SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Etta J. (Boucher) Meade, 99, passed away Friday, Feb. 24.

Born Dec. 31, 1917, in Lewiston, she was the daughter of the late Alfred and Alma (LeClair) Boucher. A graduate of Edward Little High School and she attended Western New England College. A Springfield resident since 1942, Etta was very proud to be a direct descendent of Marin Boucher, one of Canada’s first settlers and a friend of Samuel Champlain.

Etta was the first office manager for Interstate Uniform, now Unifirst. She retired from Wing Hospital in 1981 and St. Luke’s Home in 1985. She served as a notary public for more than 40 years.

An avid traveler, Etta visited more than 90 countries, always as soon as the country was open to travel by American, such as Bhutan, Burma, China and Russia. She visited all of the Canadian provinces and 50 United States. Elderhostel travel was her favorite program which she did worldwide. Etta was an exceptional rug hooker, winning several awards at the Big E and Florida State Fair. She donated many of her beautiful handcrafts to local organizations for their fundraising efforts. For over 30 years Etta demonstrated rug hooking at the Big E’s Craft Adventure.

Etta is survived by a son, Richard Meade Jr.; three daughters, Colleen Moynihan, Corrinne Waterhouse and Carol Zielinski and her husband, Chester, all of Springfield, Mass. She also leaves nine beloved grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

Sadly, she was predeceased by her husband, Richard Meade Sr.; brothers, Donald, Joseph (Leo) and Robert Boucher; and her dear friend, Donald Carroll.