Frances L Boilard

Frances Louise Emond Boilard passed away peacefully on July 14, 2024, at the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House, with family by her side. She left us at age 94, following a brief illness. She was born May 17, 1930, in Biddeford Maine to Frank and Louise Emond.
She was known to many as "Bobbie". The nickname originated from a one-time short haircut intended to give her father a second son.
Frances attended elementary school at Stella Maris in Biddeford where she embraced the boarding school lifestyle. She graduated from high school at Presentation of Mary Academy in Hudson, New Hampshire. This was followed by one year of college.
Frances held numerous office jobs including at the Saco-Lowel Shops and Ballard Oil. Meanwhile she met and married Conrad Boilard. They were married on October 15, 1955, in Biddeford. She then assumed the role of homemaker as they raised a family of three children in Biddeford. During this time, she was active in the St. Andre's school PFTA.
When her children were all in school, she began working part time at the Coach Lantern Shop on Washington Street in Biddeford. This was an office supply / gift & card store. It was here that she developed an affinity, a passion for managing the greeting card display. Being well stocked and having the right cards for all the subtle needs meant a lot to her. She found joy and pride in giving the perfect card, with just the right message. Up to her final days, when given a card she would read it in a thoughtful manner, and always appreciated receiving them.
Eventually she moved to Doyon's pharmacy at the corner of Hill & Main Street in Biddeford. She tended the fountain counter in the morning, dispensing beverages & donuts to the regulars, sold lottery tickets and was a cashier. Of course, the highlight of her day was tending to her greeting card display.
Over the years her husband Conrad developed dementia. During this 15-year journey she was an exemplary caregiver, taking him for rides, and activities as his condition allowed. She looked after his needs with support from her children and several respite caregivers to whom she was very grateful. Upon Conrad's passing in 2000, the priest declared that she had earned her angel wings.
During this period Frances had several side hustles as we'd call them today. For well over a decade, she was a Mary Kay Consultant. She didn't do a lot of parties, but she had a good clientele that would come to the house to make their purchases. She would also deliver. She supported some longtime loyal customers for many subsequent years.
Overlapping with Mary Kay, she became a Christmas Around the World Demonstrator. Her daughter Roberta mentored her in this pursuit. With her personality, work ethic and way with people she did very well. She earned several trips to Hawaii for outstanding performance. After working at Doyon's, and then caring for Conrad, she'd load the car with samples and travel to a home to give her presentation and take orders. She'd often be up late tabulating the individual orders and preparing the master order form.
Later she settled into a position working for her son David. Here she worked in the office tabulating time spent on projects and other clerical work. This ended when she was in her eighties.
She found great joy in the arrival of grandchildren and great grandchildren. For as long as she was able, she'd make the effort to attend their sporting events, recitals and presentations. Once her driving days were over, their visits were highlights of her days.
She was a natural caregiver. Beyond caring for her husband, she could be counted on to be there for her sisters when they faced challenges. If she couldn't be there physically, you could count on her for prayers.
In her 80's she got an iPad and used it to correspond and play games. She later passed time in her word search books. There she spotted her maiden name "Emond" in the random letters. Her spirit and faith were unwavering.
She enjoyed independent living in her apartment at McArthur Homes until 3 months prior to her passing. She then moved on to memory care at Huntington Common in Kennebunk. There she enjoyed concerts and hanging out with her neighbors in the dining room. She was active in this community until 13 days prior to her passing.
Frances was the sole survivor of her family including her 7 sisters Isabelle, Theresa, Gertrude, Claire, Cecile, Bernie, Florence, and brother John.
She is survived by her son Peter and wife Lorna of Lyman, daughter Roberta Ferreira of Arundel, and son David and his wife Deborah of Kennebunkport, granddaughters Jocelyn Goodson, Christina Ethier, Amanda Boilard, Samantha Boilard, Brittany Boilard, Katherine Manzo, and Elizabeth Ferreira, great grandsons Liam Boilard, Lex Goodson, Westin Ethier, Kyler Ethier and Ace Manzo.
The family wishes to express appreciation to her neighbors at McArthur Home that encouraged her to attend gatherings and helped with some everyday tasks. Also, the staff at Huntington Common, who kept her safe and sound while making her final weeks a period of excitement and time with neighbors. The Gosnell Memorial Hospice Home, which provided exemplary care of Frances and support to the family members. And to the grandchildren and great grandchildren that stepped up to help Peter, Roberta and David support mémère for the long run.
Frances found great joy in live music. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made so the lives of McArthur Home residents may be further enriched with more live entertainment. Please send donations to McArthur Homes 292 Elm Street Biddeford, ME 04005. Please indicate "Songs for Frances" on your check or envelope.
Visitation will be at Hope Memorial Chapel on Monday, July 22, 2024 from 10:30 am - 12:30 pm with a time to share remembrances at 12:30 pm. A Funeral Outside of Mass will be held at 1:00 pm at Hope Memorial with a burial to follow in St. Joseph's Cemetery in Biddeford.