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FATHER MAURICE U. BOUCHER

MAURICE BOUCHER Obituary

FATHER MAURICE U. BOUCHER, SSE ISLE LA MOTTE, Vt. - Father Maurice U. Boucher, S.S.E., 87, died on Sunday, Aug. 23, 2009. Father Boucher, son of Rene and Imelda (Choquette) Boucher, was born on May 9, 1922 in St. Sabine, Quebec, Canada. He was a professed member of the Society of St. Edmund for 65 years and an Edmundite priest for over 61 years. Fr. Boucher graduated from St. Michael's College in Colchester, Vt. in 1944. Following his ordination in 1948, he was assigned to the educational work of the Society at St. Michael's College, where he earned his Master of Arts in sociology. During the summers from 1956 to 1964, Fr. Boucher was Director of St. Anne's Shrine in Isle LaMotte, Vt. and in 1964-1965, he became Vocation Director at St. Edmund's Novitiate, Mystic, Conn. Fr. Boucher was assigned as Chaplain of South Shore Catholic High School and McDonald- Cartier Catholic High School in Quebec, Canada from 1965 to 1971, and then was assigned Chaplain of D'Arcy McGee High School until 1976. In the summer of 1976, Fr. Boucher became Pastor of St. Amadeus Parish in Alburgh and St. Joseph's Mission in Isle La Motte as well as Director of St. Anne's Shrine, where he served for more than 40 years. He opened his heart to bring people to God and God to people and ministered to all who came. In 2002, Fr. Boucher was appointed the Spiritual Director of St. Anne's Shrine. Fr. Boucher retired on September 3, 2007 to his parents homestead on the Gore Road in Highgate Center. He was close to his family and spent two very happy years there. Father was a longtime member and chaplain to several councils and assemblies of the Vermont Knights of Columbus and had also been an active member of the Isle La Motte Historical Society. In addition he also served many years as the Roman Catholic Chaplain to the Northwest Correctional Facility in Saint Albans Town. Besides his brothers in religion, Father Boucher is survived by four brothers and sisters-in-law, Hertel Boucher and his wife, Andree of Montreal, Quebec, John Boucher and his wife, Anita of Swanton, Paul Boucher and his wife, Ellen of Maple Glenn, Pa. and Gilbert Boucher and wife, Gemma of Highgate Center, three sisters, Claire Gabso of Shelburne, Lucille Biever and her husband Duane of Poughkeepsie, N.Y. and Yvette Mazuzan and husband George of Springfield, Va.; a sister-inlaw, Madeline Boucher of Saint Albans as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by brothers, Brother Laurent Boucher, CSC, Germain Boucher, Dr. Bernard Boucher; a brother-in-law John Gabso and a sister-inlaw, Rita Boucher. Visiting hours will be held on Friday, Aug. 28, 2009 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at The Kidder Memorial Home, 89 Grand Avenue, Swanton, VT, (802-8683331). A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2009 at 11 a.m. at St. Anne's Shrine, 92 Saint Anne's Road, Isle LaMotte. Interment will follow at St. Joseph's Cemetery in Isle La Motte, Vt. In lieu of flowers and in Honor of Father Boucher, S.S.E., donations are requested to support the Shrine which he loved and served for many years. Gift in honor of Fr. Boucher should be sent to: St Anne's Shrine, P.O. Box 280, 92 St. Anne's Road. Isle La Motte, VT 05463-0280. To offer private online condolences please visit: www.kiddermemorialhome. com .

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Published by The Burlington Free Press from Aug. 24 to Aug. 26, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for MAURICE BOUCHER

46 Entries

Elie Dumitru

March 27, 2023

Deepest condolences to the family and friends of a wonderful man. May he rest in peace.
On behalf of the Romanian cyclist, Elie Dumitru, who visited from 1995 to 2006 and has only fond memories of Father Boucher. His humanity profoundly marked me, a great thank you.

Al & Nancy Scaia

September 21, 2009

We were blessed to have had Father Boucher a part of our lives. Over the years he would invite us to be with him to celebrate our wedding anniversary. He married us 52 years ago this past June. Keeping with the tradition, he invited us to his home in Highgate and together we celebrated Mass on our anniversary. He was a loyal, loving, giving, friend and spiritual leader. He always welcomed us and our family with open arms, and of course when we were leaving him he would reach into his pocket and gives us a St.Anne medal. He included us in his works at the Shrine, by asking us to be on the Board of Directors. It was an honor and privilege, especially to have the opportunity to witness Father's vision and ability to lead. We will miss him dearly and will be forever gratiful for the many years of his unselfish love, friendship, and spiritual guidance. Our heart felt love and prayers go out to the Boucher and Society of St. Edmund families.
We love you father.

