Joan Bouchard

Joan “Dodo” Bouchard
Brewer-Bangor
Joan “Dodo” Hope (MacDonald) Bouchard, 76, passed away on February 4, 2015 surrounded by her family after a courageous battle with bladder cancer. Joan was born on April 30, 1938 in Bangor, the daughter of Gerald and Marguerite MacDonald.
Dodo graduated from Bangor High School in 1956, and began working at the A & P grocery store where she met the love of her life, Dudley Bouchard. She worked at Bangor Hydro for several years until becoming a wife and mother. Dodo and Dudley were married on April 15, 1961. They became business owners of the Brewer Variety and Dud’s Dairy Freeze in Brewer. After selling the restaurant, Dodo began work at the Brewer School System in the superintendent’s office where she met so many lifelong friends.
Dodo lived a very active life. She had many hobbies and social events that she cherished. She was well known for her talent in ceramics and most anyone who knew her has a piece of her art. Her calendar was full of events that kept her busy all the time. From ceramics, lunch with the secretaries, choir, coffee groups, and her precious grandchildren’s sporting events were just some on the list.
Dodo and Dudley raised their 3 daughters in her dream home on 3 Lincoln St. in Brewer where they made a beautiful life together. Dodo was a devoted wife to Dudley as he battled with MS for over 28 years. They truly had the purest form of love. After Dudley passed away she sold her house and lived a simpler life in a retirement community where she enjoyed spending time with new friends, known as the “Chamberlain Gang” . She reconnected with a special friend, Pete Shaw, and they enjoyed traveling and dining.
There were eight shining stars in Dodo’s life... Her grandchildren. She absolutely adored each of them. Shelby, Taylor, Morgan, and MacKenzie Baston, Kayla and Natalie Mayo, and Zachary and Olivia Steiger. She was their biggest cheerleader and will be terribly missed by them.
Dodo is predeceased by her husband, Dudley Bouchard, and two brothers, Gerald MacDonald and Robert Day.
She is survived by her three children, Kathleen Bouchard of Gray, Michelle Mayo and Jason Gaslin of Brewer, and Tricia Steiger and her husband Brent of Brewer. As well as her siblings, Richard MacDonald and his wife Carol of Bangor, Mary Churchill and husband William of Gray, Linda Webb and husband Buddy of Veazie.
Dodo held a special place in her heart for Dudley’s brothers and sisters: Gil, Terry, Les and Toots, and her many nieces and nephews, and Chris Mayo who she thought of as her own son. Dodo was a devoted friend to many and would drop everything to help someone in need. Many times sitting with a friend who was ill or bringing over her delicious meals. Her generosity and love for her friends was admirable.
Relatives and friends are invited to call 4-7 p.m. Sunday, February 8, 2015 at Brookings-Smith, 133 Center St. Bangor. A Funeral Mass will be held 11 a.m. Monday, February 9, 2015 at St. Paul the Apostle Parish, St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, North Main St. Brewer. The family invites relatives and friends to share conversation and refreshments in the parish hall, following the mass. Spring interment will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Brewer.
Donations in Joan’s “Dodo” name can be made to: Brewer Children’s Fund; Attn: Jamie Rennebu, 261 Center St. Brewer, ME 04412.
Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.BrookingsSmith.com.