Dorothy Lorraine Gouin

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Dorothy L. Gouin, a beloved daughter, sister, and devoted member of her community, who passed away on April 25, 2025, at the remarkable age of 101. Born on March 26, 1924, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Dorothy lived a life marked by service, compassion, and dedication. Dorothy proudly served her country in the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC) during World War II, where she earned the affectionate nickname "Pee-Wee" from her sisters in arms while working as an accountant. After four years of service, she returned to Massachusetts to work as a bookkeeper for Abdow, a chain of restaurants known as "Big Boy." In 1997, she moved back to Bonne Terre, Missouri, where she purchased her home and established deep roots in the community. A long-time member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Bonne Terre, Dorothy exemplified a spirit of generosity and kindness. She dedicated many years to volunteering at the Bonne Terre Senior Nutritional Center and found joy in playing bingo with her friends. Her commitment to helping others extended to delivering newsletters to St. Joe Manor and accompanying the priest to celebrate Mass at the local prison. Dorothy’s unwavering love for her community was apparent through her efforts with the Food Pantry and her countless acts of service. Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents Theodore J. and Ernestine Marie “Thibaudeau” Gouin; siblings, Ted “Junior” Gouin, Walter Gouin, Mary (Forest) Campbell, Helen (Robert) Cross, William J. Gouin, brother in-law, Jack Williamson; nephews, James Cross, Mark Cross, Michael Gouin; significant other and dearest companion, Ernest Ducharme.

Dorothy is survived by her dear sisters, Barbara Williamson and Clara Slinkard and brother-in-law Bruce Slinkard; two dear children that were not her own biologically, but she loved as her own, Dennis Ducharme (Sue) and Diane Provost, along with many nieces and nephews.

Dorothy L. Gouin’s visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at 9:00 A.M. until funeral Mass of 11:00 A.M. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Bonne Terre, with Reverend Vincent Nyman officiating. Friends and family are invited to join in remembering and celebrating her remarkable life and the many lives she touched. Dorothy’s legacy of love, compassion, and service will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew her.

Dorothy will be laid to rest following the church service at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Bonne Terre, with military honors. Arrangements are under the direction of C.Z. Boyer Funeral Home in Bonne Terre. Memorials can be made in Dorothy’s honor to St. Vincent DePaul Food Pantry or Bonne Terre Nutrition Center.