Madawaska--- Therese R. (Ouellet) Stegner, passed away peacefully at a local healthcare facility on December 3, 2024, soon after attaining her 87th birthday. She was born on November 26, 1937, in St. Joseph, NB, Canada, the daughter of the late Albine (Deschenes) and Albenie Ouellet.

Therese attended schools in the Edmundston and St. Basile, New Brunswick area. She graduated from Fredericton Teacher's College and received her BS degree in education from the University of Maine in Presque Isle, ME. Therese was a much-loved teacher of the French language in New Brunswick and Quebec schools, then she went on to teach French in Grand Isle, Van Buren, Caribou, Limestone, and South Portland schools. During her 37-year teaching career, she accompanied her students on many trips to Quebec and France, immersing them in the French language and culture that she loved so much.

Therese married the love of her life, Major Francis Stegner, on August 14, 1971. She often commented that with this marriage she received the gift of a stepson and three stepdaughters, whom she loved as her own. In 1975, Therese obtained her real estate license so that she could help Frank with his growing Century 21 real estate business, even while she continued to provide a quality education for her students. In 1995, Therese retired from teaching.    She and Frank relocated to Florida, where they continued selling real estate for many years. Together, they traveled extensively throughout the world, and devoted themselves to their church and their family. Soon after Frank's death, Therese moved back home to Madawaska, where she became part of the Ridgewood Estates family. She was a resident at Ridgewood Estates for over 5 years, where she was loved and cared for with the utmost respect. Many thanks to the loving nurses, staff, volunteers, and administrators of Ridgewood Estates, who took such good care of her all those years. Special thanks to the Activities staff, who help provide countless hours of entertainment for the residents. The musical guests brought Therese so much joy! She loved dancing and singing along, especially with the French songs.

Besides her parents, Therese was predeceased by her husband of 45 years, Frank Stegner. She was also predeceased by her stepson, Mark Stegner, and her stepdaughter, Dianna Fife.

Therese is survived by all nine of her siblings, Jacqueline (George) Lajoie, Celine (Real) Lausier, Ghislaine (Joseph) Beaulieu, Alyre (Louise) Ouellette, Claudine (Roger) Vaillancourt, Gille (Gloria) Ouellette, France (Paul) Beaulieu, Nicole (Patrick) Cote, and Rina (Norman) Lagasse. She is also survived by her stepdaughters, Vivian (Dennis) Johnston and Catherine (Ken) Nacey, as well as a multitude of nieces and nephews, and many step-grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 AM on Monday, June 9, 2025, at St. David Church, St. David. Relatives and friends may greet the family Monday morning 9 – 9:45 AM at the church. Burial will follow in St. David Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Therese's name may be made to: Ridgewood Estates Activity Department, 480 Ridgeview Ave., Madawaska, ME 04756. Arrangements are a service of Lajoie Funeral Home, 114 – 10th Ave., Madawaska.