Online Obituaries

Nicole (Chainey) Boilard, 78, of Chicopee, passed away on April 16, 2021, surrounded by her loving family, after a long-fought battle with Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease.

She was born in Arthabaska, Quebec, Canada, on Jan. 27, 1943, the daughter of the late Armand and Rachel (Gardner) Chainey. Without yet knowing the language, Nicole emigrated from Quebec to the United States at the age of 23 and learned English by comparing French and English versions of books. She worked tirelessly to care for her family, and also worked as a hairdresser for Beauty Shop on the Green in Longmeadow, a drapery specialist at General Cleaners in Holyoke, and finally as a home health aide for Barton’s Angels in Northampton before she retired.

Nicole was extremely talented in the areas of sewing and embroidery. Her common sense, fairness, resourcefulness and strength of character, empowered by her faith, were imparted to those she influenced, especially her children. Nicole heartily enjoyed holidays when her growing family came together to laugh and celebrate. She was young at heart and spent time ice-skating, cross-country skiing, bicycling and visiting Block Island with her daughters. She also enjoyed long walks on snowy days, so it was fitting that she died on an unexpectedly snowy spring day. Although she eventually lost her ability to communicate, Nicole’s naturally positive and kind spirit persisted.

Nicole is survived by her son, Pierre Boilard and wife Jacqueline of Austin, Texas; her daughters, Andree Smith and husband Jeremy of Suffield, Conn., Suzie Nolin and husband Michael of Uxbridge, Mass., Lucy Campbell and husband Scott of Belchertown, Mass., son-in-law Scott Lavine of Bedford, NH, and grandchildren Evan, Christine, Andrew, Daniel, Timothy, Jessica, Julia, Simone, and Katie. She is also survived by her brother Andre Chainey and his wife Collette of Quebec, as well as her sister-in-law Cecil (Dubois) Chainey of Quebec, and many beloved nieces and nephews. Nicole is predeceased by her daughter, Renee (Boilard) Lavine and her siblings, Jean-Guy Chainey, Lisette (Chainey) Pothier , and Madeleine (Chainey) Rouleau.

The family extends our deepest gratitude to Manar Ouedghiri, Nicole’s long-time and loving caregiver. Nicole and Manar had a precious relationship and Nicole’s burden was truly lightened because of it. Her in-home care would not have been possible without Manar.

A memorial service will occur at a future date. Memorial contributions can be made in memory of Nicole Boilard to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org/donate or by mail at Alzheimer’s Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC, 20090-6011.