Alice M. Boulay

Loving, dedicated, spirited, and generous- those are the words that best describe Alice Boulay, who was born on August 26, 1922, in Fitchburg, MA, and passed away on January 7, 2024. Alice was a beacon of joy in the lives of everyone she met, a woman of great faith and unwavering devotion to her family. As a lifelong congregant of St. Bernard’s Church, Alice lived her life in accordance with 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”

Alice spent her early years in Fitchburg, where she married the love of her life, John A. Boulay, on June 29, 1946. Together, they built a life centered around their shared values- family, faith, and love. A dedicated worker, Alice was employed as the floor lady in the packing department at Anwelt Shoe Co. for many years, taking time of to raise her children, and retiring in the 1980’s. Her dedication was reflected not only in her work but also in her deep love for her family and community. 

In her retirement, she turned her love for sewing into a gift for others, creating stuffed bears that were given out by local police and fire departments to comfort scared children. Always the first to lend a hand, Alice also volunteered many hours to MIHN, making curtains, bed clothes, and cooking meals for homeless families. Her generous heart and spirit knew no bounds.

Life with Alice was a celebration of family, tradition, and joy. A proud daughter of Polish decent in her home, Bobby Vinton or polka music was always playing in the background during summer events and family outings. In 2022 she achieved her goal of living to the age of 100. She loved traveling with her sister Marie around New England, with many trips to Cape Cod and even to the Pennsylvania Dutch area and as far away as Canada. Alice was a golfer, a fan of jigsaw puzzles, and a faithful viewer of Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy, and Family Feud. She also found joy in the simple pleasures of life, like scratch tickets she received from her family, showcasing her fun-loving and spirited nature. 

Alice was predeceased by her husband of 45 years, John A. Boulay, in 1992, her parents and her brothers. She is survived by her children, Robert Boulay of Gardner MA, Paul Boulay of Gardner MA, Donna Nolan of Ashburnham MA, James Boulay of Fitchburg MA, and her sister Marie Bedard of Fitchburg MA. She was also the proud grandmother to 13 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild, and leaves behind many nieces and nephews. 

Calling hours will be held on Monday, January 15, 2024, from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Brandon Funeral Home, 305 Wanoosnoc Rd. Fitchburg, MA 01420. A funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, at St. Bernards Parish at St. Camillus Church, 333 Mechanic St. Fitchburg, MA at 11:00 am, with burial to follow at St. Bernard's Cemetery, 96 Goodrich St. Fitchburg, MA.

We invite all who knew Alice to share their memories and photos on her memorial page www.brandonfuneral.com In celebrating her life, let us remember Alice Boulay as she was- a woman of faith, a beacon of love, and the heart of her family. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to St. Bernard’s Parish, Leominster Hospital Hospice, or to Alzheimer’s Research in her memory.

Arrangements under the care of Brandon Funeral Home, 305 Wanoosnoc Rd. Fitchburg, MA 01420.
Kevin J. Mack, Walter C. Taylor, Melissa A. McQuaid, Funeral Directors.