Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Gloria Goeres Bouchard
1928 - 2015
Gloria Goeres Bouchard
1928 - 2015
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1928
DIED
2015
Gloria Bouchard Obituary
Died Jan 14, 2015 in San Antonio, TX of natural causes while on hospice in her daughter Rachel's home.
Born Oct 13, 1928 in Milwaukee, WI to Verona (née Reinhold) & Harold Stetson Gavett. A lifelong Lutheran, she was baptized, confirmed and married at Holy Ghost Lutheran Church in Milwaukee.
Gloria married Richard Valentine (Val) Goeres Aug 19, 1951. Wherever Val was called, Gloria was his partner in creating their home. Upon Val's graduation from Concordia Lutheran Seminary St. Louis Mo in 1953, he received an Air Force Chaplaincy assignment. 30 years of military chaplain service (Air Force & Army) began at Bowling Air Force Base Wash D.C. and ended at Ft Jackson SC with Val's retirement in 1983. Some years as a reservist included a pastorate in Milwaukee 1957-1964 and missionary to Japan 1964-1968.
Val died suddenly in 2000. Gloria's strong love and faith held the family together.
A year after Val's death, friends describe her acting like a high school girl as Gloria and Bill Bouchard enjoyed a sweet and tender courtship. Gloria and Bill married April 13, 2002.
Through all the moves, overseas travel, raising 5 children, being widowed and remarried, Gloria was a strong and steady presence and the quintessential example of a Christian woman. She wrote her children's names on all their clothes and possessions but wrote Christ's name on their hearts. Her loving spirit was so genuine it permeated every encounter she had with people even in her final days when things were a bit fuzzy.
Gloria was a member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church of Columbia, Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), PEO of Columbia, Retired Chaplains and Spouses, and the aquarobics/chair yoga group at the Jewish Community Center (JCC).
She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Thomas Gavett, and first husband Richard Valentine Goeres.
She is survived by:
Husband William Henry Bouchard of Columbia
Her 5 children:
Rachel Goeres (Lydia Powell) of San Antonio
Richard Goeres (Neva) of Norfolk VA
Ruth Picolo of Irvine CA
David Goeres (Joann) of Salt Lake City UT
Daniel Goeres (Jean) of Salmtal Germany
8 Grandchildren:
Gloria Goeres (Clay Arthur) of Edinburg VA
Richard Goeres (Lindsey) of Winston-Salem NC
David Goeres (Stephanie) of St. Louis MO
Ryan Sachetta of Chicago IL
Jonathan Goeres (Karlee) of Ft Walton Beach FL
Courtney Goeres of Houston TX
Kylie & Nicole Goeres of Salmtal Germany
Great Grandson Joel Goeres of St Louis
Stepdaughter Meg Mollohan (Don) of Columbia SC
Nephews:
Geoffrey Gavett (Fariba Farid)
Stephen Gavett (Deirdre Murphy)
Christopher Gavett (Timothy Garrett)
Grand niece & nephew Annie & Will Gavett
Step grand and great grandchildren:
Mykil, Justen, Jody, Kami, Matthew, Jonathan, Kevin, Hannah, Savannah, Vaughn, Raegan, Rylan and MJ
The wonderful friends of Reflections, her church, DAR, PEO, JCC, Chaplains and Spouses, The Mermaids, and countless others.
Funeral service without burial will be Saturday Jan 31, 2015 at 1pm:
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church
2200 Lee Street, Columbia, SC 29205
(803) 799-7224
Reception to follow at Reflections Club House 3-5pm:
2 Stoney Creek Road
Columbia, SC 29209
(803) 776-5795
Use Ulmer Road entrance to Reflections Subdivision.
Please sign online guest registry.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to one of Gloria's designated charities listed here:
Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS) World Mission
1333 South Kirkwood Road
St. Louis, MO 63122
General Fund of Concordia Seminary
801 DeMun Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63105
LCMS World Relief
1333 South Kirkwood Road
St. Louis, MO 63122
Ministry of the Armed Forces
Board for Mission Services
1333 South Kirkwood Road
St. Louis, MO 63122
General Fund of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church of Columbia
PO Box 5692
Columbia, SC 29250
PEO - Chapter U
Continuing Education Program
Attn: Cindy Mins, Treasurer
22 Beaver Dam Court
Columbia, SC 29223
"I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith." 2Timothy4:7
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
January 31, 2015
With wonderful memories of dear Aunt Gloria we hold in our hearts this day of her memorial service. We are privileged to have been part of her family. Today her Kauffman nieces and nephew, Carole, Joanne and Fred are together and remembering her beautiful spirit and life. With love to her husband Bill, all of our cousins and their families. Love, Joanne, Carole and Fred
Inez Hyatt
January 31, 2015
On Tuesdays and Thursdays every week I enjoyed talking to Gloria at the pool.