Helena Huc-Haffly

September 21, 2009

Farewell to a "true Man of God"Father Maurice Boucher
The following words describe him well: "Love of neighbor, grounded in the love of God, is first and foremost a responsibility for each individual member of the faithful. As a community, the Church must practice love. The Church is God's family in the world. In this family no one ought to go without the necessities of life. We contribute to a better world only by personally doing good now, with full commitment and wherever we have the opportunity." (Pope Benedict XVI)

Angela Gooley

September 8, 2009

God has blessed me by knowing Fr. Boucher born raised in Champlain N.Y. Just a short ride over to shrine from across lake .No words can describe the love inside this man had anyone who knew him knows what i am talking about May his new journey be as wonderful as him.You will never be gone to me always in my heart you will stay.Always follow the life light & love. GOD bless forever!! ST. ANNES SHRINE was special because of you.

Henry Worell

September 3, 2009

We offer our deepest sympathy. When tragedy strikes and takes the life of our loved ones, many cry out with great sorrow. Your tears are not unnoticed by the Creator of Life. Never was it his purpose for our human lives to be taken away. Although your deep pain will not easily disappear, prayer to God will bring comfort to you as you grieve. The Bible assures us God "is healing the broken hearted ones, and is binding up their painful spot." Psalm 147:3

Charlene Urwin

September 1, 2009

Father Boucher was a special man--nonjudgmental, welcoming, and accepting. He baptized my niece's daughter when my niece's own church refused to do so because she was unmarried. A number of years ago a friend of mine who's Jewish and I attended one of Father Boucher's masses...we both decided he was a social worker at heart (we're both social workers). The church--and the world--need more human beings like Father Boucher. He'll be missed.

Ross & Susan O'Loughlin

September 1, 2009

Father Boucher was truly a living saint who touched the lives of many. He married us eight years ago at the Shrine and provided us with great inspiration. We gave him a personalized autographed picture from Arnold Palmer which brought out that beautiful and reassuring smile. Now he is no doubt making many birdies, countless new friends, and reuniting with old ones in heaven. "This is the day the Lord has made" will always ring true. The Lord now has a wonderful helper to assist in making those days .

Rick Harris

August 28, 2009

I FEEL SO VERY VERY BLESSED to call Rev. Maurice U. Boucher S.S.E FRIEND. We have shared many phone calls over the past year and a half. It was such a pleasure to speak with him. He was the closest man to God that I knew on this planet. Father Boucher lived what billions of men were unable to do. He gave his whole Heart, Mind, Soul and Strength to his LORD AND SAVIOR most of his entire life, He told me He gave his whole life to GOD starting at the age of 14 years old and I know he continued until he took his last breathat 87. I am completely amazed at the amount of life's that he touched and the life's he changed by the Grace of God. I am SURE that the first thing JESUS said to him was " WELCOME, MY VERY PLEASING SON.... I LOVE YOU ....NOW COME AND LET ME SHOW YOU ALL THE TREASURES YOU HAVE BEEN STORING UP IN HEAVEN. ALSO, TAKE THIS MIGHTY CROWN THAT YOU EARNED TO WEAR FOR ALL OF ETERNITY...... NOW, LET ME SHOW YOU ALL THE LIFE'S THAT YOU TOUCH AND CHANGED, AND THAT YOU LED RIGHT TO ME, THERE IS FAR MORE THAN YOU CAN EVER IMAGINE." I felt that he was a direct link to GOD. and sometimes I felt like I was talking to Jesus. I LOVE YOU Father Boucher and I WILL MISS YOU UNTIL I SEE YOU AGAIN. As all of our calls ended. You say a little prayer for me and I'll say a little prayer for you.

Carolyn Sue McKenzie

August 28, 2009

I will always remember Father Boucher as my friend, spritual consultant and beloved priest of God. My family and I visited the Shrine since we were children and we are going there now to honor our families who are now at peace in the arms of Our Lord and His Blessed Mother, Mary. I also go as a member of the World Apostolate of Fatima to honor Mary.
When my son was nearly 4 years old I brought him to see the horiffic fire of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Connception (his Daddy was a young firefighter) and he said "The Lady is crying, take her down". She is now at the Shrine watching over us thanks to the direction of Father Boucher and many other wonderful people.
I want to send my deepest condolances to Father's family and friends.
I will miss him and I thank God for bringing him to us and for all his many prayers he said for us.
He always said to me when I was down
"throw your troubles into the Lake and let Our Lord and His Blessed Mother take care of you"
Thank you Father for your many prayers and kindness to me and my family.
Carolyn Sue LaVallee McKenzie World Apostolate of Fatima

Roland & Clairette (Poquette) Berard

August 28, 2009

Our family have many memories of Father Bourcher, since 1959. In 1980 he helped us to organize our Our First Vt. Blue Army Day ,(now called the World Apostolate of Fatima),, and always would join us. even if he was feeling too well..
He always and looked forward to having the State statue of Our Lady of Fatima at the Shrine for the summer. and when we picked her up, he would say, oh, you are taking our Mother away. and always a smile and greeting for people. Enternal rest and perpetuall shine on him.

