LACONIA ---- Bernadette “Bernie” Bouchard, 91, of Sarah Circle, passed away on Monday, June 1, 2026, holding the hand of Joseph, her husband of 71 years.
Bernie was born in Goffstown, NH to Everett and Anna (Grenier) Godbois. She was the seventh child of their 11 children. Bernie grew up in Manchester, enjoying ice skating and fishing. She often said, “My family didn’t have much, but what we did have was enough.” Bernie went to work in Manchester shoe factories at 16, the same year she met her future husband, Joseph, at her grandparents’ anniversary party. They wed three years later.
Always a hard worker and dedicated to her family, Bernie and Joseph raised five children, providing each of them an opportunity to attend college. In addition to New Hampshire, they resided in Massachusetts, New Mexico, Virginia, Florida and returned to the Granite State two years ago. While at the Belknap County Nursing Home, Bernie and Joseph could be seen dancing to their favorite song “You Belong to Me.” Bernie was lovingly cared for by their dedicated staff.
In addition to her parents and 10 siblings, Bernie was predeceased by her son Daniel Francis Bouchard and son-in-law Douglas Scarponi. She is survived by her husband Joseph and four children; Ronald Bouchard (Marcia McGrath), Richard Bouchard (Valerie), Donald Bouchard (Amanda Milligan), and Michele Bouchard Scarponi. In addition, she is survived by her son-in-law Robert Powell, five grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
The Rite of Committal will be presided over by Fr. Marc Drouin, at the New Hampshire State Veteran’s Cemetery, 110 Daniel Webster Hwy, Boscawen, NH, on Monday, June 29, 2026 at 1:00pm. A luncheon will follow the service.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services/603Cremations.com, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia, NH 03246 is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, visit wilkinsonbeane.com.