Britt Bourque

Norwich — Mrs. Britt Marie (Boifot) Bourque, 75, passed away on Wednesday, June 6, 2018, in Norwich.

Britt was born in Vestfossen, Norway, on March 15, 1943, the daughter of the late Arne and Marie Boifot. As a child in Norway she enjoyed cross-country skiing, gymnastics and running, and spent most of her summers on her aunt Gjertine and uncle Trygve’s farm. Britt graduated high school and attended business school in Norway.

In 1964, Britt married Eugene Bourque in Oslo, Norway while he was stationed there with the U.S. Air Force. After traveling to Greece and Libya, they moved to the United States in early 1966 and lived in Georgia, New Hampshire and finally settled in Franklin in 1975 after her husband retired from the Air Force.

Britt worked at the optometric practice of Dr. Robert Pannone as a secretary and office assistant for 40 years, retiring in 2016 at the age of 73. She loved her work and cherished the friendships she made.

In addition to raising her two children, Britt was active in town politics, was a Cub Scout den leader and was a founding member of a Norwegian Ladies Club in the late 1970s which is still active today. Britt remained deeply rooted in her Norwegian heritage throughout her life and it was very important for her to share these traditions with her family and friends. She was an excellent cook, loved cooking for her family and loved to travel. Britt found her greatest joy in spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

Britt was a beautiful, elegant, selfless woman who made everyone she met a better person for having known her. Her warm heart, kind smile and deep compassion touched everyone she met. She was a pillar of strength for her family.

Britt was preceded in death by her husband; beloved brother, Arve Boifot; and her cousin, Finn Wangberg, who was like a brother to her.

She is survived by her son, James Arne Bourque and his wife, Jill, of Rocky Hill; daughter, Lisa Marie Stors and her husband, Jim, of Attleboro, Mass.; grandchildren, Amanda Stors, James Stors, Jordan Bourque, Jamie Bourque; brother, Bjorn Boifot of Asker, Norway; nieces and nephews; and close friends.

A funeral service celebrating her life will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, June 15, 2018, at St. Mark Lutheran Church, 248 Broadway, Norwich. Burial will follow at Pautipaug Cemetery in Franklin.

Donations in her memory may be made to the American Heart Association or the charity of your choice.

Many thanks to all who supported us during this difficult time.