Frank Moriarty

August 28, 2009

When I first signed in as a Freshman at St. Mike's in 1953, "the Twig", as we affectionately dubbed him, was my hall proctor in Old Hall. He helped us all weather the fears and uncertainties of that first year...and he introduced me to my wife of 50 years who was taking instructions in the Catholic Faith at the time. Thank you, Father, for all of the above and for just being who you were...a humble man whom I admired and respected.

Roberta Douglas-Cayea

August 27, 2009

My first summer at the Shrine was 1980. Fr. Boucher took myself as well as other young adults under his wing. he taught us about love and respect. I remember singing and playing the guitar 5 masses a weekend. He always had time to spend with us...as a father figure and a friend...As we grew, and branched out, he was always there. Thank you for making a difference in my life. I will love you always and forever...

Raymond Lambert

August 27, 2009

Father Boucher was and is a special blessing of God and a living saint to those who knew him. One was my mother, Lucienne (Laroche) Lambert. In the late summer before she died in December, 1986 she visited Saint Anne's Shrine. She really wanted to see Father Boucher. Her greeted her warmly, conversed with her in French, and gave her Holy Viaticum for her journey. Now they are in the loving presence of La Bonne Sainte Anne and the Holy Family.

Bernie Piche

August 27, 2009

Father Boucher truly did God's work here on earth. He was always so positive and you always felt good around him. I thank God for making us connect is this life and hopefully the next.

Attrude Bennett

August 27, 2009

I would like to send my condolences to Father Boucher's family to let them know how sorry I am at his passing, Father was a very kind and generous man. My late husband (Al) and I were best of friends with him for all of the years he was at the Shrine and also while he was assigned in Grandfield Park, Canada where we visited him at this home there. When my husband passed away in February 2004 Father was still recovering from cancer, but insisted on doing the funeral mass. This is the kind of person Father was. He will be greatly missed.

Sarah McChesney

August 26, 2009

Father has been a part of my life since birth. My parents ran the restaurant that once sat almost directly in front of the new building. Father baptized all of the children in our family. I served as an alter gile for nearly 10 years as did most of the children in the parish. Father Boucher deserves to be put on a pedastal for all the great work he accomplished in his life. He and I had a few heart to hearts that have provided me with wisdom for a lifetime....He will be greatly missed!!

August 26, 2009

Father Boucher was a Saint on earth and now is truly welcomed into the bosom of "good Ste. Anne".I had the honour of being Roger Doucet's best friend and introduced him to Father Boucher at the shrine. Roger was in great demand to sing the Canadian National anthem on Canada Day, yet every year for over 10 years he went to the shrine and sang both the Canadian and American anthems to celebrate the birth of our two great countries. He gave up a considerable amount of booking fees in so doing. Later, after Roger had a malignant tumor on the brain and had trouble remembering the simplest things. I would get a call from his dear wife Geraldine and she would say that Roger wanted to go to confession and the only person he was willing to confess to was Father Boucher. I would call Father B. at St. Amadeus and ask him if he would be available in around an hour and a half. Not once was he too busy to see us and administer absolution to Roger without the need of a formal confession. After, on the way home, Roger would be like a child who had just made his First Communion. These are memories that are priceless and although I grieve, I feel blessed to have known this Saintly man. My thoughts and prayers and those of my family go out to Father's immediate family and his great circle of friends.
With love, I am,

Frank Mell Munster, Ontario, Canada.
former summer resident of Isle La Motte

Joe & Lucy Sweet

August 26, 2009

Father Boucher was a wonderful and caring person. He will be greatly missed by all. But he will be watching over us from heaven.

Karen Gleich

August 26, 2009

I knew Father from the time was 5 years old when my mother worked at St. Anne's Shrine. My father and mother were very good friends with him for many, many years after that. He officiated at my wedding in Isle La Motte, 16 years ago and baptized my daughter. He will be greatly missed by everyone, he was a one of kind priest and will never be forgotten by anyone!

