Josephine (Josie) Boucher, aged 85, passed away peacefully at TBRHSC on January 25th, 2024 with her family by her side.
Josie was born May 1st, 1938 in Fort William to Mike and Anne Kopcik, and was the youngest of three girls. Her two sisters were Mary and Margaret. Josie grew up on a farm collecting fruits, vegetables, and eggs, but she hated the rooster who always chased her. She went to Hillcrest High School and thought of becoming a nurse, but near the end of Grade 12 she had change of heart. She heard an announcement over the intercom that said students could quickly become teachers, and her mind was set. They called them the “six-week wonders” as the program was very short.
Josie later attended Teachers College in North Bay and then continued her education by pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree at Lakehead University. Josie met a very handsome man named Udger (Butch) from North Bay, and they married in 1959. They later moved back to Thunder Bay and built their home on the property where she was raised. They then had two sons, Robert and Steven, who were always loving and devoted. Josie taught at a number of schools: one year at Widdefield school in North Bay, nine years at Holy Cross, one year at St. Annes, ten years at Corpus Christi, four years at St. Bernards, and ten years at St. Margarets.
She took pride in preparing the Grade 2 children for the reception of confession and Holy Communion. Josie enjoyed her teaching career so much that she struggled with her first year of retirement because she did not yet have any grandchildren, so she volunteered in her dear friend Carmel’s classroom for several years. Her sons married, each giving her a loving, handsome and intelligent grandson: Theren and Dylan. Grandma cherished any opportunity to spend time with her family especially gatherings such as birthdays, Christmas, New Years, weddings and anniversaries.
She also enjoyed travelling before and after her retirement, and went on cruises with her fellow teachers. Josie was a devout Catholic and her faith was very important to her. She was involved with Corpus Christi Church and the Catholic Women’s League for over 60 years. Josie served as secretary, Spiritual Convenor and served several terms as president. She also volunteered for their funeral committee and the choir, and was honoured to receive her Maple Service Pin. She was also an active member of the Auxiliary to St. Joseph’s hospital and the Lakehead University Convocation and the Liberal Women’s Club. Josie was a very active volunteer and gave her time to many groups and as well made many donations to various charities. She found so much enjoyment in her life by helping her own family as well as those in need.
Josie always used to say “Life is what you do with what the good Lord has given you, and how you enrich the lives of others in the best way you can”. Josie will be lovingly remembered by her sons Robert (Leslie) and Steven (Cheryl), grandsons Theren and Dylan, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins.
Josie was predeceased by her husband Joseph (Butch), parents Mike and Anne Kopcik, and sisters Margaret Tabachak (Peter) and Mary Benka (Joe). A special thanks to the Thunder Bay Paramedics and TBRHSC staff, especially Dr. Kim, Dr. Johnson, Zoey, Anita, and PJ.
A Funeral Mass will be held Thursday, February 1st, at 10:30 am at Corpus Christi Roman Catholic Church.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Cancer Society or the Leukemia Society of Canada. Condolences and fond memories may be expressed at www.sargentandson.com.