I miss her now and always will, she was a beautiful lady.
God bless you all!!!!
Elizabeth Kauffman
January 31, 2015
With many fond memories of beautiful Great-Aunt Gloria. Forever in our hearts. A bright angel!
Elizabeth Kauffman-Liroff
January 31, 2015
So many happy memories of our beautiful Aunt Gloria. Especially all those summers with Uncle Richard and all of the cousins at Lake Michigan and Lake Osterhaut by Uncle Ed's summer home--and of course--with my Grandparents in Grand Junction. Thinking of all of you today, Rachel, Dan , Rick, David, and Ruthie--we send our love and deepest sympathy. And of course deepest condolences to Dr. Bouchard. Her memory is a great blessing to our family.
How you can show support
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Dorothy Stewart
January 30, 2015
What a joy to have known Gloria and that beautiful personality.My thoughts and prayers are with Bill and all family and friends
Rita Wiese
January 28, 2015
When Gloria and Val were stationed in Japan, they reached out to the missionaries, inviting us for dinner, finding out what we needed, bringing the homeland closer. Their love for us was special, since they had so many to care about in the chaplaincy. Although we miss them here, we are all on a journey to our heavenly home. There we'll meet again. Love, Rita Wiese (then - Hanno, Japan)
Gary Kirst
January 28, 2015
Gloria has such a special place in our hearts. She and Val were best friends with my mom and dad their whole lives. Such warm, happy memories. Gloria and Bill were also so good in keeping up contact with my mom and dad in these later years, especially being of great comfort to my mom before she went to be with the Lord in the fall of 2012. It's neat to think of them being reunited! And we, through faith in Christ, will see them again too. What a joy! Our sympathies to Bill, and to Rick, David, Daniel, Rachel, Ruthie, and your families, as you adjust to the loss of your dear mother. My dad, who is still doing quite well, sends his condolences as well, and is honored to make a donation to LCMS World Relief, in Gloria's honor. With Love, Gary S. and Gary A. Kirst
Diane Engels
January 26, 2015
Gloria and Val lived next door to my parents Rod and Ginny Hungerford on Shadow Creek Lane in Columbia. Our family has known them for 30 years. Gloria was my mother's SC sister, they were such close friends. And when Val passed away, their friendship just got closer. When Bill entered the picture, Gloria was complete again, and the four of them were a team again. My children called her Grandma Gloria, and loved her like a Grandma. She was one of the most gracious, sweetest, compassionate woman I will ever know. My thoughts and prayers are with her family at this time. I love you Gloria, you will always be with me.
Pat Mahaney
January 26, 2015
I had the honor of meeting Gloria when she joined my water aerobics class at Ft Jackson. Bill my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Evelyn Burger
January 26, 2015
Bill and all the family:
It was a pleasure to know Gloria these last 8 years. She was an elegant, gracious Christian woman. Our prayers are with you during this difficult time.
melissa zaletski
January 21, 2015
Pastor Goeres, Neva and all the family, You all continue to be in our hearts and prayers at this time. We did not have the pleasure to meet her but know from sermon reflections that she was a very cherished mother. We will be thinking of you all as you travel to be together for her service. ken and melissa zaletski
Anne Jones
January 21, 2015
Gloria was one of the sweetest ladies I met at the JCC . Her genuine smile remained the same throughout the years. I will miss her dearly and look forward to meeting her in heaven.
Mary Revels
January 20, 2015
Gloria was one of the first to welcome me into her neighborhood. What a gracious, loving lady she was. I miss her so much already.
Katherine Dummer
January 19, 2015
My deepest sympathy is extended to the entire family. The few times I was with Gloria, I was impressed how gracious and genuine she was. Glad I had a chance to get to be with her. The last time I saw her was at Geoff (Gavett) and Fariba's wedding. She seemed so happy being there with her new husband. May your wonderful memories and God's support see you through this time of grief.
January 19, 2015
Bill and family, I am so sorry to hear of Gloria's death. I met her ushering at Workshop Theatre before you married her, and it was indeed a pleasure to see you two every time we met somewhere. Gloria was such a sweet and elegant lady. Prayers and love for you and the family during this difficult time. Jimmy Dawkins (West Columbia, SC)
January 19, 2015
"You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.We send you our heartfelt condolences. God bless you and your family..."
