In the wee hours of August 03, 2021, Irma Eva (nee Longard) Boutilier passed peacefully at the age of 100 years. She was born in Tantallon on November 08, 1920, to parents Harvey and Minnie (nee Levy) Longard. Later in her childhood she was raised by her paternal grandparents Frederick and Susan (nee Boutilier) Longard.
Irma lived in Tantallon with the exception of her time working in printing presses in Oshawa and Halifax before her marriage to Bruce Emerald Boutilier on September 02, 1950.
Irma was a devout Christian who preached only by example. A devoted wife and mother of five children, she sometimes found time to assist her husband in the family business. Many, perhaps most notably her grandchildren, were inspired by her grace, work ethic, hospitality, wit, and patience. Her grandchildren, who called her “Nannie B”, and her great-grandchildren, who simply called her “B”, basked in her unconditional love and age-appropriate attention.
Among her myriad skills, Irma was an accomplished seamstress, knitter, and tatter. Her home-cooked meals, breads and desserts were the stuff of legends. Always learning, she had a keen interest in researching and sharing Longard and Boutilier genealogy. Irma was an avid reader, who also memorized and recited Psalms. She played hymns on her piano for her own amusement and was passionate about crossword puzzles and Scrabble.
Irma adapted nicely to the monumental societal changes which she witnessed in her long lifespan. Her happy places were her shorefront on St. Margaret’s Bay, the campmeeting grounds at Pugwash, the homes of relatives in Fox Point, and our spectacular country which she traversed twice with her husband Bruce in their motorhome.
Irma was an energetic caregiver for extended family throughout most of her life, yet her last few years found her in need of care herself. The family thanks Dr. Krista Thompson, Jeanette and Kenneth Boutilier, Flora and Cassie Farrell and Shauna (nee MacLeod) Archibald for their dedication and diligence which ensured that Irma’s every need was met. Her family also expresses gratitude for the exceptional medical care provided by attending VON’s and most recently, the staff of St. Vincent’s Nursing Home.
Irma is survived by all of the following family members:
Children: Margaret (Robert) MacLeod, Kenneth (Jeanette) Boutilier, Paul (Brenda) Boutilier, Anne (Gary) Whittenburg and Carolyn Boutilier.
Grandchildren: Dennis (Trudy) Boutilier, Shauna (John) Archibald and her brother Grant (Kimberly) MacLeod. Siblings Emilee Boutilier, Brad (Alison) Boutilier and Mandi (Talal) Alawaid, Brett Gustafson, Ryan (Alanna) Gustafson, Siblings Lindsay (Tim) Benner and Jade Guinchard (James Cushinan).
Great Grandchildren: Cameron and Miles Archibald, Madalene, Nathan and Ainsley MacLeod, Alexi and Drew Boutilier, Waleed and Kareem Alawaid, and Brody Benner.
Irma was predeceased by her husband of 49 years, Bruce E. Boutilier, her only sibling, Thelma (nee Longard) Cheney and by her son-in-law Larry Hurshman.
The family and Irma’s church community have lost a tiny giant of a centenarian.
Due to Covid 19 restrictions a private family service will be held at a later date.