Shirley F. Bechard, 66, of Main Street, Ashuelot, died Thursday morning at the Maplewood Nursing Home in Westmoreland, following a period of failing health.
She was born in Montague, MA. on July 14, 1945, the daughter of Felix and Obeline (Lavigne) Bovin , she resided in Turners Falls, MA and then in Orange, MA prior to moving to Ashuelot in 1969.
Mrs. Bechard graduated from the Turners Falls, MA. High School, class of 1963 and worked in the Monadnock School District as a substitute teacher for twenty years. She thoroughly enjoyed teaching and many of the students she taught still remember her fondly. She was also a seamstress for a number of years and sewed for many families in the region. She enjoyed selling and delivering Stanley Home Products, as well as all of the people she got to know doing this.
She was a member of the United Church of Winchester and had been the Sunday School Superintendant for many years. She also loved to bowl on the Girls Night Out League in Brattleboro, VT and treasured being with people. Shirley loved to cook and organize functions. She catered numerous events of varying sizes.
She is the widow of Louis A. Bechard who died in 2006 and is predeceased by a brother Robert Bovin.
Survivors include: four sons: Richard F. Bechard and his wife Susan of Winchester, Kennith A. Bechard and his wife Cindy of Marlborough, Daniel L. Bechard of Winchester and Stephen D. Bechard and his wife Kristin of Manchester; two brothers: Dennis Bovin of Belchertown, MA. and Reginald Bovin of Chicopee, MA., three sisters: Yvonne Satrowsky of Orange, MA., Jeannine LaFountane of Inverness FL., and Marie Reil of Malone, NY; numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren, as well as nieces, nephews and cousins.
Calling hours will be held at the Fletcher Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 33 Marlboro Street, Keene, Thursday, March 29th from 6 to 8.
Services for Mrs. Bechard will be held at the United Church of Winchester, Monday afternoon April 2nd, at one o'clock. Friends are invited.
Burial will take place at the family lot in the Evergreen Cemetery in Winchester.