Ida B. Lavoie (née Boisvert)
Ida B. Lavoie (née Boisvert) was called home by her Heavenly Father on February 1, 2024 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Nashua, NH. A gift to her parents Joseph William Boisvert and Blanche Irene Boisvert (née Fournier), she arrived on November 6, 1934 in Lowell, MA. She was educated in the Catholic school system, starting at Notre Dame de Lourdes and St. Joseph’s High School of Lowell before moving to Nashua, NH with her family at age 15. In Nashua she attended St Louis de Gonzague. On a toboggan, she met the love of her life Normand R. Lavoie. Adorned in Chantilly lace and satin, she wed Normand in 1955.
Together, they raised five boys, born across six short years, in what Ida had called one of the most busy and full periods of her life. That the boys grew up to be friends, as well as brothers, brought her joy all her life. Ida invested in her community through her work at the local bank, Sprague Electric, and the Nashua Corporation, never missing a chance to work the polls. While working, she still found time to enjoy bridge games and visits across the street to see the Lavoie-seniors. In retirement, she and Normand traveled in the company of their beloved siblings and close friends, taking cruises to Alaska and adventures to Arizona. She and Normand were exuberant to be promoted to the role of Memere and Pepere as their children began to have their own children.
Ida was a devout parishioner of St. Joseph’s Church in Nashua, NH from its inception. She regularly donated her craftwork and time. She made the pulpit a more beautiful place with her delicate altar clothes and her knitted hats have warmed the needy for decades. She found resolve in her faith and congregation when Normand passed on in 2002. She has always expressed her gratitude to have been raised in the church and educated by the nuns.
Amongst the things that we will always remember Ida for will be her craftwork. Her embroidery and needlepoint were beloved at home and once celebrated in a local art show. Upon the arrival of each grandchild, she presented her family with elaborate and unique hand-stitched Christmas stockings. To count the stitches and hours and love each stocking carries is to be awestruck with the depth of Ida’s generosity and flat-out skill. As the numbers of grandchildren grew, the collection of stockings expanded, tracing the edges of two walls. Her home, and the homes of those she loved, are filled with her art, especially at Christmastime.
Memere was a loyal friend who devoured books and enjoyed a nice cup of tea. In her twilight years, she enjoyed reunions with her high school graduating class, Friday morning breakfasts with her youngest, Thomas, and many, many weddings and babies from her grandchildren. We will remember her when we think of deli meat platters and ribbon candy and we will miss her every day.
Ida will always be the matriarch for her 5 sons, 14 grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren. Ida was predeceased by her husband Normand R. Lavoie, her brother Albert Boisvert, her son William Lavoie, and her granddaughter Lindsey Lavoie. Ida is survived by her sister Pauline Daniel, her sister-in-law Rosalie Lavoie, her daughter-in-law Karen, her sons David and wife Darlene, Marc and wife Maureen, Denis and wife Carol, and Thomas and wife Deborah, her grandchildren Meghan, Justin, Ashley, Bryan, Emily, Jonathan, Abigail, Nathalie, Mitchell, Samuel, Kim, Wendy and Nicholas, her great-grandchildren Corinne, Elsie, Lincoln, Hazel, Joseph, Liam, Arianna, Madeleine, Noelle, Griffin, Zachary, Madison, Garrett, Ryan, Rilynn, Declan, and Lilianna and many cousins and loved ones.
Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, February 8th from 4pm – 7pm in the Dumont-Sullivan Funeral Home, 50 Ferry Street in Hudson. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Friday, February 9th at 9:30am in St. Joseph the Worker Parish, 777 West Hollis Street in Nashua. All may meet at church. Burial will be in St. Louis Cemetery, Nashua. To share an online message of condolence, please visit www.dumontsullivan.com The Dumont-Sullivan Funeral Home in Hudson is in charge of arrangements.