Lois A. (Galipeau) Decatur

Worcester – Lois A. Galipeau was born in Arlington, MA on February 21, 1943, the only child of the late Frederick and Arline (Wood) Galipeau. Her family moved to Worcester when she was a young child, settling in the Crown Hill neighborhood where childhood friends became lifelong friends. She was a cheerleader at Ascension High School, graduating in 1960, and later earned an Associate degree from Becker Junior College in 1962.

She and her former late husband, Ronald Bouvier, raised and educated their sons in Auburn, where they were residents for over 30 years. Lois poured her heart into being a mother and found her greatest joy in watching her boys grow into the men she was so proud of. She loved her years working at The College of the Holy Cross in the Career Counseling Office, where she built lasting friendships and cherished her role helping students find their way. She was honored to be recognized with a ceremonial college chair upon her retirement - a symbol of her dedication and deep connection to the Holy Cross community.

Later in life, Lois found love and companionship again, marrying Stephen A. Decatur in 2013 and returning to her beloved Worcester. Together they built a warm and happy home with their dog Louie. They enjoyed traveling to the Shenandoah Mountains and that beautiful region of the country.

Above all, Lois cherished being 'Memere.' She adored her six grandchildren—Jonathan, Ryan, Sawyer, Rachel, William, and Georgia. Whether it was braving the rain, snow, or summer heat, she loved being on the sidelines of countless lacrosse, soccer, or basketball games, bursting with pride for each of them. They loved greeting her at the door, where she would delight them with her famous peanut butter squares—a treat as sweet as she was.

She treasured her summer trips to the beach in Ogunquit, walks along the Marginal Way in Perkins Cove with her dear friend, Anita Gaffney, and countless belly laughs shared with her “Ascension girls” and so many other lifelong friends. Creative at heart, she left behind many handmade ceramics—each piece a reminder of her warmth and thoughtfulness. A woman of faith, she was a steady presence at the 6:15 p.m. Mass at Saint John’s Church on Temple Street.

Lois passed away on Sunday, September 21, 2025, at UMASS Memorial Hospital after a short illness. She was 82.

In addition to her husband, Steve, she leaves her sons, Andre W. Bouvier (Eileen) of Hopkinton and Marc A. Bouvier (Heather) of Greenland, New Hampshire; and her six beloved grandchildren, who will carry her love and smile forward always.

Family and friends will honor and remember Lois's life by gathering for an Evening Wake in The Eastern Shores Club, 206 South Quinsigamond Avenue, Shrewsbury on Wednesday October 1st from 4 to 7 p.m. Her funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday October 2nd in Saint John’s Church, 44 Temple Street, Worcester at 10 a.m. Interment will follow in Notre Dame Cemetery, Worcester.

In memory of Lois, the family kindly requests you celebrate her life by cherishing moments with your grandchildren and those you hold dear.

Arrangements by James + John Heald of The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street, Waltham.