Yolanda T. (Civetti) Boucher
April 17, 1926 - January 19, 2026
Yolanda T. (Civetti) Boucher passed away peacefully on January 19, 2026 surrounded by her loving family. Born April 17, 1926 and raised in Newton, Massachusetts she was the cherished daughter of the late Pasquale and Anna Maria (Antonelli) Civetti. Yola was a lifelong resident of a close-knit Italian American community with many extended family members living nearby. As a child of Italian immigrants and being a first generation American she grew up during the Great Depression and witnessed the hardships of her neighbors struggling to feed their families and maintain shelter. She watched her 3 older brothers all leave home to serve their country in World War II. Those experiences shaped her perspective on sacrifice, compassion and hope. Yola graduated from Newton High School in 1944, and then completed a secretarial program at Bryant and Stratton School in Boston and worked in various administrative roles. After the war and prosperity returned she would enjoy more happy times, going to Boston to shop and dine, attending Big Band concerts, theatre performances and socializing. She always shared in great detail where she went, who she was with and especially what outfits she wore because she loved to look “sharp”. In 1955 she married the late Norman E. “Chick” Boucher, who passed away in 1994, and began her most important life’s work, being a wife and mother, raising her children in the same house she grew up in, with her parents living there as well. The family thrived because of her quiet devotion and the most amazing skill of keeping a very small house in perfect order with a lot of people in it every day. The family home welcomed daily her brothers, aunts, uncles and cousins and every holiday or milestone was celebrated there. Yola maintained a strong interest in many current, historical, and family events. She had an exceptionally sharp mind and frequently shared her hundred years of life experiences. Time spent with Yola always created a special memory for all who had the pleasure of being with her. One of her nieces said “West Street is hallowed ground” because everything was openly discussed around her kitchen table and provided inspiration to those present. Yola’s grandchildren would say, “If you want to feel better about yourself, just talk to Grammie.”
Yola’s parents took her to Dennis, Cape Cod starting in the late 1920’s and later she and her family would stay all summer with them in their home on the Cape. Her love of the beach and warm, sunny weather was legendary. The Cape is where more treasured family memories were made and continue to this day as Yola would stay each summer at her children’s homes in this special place.
Yola cared for her parents as they aged and their health declined. The selfless care she gave them set an important example for her own children to follow when her health struggles began. She was amazingly strong, recovering from many setbacks over the last 25 years with a determination to maintain her independence. Yola was guided by her Catholic faith, giving her strength and comfort as she faced the challenges of these years.
She is survived by her four children, MaryAnn Bingham and her husband Jonathan of Dennis, Christine Marzilli and her husband Robert of Dedham, Valerie Buller and her husband Steve of Wellesley, and Philip Boucher and his wife Andrea (the best daughter-in-law in the world) of Newton; 10 grandchildren who all enjoyed a special bond with their Grammie: Emily, Andrew, Kirk, Victoria, Cara, Robbie, Grace, Paige, Maddie and Audrey. In recent years the family grew to include their spouses and 8, soon to be 9, great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother Richard Civetti and his wife Dorothy of West Newton; and many loving cousins, nieces and nephews who will miss her dearly. Yola was predeceased by her brothers Ferdinand, Michael, Emanuel and Dante Civetti.
Yola’s family would like to acknowledge the loving care of her private aides Bella, Carol, Ellen, Florence, Jolly and Ruth whose help allowed her to remain in her beloved home.
Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Yola’s visitation and funeral service on Saturday, January 24th at Our Lady Help of Christians Church, 573 Washington Street, Newton, Massachusetts. Visitation will begin at 11:00 am in the church, followed by a funeral Mass at 12:00 pm. Burial will be private.
The Boucher family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made in her memory to Boston Catholic TV, PO Box 9196, Watertown, MA 02471, www.catholictv.org or Good Shepherd Community Care, 160 Wells Avenue, Newton, MA 02459, https://gscommunitycare.org/