Claudette Marie Bouchard

August 4, 1949 – July 28, 2023

In the early morning of July 28^th, MY darling partner Claudette, was finally able to achieve her deepest desire which was to die at home with me by her side.  And so she began making the transition to the next stage of her eternal life which she believed in, profoundly.

Claudette is survived by her loving husband, John Fraher, her twin sister Colette Parker, sisters Diane Williams, Estelle Ayre, Lynn Dillion, and their husbands, as well as her brother Marc Bouchard.  She was predeceased by her brother Guy Bouchard and both her parents.  Claudette was part of a large and loving extended family, including John’s children, Kate and Sean, their partners and four wonderful grandchildren.  She also had 19 nieces and nephews and 17 great nieces and nephews.

Claudette was blessed with countless dear friends and colleagues many of whom she met from her travels around the world.  She lived in Europe in her mid-twenties, working in Germany, Switzerland, and England.  After returning home long enough to earn a degree in Communications at SFU, she then moved to Tokyo, Japan where she worked for more than a decade, immersing herself in Japanese language, culture and forming lifelong friendships.  She also continued her studies in the field of Energy and various Healing Modalities.

Claudette used her varied experiences and knowledge for good at every opportunity, always volunteering her time to those in need.  The Rotary Club and Mental Health of Youth were only two of the many causes she championed.  Some of the highlights of her career include her “Nanny for the Soul” practice, decades as an Energy Coach, Chakra Teacher, and Personal Counsellor.  She also found time to co-write the book, “Energy is Real”.

After moving to Vernon in 2014 to marry John, Claudette trained as an End of Life Doula. In this career she could fulfill her lifelong commitment to the dying and their families.  Her chakra work expanded, much to her delight, and the new circle of friends she formed gave her joy and fulfillment.

Claudette was the finest example of a loving partner, sister, friend, mentor, pioneer, entrepreneur, student, teacher, healer, listener, and a voice for those who had none.  She was a strong, loving woman with a warm, infectious smile. She lived and shared a courageous and conscious, independent way of life.  Her influence on those she spent time with was moving and profound.  Her memory will live on in the hearts of every person she met.

May she be remembered in Love and Light.

Claudette, and her partner John, would like to express their heartfelt gratitude for the care extended to her by:

• Dr. Cathy Brown and Assistant Diane, for their love and attention, over the last few, challenging months.
• Dr. Hardy, Dr. Rankin and all the Cancer Clinic Team in Oncology at the Vernon Jubilee Hospital for their tireless and outstanding care, especially over the past year.
• Dr. Roux and his staff from the Cardiology Department at VJH.
• Carson Mitram and Ruby Maw, Pharmacists at Hogarth Pharmacy in Vernon.
• Deanna, Wayne and Kim at Cypress Funeral and Cremation Services.

And finally, we would like to express our appreciation for the marvelous Community Care Aides who work for Interior Health, at least seventeen(17) of whom were sent to our home-sometimes when they were not even asked for or needed – to provide quality personal comfort and care to Claudette in the last weeks of her life. They were kind, sensitive and professional.

As Interior Health employees, these local Care Aides are a sometimes-under-appreciated group of community workers in the Vernon area.  In our experience, they do not seem to get the support and fair treatment they deserve as dedicated, hard-working employees.  We think they should be held in the highest regard: For the sick and aged living at home, and their supporting families, they are invaluable people.

Additional thanks to Palliative Nurses Emily, Sara and Heather who helped us through Claudette’s final days.

And finally, John wishes to acknowledge a huge debt of gratitude to several friends of Claudette who were Angels of Grace and Mercy in Claudette’s final weeks; most notably Claudette’s step-daughter Kate, living in England, whose letters filled Claudette with love and joy, Babette her incredible caregiver, Jane, who played harp for Claudette (at her request and for hours at a time): Carla and Shell, who were always alert for any opportunity to help.  These loyal friends, each, in their own unique way, were magnificent…..”Simply the Best!” Thank you so much.

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There will be a Celebration of Life for Claudette in VERNON

Thursday August 10th at 5:30 pm,

Paddlewheel Hall, Okanagan Landing Rd, Vernon.

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There will be also be a Celebration of Life for Claudette in PORT MOODY

Wednesday, August 16, 2023 at the Old Mill Boathouse,

2715 Esplanade Avenue,

starting promptly at 11am

All are Welcome.

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**** MAY WE SUGGEST YOU CONSIDER MAKING A FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTION, IN CLAUDETTE’S NAME,
to the VJH FOUNDATION–THE McMURTRY-BAERG CANCER CENTRE. Claudette knew first hand,
the invaluable expertise and care the Staff provide every year for many North Okanagan patients –
and with remarkable cheer!  Please do what you can to support their vital work in our community. ****

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Arrangements entrusted to

Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services 250-546-7237

Condolences may be expressed to the family by phone or email through Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services: