Tecla Malouin

LEOMINSTER -- Tecla Olga (Tessitore) Malouin, 91, of 556 Central St., Leominster, died Thursday, Oct. 11, in her home.

She was born in Providence, R.I., on May 10, 1916, the daughter of the late Constantino Tessitore Sr. and Antonetta (Pizzola) Tessitore. She lived in Deland, Fla., with her beloved husband, Edgar L. Malouin, until his death in 2005. Tec and Ed were married for 65 years. She relocated to Leominster with her daughter, Carleen Lortie, whom she lived with.

Tec worked many years for the SS. Kresge Co., now Kmart. She belonged to the Women’s Guild of St. Edward’s Parish in Westminster, and she and Ed participated in the 200th anniversary of the town in 1959. Late in life, Mr. and Mrs. Malouin would live in Leominster and Fitchburg until they decided to retire to Winchendon, where they lived until the move to Florida.

It was her dream to become an LPN, one which she never accomplished, because her greatest achievement was raising her family. Always looking her best every day, Tec took pride in her appearance and enjoyed being complimented. She spoke fluent Italian and French. Everyday, she wrote in her journal. Mass was important to her, and she became a member of St. Anna’s Parish in Leominster soon after moving to Massachusetts. Tec enjoyed dancing, and one of her fondest memories was going with her sisters and close girl friends in Rhode Island to many dance halls and listening to the likes of the Glenn Miller Band. It was at one of these dances that she met her future husband, Ed. Music was a big part of her life. She watched the Lawrence Welk Show and The Grand Ole Opry on many Saturday nights while crocheting afghans for her family. She would tell us that listening to gospel music also gave her such peace. One of her biggest pleasures was watching her son, David, perform, as he carries on the love of music she instilled in her children.

Mom, we will miss you and your beautiful smile. David will remember you when he sings. Carleen will remember you when she cooks. Laurie will remember you when she dances. Sandra will remember you in prayer. Your spirit will live on in all of us and in our children and grandchildren. Thank you, Mother!

She leaves behind, along with her daughter, a daughter, Sandra Slack and her husband, Brian, and her son, David E. Malouin Sr., all of Westminster; and her daughter, Laraine Hawkins of Leominster. She also leaves behind one beloved sister, Pearl Blankenship of Warwick, R.I. Tec will also be missed by her best friend and sister-in-law, Dottie Malouin of San Antonio, Texas. Grammy, as she was known, will be sadly missed by her eight grandchildren, her nine great-grandchildren and their extended families. She was predeceased by two sisters, the late Clara Marsella Aquillante and Rose Domenicone; two brothers, the late Constantino Tessitore Jr. and Louis Tessitore; many nephews and nieces and their families.

MALOUIN -- A funeral will be held on Monday, Oct. 15, from Wright-Roy Funeral Home, 109 West St., Leominster, with a Mass at 10 a.m. in St. Anna Church, 197 Lancaster St., Leominster. Calling hours will be held on Sunday, Oct. 14, from 4-7 p.m. To light a candle, sign a guest book or leave a condolence message, please go to wrightroyfuneral home.com.