Connie Boutin

August 26, 2009

Father Maurice Boucher, SSE has been a part of my family for as long as I can remember. He baptized our babies, visited our sick and buried our beloved deceased family members. My mother loved his visits and they would laugh and talk. He said he always left her house in a happy mood. My dear husband Ray worked with Father for many years preparing the church dinners at the shrine and St. Amadeus or whatever job Father assigned to him. We traveled to many Bishop Fund dinners together and he was always fun to go with. I have never seen him turn down anyone in need. He always told me "What would Jesus do?". This is a great motto to live by. He had a special way with the elderly and the sick. Offering much comfort and healing prayers. Father also baptized many many babies at St. Anne's Shrine and God Bless him for that. Father we love you and will miss you always. Conne Pearo Boutin

Angie Gaboriault

August 26, 2009

In December 1992 I was blessed to marry into such a wonderful family and a dear friend of this family was Father Boucher. Father touched my heart the moment that I met him as he has touched so many. Father welcomed me with open arms into the Catholic Church, baptized me and joined our hands in holy matrimony. Once again we were blessed when "Father Boo Boo" (as our daughter called him when she was little) baptized our three children. What a precious man and such a beautiful soul. i'll miss you. PEACE AND LOVE to you Father.

Jessanne Wyman

August 26, 2009

I met Father Boucher through my work when he was responsible for building the new building at St. Anne Shrine. He was a kind and gentle spirit. He brightened my day everytime I met or talked with him. I will continue to think of him as his presence will always be felt by those who met him. Jessanne Wyman

Tricia Pasquini

August 26, 2009

Father, you will be missed greatly! Your passing came as a shock to many, and happened way too soon. You were unlike any priest I have every met in my 32 years you cared and thought about all, not just your assigned regional "heard" of followers. Your dream and desire for all "our brothers and sisters to come together" will never be forgotten. Hopefully another blessed individual will make this their personal mission also. Thanks for always having the open door policy with His children.

Marlene Ovitt

August 26, 2009

I met Father Boucher when I was 16 years old working at St. Anne Shrine. I served him many meals which he was always appreciative of. In 1984 he performed at my wedding ceremony in Alburgh. Fifteen years later in meeting him at another ceremony he was genuinely proud of me for still being married. Well Father, in February we will celebrate our 26! Thank you for many years of kindness.

Herbie Pearo

August 26, 2009

Father Boucher was a real life walking, talking Saint, who always had time for everyone else's problems or worries. We will miss him dearly but never forget him and all he did to enrich our lives.

jack adams

August 26, 2009

"Another day to live, another day to love!" How often did I hear that cheery "How bout that!" His gentle pastoral spirit helped usher me into my career (of 36 years at the school he worked at many years ago).

So blessed to have known him..."pretty good!"

Jack Adams - St. Bruno Quebec

BERNARD&KATHY LASHWAY JR

August 26, 2009

My wife and I have been going to St Anne's Shrine for over 33 years. Father Boucher left a great impression to all that he incountered. He will be truely be missed to all. He will be truely be missed by us.

Karen Duhamel

August 25, 2009

Dear Father Boucher,
You have been an inspiration to me and my family. A pillar standing for what is right and good. We have missed you, and will always remember you with unforgetable love of life and people.

EDIE JARVIS-POLLIN

August 25, 2009

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Father Boucher. A very special man- he touched the lives of so many, and comforted us all when we needed it. From childhood memories to my now grown children's memories, we shall miss him.
Edie Jarvis Pollin & family

August 25, 2009

August26,2009
My family has been going to St. Anne's Shire for 54 years. We got to know Fr. Boucher, We have missed his kindness and smiling face for the past few years. We were very sorry to hear about his death on our annual visit to St. Anne's Shire on Sunday 8/23/09
May he rest in peace in Heaven with the angels and Our Lord .
The Cayea and Fitzgerald Familes
Lake Placid N.Y.

Wayne E. Lavertue

August 25, 2009

With the passing of Father Boucher some of the light cast upon the souls of God's children will dim. Fr. Bouchard was a TRUE man of God & we know that he is seated at the right hand of the Father smiling down upon us all. GOD BLESS THIS GOOD MAN rest in peace.

Clara Stearns

August 25, 2009

Father Boucher was the man most like Jesus that I ever met. He was so loving and gentle-a real servant of the Lord.

Dolores Smith

August 25, 2009

To all of Father's family and friends....Back in the 60's Father Boucher had been instrumental in involving some of the teens at the high school at which he was chaplain, in a mission of sorts. Two of my sons benefited from his being there and his wisdom. They worked at Ile LaMotte that summer and rememeber the times as being Wonderful. Father Boucher, will be, I'm sure, greatly missed by all with whom he came in contact.
May the One who comforts and sustains us all help you grieve and help you heal and may happy memories of days gone by make you smile.

