JUDITH JUDE BOUCHER OBITUARY

On June 27, 2022, our beloved, Mother, Sister, Aunt, Teacher, Educational Administrator, Great Aunt and Friend, Judith Jude Boucher was taken to her heavenly home, after 6 years of fighting a brave, courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Judy died peacefully in her home with her longtime partner, Duane Spaulding and family by her side.
On January 29, 1955, in Burlington Vermont, after a very difficult pregnancy, family novena to St. Jude, and a mother's promise, a strong, healthy, beautiful baby girl named Judith Jude was born to Alcide A. & Rosemary (Rouille) Boucher.
Judy graduated from Johnson State College with degrees in Elementary and Special Education. She continued her graduate work at the University of Vermont, Johnson State College and Lyndon State College leading to a successful career as an Educational Administrator.
Judy started her career at the Eden Central School, where she taught while developing the initial special education program. After which, she became a combination grades 3-4 teacher and then a combination 5th and 6th grade classroom teacher. six years later, Judy accepted a position of teaching principal at the Jay Village School eventually moving on to full-time Principal positions at Newport Town School and Troy School. From this point, she became the Director of Curriculum, Assessment and Instruction, for North Country Supervisory Union and then retired for the first time in 2011. After two years of retirement and a move to Arizona, Judy returned home to Newport Vermont. While relaxing on the beach she received a phone call requesting that she consider a one year position as assistant principal at Newport City School. She enthusiastically accepted and continued on as Principal the following year. Judy resigned the next year, after receiving news that her daughter was diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
Judy spent much of her time traveling back and forth to Arizona to care for her daughter and her 5 grandchildren. A year later Judy received more devastating news that she, herself, had cancer. Judy and her daughter fought their battles together, encouraging each other to keep a positive attitude until the time of her daughter's death. Judy had a deep love for her children as they did her. One of her most prized possessions is a plaque given to her by her children with the words "You're the mother everyone wishes they had".
Judy's lifelong interest was in education. She loved her career knowing she helped many students reach their potential in order to follow their dreams. Interests included reading, sharing books, and having book discussions with her sister, daughter, niece and friends. She enjoyed cooking, staying up all night to make perfect holiday meals for her family. She was never hesitant to try new recipes. She was famous for her hot spaghetti sauce with meatballs, which was especially enjoyed by her brother and Duane's Mother Beverly. Judy traveled to Thailand several times, and was fortunate to meet and establish a beloved extended family relationship. She loved traveling with Duane and they enjoyed attending Bluegrass concerts. Judy enjoyed hiking and snowshoeing the many trails in Vermont, as well as spending family time at the ocean in Maine.
She is survived by her devoted partner, Daune Spaulding, his mother Beverly and sister Brenda and her husband Len Mannino, her daughter Melissa Bouchard and partner Dale Glass and his son Connor, and her son William LeBlanc and his partner Jessica  Sloan and daughter Nizhoni Trahan.
She is also survived by her sisters and their spouses, Betty Gratton , Pat and Bob Carmen and a best friend, Sharon Rubino. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews. Judy fell in love again with the birth of her great, great, nephew John Paul Briggs III, smothering him with kisses, hugs, smooches, presents and of course books. He brought much joy to her in a difficult time of her life. Her sister and a best friend Pat held her hand being there for anything she needed from day one of her journey as did Duane,Sharon, Beverely, and her children.
Judy was also blessed with extended family members. Om Rueangmanee from Thailand, who she loved like a daughter and with whom Judy provided a home and education allowing Om to graduate from North Country High School. She met Monique Main while living in Arizona. Monique was always there to help Judy navigate the landscape as well as she provided support and friendship. After Judy returned to VT Monique married Curtis Main and Judy absolutely adored him.
Judy and Sharon Rubino were coworkers, who immediately formed an invaluable friendship. Judy and Sharon's husband Frank bonded deeply over eating delicious pork ribs. Frank once mailed Judy some meatless ribs bones as a tease that he just had some and she didn't. There were lots of laughs between them prior to his passing. Judy and Sharon's bond grew stronger after Frank's passing and through Judy's illness. Sharon has been the best friend anyone could ask for.
Judy was predeceased by her parents Alcide (Red) and Rose Boucher, her sister Bernadette Lopresti, and her brother Alcide (Butch) and his wife Linda Boucher, also two nephews Michael Gratton and Ernest Gratton, with whom she had a special relationship.
There is no way to thank her partner Duane for the exceptional care he gave Judy. He made it possible for her to remain at home where she was most comfortable. Judy said on several occasions he was a gift from God. The family could not have gone through this as well as we did without him.
Per Judy's wishes there will be no calling hours.
There will be a burial on July 10, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. at the Derby Center Cemetery on Nelson Hill Road Derby Vermont followed by a celebration of life at the Eastside at 2:00 p.m.
Special thanks to the Cancer Center in Zion IL, Dr. Ripple at Norris Cotton Center, Dr. Primeau, at Island Pond Healthcare Center and the Nurses and volunteers for the compassion shown to Judy and her family.
In lieu of flowers, Judy request donations be sent to Troy Elementary School,--- Hot Lunch Program special activities in care of MaryLou Bonneau or the Halo Foundation
Online condolences can be made through Curtis & Britch located in Newport Vermont.
Judy would like to leave you with this wish written by Bob Perk "I wish you enough" blessing
I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright. I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun more. I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive. I wish you enough pain so that the smallest joys make you smile. I wish you enough gain to satisfy your want. I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you have. I wish you enough hellos to get you through the final goodbyes. – With Love Judy

On-line condolences at curtis-britch.com.