Marie Bouchard was born on May 1, 1918 in Fall River. Her family moved to Rhode Island when she was a child, and she graduated from Central High School in 1936. Her high school yearbook stated: “What a shy, demure lass she is! You don’t know her, though. Marie has a remarkable disposition and is always ready to help a friend.”
Today, Marie’s family and friends can attest that her high school description has remained true right through to her 100th birthday.
Marie’s first job was at the Boston Department Store in Providence as an administrative assistant. A friendly and sociable woman, she attended dances at Assumption Parish and Rhodes on the Pawtuxet, bowled and played bridge with her girlfriends. It was with this group of friends that she met her future husband, Ray Bouchard. After Ray served in the Navy during WWII, Marie and Ray were married in 1949. They bought a little house in Warwick and settled down, welcoming five children by 1956.
Once all of her children were in school, Marie returned to work. Her administrative and office training enabled her to secure a job as a clerk in the Zoning Office for the City of Warwick, where she remained until she retired in 1981. Ray worked for Hospital Trust Bank in Providence. In their free time, Marie and Ray enjoyed spending time with their family, socializing with neighbors, square dancing, bowling, volunteering in the community and traveling.
Marie has had many travel adventures over the years, taking many regional trips and visiting Canada, Great Britain and Europe. A highlight in Marie’s life was the opportunity to have a private audience with Pope John Paul II at the Vatican, arranged by her Pastor Fr. John Halloran.
Marie’s faith is an integral part of her life, and it is her faith that has sustained her through all of the events and circumstances of her life. Marie reflects her faith in all that she says and does.
Marie’s family includes five children, nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Not only is Marie an inspiration to her family but she is also a daily inspiration for all of the staff and participants at Cornerstone Adult Services. Marie, it is an honor to be your friend, and you are truly 100 years loved by all of us!
“If I could say what is the secret to living to be 100, I would say it was because of my family. We are very close. I have been through some hard things in my life, but I try to be thankful for all that I have, especially my family, and I try to stay positive and happy.” – Marie, April 2018

Written by Heather Austin at Cornerstone Adult Services, a Saint Elizabeth Community, with the assistance of Marie’s daughter, Gail Valkalis.