Rev. Armand J. Thibault, S.m.

Southcoast Today
August 15, 2012

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NORWOOD — Rev. Armand J. Thibault, S.M., 80, died Monday, August 13, 2012 at the Golden Living Center. He was the son of the late Romeo and Albina (Belisle) Thibault.

Born in New Bedford, he lived in this area until joining the Brothers of the Sacred Heart in 1946. He completed his B.A. and M.A. in Religious Studies while teaching in the Order's schools in the New England area. In 1956, Fr. Thibault volunteered for the Order's African Missions and spent the next 21 years in Lesotho and Zambia, where he taught in those mission lands.

Due to health problems, Fr. Thibault returned to the U.S. and resided in Woonsocket, RI until transferring to the Marist Fathers in 1982. It was in the summer of 1985 that he was ordained to the priesthood in the Society of Mary. He was deeply committed to answering the Lord's special call to help people, especially the young.

He is survived by 4 sisters, Florence A. Millette and Doris Thibault, PhD, both of New Bedford, Rita Bedard of Dartmouth, Alice G. Bonneau of New Bedford and Florida; a dear family friend, Jacqueline Mathieu of New Bedford; and several nieces and nephews.

He was the brother of the late Albert V. Thibault and Blanche Madec.

Contributions in his memory may be made to the Marist Mission Office, 27 Isabella St., Boston, MA 02116.

Rev. Thibault will lie in state in St. Joseph-St. Therese Church, New Bedford on Thursday from 4 - 8 P.M., where a wake service will be held at 7 P.M. His Mass of Christian burial will be Friday at 10 A.M. in St. Joseph-St. Therese Church, followed by a committal service at Sacred Heart Cemetery Chapel. Arrangements are with Machnowski Funeral Home, 472 Ashley Blvd., New Bedford.

For condolences visit www.machnowskifuneral.com.