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JAY — Cathy’s Boutique, part of the St. Rose of Lima Thrift Store, will open Saturday, Sept. 18.
Located in the parish hall on Church Street, the store has helped thousands of area residents since opening in October 2020. All proceeds from the store benefit church ministries, community outreach and direct assistance programs.
The new boutique will offer higher-end clothing, formal attire, accessories and antiques and collectibles. It also honors Cathy Leclair.
Leclair, who died in January, was known for her devotion to faith, service as a Eucharistic minister, work in the bread guild and life as a church leader.
“Last fall, I was sorting through clothing with Cathy in one of the two rooms that the thrift store occupied at the time,” said Stephanie Crowe, parish social ministry coordinator. “Admittedly, we didn’t get too much done, not just because we were new at the process, but mostly because Cathy would stop and admire so many of the beautiful items that had been donated. She would hold each item up, examine it, and say with her big smile, ‘Can you believe this?’ “
With that, the idea for a boutique that could highlight special items at the thrift store was born.
“The thrift store rapidly expanded, and women’s clothing moved upstairs into two rooms, one of them a boutique which Cathy managed,” said Crowe. “She thoughtfully and carefully gave attention to each item she displayed.”
After Leclair died, the room was left unattended for a time, but the idea of an official boutique never left those who manage the thrift store.
“In addition to fancy clothing items, we receive a lot of antiques and collectibles that would benefit from a dedicated space,” Crowe said. “So, we decided to group those items with the special clothing items in the newly named ‘Cathy’s Boutique. We can’t imagine it any other way.”
Leclair’s daughter, Shawnna, has since asked Crowe to make sure the St. Rose community knows how much it meant to her. The boutique ensures her joyful spirit lives on, Crowe said. “She remains in our hearts and in our prayers and we miss her dearly,” she said.
The St. Rose of Lima Thrift Store’s hours, beginning Sept. 14, are noon to 4 p.m. Tuesday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Donations are accepted during the hours of operation.
The thrift store welcomes those who’d like to volunteer to help sort and shelf items or run the cash register.
For more information, or to donate larger items, like furniture, call 207-897-2173, extension 1203.
