One nail at a time, one board at time, day after day, Theresa Boucher built her home. Literally and metaphorically, Theresa built her home. She not only physically took part in building the house she lived in for decades, but through her sheer life force, she made her house a home. It was a home with open doors that led to open arms and a wide-open heart, Theresa’s heart. With the same strength and determination with which she built her home, she created a family and a legacy that saw her through all that life sent her way. The good with the bad, Theresa Boucher was a woman who by grit, determination, hard work, faith, and love, and yes a little bit of luck along the way, was the matriarch of her family in every sense of the word. She was the head, heart, and soul of her family.
Theresa Louise Boucher was born on May 21, 1926, in Woonsocket, RI, to her parents, the late Jean Baptiste Dumaine and Marie-Rose (Gagne) Dumaine. Her earliest years were spent in Woonsocket until the family moved to North Smithfield in 1935 where she would remain a proud resident of the town for the rest of her 94 years. Theresa attended Holy Family School on South Main Street in Woonsocket where she received the fundamental knowledge and grounding in her faith that would be her stead throughout her life.
In her younger years, Theresa worked in the local textile industry at the Stamina Mills, Murray Worsted, and Branch River woolen mills. She also worked at Beaupre’s Pharmacy, Tupperware, North Smithfield High School and the Shanghai Restaurant. Theresa was also employed with Putnam Investments in Franklin for many years until her 80s. Theresa was always proud of holding gainful employment and was never one to shy away from anything that needed to be done.
Theresa was the wife of the late Roger R. Boucher. They were married in June of 1945.
Theresa’s home on Great Road was a veritable Grand Central Station and revolving door all rolled into one, and she would have it no other way. With a life that revolved around her family, Theresa was deeply involved in and absorbed with any and all family activities and concerns. Countless pool parties, holidays, and good times were centered around her home. Additionally, Theresa quietly took in and cared for a number of family members, relatives, and friends in her home as it was genuinely a safe harbor for those who were experiencing hard times or challenges in life. All knew that Theresa was the person they could turn to. She was a rock and guiding light in any storm.
A formidable woman of undeniable courage and bravery, Theresa was not one to back down from any challenges or unexpected occurrences. Such bravery was exhibited on more than a few occasions, including the time she literally chased away a burglar. (Boy-oh-boy, did he pick the wrong house!) On yet another occasion, a would-be purse snatcher/mugger met his match as Theresa fended off an attempt at stealing her purse, which ended up with her chasing the mugger down the street. Woe indeed to anyone who mistook her small frame for easy pickings! She even rescued one of her sons by shooing away two coyotes that had cornered him in their driveway, for within that lady dwelt a lioness! By the time Theresa was done with them, those coyotes ran off like a couple of scared puppy dogs. They were no match for Theresa!
Aside from her “animal taming” and “crime fighting ways,” at her core, love and fun were what Theresa was all about. In her earlier years, Theresa loved to play guitar, sing, dance, and do gymnastics/acrobats. She was a real dare devil in her day and was often found more upside down rather than right side up. She also loved to travel and see new places. She had her bags packed and ready to go at a moment’s notice. In her nearly 95 years of living, Theresa provided an example of faith, fun, and heartfelt love for all to emulate.
Theresa is survived by her sons, Roger Boucher, Jr. and his wife Myriam of Woodford, VA; Roland Boucher and his wife Jeanne of Cumberland, RI; Robert Boucher and his wife Linda of North Smithfield, RI; and John Boucher and his wife Noella of Thompson, CT. She was the mother of the late Ronald and Charles Boucher who passed in infancy. She was the sister of the late John Dumaine and Juliette Dumaine. Theresa is also survived by her 9 grandchildren, many great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews and their families.
Her funeral will be Monday, May 3, 2021, at 9:30 am from the Menard-Lacouture Funeral Home, 127 Carrington Ave. in Woonsocket followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am at St. John the Evangelist Church in Slatersville. Burial will follow in the parish cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited to honor and remember Theresa’s life at visiting hours on Sunday, May 2nd from 4-7 pm at the funeral home. www.menardfuneralhome.com