Phyllis Mary Bouchard

Phyllis Mary Bouchard, age 94, passed away on December 30, 2023 at The Arlington of Naples in Naples, FL. Born in Boston, MA on July 28, 1929, she was the only daughter of the late John and Margaret (Harrington) McKeever. Phyllis’ childhood was full of joy, a gift she carried throughout her life. She grew up in Cambridge, MA, graduating from Saint John's High School in 1946. She attended Regis College in Waltham, MA, graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology in 1950. The education she received prepared her for her work at Catholic Charities. She learned how to understand and navigate complex social relationships, dynamics, and interactions. Phyllis worked as a Social Worker until her marriage in 1952. 

Phyllis married the love of her life, John R. "Jack" Bouchard, on February 2, 1952. Phyllis was married in the church of her youth, at Saint Peter's Catholic Parish in Cambridge, MA. The newlyweds made their married home in Boston while Jack completed his education at Northeastern University. Following Jack's graduation they moved to Long Island in New York, returning to Massachusetts two years later. For six years, the Bouchards made their home in Norwood, MA, before moving their young and growing family to Canton, MA in 1962. During this time Phyllis took on the role of Homemaker, caring for her children while supporting her husband in the way that only a loving wife truly can. When asked what her secret to her long life was, Phyllis would often respond, “I picked the right man to spend my life with!” Happily married for over 64 years, Phyllis cherished her memories of dancing with the man of her dreams. She was anxiously awaiting to reunite with him in heaven to dance in his arms once again.

As Phyllis' children grew older, she decided to follow her passion. She began her studies in Library Science. Phyllis had been an avid reader all of her life, and wanted to share her love of books with children. She felt blessed to have grown up in a household that encouraged reading and held books in great esteem. Reading as a child, Phyllis was able to travel the world, go on exciting adventures, meet incredible people, all from the comfort of home. She was excited to share her passion for reading with young readers. Phyllis graduated with a Master’s Degree in Library Science from Bridgewater State College in 1975. Following graduation, Phyllis worked as a School Librarian in the Norwood Public School System. For 20 years she encouraged and engaged young readers at Prescott Elementary School, Cleveland Elementary School, Balch Elementary School, Junior High North, and Junior High South. Many generations of Norwood students have fond memories of Phyllis teaching them to navigate the library while helping them to discover the joy of reading.

Following retirement, Phyllis and Jack moved into their home in Barnstable on Cape Cod. Their love for the ocean and desire to escape the harsh winters of New England soon led them to Florida. Their search began in Punta Gorda, and ended when they found the perfect place to build their dream home on Marco Island. The pair became quintessential snowbirds, spending time with family on the shores of Cape Cod in warmer months, and enjoying the sunny, beautiful sands and ever-calling seas of Marco Island during the cold dark winter months in New England.

Phyllis and Jack spent many wonderful years living on Marco Island. Phyllis’ days were busy teaching and playing Mah-jongg & bridge. She became involved in her community, never hesitating to lend a hand to anyone in need. She also loved to entertain, and never missed an opportunity to welcome her ever growing family of friends to celebrate life with her and Jack. 

In 2015 Phyllis and Jack sold their homes on Cape Cod and Marco Island. They moved into The Arlington of Naples, and began living as Florida residents year round. Phyllis and Jack were so happy to be living at The Arlington. The villa they shared was magnificent. After Jack’s death in 2016 Phyllis decided to move into an apartment in the main building of The Arlington. For the first time in her life she was living on her own, creating the perfect space to thrive. She was excited to see her vision unfold as she carefully selected special additions for her new home. Phyllis never wasted an opportunity to share her gratitude for all the wonderful friends she made & experiences she had while living there. Phyllis was unfailingly grateful to the wonderful, caring staff at The Arlington, many whom she considered to be family.

Phyllis had many interests, and her desire to learn and experience life never waned. She was an avid reader, often reading a book per day. She was always excited to share her favorite new finds with family and friends. She looked forward to attending luncheons where she met her favorite authors, excited to learn about their lives and the creation of the rich characters written into the pages of the books she loved. Phyllis also loved to travel and was always up for a new adventure. She traveled both near and far. Phyllis visited China, Japan, Israel, Ireland, England, France, Spain, Switzerland, The Greek Isles, Turkey, Morocco, Alaska, and many Caribbean Islands, including Haiti. One of her favorite adventures brought her to the tip of South America. She and her best friend Audrey traveled by boat to meet her favorite animals, penguins. She became enamored with penguins after learning that they often mate for life, and that the fathers take on the active role of caring for the eggs. She also loved touring the Southwest with Jack where she fulfilled her dream of seeing the Grand Canyon.

Phyllis held many roles over the course of her lifetime. She treasured her role as wife, mother & grandmother above all else. She encouraged and supported her family’s passions, while sharing hers along the way. Phyllis introduced her family to many great life experiences. She loved her summer vacations at Cobbs Village in Barnstable on Cape Cod as well as the time spent skiing with her family in the White Mountains while vacationing at their home in Woodsville, New Hampshire. Phyllis shared her love for the arts, and looked for opportunities to give her loved ones experiences that have become treasured memories. She also shared her love for travel, often bringing her “herd of turtles” on adventures to visit exciting new places. Her family truly meant the world to her. She was happiest when surrounded by all of her descendants. It was a joyous day when Phyllis became a grandmother, and she celebrated the birth of each grandchild, great grandchild, and great great grandchild with joy and enthusiasm. Her grandchildren were so cherished that she recited their names, in alphabetical order, every evening as she fell asleep.

Her kindness and generosity will be long remembered, as will her gratitude for life’s blessings and zest for living. Phyllis was thoughtful, loyal, sincere, inclusive, intuitive and truly beautiful inside and out. She spent her time on earth living her very best life. Phyllis always made the best of difficult situations and credited her positive outlook for her extraordinarily long and beautiful life.

Beloved wife of the late John R. "Jack" Bouchard

Loving mother of Paul Bouchard of Ashfield, MA, Rick Bouchard of Chatham, MA, Glen Bouchard of Petion-Ville, Haiti, Cheri Jardine and her husband James of Norton, MA and Sue Will and her husband Cary of Canton, MA.

Cherished grandmother of Sara, Christin, Jeremiah, Nelson McKeever, Rachel, Jessica, John Richard II, Rebecca, Diana, Jillian, Jacqueline, Ashley, and Cary Jr; great grandmother of Brian,Vega, Xavier, Hailie, Meriah, Aven, Joseph Jr, Vaidah, Carter, Grace, Sydney, Ainsley, Alex, Kaleigh, Robin, Abigayle, Elliana Phyllis Mae, Isabelle, Kensley, Brayson, Callan, Harold, and Cayden; great great grandmother of Oliver and Khari.

Relatives and friends are warmly invited to attend Phyllis' Celebration of Life on Saturday, February 3rd, 2024 from 9:00 -10:30 am in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole, MA. A funeral home service will follow at 10:30 AM. Interment will take place at the Highland Cemetery in Norwood.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Phyllis' name may be made to: Paralyzed Veterans of America New England Chapter by visiting https://pvanewengland.org or to: Habitat for Humanity International by visiting https://habitat.org