MERIDEN, NH — Bernice A. Bouchier, 78, of Meriden, NH, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 26, 2019, surrounded by loved ones at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center.

Bernice was born on October 13, 1941, at home in Meriden, NH, to the late Edward Howe and Hazel (Martin) Corliss. She attended Plainfield schools and graduated from Lebanon High School in 1960. In the early-to-mid 1960s Bernice worked as an aide at both Crotched Mountain in Greenfield, NH, and at Alice Peck Day Hospital in Lebanon, NH. She briefly worked at American Optical and College Supplies in Hanover, NH. On May 5, 1962 she married Lester J. Bouchier, Jr., of Lebanon, NH, and had 3 children, Brian, David and Cheryl. Bernice then worked for many years as a cheese cutter in Meriden, NH, and then babysat many young children in her home. Bernice was an active member of the Meriden Fire Department auxiliary for many years and was a Girl Scout leader.

Bernice was a hardworking woman, kind, caring and a very loyal friend. She enjoyed a variety of activities to include farming, gardening, hunting, fishing, riding snowmobiles, camping in Maine and Pittsburg, NH, cooking, baking, canning, knitting and spending time at the ocean. Her biggest joy was taking care of her family and doing everything she could to see them happy and healthy.

Bernice is survived by her husband of 57 years, Lester J. Bouchier, Jr., of Meriden; her two sons, Brian and David Bouchier also of Meriden; her daughter, Cheryl Bouchier and her fiance Anthony Camelo of Sanbornton, NH; a sister, Vera Wilmott of Kerrville, TX, and a sister Violet Wilmott of Lyme, NH; many nieces and nephews; and by her beloved best friend Becky Flynn and her husband Dan Flynn of Cornish, NH. In addition to her parents she was also predeceased by her stepfather, Warner Corliss; and her two brothers, Harvey and Orin Howe.

Bernice battled cancer for 20+ years and the family would like to thank all of those who cared for her from the Oncology Department and the Wound Clinic at DHMC and from the VNH.

There will be no calling hours or memorial service and a private burial will be held at the family’s convenience.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations in her name be made to the Norris Cotton Cancer Center at DHMC in Lebanon, NH.