Lucille C. Lemieux

BROOKINGS — Lucille Chenette Lemieux, of Brookings, OR passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday morning, September 26, 2023, surrounded by her family. She was a caring wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and a friend to many.

Lucille’s Love of God and her Catholic faith were evident throughout her whole life. She served in every aspect of the life of the Church including: the Eucharistic Ministry (distributing Communion at Mass and also taking Communion to the homebound); as Religious Educator with RCIA and RCIC; in music as Children’s Choir Director and also as the Church Choir Director. All these manifested her great love of God, Church, family, neighbor and those in need. Her life was special, and all were blessed who worked with her.

Lucille was born in Worcester, MA on December 16, 1935. As a child, then as a teenager, she was extroverted, social and confident. She was a bright student that always did exceptionally well academically. After graduating high school, she went to Anna Maria College, in Paxton, MA to pursue a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Chemistry and minored in Mathematics and Music. It was there that the spark to become an educator happened! She continued her educational degree

attainment through the mid-1980s; earning

December 16, 1935 - September 26, 2023 a Master of Science in Education with a minor in Physical Science at Worcester State College, Worcester, MA; a Master’s Degree in Education Majoring in Educational Administration at Pepperdine University at Malibu, CA; then finished with a Doctorate in Education, Majoring in Administrative and Policy Studies in Education and Minoring in Curriculum and Instruction at UCLA, CA.

Lucille devoted her life to children and dedicated her life to bringing out the best in them. She began by teaching mathematics at a high school in Georgia, where her husband Bertrand was serving in the Army Signal Corp as an officer. Lucille and Bert returned to Massachusetts, where she taught organic chemistry between 1962 and 1966. She then became an elementary school teacher in Westboro, MA until she moved to California in 1969. She then worked for the Torrance Unified School District: 1970 - 1990; as a Teacher: Science, Mathematics, Music; as an

Assistant Principal, as an Elementary and Middle School Principal; then as a Superintendent’s Staff Curriculum Consultant/ Coordinator--grade K through 12: Music, Art, Science, Math, Health and Technology. With another family move--to the San Diego area; she became the Principal at St. Mary Elementary School, Escondido, CA from 1990 to 1996. She then returned to what she loved most—music and became a Music Teacher at St. Pius X Elementary School, Chula Vista, CA: Grades Kindergartengrade 8, 2000 -2007. Lucille then retired and spent her time doing volunteer work.

Lucille was a natural born leader and she was exceptionally generous with her time, her talent and her treasure. Perhaps it all began when she participated in student government when she was in high school and college. She held leadership positions throughout her life. She was a scout leader for both her son and daughter. She was the first chaperone for the Kashiwa -Torrance Sister City Program. She was a volunteer gift shop manager at an elderly care facility.

She was also a volunteer music therapist at several nursing homes in the County of San Diego. She was involved with Optimist International many years and eventually became the CALSO District Governor.

Lucille’s talents were many. She had a passion for playing her piano and for teaching others how to play piano. She also sang in civic choirs and participated in musicals. She enjoyed traveling, cooking, crocheting, scrapbooking, calligraphy, reading and gardening.

She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Bertrand J. Lemieux; son Marc Lemieux and daughter-in-law Angel of Brookings, OR; daughter Céleste Shaw and son-in-law, Charles of Anaheim, CA; and her grandchildren Anthony, Timothy and wife Bridget, Andrew and Samantha Shaw. She is also survived by sister-in-law Suzette Lemieux and Sister-in-law Denise Lemieux, both of North Adams, MA; brother-in-law James Waite; and several cousins, nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents Lionel and Dorothy Chenette, sister Doris Waite, father-in-law Jean Paul Lemieux, mother-in-law Bernadette D. Lemieux, sister-in-law Fern Goodrich, brother-inlaw Charles Goodrich; and brother-in-law Raynald Lemieux.

The niche side Memorial Service will be celebrated on November 22, 2023, at 1:00 p.m.; at Old Mission San Luis Rey Garden--st. Mathew’s Wall, 4050 Mission Ave. Oceanside, CA, 92057. A reception will follow the service at a nearby restaurant.

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