Bebeann Bouchard

Bouchard, Bebeann. Bebeann, 88, a resident of Albuquerque, New Mexico, passed away on September 19, 2025. Bebeann (fondly known as "B") was vibrant and inspirational. She was known for her kindness and compassion.

Bebeann was born in Buffalo, New York in 1937 and grew up with her two sisters, Christine and Lynette. As the oldest, B was the first to graduate from college, studying drama at Catholic University. She acted in local and international theater productions, including a 12-week tour of Latin America. After graduation, she moved to New York City where she met the love of her life, Donald. After a three-month whirlwind romance, they married. For the next fifty years, B and Don (as they called each other) embarked on countless adventures, beginning with the arrival of their two daughters, Nickay and Ali. After Don graduated with his PhD, the family began their next adventure when they moved to Montreal, where B earned a master's degree in child psychology from McGill University.

B cared deeply about improving the lives of children; it became her life's work. Initially, she taught fourth grade in Buffalo where, seeking her approval, the children would ask, "Isn't that right, Mrs. B?" In Montreal, she continued to substitute teach but made sure to always be there for her girls when they came home from school. After many years of living in chilly Montreal, B and Don embarked on another adventure by moving the family to sunny Albuquerque. There, she became the program manager of Los Pasos at the University of New Mexico, a successful program that provided services to babies who were prenatally exposed to drugs. She also volunteered as a board member for Friends of Foster Children and served on a state commission to evaluate child abuse cases. After retirement, B volunteered in the schools to help young children learn to read. Through her lifelong efforts as a teacher, volunteer, and program manager, B made a difference in the lives of countless children.

In retirement, B stayed busy and was called our "Busy B." She had many interests. She was an avid reader, consuming multiple books every week. And, a New Yorker at heart, she still loved to go out: she enjoyed catching plays at the Fusion theater, going to the opera, traveling, and attending continuing education classes on new subjects. She also loved to entertain: the family celebration that she hosted on Christmas Eve brought together traditions and foods from her travels and childhood favorites and included a competitive game of White Elephant that she reveled in.

Most of all, B loved to spend time with her family and friends. She was the heart of the family, and everything revolved around her. B lost Don after 50 years of marriage. She was a supportive mother and best friend to her daughters, Nickay and Ali, who were her pride and joy. The daily phone calls with them were invaluable and are now greatly missed. B's love expanded to her daughters' husbands, William and Kenny, who could always make her laugh to the point of tears. She found endless delight and pride in her grandchildren, Zachary, Caitlyn, Jessica, and Scott, and great granddaughter, Charlotte. She reveled in their accomplishments. B's sisters, Christine and Lynette (and husband Lee), remained her lifelong friends. She also leaves behind Don's brother, Ray, and his wife, Michelene, nephews Jeffrey, Craig, Michael, and Paul, and nieces Meghan, Ann, and Susan, many grand nieces and nephews, and many cousins.

Bebeann was dearly loved and will be profoundly missed by her family and friends, who will carry forward the memory of her love, laughter and generous heart.

A celebration of life will take place at the Fusion Theater, 708 1st St. NW in Albuquerque, on October 5, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. Friends and family are welcome to attend to honor and remember B. Donations in Bebeann's honor may be made to the UNM Children's Hospital.