CARIBOU – Lillian Y. (Bouchard) Wark, 90, beloved mother, aunt and memere, died May 22, 2013, in Saco, after a long period of declining health. She was born to Frank and Agnes (Plourde) Bouchard, Aug. 21, 1922, in Caribou, and lived there except for the war years and the final two years of her life.
During World War II she sang with a swing band in Boston and built bombers in Connecticut, often joking of being “Rosie the Riveter.” She returned to Caribou to marry James A. Wark after he returned from Europe, and they were married for 43 years until his death in 1988. Her life was spent fostering children until, contrary to medical opinion, she found that she was able to have children of her own. When they were grown she learned to drive – at 50, became a manager at the Burger Boy restaurant and surrogate mother to a new group of young people, and was active in Disabled American Veterans. She was a renowned cook, and was always ready to help, whether insisting a niece have a wedding reception, even if it was to be held at “Aunt Lil’s” house, or caring for her dying mother and sister.
In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by her son, Bobby, in 1980; and grandson, Michael Burdette, in 1986. Lillian is survived by three children, Alice Burdette of Hanover, Md., Ralph of Newmarket, N.H., and Tim of Chicago; four grandchildren, Andrea Ulm, Lisa Carasco, Jason Jackson and Maureen Wark; three great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, a multitude of nieces and nephews, and many unofficial children and grandchildren.
Visiting hours will be held 11 a.m.-1 p.m. June 8 at Mockler Funeral Home, where a celebration of her life will begin 1 p.m. Burial will be after at Evergreen Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to American Cancer Society or Halfway Home Pet Rescue, Caribou. www.mocklerfuneralhome.com
Lillian Y. (Bouchard) Wark
