VAN BUREN – Gladys L. Bouchard, 83, slipped quietly into heaven Jan. 11, 2012, surrounded by members of her family at Borderview Rehabilitation and Living Center, Van Buren. She was born April 12, 1928, in Cyr Plantation, daughter of Arsene and Marie (Madore) Lavoie.
In 2010, Gladys received the President’s Call to Service Award for the volunteer work she did for her church and service organizations. She especially enjoyed volunteering at People Helping People Thrift Shop. She was member of American Legion Auxiliary Unit 49, the Evangeline Circle, Daughters of Isabella and the Columbiettes, all of Van Buren. In the past, she was self-employed as an Avon representative and a caterer. She worked as a cook’s assistant at Van Buren Hospital, and Borderview Rehabilitation and Living Center.
Gladys is survived by five daughters, Rena and Rose Bouchard of Van Buren, Therese Sawyer and her husband, Stephen, of Springfield, Irene Lee and her husband, Kenneth, of Vassalboro, and Mona Boulrisse and her husband, Richard, of Bourne, Mass.; four sons, Kenneth and his wife, Juanita, of Jay, Norman and his wife, Tina, of Hebron, Conn., Eugene and his wife, Mary Ann, of Glastonbury, Conn., and Mark of South Paris; son-in-law, Robert Bouchard of Van Buren; and three sisters, Cecile Ratte, Catheline Ouellette and Nancy Gagnon. She will be remembered as a wonderful “Memere” by her 15 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband, Reno; daughter, Estelle; parents; brothers and sisters, Roland, Gerard, Gilbert, Clarence, Olivine, Lorraine and Roseann.
Relatives and friends may call 6-8 p.m. Friday and 9-10:30 a.m. Saturday at Ouellette-Thibault Funeral Home, 118 High St., Van Buren. A funeral Mass will be celebrated 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Bruno-St. Remi Catholic Church. Spring interment will be at the parish cemetery. Donations may be made in her memory to Knights of Columbus Parish Needs Fund, 284 Main St., Van Buren, ME 04785 or to a charity of your choice. To leave online condolences, please visit
www.ouellettefuneralhome.com.