Lewiston woman leaves $975,000 to basilica

LEWISTON – A lifelong resident of Lewiston has left a bequest of nearly $1 million to the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in her hometown, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland announced Monday.

Jeanne Theriault, who was in her 80s when she died in 2004, had been active in parish activities for much of her life.

Proceeds from her $975,000 life insurance policy will be put into an endowment fund named in Theriault’s honor. Income from the fund will be used exclusively for maintenance and repairs to the basilica.

A ceremony will be held Thursday in the basilica’s chapel, where a plaque will be unveiled recognizing Theriault’s gift.