Born in Biddeford in 1922, Sister Therese Bouthot joined the Sisters of Good Shepherd at the age of 20, thinking she would spend her life as a teacher. Circumstances led her to attaining a master’s degree in social work which then took her on a path where she would take on a leadership role in developing and running programs for orphans and special needs children in Massachusetts. Pursuant to a doctoral degree from Columbia University, she taught at the university level including Salem State College, where she helped to develop their master’s in social work program. She was a board member for numerous community organizations. She also played a leadership role in the tough decisions associated with continuing services started by the sisters that needed to be turned over to others with reductions in their ranks. Her career culminated with her role as Superior/Administrator of St Joseph’s Convent and Infirmary in Biddeford.