ROCKPORT: Shirley M. (Daggett) Bouchie, 82, of Rockport peacefully passed away on Tuesday, April 14, 2009 at the Beverly Hospital surrounded by her family. She was the wife of Augustus Bouchie.
She was born July 29, 1926 in Rockport, in her grandmother’s house on the Mill Pond to the late Arthur and Fannie (Anderson) Daggett. She graduated from Rockport High School and was a life-long resident of Rockport. Shirley was very proud of her Rockport heritage, her grandfather, William Daggett, having been a lighthouse keeper on Thatcher’s Island in the 1920’s and her father, Arthur Daggett, having been a much-loved custodian in the Rockport Schools.
Shirley held various jobs over the years, many of them revolving around caring for the elderly in their homes; cleaning, shopping or sharing a cup of tea. She was without judgment, had a big heart and loved helping people. She also had a great fondness for animals, and frequently contributed to a good many rescue leagues and shelters around the country. Her family will remember her most for her compassion, her quiet counsel, her love of books and learning, her obsession with the weather, her strong will and her physical determination. Known for her natural athleticism, her children and grand-children often found it difficult to keep up with her daily early morning regimens of running and walking. Having twice survived breast cancer, Shirley was an inspiration to all who knew her. Married to her husband, Gus, in 1961, the two shared almost 48 wonderful years together, enjoying walks on the boulevard, working in the yard and sharing time with their family. Her unique combination of fortitude and grace will be a lasting legacy to her family.
In addition to her husband, Gus, she is survived by her children; sons Donald Spittle, Jay Spittle and his wife Marien, of Gloucester, Christopher Spittle, Michael Boucher and his wife, Janine, and one daughter Annette Mineo and her boyfriend, David Desmond all of Rockport; 15 grandchildren, Lori, Timothy and Devin Spittle, Jacob and Kristiina Spittle, Jeremy and Amanda Spittle, Z. Lily Perry, Nathan, Bethany and Jennifer Mineo, Bruce and Shane Beck, Katharine and Thomas Boucher; 5 great-grandchildren; and one sister, Nancy Burnham of Peabody.
Her funeral services will be privately held in the Beech Grove Cemetery, Rockport at the convenience of the family. There are no visiting hours. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her memory to the Cape Ann Animal Aid, 260 Main St., Gloucester, MA 01930.