Norman C. Doucet

Waltham - Mr. Norman C. Doucet of Waltham died at Lahey Hospital in Burlington MA on Dec. 24, 2022 surrounded by family. He was 86.

Norman was born on September 25th, 1936, in St Joseph DuMoine, NS, Canada in a farming community. He was one of the youngest of 16 children of Simon & Marguerite (Boudreau).  He was self-reliant and independent. Living on a farm meant doing chores and being outdoors. He went to school until the 8th grade, then went to work on the family farm to help support the family.

He married Marie Leblanc, the love of his life on Sept. 25th 1957, on his 21st birthday. They lost their 1st child Joseph, shortly after he was born. J Bernard & M. Bernice the twins came along shortly after. Simon P. and Rita M. were born 2 years apart, completing their family.

Like most immigrants, he left Canada alone to work in the US where jobs and other family members were there to help him assimilate to a new way of life. Norman worked for a year living with, his sister in law Helen & her late husband John Chiasson. He went back to Canada and brought his family to Waltham Mass, where they began their new life. He worked many jobs in the construction industry, before working and retiring from for the New England Carpenter’s Union. He installed drywall all over the greater Boston area.

Norman loved the outdoors, playing hockey in the winter for the French American Victory Club team. He fished & hunted depending on the season. Growing up on a farm, he was used to living off what the land could provide. He loved to fish the local ponds and was quite the angler often bringing home lots of fish and giving it out to whoever wanted fresh fish. Once he retired, he spent many a morning fishing, and then volunteering at the French American Victory Club of Waltham.  He also enjoyed his sports teams and loved watching Nature shows.

As age and ailments took their toll on dad, he never complained or lost his love of life. He had a strong will to live and fought to the end. Mom & the rest of the family will miss him dearly.

He leaves behind his wife of 65 years Marie. His children Bernice Burgoyne and her husband James, Sr. of Nashua NH, J.Bernard Doucet and his partner Anne Batherson of Lynn MA, Simon Doucet of Waltham MA, Rita Gelinas and her husband John of Holliston MA. His grandchildren James Burgoyne Jr and his wife Meghan of Brookline NH, Rhyan Gelinas and his fiancé Angela Urdaneta of Brookline MA. His Great grandchild Ethan Burgoyne of Brookline NH. His sister Theresa of Cheticamp NS, Canada. Many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his siblings, Jean, Germaine, Jeanette, Lionel, Vincent, Theophile, Rebecca, Katherine, Eli, Etienne, Martin, Edmond, Rosaire, and Marie Sophie.

Family and friends will honor and remember Norman's life by gathering for calling hours at The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street, (Rte 20) Waltham on December 29^th from 4 to 7 p.m. and again at 9 a.m. on Friday morning before leaving in procession to Sacred Heart Church, 311 River Street, Waltham MA where his Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 am. Burial will be private.

Memorial donations in Norman’s name may be made to: American Heart Association, PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692 or online at heart.org.