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Dorothy Boucher Obituary

Dorothy Buck Boucher, 84, prominent Abingdon attorney, passed away on Wednesday, January 21, 2009, at her home in Abingdon, Va., in the loving company of family and caregivers after a brief illness. She is survived by her son, Rick Boucher, of Abingdon; her daughter, Anne Boucher Harrington, of Manassas, Va., by her grandchildren, Rebecca Harrington, of Manassas, and George Harrington III, of Radford, Va. Mrs. Boucher is the daughter of the late Fred C. Buck and Mattie Dyer Buck, of Abingdon. Her husband, Ralph E. Boucher, predeceased her in 1981.
After graduating with honors from Virginia Intermountain College, Emory and Henry College and the University of Virginia School of Law, she was admitted to the bar for the practice of law in 1946 at age 21 and practiced continuously until her retirement in August of last year. Mrs. Boucher was one of the first women to practice law in Southwest Virginia and the first to practice in Washington County and the general region.
She became Commissioner of Accounts for Washington County in 1950 and served in that position for 58 years until her retirement last year.
She led a full and varied life. While raising a family and engaging in an active law practice, she was deeply committed to and involved in public service.
For a combined total of 62 years, she was a member of the Town of Abingdon Planning Commission and the town's Board of Architectural Review, having served as chairman of both bodies at various times. During her tenure, Abingdon's historic zoning ordinance, which is broadly credited with spurring the community's tourism economy, was drafted and adopted under her supervision.
While declining frequent requests to seek elective office, she was deeply involved in the political process, serving as a member and chairman of the Washington County Democratic Committee.
Her civic involvement included membership in Kappa Delta legal fraternity; the Mattie Roundtree Stevenson Women's Club, of which for a time she served as president; founding member of the Washington County Preservation Foundation Board; the Washington County Historical Society; the American Association of University Women, Abingdon branch; the Washington County Electoral Board and the local advisory board for Virginia National Bank, which she chaired. She was a member of the Abingdon United Methodist Church.
In 1997 she was admitted to the Book of Lives and the Legacies of the National Women's Hall of Fame in Schenectady, N.Y. She is listed in Who's Who of American Women and in Personalities of the South.
She was a loving wife and mother to her two children who were the priorities in her life.
A private service will be held for Dorothy Boucher.
The family of Dorothy Boucher requests that in lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory be made to Second Harvest Food Bank, Abingdon Branch, P.O. Box 2579, Abingdon, Va. 24212; the Historical Society of Washington County, P.O. Box 484, Abingdon, Va. 24212; or Emory and Henry College, Emory, Va. 24327.
Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so at www.farrisfuneralservice.com.
The Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service is serving the family of Dorothy Buck Boucher.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Roanoke Times on Jan. 22, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Dorothy Boucher

Not sure what to say?





Sheila D. Nelson

February 2, 2009

Rick,
You are in my thoughts and prayers
during this difficult time. I am sure
you are blessed with many happy
memories of your mother that will always live on in your heart!
With sincere sympathy,

Ronnie Robbins

January 28, 2009

Sorry for your Loss. You are in our prayers.

Your Friend

Ronnie Robbins

Nancy Fleming

January 26, 2009

So sorry to hear of your loss. She may be gone physically but her spirit will linger for ever and ever.

Shirley Carter

January 25, 2009

Congressman Boucher and Family:

I am sorry to learn of the loss of your mother. I did not have the privilege of meeting and knowing her, but from others I understand that she was a special lady.

You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Tom Lipscomb

January 25, 2009

Rick,
Jane joins with me in extending to you our deepest sympathy for the loss of your Mother. She was a fine lady, an inspiring attorney and will be long remembered by all. Please know that you are in our prayers.

Ed Yates

January 24, 2009

Rick, Anne and Families...
I remember Mrs. Boucher as a mentor and fine debater of the issues of the day. Our shared meals with the "lunch crowd" at Abingdon's Empire Restaurant were the highlight of many a day. After my retirement from daily business, my too few chats and visits with her were always pleasant. She kept that same twinkle and competitive energy that made her so special. Although I am many miles away....I share in your loss and celebrate her life.

Doug and Elaine Dillow

January 24, 2009

Congressman Boucher and Family,

Doug and I extend our deepest sympathy to you during the great loss of your mother. A mother is the most precious person in your life and the hardest to give up. Keep the wonderful memories you have of her in your hearts and she will live on with you forever. Trust God to give you the strength you need during this time of sorrow. Our prayers are for your peace and comfort.