Larry & Rosemarie Nolen
Norman & Erika Cox
January 19, 2015
We send you our heartfelt condolences. Bill, Erika and I loved Gloria and will miss her smiling face greatly. Keep in touch with us please. God bless you and your family.
January 19, 2015
Praying for Richard and Neva and all the family. Gloria was such a wonderful Christian lady.
January 18, 2015
We have so many memories of Gloria at Holy Trinity, as she and Val arrived here in Columbia about the same time that we did. Gloria always set a wonderful Christian example for everyone. We will really miss he, but thank God for her life.
Pete and Rita Witt
Jean Hamilton
January 18, 2015
Gloria was a beautiful woman inside and out. I did water aerobics with her and Bill at Fort Jackson and later at the JCC. I got to know her best when we swam laps together at the Knight pool at Fort Jackson. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. May God bless each and every one of you.
Laura and Floyd Bowles
January 18, 2015
Floyd and I miss you so much! My special mentor and friend.
Mary Kehl
January 18, 2015
Gloria was such a lovely lady and giving human being. I thank our Lord for letting me know her.
Barry & Kathie Bost
January 18, 2015
We have known, loved and worshiped with Gloria since the 1980's. She is a true and shining example of a loving Christian. She will be missed by many. Our thoughts and prayers are with Bill and the family.
warren hughes
January 18, 2015
.As a sister member of the USC DAR, I was deeply saddened to hear of Gloria's passing. She was one of the finest people it has ever been my privilege to know. The world is indeed diminished without her genteel presence. My heartfelt sympathy to all. What a legacy she leaves. Warren Hughes.
Stetson Kindred
January 17, 2015
The members of the Stetson Kindred of America, Inc., were saddened to learn of the passing of Gloria and extend to you our sincere sympathy.
Adele Foerster
January 17, 2015
As a young Army nurse, I have fond memories of Gloria (and Val) welcoming me into their home while Rachel and I waited to take our nursing board exams in 1977. Gloria was SO gracious, loving and ready to talk. I am sorry for the loss you feel, but so amazed to hear the story of how you all cared for her in her last days. God bless you all!
Rachel Goeres
January 17, 2015
It was the privilege of my lifetime to care for you in your final days Mom. Our friend Martha wrote about your final journey on her website and you are already helping others be less afraid of dying as they read your story. I love you and will miss you terribly but am comforted knowing I will see you again when it's your turn to greet me as your parents greeted you this week.
http://www.marthaatkins.com/blog/
Rachel, Val, Gloria - 60 years ago
Rachel Goeres
January 16, 2015
So much love Mom! From the time of my birth until you breathed your last - always love.
Mom & Joann in Aiken, SC
Dave Goeres
January 16, 2015
We love you mom. Thanks for making our lives wonderful, being the example of love, and being our support all these years. All our Love Dave & Joann
Tom, Verona, Gloria, Harold
Rachel Goeres
January 16, 2015
Val & Gloria
Rachel Goeres
January 16, 2015
Val & Gloria
Rachel Goeres
January 16, 2015
Goeres Family - Japan 1968
Rachel Goeres
January 16, 2015
Gloria & Val Wedding
Rachel Goeres
January 16, 2015
Gloria and Val - dating years
Rachel Goeres
January 16, 2015
Tom, Gloria, Grandma Alvina and Mother Verona
Rachel Goeres
January 16, 2015
Gloria with her parents Verona & Harold and brother Tom
Rachel Goeres
January 16, 2015
Gloria as a Toodler
Rachel Goeres
January 16, 2015
Camp on the St Lawrence River
Rachel Goeres
January 16, 2015
Lydia's 60th Birthday Party - Rockport TX
Rachel Goeres
January 16, 2015
Bill, Rachel, Gloria on their porch
Rachel Goeres
January 16, 2015
Gloria's 80th Birthday
Rachel Goeres
January 16, 2015
Gloria and Bill's backyard
Rachel Goeres
January 16, 2015
Bill & Gloria
Rachel Goeres
January 16, 2015
Richard & Lindsey's Wedding - Jan 2014
Rachel Goeres
January 16, 2015
Gloria's 86th Birthday - Oct 2014
Rachel Goeres
January 16, 2015
Christmas 2014
Rachel Goeres
January 16, 2015
Gloria meets her new daughter Ruth in Korea. Ruth was adopted in 1967.
Rachel Goeres
January 16, 2015
Showing 1 - 48 of 48 results
625 Kitty Hawk Road, Universal City, TX 78148
Make a Donation
in Gloria Bouchard's name
How to support Gloria's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Gloria Bouchard's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
