Paul Armand Lamothe

SPENCER: Paul Armand Lamothe of Spencer, 91, passed away peacefully on November 29, 2024, after living with dementia for several years.

He is survived by his brother Robert Lamothe and his wife Elaine of Epping, NH, Andre's wife Shirlie Lamothe of Raymond, NH, Catherine's daughter Melissa Hopkins Walsh of Spencer, and daughter Emily Colson of Fayetteville, NC and Marilyn Shriver of Walpole, NH, as well as fourteen grandchildren and seventeen great grandchildren. Paul is predeceased by his beloved wife of 42 years, Catherine Lamothe, and her sons John, Stephen, and Thomas Hopkins, and his brother Andre Lamothe.

He was born March 31, 1933 in Leominster, son of Albert Armand Lamothe and Florence Tellier Lamothe. He had two younger brothers Andre and Robert. They were raised in Newport, NH. He graduated from the University of New Hampshire, where he met his first wife, Anne Kirk Lamothe. They settled in Walpole, NH and had two daughters, Emily and Marilyn. He taught at the North Walpole, NH Elementary School for several years before becoming a traveling salesman for the Lippincott Company, which published schoolbooks. In the mid 1970's he transferred to Singer S.V.E., which sold filmstrips to schools. He had the luxury of summers off and was the go-to-dad in the neighborhood for rides to the swimming hole, canoe outings, picnics and camping trips. In Walpole, he was a member of the First Congregational Church, where he was active in the choir and in Men's Fellowship. He also served in the Volunteer Fire Department and was a member of the Lion's Club.

Paul and Anne divorced in 1980, and he married Catherine Mayo Hopkins later that same year, settling in Gardner. He became "Pepe" to Catherine's children; John, Stephen, Thomas and Melissa, and grandchildren and was beloved for his warmth and kindness. Their growing collection of grandchildren became the beneficiaries of the camping and canoe trips and the creation of memories that fondly endure to this day.

He returned to school in 1981, earning a master's degree in psychology from Assumption College.  He enjoyed a second career as a psychologist, working in many group settings, including schools and nursing homes. He retired in 1998.

In 2007, Paul and Catherine moved to Spencer where they were lovingly cared for by Thomas, Thomas' wife Linda, and most notably by Catherine's daughter, Melissa. Family was important to Paul and Catherine and their home in Spencer was often the Hub for family gatherings. In late 2022, the progression of Paul's dementia necessitated a move to Christopher House in Worcester.

Music was always a part of Paul's Life. He played baritone horn in high school and college, sang in the a cappella group "The Salamanders" at UNH, and performed with numerous choirs and choruses for most of his adult life. Even as his dementia progressed, he could still remember and hum the tunes of many of his favorite songs.

A Memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 28th at 1:00 P.M. in the J. HENRI MORIN & SON FUNERAL HOME, 23 Maple St., Spencer. Calling hours will precede from 11:00-1:00 P.M. In lieu of flowers, family requests that donations be made to the Worcester County Food Bank 474 Boston Turnpike, Shrewsbury, MA 01545.