Claire Cecile "Dion" Bouchard

Claire Cecile (Dion) Bouchard of Colchester passed away on August 13, 2025, surrounded by family at the McClure Miller Respite House after a long struggle with pulmonary fibrosis. She was born in Winooski on August 1, 1940, the second of two daughters of Donat and Ida May (St. Peter) Dion. She grew up in Winooski, graduated high school in 1959, and married Raymond (Leonard) Bouchard of Burlington in 1961. Claire worked at a law firm, Blodgett Supply, and the Winooski City Clerk before having children; and at Porters Point School in Malletts Bay when her kids were older. She was the office administrative assistant and was loved by her colleagues and a generation of students who passed through the school. She retired from Porters Point after 28 years of service.

Claire enjoyed knitting sweaters, hats, and afghans, and was an incredible baker. She is well known for her many desserts, including pistachio eclairs, Mississippi mud, and her chocolate chip cookies. Claire also enjoyed camping, traveling south for the winter, cruising to the Caribbean, antiquing and garage sailing, gambling at casinos, and, most of all, spending time with her family. She was a loving wife and a consummate mother guiding her children to who they are today. She was cherished by everyone in her life and will be missed.

Claire was predeceased by her parents and her sister, Jeanne King. She is survived by her husband, Leonard; her son David and his wife Jennifer (Martin) Bouchard and their children Carter, Elise and Everett; her son Michael and his wife Lara (Neiman) Bouchard; and her son Timothy and Jennifer (Bushway) Bouchard, and their children Katherine and her husband Mark Edwards, and Jenna Bouchard; their great grandchild Victoria Edwards; and many cousins.

There will be no wake, formal funeral, reception, or burial service, as per the wishes of Claire. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in her honor at 9:00 a.m. on August 26 at Holy Cross Church in Colchester, Vermont. Friends and family are welcome to attend. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Claire's memory to the American Lung Association or the National Down Syndrome Society.