Beatrice Tuomi

Beatrice (Bouffard) Tuomi Essex Beatrice Bouffard Tuomi born June 21, 1918 in Winooski, Vermont daughter of the late Alfred and Flora (Yandow) Bouffard, went to her heavenly home on Thursday, February 24 with her immediate family and her extended family at Pillsbury North, South Burlington by her side. Beatrice was married to Leo Tuomi in 1942 and lived for many years in Newington, Connecticut. A kind, caring, and loving person, Beatrice took care of her mother and her mother-in-law. She also dotted on her older brother, Urbain F. Bouffard, upon her return to Essex, Vermont in 1994 after the death of her husband. She worked for many years as the office manager at Standard Register in Newington, Connecticut. An avid card player, Beatrice enjoyed cribbage and Kings in the Corner among other card games. She continued the winning tradition set by her brother. Her family will always remember her as the “Queen of our Hearts”. Beatrice was active in the Essex Junction Senior Center often as the caller for Bingo. She was a participant of Saint Lawrence Parish in Essex Junction, until she became a resident at Pillsbury North where she attended services and received communion with Father Bernie Boudreau. A true lady, she charmed all with her sharp wit and sense of humor. Beatrice was predeceased by her husband, Leo (Feb, 21, 1973), and her siblings: Reverend Maurice Bouffard, Flora Martell, Arthur, Omar, Leonard, Urbain Bouffard, and her sisters Theresa and Genevieve. Having no children of her own, she became the loving aunt of several nephews: Ronald, Richard, Michael, and Paul Bouffard, a niece, Pat Sutliff and an adopted niece, Marie Lynch. She also leaves many great nieces (a particular favorite, Michele Bouffard), great nephews and great, great nieces and nephews. We should not forget her darling, “Fluffy”, who will journey with her and be with her in her final resting place next to her husband, Leo, in Newington, Connecticut. The family wishes to extend their sincere thank you to the Doctors and Nurses on McClure Five East and her primary physician Dr. Roberta O’Brien for their guidance and understanding. The VNA – Hospice of Chittenden County, under the directives of Claire Weis, a gentle, and understanding nurse. The Hospice Singers who soothed and comforted Beatrice with their songs. And a thank you to The Armistead caregivers for their help and assistance in our time of need, with a special thanks to Cathy Michaels for her dedication and immediate response. Last but not least, a special thank you to the Nurses and Staff at Pillsbury North for allowing Beatrice to return home for her final days. She was surrounded by the love and attentiveness of Sam, Jamira, Nancy, Debbie, Claudia, Laurie, Felicia and many others. For all who held Beatrice’s hand and our hands, we say “MERCI MILLE FOIS”. Visiting hours will be held on Sunday February 27, 2011 from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. at A. W. Rich Funeral Home – Essex Chapel. A committal service will be held in Bloomfield, CT. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Visiting Nurse Association, Home Care or Hospice Program, 1110 Prim Road Suite # 1, Colchester, VT 05446 and the Human Society of Chittenden County, 142 Kindness Court, South Burlington, VT 05403. Arrangements are by John D. Workman, A. W. Rich Funeral Home – Essex Chapel, 57 Main Street, Essex Jct., VT 05452. The family invites you to share your memories and online condolences by visiting www.awrichfuneralhomes.com