TAMMY AND KEVIN SAMPLE

August 25, 2009

WE WILL MISS FATHER BOUCHER . HE WAS WELL LOVE IN ARE FAMILY AND HE WAS VERY GOOD TO ME AND MY SON AND I WE WILL NEVER GOTTEN HIM . HE WILL BE IN ARE HEART FOR EVER. GOD BLESS TAMMY AND KEVIN SAMPLE.

Shirley Hyde

August 25, 2009

Father Boucher was the most wonderful person I have every known, he will be missed greatly.

Valerie Blaine

August 25, 2009

I met Father Boucher in 1978 while visiting relatives staying at St. Anne's Shrine campground. I have never fogotten him, and have seen him several times since. He was certainly a man of God and set a great example for others. He will never be forgotten.

Heather Bockus

August 25, 2009

Father will always be remembered, as we all share the stories and memories of how he lived his life and how he touched all of ours. Father was a amazing man that I will never forget.

August 24, 2009

When Father Boucher would visit the ST.Albans Nursing Homes the Resident's faces would light up like a bulb. He would always take time to talk to You whether you were of His Parish or not.He will Greatly be missed by All!Sincerely, Marie Longe L.P.N. of Georgia, Vt.

Buffy Little

August 24, 2009

Father Boucher welcomed our choir, St. Patrick's from Rouses Point every year when we played for the K of C service. He also made me feel very comfortable during the many weddings I played and sang at St. Anne's in Isle La Motte and in Alburgh. The choir members of St. Patrick's were singing high praises when they welcomed Father Boucher into heaven.
We here on earth will miss his kind heart and gentle ways, but heaven is rejoicing at his coming home.
Love and prayers to his family,
Buffy Mero Little/Organist

Ed & Sidney Murphy

August 24, 2009

If ever there was a person who was a living-breathing personification of Jesus Christ that person was Father Boucher. When I first knew him he used to say things to me that completely blew me away. It was as if Jesus Himself were talking to me. I still marvel at those things. Father is the reason that I decided to recommit my life as a member of the Catholic Church. I fled from the Catholic Church for all of my adult life, but I never was able to escape from that which was buried deep in my heart, that the Catholic Church was indeed the one true faith. I simply could not escape from the fact that every time I saw Father Boucher I was seeing Jesus Christ. May God bless you and keep you Father Boucher.
Ed Murphy

Gloria Hart

August 24, 2009

Father Boucher was such a caring person. I worked at the Shrine as manager of the snack bar for quite a few years and Father never turned a soul away if they needed help. He always looked out side the box when there had to be something done always relied on Jesus to help. he will be missed.Prayers for the family. Gloria Hart [Avon Park,fl.

Maurice Dufresne

August 24, 2009

Our most sinceres condoleances to Father Maurice Boucher family. We are French Canadians and been summer residents for the last 19 years. We attend regulary masses and help out at Saint Anne Shrine. It is a great lost for all American and Canadian communities. We all know that there will be a very special place waiting for him in Heaven. Maurice and Micheline Dufresne (Isle La Motte, Vt.)

Andrea Blanchard

August 24, 2009

I remember going to St Annes Shrine both as a child and adult with my family. Father was always willing to take time to talk with us kids and my folks. When I went with my 2 children, he said a prayer over both of them, and also a special prayer over my son, who was disabled. Fr will truly be very missed. He is one of our angels now! Andrea Rainville-Stanhope-Blanchard

David Fortin

August 24, 2009

To the Family of Father Boucker,
Please, rest in God. Thank you for your years service to Him and to our Beloved St. Anne.
Thank you for all you have done, in praying for my mother, when she was ill, those many years ago. I know you are welcomed in the arms of Jesus and Mary. You and your family and those of the Edmundite Fathers will forever be in my prayers. I ask for your intercession from our Eternal Father, in Thanksgiving for a recent conversion of Faith. Please, Father, ask St. Anne to guide and strengthen our Faith, and the faith of all grandparents everywhere.
Rest in Peace, good friend.

David Fortin
Everett, Ma 02149

Joanne Harrington

August 24, 2009

I remember as a child going to St. Annes Shrine every sunday for the church services,, You will br greatly missed!!

Lou Dubrule

August 24, 2009

My mother worked at Shore Acres for many summers and she felt that St. Anne's Shrine was her spiritual home. Fr. Boucher made her so comfortable and welcome; and now she has welcomed him to join her in Paradise. Rest in peace, good and faithful servant.

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