CAROL M. BOUCHER (BEAUDREAU)

     Carol M. (Beaudreau) Boucher, 77, passed away peacefully on Wed. Jan. 21, 2015 at UMASS Memorial Hospital surrounded by her loving family. She leaves 2 daughters- Barbara C. Palubeckis and her husband David of Worcester and Mary F. Meyer and her husband David of Rutland; a step-son- Brett Boucher and his wife Shawn of Rutland; 2 grandchildren- Daniel and Elizabeth Meyer; a twin sister Claire McGrail; 3 brothers- Paul and his wife Susan Beaudreau of Cotuit, MA, Richard Beaudreau and his companion Beverly Renaud of West Boylston, and Donald and his wife Mary Beaudreau of Holden; and many “favorite” nephews and nieces. Carol was predeceased by her husbands, Francis I. Harr and Robert E. Boucher, a step-son Barry R. Boucher, and a brother Robert Beaudreau.

Carol was born and raised in Worcester, daughter of the late Alfred and Phyllis (Casey) Beaudreau. She began high school at Commerce High in Worcester, but after the Worcester tornado her family moved to Oxford and she graduated from Oxford High School. She worked for many years in secretarial first at Wyman-Gordon’s and later after the children were grown at WCIS and then Norton Company.

After retiring to Plant City, FL in 1990 with her husband Bob, she enjoyed carefree days of golf, gardening, bike riding, trips to the beach, parties and parades with their friends, new and old friends. Upon his Bob’s death, she moved back to Massachusetts to be with her family. An in-law apartment at her daughter’s house enabled her to live with and see her grandchildren every day. Her relationship with her grandchildren was truly remarkable. She was known to them and many others as Memere and her presence will be sorely missed.

After her return to Massachusetts she began a second career working as a church secretary at First Congregational Church in Worcester and then Chaffins Congregational Church in Holden. But she really thrived when she became the outreacher worker for the Rutland Council on Aging in 2008. Here she interacted with many of the Rutland seniors, doing home visits, providing rides, organizing bus trips, wii bowling, fabric painting and the No Cooking on Thursday program, which she founded.

She was an active member of the Rutland Lions Club, the Finnish American Club, the Rutland Democratic Committee and the Stitch and Bitch Club. She was a former member of the Red Hats Society, Hillcrest Women’s Golf League, several bowling leagues and the Wyman Gordon Gun or Pistol Club. She was very proud of being a lifelong Democrat and enjoyed spirited political debates with her son in law and others, who had a different political philosophy.

In March she retired from the Rutland Council on Aging and returned to her home in Plant City, Florida. She jumped right back into life in Florida – golfing, running water aerobics, helping to organize coffee hour at “The Lakes at Countrywood”, and volunteering at the St. Clement’s Catholic Church Gift shop. She enjoyed organizing dinners and gatherings with her many friends. One of the highlights of her eight months in Florida was adopting her kitten Precious. Unbeknownst to her, Precious was pregnant and she had the joy of watching her give birth and caring for the newborn kittens.

Her greatest joy was spending time with her family. Her home was always a warm and welcoming place, where family, friends, and all of her children’s friends were always welcome. Many a morning, she woke up to multiple kids sleeping in her living room. She enjoyed golfing, gardening, rearranging furniture and decorating, reading, oil painting, fabric painting, music, and the outdoors. She was an active member of St. Patrick’s Church. Serving as a lector for many years. Carol was always happiest when she was helping other people.

She died knowing she was surrounded with love from her family and treasured friends. To honor her spirit, we need to celebrate her life and the lessons she has taught us by the way she lived her life. Live life to it’s fullest; love and embrace your family; maintain your friendships and keep making new friends all the days of your life; find joy in the simple things; don’t hold grudges; see the best in everyone and every situation and always, always “work the room” at any party, cookout or gathering!

The family would like to thank the nurses, PCA’s and Barre Health Center doctors on South 6 at Memorial Hospital, especially Maryan, Jessica, Elizabeth, Lily, Richard, and Lauren for their outstanding care of our mother and our family over the last days of her life. Thank you also to Clare, RN and Dr. Smith in the Memorial ER. Your kindnesses mean more than you could know. Lastly thank you to Dr. Allison Hargreaves, who went above and beyond taking care of our mother and helping our family these last few months.

Thank you also to the Rutland Lions Club. Their generosity and talent to build our mother a wheelchair ramp and provide the tub seat, commode, etc. that allowed us to bring our mother home from Florida will not be forgotten. Not to mention all of the visits, phone calls and cards to their fellow Lion.

Calling hours will be held on Monday, January 26. 2015, from 4:00 – 7:00 PM in Nordgren Memorial Chapel 300 Lincoln St. Worcester, MA 01605. A funeral Mass will be held on WEDNESDAY, January 28 at 11:00 AM in St. Patrick’s Church, 290 Main St., Rutland. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations in Carol’s memory may be made to the Rutland Lions Club, P.O. Box 626, Rutland, MA, 01543.