Victoria G. Bouchard

Victoria G. Bouchard (Lacasse), 97, of Berlin, passed away on Saturday, November 15, 2025 at the Saint Vincent de Paul Rehabilitation and Nursing Center. She was born in Hardwick, Vermont on September 13, 1928, the daughter of the late Leo and Rose Aimee (Boucher) Lacasse. She lived most of her life in Berlin, NH. She married Rene R. Bouchard on June 12, 1948 (married 72 years) and together they raised three children.

Victoria spent her early years working in her dad's logging company, assisting her mother preparing food in the logging camps, where she developed her cooking skills. She was the oldest of five children and the family matriarch, hosting family gatherings and holidays including Christmas Eve, "Le Reveillon". As a young woman, she worked at Brown Company in the towel room. She later returned to her cooking roots and worked in the Berlin School System cafeteria.

The Bouchard family spent over 70 years on Lake Umbagog. She loved to swim, for hours and miles at a time, and water skiing. She was the chief boat driver. Summers at camp included lots of berry picking, ensuring everyone met their quota. Gardening was also a family event, and canning season brought momentary chaos to an otherwise pristine kitchen. The family certainly enjoyed the rewards year round. Her home smelled of fresh baked goods and of course piccalilli relish.

Victoria was adventurous and active, introducing her children to many outdoor activities. She was blessed with grandchildren and great-grandchildren and after retirement she dedicated a lot of her time to providing childcare. She knew everyone's favorite meals and loved to cook for them, not only for their birthday dinners but on a routine basis.

She was always ready for a road trip, attending her children's and grandchildren's events. For over 20 years you could find her cheering on BHS teams from the bleachers.

She was a strong, determined woman and didn't hesitate to carry a bundle of roofing shingles up a ladder. Her resilience was tested when she lost her son to an automobile incident. She redirected her energy to learning the English language in her forties. She had many friends, joined a morning coffee group. and dedicated time to service St. Anne's parish as a Dame de St. Anne. She loved to play cards and was a challenging opponent when playing "le pique" or canasta. She also loved to make jigsaw puzzles. A wonderful, loving woman who will be truly missed.

Victoria is survived by her daughter Linda Arsenault and husband John, and daughter Sylvia Scarinza, her grandchildren, Paula Poirier and husband Rollie, Bethany Arsenault and wife Joanne, Arielle Arsenault-Benoit and husband Patrick. She was also blessed with seven great grandchildren, Alex Poirier, Olen Arsenault, Lumi Arsenault, Genevieve Benoit, Soren Arsenault, Sigge Arsenault and Benni Arsenault. She was predeceased by her husband, Rene Bouchard, her son, Ronnie Bouchard, her brothers, Paul and Real Lacasse, sisters, Florence Gauthier and Marie Lyons and many friends and extended family

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, November 20, 2025 at 1:00 pm at St. Anne Church of Good Shepherd Parish, 345 Pleasant Street, Berlin, with interment following at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. The family will receive relatives and friends from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm, prior to mass at the Bryant Funeral Home, 180 Hillside Avenue, Berlin. Donations in Victoria's memory may be made to Special Olympics of New Hampshire (www.sonh.org). Memories and condolences can be shared online at www.bryantfuneralhome.net.