Olivia Ann Bechard

Olivia Ann (Salmoiraghi) Bechard, 77, of Bristol, widow of Victor Bechard, passed away peacefully on October 27, 2024, surrounded by her family. Also known as "Libby", "Sister", "Mema" and "Nonna", Olivia was born on September 11, 1947 in New Britain, CT. She was the daughter of the late Edward and Antoinette (Dolce) Salmoiraghi.
Olivia was a dedicated mother and a generous soul who loved the arts. All three of her daughters danced both competitively and professionally, and there was nothing she loved more than watching them perform.
A life-long Bristol resident, Olivia graduated from Bristol Central High School, Class of 1965. She sang first soprano with her school choir and was known to her classmates and friends as gracious and charming. She was often referred to as "the girl with the million dollar smile". She also excelled as an all-star bowling league champion at the former Bristol Ten Pin. She was an avid spectator at her son, James' Forestville Little League and BEHS soccer games. She brought many years of joy to her cheer squad at St. Matthew's School and the children that spent their summers with "Miss Libby".
Libby also loved the many years that she worked for The Family Center in Bristol and the many friends she made during her 20+ years at the TJX Company, where she could frequently be found at the jewelry counter in the Bristol store. With a sweet smile and gentle demeanor she shared her infectious personality with family, co-workers and strangers alike.
Libby was deeply spiritual and was very close to her stepmother Catherine (Taylor) Salmoiraghi, who raised her from a very young age and with whom she shared a bond of faith and love in Jesus Christ.
She loved spending her free days at Meigs Beach in Madison with friends and her granddaughter, Victoria. In addition, she could be found on Sunday afternoons finding the best thrift and flea market finds with her granddaughter, Savannah, who she referred to as her "lovey girl".
She was very proud of all her children and grandchildren and will be deeply missed.
The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the wonderful staff of Kind Care Assisted Living and Brighton Hospice Care.
Olivia is survived by two sons, James Peters, Jr. and Jonathan Bechard; three daughters, Jodie Maro, Gina Bechard and Lindsey Sepa; three brothers Sal, Eugene, and David; two sisters Donna and Diane; nine grandchildren Savannah, Sawyer, Caleb, Abigail, Evangeline, Zoë, Maizy, Victoria, Julien and several nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be held Thursday, October 31, at 10:30am at DuPont Funeral Home, 25 Bellevue Ave., Bristol. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, Bristol. Calling hours will be Wednesday evening from 5-8pm at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Animal Rescue Foundation by visiting www.arfct.org/donate or to Veterans Strong Community Center, Bristol City Hall, Room 001, 111 N. Main St. Bristol, CT 06010