With love and sympathy,

Jim Richardson

January 23, 2009

Crossing the Bar

Sunset and evening star,
And one clear call for me!
And may there be no moaning of the bar,
When I put out to sea,

But such a tide as moving seems asleep,
Too full for sound and foam,
When that which drew from out the boundless deep
Turns again home.

Twilight and evening bell,
And after that the dark!
And may there be no sadness of farewell,
When I embark;

For tho' from out our bourne of Time and Place
The flood may bear me far,
I hope to see my Pilot face to face
When I have crost the bar.

By Alfred, Lord Tennyson
The Poetry Foundation

Harry and Peggy Childress

January 23, 2009

We are very sorry to hear of your loss. We will have you and your family in our thoughts and prayers. If there is anything we can do, please let us know.

Christine Spurell

January 23, 2009

Congressman Boucher,

I am so very sorry for your loss. Please accept my condolences and prayers.

Catherine Elliott

January 23, 2009

Rick, I'm sorry for your loss. I know she was a great source to you of love, and also an example of strength and intellectual pursuit. What a lasting influence she had on her community; it's truly something to behold.
Be well.
Catherine Elliott

Cathy Benson

January 22, 2009

Dear Congressman Rick,
So very sorry to hear of your mother's passing. She set a fine example for you and I know she was very proud of you as well. God Bless you and bring you comfort through your memories of her.

Sincerely with Sympathy,

DAVID ANDERSON

January 22, 2009

MY DEEPEST HEARTFELT SYMPATHY GOES OUT TO THE BOUCHER FAMILY, AS I CAME TO KNOW MRS. BOUCHER AND RICK WITH THE YOUNG DMOCATS OF WASHINGTON CO. MANY YEAS AGO THY BOTH BECAME GREAT FRIENDS THROUGH OUT THE YEARS, MAY GOD BLESS AND KP YOU SAF AND FILL YOU WITH HIS UN-DYING LOVE DURING THIS TIME, IF THEY IS ANYTHING I CAN DO PLEASWE LET ME KNOW

Sandra & Rick De Angelis

January 22, 2009

Please accept our sincere condolences in this time of sorrow.

Mary Lily Nuckolls

January 22, 2009

Dear Rick & Amy, We are sad to hear of your great loss. Please know that we are thinking of you. Losing a Mom is not easy. Much love, Jim and Mary Lily

Anita McGlothlin Gibson

January 22, 2009

Congressman Boucher and family,

Our most sincere condolences to you and your family at this time of sorrow. Our prayers are with you and know that our Lord Jesus is with you and provides comfort and peace beyond all understanding.

Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this time.

Many blessings to you and your family.

SIDNEY COLLIER

January 22, 2009

DEAR BOUCHER FAMILY, SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS OF SUCH A DELIGHTFUL LADY WHO WAS A WONDER EXAMPLE FOR HER CHILDREN SINCERELY SIDNEY COLLIER

Tyrone Foster

January 22, 2009

Mr. Boucher and Family,
May GOD bless you, keep you and comfort you all in this time that you are dealing with your loss.

Tyrone Foster
Board Member
Bristol Virginia City Schools

Joyce Wise Dodd

January 22, 2009

As the first female in Virginia nominated for a position on the Supreme Court of Virginia, you took the nomination as both an intellectual opportuity and fun adventure. I was lucky enough to be invited to the hearings with you and other friends.

You treated us to a lobster dinner at Byrams after the day was over and it was evident that you had enjoyed the entire day of grilling and answering.

Your effervescent personality shone like the sun from the first time I met you in 1957 and Anne became my childhood playmate all over Plum Alley.

My parents and I have more than a million memories tied to living next door to your family for more than a half century.

Your kindnesses to us will never be equalled and family events sharing those driveways will not be again.

Godspeed you until one day we can share spirits again.
Much love,
Joyce

connie & phillip harris

January 22, 2009

We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help at this time.

Michael Pippin

January 22, 2009

Mr. Boucher and family,

I want to express my sympathy for the loss of such a fine woman and mother. My heart goes out to you in this most difficult time.

Carolyn Jewell Baldwin

January 22, 2009

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2009

Patricia Blevins-Smith

January 22, 2009

You will always be in the hearts and prayers of the many, many people that came to know and love you.

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