Shrewsbury – Louis A. Mathurin, co-owner and director of Happy Acres Nursery School/Kindergarten and Nita-Lou Antiques in Shrewsbury, passed away Wednesday, May 6, 2015 at the age of 92.
He leaves his beloved wife of 70 years, Anita (Michaud) Mathurin, and four daughters, Ora Aselton and her husband Carl Aselton, MD of Milbridge, Maine; Michelle Herx and her husband Dennis Herx, AuD of Falmouth, Nova Scotia; Margaret Phoenix of Worcester; and Justine Mathurin and her husband Thomas Grillo of Southborough, as well as eight grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Louis was born March 24, 1923 in Worcester, son of the late Michael and Dora (Messier) Mathurin. He was predeceased by his brother, Donat Mathurin, and his sister, Rita Robitaille.
A World War II veteran, he was stationed at the U.S. Naval Air Station in Norfolk, Va. After the war, he attended Wheelock College, the University of Massachusetts, Boston, and Worcester State College, specializing in early childhood education.
Louis and his wife, Anita, established the first school of its kind in the area, providing day care, then pre-school and kindergarten long before it was offered by the public schools. Over the course of their career, three generations of Shrewsbury children graduated from Happy Acres and the entire town knew him as “Uncle Louie.”
In their retirement, the couple launched an entirely new venture as antique dealers and enjoyed 25 years as Nita-Lou Antiques.
Louis was a faithful communicant at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Shrewsbury, where he sang in the men’s’ choir, and St. Mary’s of the Hills in Boylston. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Adelphi Council #4181 for more than 50 years. In addition, he enjoyed bowling and sports of every kind.
In 2013, the Mathurins moved to Notre dame du Lac Assisted Living in Worcester, where they were embraced by a loving community of friends and caregivers.
Family and friends will honor and remember Louis’ life by gathering for calling hours Monday, May 11, from 5-8 p.m., at Heald & Chiampa Funeral Directors ~ The Sumner House, 5 Church Road, On the Common, Shrewsbury Center, and again Tuesday, May 12, at 9:30 a.m., before leaving in procession to the Chapel at Notre Dame du lac Assisted Living Facility, 555 Plantation St., Worcester, where his funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. by Fr. John Nicholson. Burial with military honors will follow in Mountain View Cemetery of Shrewsbury. Members of Adelphi Council Knights of Columbus will gather May 11, at 7 p.m., for their ritual.
Memorials in his name may be made to Notre Dame du Lac Healthcare & Assisted Living, Chapel Window Fund, 555 Plantation St., Worcester, MA 01605.
