Joy Thibodeau
From Rabbi Blog
Joy Elaine Thibodeau, 76, passed away peacefully at home in Winslow surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Providence, Rhode Island on May 14, 1949, to Gloria and Richard Bentley. Joy lived a life marked by dedication and love for her entire family and she had a knack for hard work. She built a career rooted in service and community. She worked at Colby College and the Villager Restaurant in the kitchen. Joy helped her husband, Arthur Thibodeau Sr. and her son Mark run the Thibs Taxi Company and Discount Cab Company. These endeavors reflected her commitment to supporting her family and others in the community.
Family was the heart of Joy’s world, and she had unconditional love for her family and grandkids. She is lovingly remembered by her husband, Arthur Thibodeau Sr., her children, Rusty and wife Karen Holt, Mark and his husband Mike Thibodeau, Michele Thibodeau and Tonya and her husband Shawn; her three sisters-in-law Janice Beane and her husband Alan, Gisele Thibodeau, and Sue Levasseur. She was a proud grandmother to Joseph Thibodeau, Sebastian Longo, Dwayne Scanlin, Savanna Scanlin, Star LaFrance and several step grandchildren. She also had a special place in her heart for her only great grandchild Wesley Hanscom.
She was predeceased by her parents Gloria and Richard Bentley, her stepfather Jessie, and her daughter Tina Thibodeau.
She had unconditional love for her great grandson and grandchildren – second only to the deep love and affection she held for her children.
Joy found happiness in life’s simple pleasures. She loved traveling with her son Mark and his husband Mike. She visited Times Square in New York City, Miami, Florida, and took a cruise to Jamaica. She especially enjoyed all the camping trips that brought all the family closer together. Bingo nights were a favorite past time as well as crocheting, an art she embraced with care and creativity.
Her warmth touched many lives, and her memory will continue to bring comfort to those who knew her.
Family and friends are invited to attend visitation from 2:00 - 4:00 PM and 6:00 - 8:00 PM on January 9th, 2026, at Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm Street, Waterville, Maine. A Celebration of Life will be held at Gallant Funeral Home on January 10th at 11:00 AM. Please arrive around 10:00 AM.