Margaret Bouchard

“Seeing is believing.” For many, those words simply represent a motto. But for Margaret Bouchard, it summarized in every way who she was. She was modest, quiet and observant, taking in everything around her and always thinking before acting. She was a realist, someone who was efficient and practical in everything she did. She was a friendly person who truly cared about those around her.

      Margaret was born on January 23, 1934 at Red Cross Hospital in Thessalon, Ontario. She was the daughter of Florence and Earl LaCombe. Raised in Thessalon, Ontario, she was brought up to be tolerant and trustworthy. As a child, she learned to be conscientious, responsible and punctual. These were all traits that she would carry with her throughout her life.

      As a young girl, Margaret was always aware of how others around her felt and this quality served her well. With a deep capacity to tolerate the feelings of others, Margaret was generally able to avoid conflicts. It seemed as if Margaret was the family member who was always working to keep stress at bay. Preferring a quiet environment where she could concentrate, Margaret also had the ability to relate well with her family and friends. Margaret was raised with three siblings. She had three older sister Dora, Jean and Bernice. Margaret was constantly involved in activities with her family. Margaret and her siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up but they deeply cared for each other and shared many life experiences over the years.

      Most folks would say that Margaret was shy until they got to know her. Those who were privileged to know her well learned that she was a solid, good friend. Margaret was reluctant to generalize about people, and she based her friendships on her personal experiences. Because of this, Margaret best trusted those people that she truly knew. She was concerned about how those around her felt, and she always seemed to uncover the positive side of people. She could relate to others and had the ability to see their point of view, to “walk a mile in their shoes,” as the saying goes. The friends that she made, Margaret kept. Later in life, she became friends with her long time neighbour Lilia.

      Love can’t be defined but must be experienced. That was so true for Margaret. She was totally committed to Phillip and maintained traditional ideals about marriage. It was as if Margaret naturally sensed her spouse’s needs, and accepted those feelings unconditionally. Although Margaret disliked conflict, she did not take flight from discord, but rather sought to preserve harmony even during the most trying times.

      Margaret was a good mother to her children. She had “old fashioned” parental values and could handle typical family conflicts in a fair and calm manner. Because she trusted emotions, Margaret was reluctant to force issues and used gentle persuasion to resolve situations. In this way she seemed to radiate an aura of warmth and caring to those around her, always thinking before acting. In addition, Margaret was a master planner. No matter how hectic life around her might be, she seemed to know and track everyone’s schedule. Margaret was blessed with six children, three sons John Larry and Ronny and three daughters Donna, Debbie, Gail. They were also blessed with nine grandchildren and five great grandchildren, Her grandchildren Melissa, Kylie, Adam, Jamie, Mathew, Sydney, Kylie, Courtney and Tyler and her great grandchildren Tyler, Nicholas, Kylan, Lydia, Cody.

      Margaret liked to experience things first hand, in addition to simply learning about them. This quality influenced Margaret's choice of leisure time activities. A methodical and patient worker, Margaret preferred to set aside uninterrupted time to work on her hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were knitting, puzzles and reading. Margaret was content to sit quietly alone, enjoying her hobbies all by herself and could often be found just reading about her favorite pastimes.

      Margaret had Spot. Her childhood dog. Margaret was as loyal to her pets as they were to her.

      Margaret passed away on March 11, 2023 at Sault Area Hospital, Sault Ste Marie, Ontario. After having two falls in her apartment she went into hospital with pneumonia and Covid-19. A later abdominal bleed was found. She passed away quite unexpectedly a week later. She is survived by her children John, Larry, Donna, Ronny, Debbie and Gail. Nine grandchildren and Five great grandchildren. Services were held at Arthur Funeral Home. Margaret was laid to rest in Greenwood Cemetery next to her beloved Husband in Sault Ste Marie, Ontario.

      It is said that some people can’t see the forest for the trees. Margaret was able to focus on each individual tree, tending to its needs, thus making the forest stronger as a whole. Margaret was a trustworthy, pragmatic and sympathetic person, the kind of woman to whom everyone was drawn. She was thorough and practical. Margaret Bouchard was very literal with her words. You always knew where you stood with Margaret. She will be missed.

BOUCHARD, Margaret - Peacefully at the Sault Area Hospital on Saturday, March 11, 2023 at the age of 89.

Beloved wife of the late Phillip Bouchard. Loving mother of John (Sherry), Donna Miceli (Steve), Larry (Mary), Ronnie (Kim), Debbie (Ross), Gail Griffin (Lance). Proud Grandma of 9 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. Margaret will be sadly missed by many in laws and by many nieces and nephews. Friends may visit the Arthur Funeral Home - Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington Street Street E. 705-759-2522) on Friday, March 17, 2023 from 11:30 am until 12:30 pm. Funeral service to follow in the chapel at 1 pm. Mrs. Helen Smith officiating. Interment Greenwood Cemetery. Memorial contributions (payable online or by cheque) to the Humane Society would be appreciated by the family. Special thanks to Dr. Woolner, Dr. Yi,, Dr. Fabio and the nurses on the third floor and I.C.U. for the great care that our mother received. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.arthurfuneralhome.com for the Bouchard family.

* * * * * * * * * *

BOUCHARD, Margaret - Peacefully at the Sault Area Hospital on Saturday, March 11, 2023 at the age of 89.

Beloved wife of the late Phillip Bouchard. Loving mother of John (Sherry), Donna Miceli (Steve), Larry (Mary), Ronnie (Kim), Debbie (Ross), Gail Griffin (Lance). Proud Grandma of 9 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. Margaret will be sadly missed by many in laws and by many nieces and nephews. Friends may visit the Arthur Funeral Home - Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington Street Street E. 705-759-2522) on Friday, March 17, 2023 from 11:30 am until 12:30 pm. Funeral service to follow in the chapel at 1 pm. Mrs. Helen Smith officiating. Interment Greenwood Cemetery. Memorial contributions (payable online or by cheque) to the Humane Society would be appreciated by the family. Special thanks to Dr. Woolner, Dr. Yi,, Dr. Fabio and the nurses on the third floor and I.C.U. for the great care that our mother received. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.arthurfuneralhome.com for the Bouchard family.