriched by family, friends and the simple pleasures that brought her joy.

Romance graduated from high school in Lewiston, after which she married and started her family. Later she pursued higher education at Thomas College in Waterville, Maine, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Business Education, and in three short years all the while raising her three children as a single parent. Her dedication to self-improvement and ability to maintain her financial independence was a hallmark of her life.

She worked as a business teacher at Bonny Eagle High School for several years, while subsidizing her family’s income as a Driver’s Ed teacher. She continued her teaching career, often working several additional jobs. Over the years she went on to work for Central Maine

Railroad, H.L. Hanson, Otis Elevator, and finally as a bookkeeper for Windham Rental Center (owned by her son Jay), retiring 7 years ago at the age of 80. She loved telling everyone that the only person she ever got fired by was her son. This was a perfect example of her witty sense of humor.

Romance found immense happiness as a mother, grand-mother, and great-grandmother. Surviving her are her sons Peter and Jay. Peter shares his life with his wife Carole, their sons Andrew and his wife Maya, and Benjamin, his wife Riley and their daughter Cora. Jay is supported by his partner Helene, her sons Benjamin, and Jonathan, his partner Michelle and their son Wilder, and daughter Kelly-Anne and her daughter Charlotte. She is also survived by her brother Wilfrid Therriault and his wife Murielle.

Romance was predeceased by her beloved daughter, Sherrie. Despite this profound loss, she remained a pillar of love and resilience for her family. She continued to hold close the family Sherrie left behind, including her husband, Scott Hatch, his sons Christopher and his wife, Melissa, and their children, Olivia and Jacob, and Steven and his daughter, Bianca.

Above all, her greatest pride and joy was her family. Most cherished role was becoming Memere or May when her two beloved grandsons Andrew and Ben were born. She was a devoted and deeply present May. She made it a point to be present for the milestones for her grandsons; attending sacraments, birthdays, holidays, first day of school (until 4th grade), class plays, cheering them on at their hockey games, graduations and weddings. May always expressed her pride and love towards each. Her eyes would light up with every visit from Cora.

Her interests included reading, attending the theater, travel, cooking (especially desserts), and creating cherished memories with those close to her. She developed a close bond with her friend Tamra Bowen who dedicated countless hours talking, visiting, going out for lunches and shopping. The family is forever grateful for Tamra’s selfless friendship she shared with Romance.

We want to thank the staff at Gorham House for the care and love they extended to Romance. Along with all people Romance encountered in her life, they too got to experience her great sense of humor, mixed with sharp sarcasm, clever banter, and at times lovable stubbornness.

Romance’s legacy lives on through the deep connections she fostered with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family. May her memory bring comfort and a smile to all who knew and loved her.

There will be a visitation in honor of Romance at Dolby, Blais & Segee, 434 River Road in Windham, Maine, on Friday June 26, 2026, from 2 pm to 5 pm. There will be no formal ceremony, and we invite guests who wish to pay their respects to visit during those hours.