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- Portland Press Herald (ME) -- 13 Mar 2002 -- page 7b -- by Melanie Creamer
THERESE M.J. BEGIN, 74, OPERATED BEAUTY SALON IN BIDDEFORD
Therese M.J. Begin of Elm Street, a beautician who owned and operated her own salon for 35 years, died Monday at Southern Maine Medical Center. She was 74. "As a young boy I can remember the smell ofpermanent lotion and hair spray as I walked into the salon," said her son, Roger Arbour of Biddeford. "I grew up in the salon. It was attached to our house,and all day long, people passed through tohave their hair done. It wasalways a great place to have a lemonade stand," he said.Mrs. Begin ranher salon on High Street, Bacon Street, and Cadorette Avenue, and overthe course of her career, she built up a large clientele. While working in the salon out of her home, she was just one door away from her children. "Whenever I needed her, shewas always there," Arbour said. "It was also neat to hang out in the shop. I liked to sit in the chair and take it for a spin. I used to bring the swivel chair up too high, and itjammed, and she would get mad at me. It was a lot of fun," he said.Shewaseducated in Biddeford schools and graduated from the former St Andre's High School in 1946. Even after her retirement, she continued to work as a beautician. She often went to friends' and neighbors' homes tocut or perm their hair. She loved working, but mostly, she enjoyed spending time with people. Mrs. Begin was an inspiring woman who was always willing to help others. She was involved incommunity groups and lifted the spirits of many people who were down on their luck, her son said. Sheoffered a shoulder to lean on, or simply talked with people as they needed comfort. She was an avid fan of the New England Patriots. The whole family gathered together to watch the Super Bowl. "Shewas thrilled over their win," Arbour said. "The day after the Super Bowl was her 74th birthday. Between being with family and their win, she had quite a birthday." She also enjoyed playing cards and going to the beach. Her favorite places togo were Biddeford Pool and Old Orchard Beach. She enjoyedthe warmth of the sun, and being with her friends and family. Mrs. Begin was a member of St Joseph's Church. Visiting hours will be 2 to 4 pmand 7 to 9 pm Thursday. A Funeral Service will be held at11 am Friday at Hope Memorial Chapel, 480 Elm St. inBiddeford. A Burial will be in St Joseph's Cemetery in Biddeford.
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