Obituary of Louise Genevieve Boutilier, Gardiner Mines

With sadness we, her family, announce the peaceful passing of Louise Genevieve Boutilier (March 29, 1931) on January 19th, 2020 at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney. In her final days, as always, she was surrounded by the enduring love of her family. Louise, the eldest daughter of the late Thomas and Bertha Mackie, was a life-long resident of Gardiner Mines. Louise married Charles Boutilier on June 7th, 1948 and together they raised their family of twelve children. She is deeply mourned by her husband, Charles, and sons and daughters, Terry (Colleen), Brenda (David), Deborah, Coleen (Gary), Rosalie, John (Lorrie), Vernon (Debbie), Darrell (Kathy), Paul, Carolyn (Allan), James (Wanita), and Cheryl. As a family, we are forever grateful to our sister, Deborah, for her dedication to Mom as her primary caregiver. Louise is the cherished grandmother and great-grandmother of sixteen grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren---she will be remembered always as their very special Nana. Louise’s proud legacy is one of great devotion and generosity to her family---she is truly the tie that binds us all! Louise will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by her sisters and brothers, Evelyn; George (Rosalind); Anna (Wayne); Seward; Leone (Keith); Brendan (Judy); and, Gail (Daniel); her many nieces and nephews; and long-time neighbours and friends. Along with her parents, Louise was predeceased by her father and mother in-law, William and Marcella Boutilier, brother and sister-in-law, Bobby and Joan Mackie, sister, Heather McMullin, brother-in-law, Fabian Boutilier, niece, Kim Mackie, and niece and godchild, Alicia O'Connell. All who knew and loved Louise will continue to hold dearly memories of her kindness and genuine interest in everyone she met and came to know. She faced her health challenges over the past years with the grace, resilience, and steadfast courage she showed throughout her life. Thank you to the caring members of Cape Breton County Homemakers, VON, EHS, and the doctors, nurses and medical staff for their part in Louise’s care over the past years. Thank you to the An Cala Palliative Care Unit staff and volunteers for their attentive care during the past days. Funeral arrangements will be conducted by V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, Chapel & Reception Centre, 16 Reserve Street, Glace Bay. Visitation will take place on Thursday, January 23rd from 1:00 p.m. until the time of the service at 3:00 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. Fr. Dan Boudreau presiding. A reception will follow. Burial at St. James Cemetery will take place at a later date. Donations in Louise’s memory may be made to Parkinson Canada or Diabetes Canada. Online condolences may be sent to the family at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca “We will miss you and love you always.”