Funeral Service
Obituary of Audrey Sarah Boutilier
“To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.” (Thomas Campbell)
With sad and heavy hearts, we announce the passing of a much-loved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. At the age of 79, Audrey Sarah Boutilier died suddenly at the Infirmary site of the QEII on September 30, 2023, after suffering a massive heart attack. Mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease about three years ago. As her condition worsened, she needed a level of care we could not provide. We will always be grateful for the home she found and the kindness and compassion she received at Arborstone Enhanced Care, where she lived for the past two years. To the staff on the 3rd floor, in particular, we would like to say: Thank You! We could rest well knowing our Mom was in your care.
Audrey was born in Mushaboom, to the late Allison and Jessie Boutilier. She moved to Halifax around the age of 16 and began a new life with her then husband, the late Cecil Boutilier. They raised three children and in due course, Mom went to work. She ended her working life (reluctantly) at the age of 70 at the Victoria General Hospital, Halifax, where she had served in Housekeeping for over 30 years. Regarding Mom’s hard work and diligence, a friend wrote: “The floors in heaven have never been cleaner since your Mom arrived. No mops, you know, hand and knees is the only proper way to wash a floor!”
Audrey leaves to mourn her children, Tim Boutilier (Cindy), Halifax; Angela DeWolfe, Halifax; and Sandra Fyfe (Jim), Upper Vaughan; and stepdaughter, Amanda Douglas (Brett), Halifax; her grandchildren; Charles, Jillian, Justin, Jason, Emma, and Alec; step-grandson, Harrison; great-granddaughters, Payton and Adamay; and great-grandson, Joseph; her brothers, Oliver, Leonard, and Fred; and her sisters, Della “Pat”, Doreen, Janie, and Valerie; as well as many nieces and nephew; and countless friends.
Audrey was predeceased by her beloved husband, George Douglas; her brothers, Calvin, Joey, and James; and her sisters, Lorna and Barbara.
Audrey’s death marks the end of our Tim Horton’s runs for a cup of tea and a muffin, the search for yet another Search-A-Word puzzle book or those Maple cookies she loved, and the trips to Wal-Mart for even more yarn to make even more dishcloths. Mom left behind her love of (old) country music (and some of us are glad she left it behind!), but she left with us her deep love for us. Mom was devoted to her family and, while she was able and “Papa” was around to drive her, she attended as many activities and events her children and grandchildren were involved in as she possibly could. Mom showed up! She was our link to many family members and friends, always visiting and keeping in touch by sending cards on every occasion, while she was able. She never ended a visit or phone call without saying “I love you,” sometimes more than once! Her death was unexpected, and we will miss her terribly.
We will gather to remember Mom and give thanks to God for her life at a Funeral Service on Saturday, October 7, 2023 at 2 p.m. in St. Luke’s Anglican Church, 9 Veterans Ave. in Dartmouth, with the Reverend Matthew Sponagle presiding. A reception will follow with a good cup of tea. Cremation has taken place and the interment of her ashes will follow on Friday, October 13, 2023 in Fairview Lawn Cemetery. If you would like to honour Mom’s life, send someone a card, pay them a visit, tell them you love them, or enjoy a game of BINGO. If you would like to make a charitable donation in her memory, gifts to St. Luke’s Anglican Church, Dartmouth; or St. John’s Anglican Church, Wolfville; will be gratefully received.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Serenity Funeral Home, 34 Coldbrook Village Park Dr., Coldbrook, NS, B4R 1B9 (902-679-2822).
