Irene Margaret (Semancik) Bouley

Irene Margaret (Semancik) Bouley entered eternal life on Sunday, July 24, 2022. She wanted to be remembered for her love and trust in God and her devotion to the Blessed Mother Mary. Her joy in life was filling the role of wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, teacher and friend.

She was born on January 29, 1926 in the historic house called Burnham Tavern, North Burnham Highway, Lisbon and was the daughter of Andrew Semancik, Sr. and Susan (Barbalics) Semancik who predeceased her. She was also predeceased by two brothers, Andrew Semancik, Jr. and John Semancik, Sr. and her in-laws Gilbert and Betty Bouley, William and Lucille Bouley and Annette and Howard Shackett.

Irene married her high school sweetheart and love of her life, Laurent H. (Larry) Bouley on June 11, 1946 at St. Joseph's Church, Athens, GA.  He passed away on January 15, 2013. She is survived by two children: daughter Laurie Bouley Cormier of Lisbon, CT, and son Laurent H. (Larry) Bouley, Jr. and his wife Karen, of Colchester, CT.; and two grandchildren who gave her much joy, Haley Irene Cormier and Bryce Francis Cormier. She had a warm and loving relationship with her nephews and nieces who also survive her, Andrew Semancik III, and his wife, Lisa, and their children Jessie and Lauren; Steve Semancik, wife Caroline and son, Christopher; Susan Semancik; John Semancik, Jr. and wife Janis; and Richard Semancik and his wife, Mary; Kim, Karen and Keith Shackett and Michelle Bouley Joshnick, Jill Bouley Ireland and Paulette Bouley Ferraiuolo.

Some of her happiest days were spent in the company of her niece and nephews from Weymouth, MA, fondly called the “Weymouth Bouleys”: Gilbert, Robert, John, Richard, David and Jane.

Irene was a graduate of Lisbon Central School and the Norwich Free Academy. She received an Associate’s degree from Charter Oak College and a Bachelor's degree from Eastern Connecticut State University. She worked as an executive secretary for the Dean of Journalism at the University of Georgia after her marriage, returning to Connecticut after living in Georgia for several years.

She taught at Notre Dame High School in Norwich until they merged with St. Bernard High School from 1970 to 1991. Her time there was an active and joyous one.  In addition to her teaching duties, Irene was Director of Student Activities, Senior Class Co­-coordinator, moderator of the Future Business Leaders, Principal Advisory Board secretary, Glad and Sad coordinator, business development chairperson and was a loyal “Saints” sports enthusiast.  She also served on the Diocesan Board of Education from 1980-1987.   She accompanied and chaperoned students on many trips both domestic and abroad. Her love for and friendship with fellow colleagues as well as former students continued long after her retirement.

Much of her happiness and serenity came from being a lifelong member of St. Mary’s Church in Jewett City, CT, serving as a Eucharistic Minister for many years. Irene was a past member of the Connecticut Business Education Association, National Business Education Association, Catholic Secondary School Association, and the National Association of Student Activities Advisors.

Irene travelled extensively throughout the United States, Mexico and Europe. In retirement, Irene and Larry spent many of their winters enjoying the warmth of North Ft. Myers, FL and the Red Sox winter training games. Later in life Irene took three memorable trips that left an indelible impression on her. One was to Prague, Vienna and Budapest, a cruise to Alaska with her dear friend Mary Palmer, and a very special pilgrimage with her daughter-in-law Karen to Medjugorje, Bosnia-Herzegovina to visit the site of the ongoing Marian apparitions. 

Special thanks to her friends and all who helped with her care and support during her time at Elmbrook Village in Bozrah. The compassion and love you shared with her over the past 2.5 yrs was beyond anything we ever could have imagined.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Irene’s memory to Hartford Healthcare at Home 1290 Silas Deane Highway Wethersfield, CT 06109

There will be a calling hour at the St. Mary's Church, Jewett City from 10:00-11:00am Wednesday July 27, 2022 prior to the 11am Mass of Christian Burial followed by internment in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Rte. 12, Lisbon. The Gagne Piechowski Funeral Home 490 Voluntown Road Jewett City, CT has been entrusted with the arrangements. For online condolences please go to www.gagnefuneralhome.com

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