Lillith Archambault

CHESHIRE - Lillith "Leth" Archambault passed away peacefully on Wednesday November 14, 2012 at her home in Cheshire.

Leth was born in Waterbury on April 17, 1931, the daughter of the late Leo and Lillian (Turcotte) Archambault. She attended St. Mary Elementary School, graduated from Waterbury Catholic High School and entered the Sisters of Mercy in West Hartford. Leth (Sister Mary Michelle) taught in elementary schools in New Haven, Manchester, New London (St. Joseph School) and Greenwich (St. Mary School). She received her B.S. degree, prior to her teaching assignments from St. Joseph College in Hartford.

After her service in the Sisters of Mercy, Leth taught grades 2, 4, and 6 at Doolittle Elementary School in Cheshire for 26 years and grade 6 at Highland Elementary School for 2 years, retiring from there in 1995 after 28 years of teaching in Cheshire.

Leth received her M.S. and 6th year certificate from the University of Hartford and her 7th year from St. Joseph College. She completed advanced graduate studies at Santa Clara University in California.

Leth delighted in serving as Eucharistic Minister at Holy Angels Parish in South Meriden for many years. She was a member of the Young at Heart Group where she volunteered each month. She served on the Board of Directors at Our Lady of Mercy School in Madison and at St. Bridget School in Cheshire.

Leth enjoyed her membership in Delta Kappa Gamma International, education sorority Lambda Chapter where she held the office of President for two years. She participated enthusiastically in her many activities in the Kiwanis Club of Cheshire, where she served as President from 1993 to 1994 and attended several international conventions in France, Denver, Miami and Las Vegas. She was an avid volunteer in the Read Around the World Program at Darcey and St. Bridget Schools.

Leth loved gardening, playing with her feline friends, Lily and Teddy, as well as traveling. A trip to Tuscany, Italy proved to be the inspiration for her children's book, Cat in the Castle, published by Vantage Press. According to her travel companion, June Banfe, Leth made so many friends during her travels to France, Italy, Amsterdam, St. Martin, Canada and throughout the U.S. Leth and June completed several travel study trips to Mexico, Cartagena, Colombia, South America and Canada in conjunction with their 6th grade social studies curriculum at Doolittle School.

Leth relaxed by spending much time at Hawks Nest Beach in Old Lyme, where she co-owned a beach house, and at Sound View, where she co-owned an apartment house on Swan Ave. She loved spending time at the shore with family and friends. She also loved Marco Island, FL where she spent time at her Surf Club timeshares.

Leth is survived by her sister Lee of Westerly, RI; her brother Lawrence and his wife Betsy Bray of Rocky Hill; her dear friend and business associate June Banfe of Cheshire; as well as many relatives in Connecticut and Texas. She was predeceased by her brother Leonard of New Jersey.

Leth's family is grateful to the Franciscan Home Care staff especially her loyal health aids Irene Jimenez and Dora Aleman for their constant care and continued support.

Arrangements - A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday November 23, 2012 at 11 a.m. at Holy Angels Church, 585 Main St. South Meriden. Burial will be held at the convenience of the family and there are no calling hours. Memorial contributions may be made to the Franciscan Home Care, 267 Finch Ave., Meriden, CT 06451 or to the Sisters of Mercy, 2021 Albany Ave., West Hartford, CT 06117. The Alderson Funeral Home of Cheshire is assisting with arrangements. For online condolences, to light a candle or share a story, please visit www.aldersonfuenralhomes.com.