Doris J.M. Ballard

BERWICK – Doris J.M. Ballard, 70, passed away on Saturday, July 2, 2022 at her home.

On Nov. 12, 1951, Alexis and Cecile (Fournier) Boisvert of Lewiston, Maine, added a new member to their little family. Their sons, Gilbert and Paul, now had to deal with a baby sister, who gleefully gave them a tremendous amount of grief. Life was gentle – and good – at the foot of Davis Mountain, and many wonderful memories were created there. 

I attended St. Peter and Paul’s Parochial school for eight years, and was then fortunate to be able to attend the Academy of St. Joseph in South Berwick, as a boarder for my high school years. My young adulthood was blur of activity – nursing school, the Navy, and five year stretch in Atlanta, Ga., … and loads of mischief.

As I move on to the next stage of life, I leave behind many people whom I love, and will continue to love in eternity; Douglas Ballard Jr, my patient and long-suffering husband; Deneen Jardstam, precious daughter, who as an adolescent, gave me the name I’ve gone by for so many years, and her husband, Magnus Jardstam; Darian, strong and capable son whom I appreciate, and who has been an immeasurable help in so many ways; Douglas III, our treasured chef and chief computer advisor, who made me fat, and always knew how to make me laugh; Daein, our youngest, an accomplished professional who has made us so proud, and his wife, Sarah (Vitelli); and two step-children; Dawn Miller and Dale Burge Jr., both of Georgia. I also leave behind seven grandchildren – Jordan, Mikah, Sena, Deven, Dash, Daein Jr., and Duke; my dear brothers, Gilbert Boisvert, and his wife Vivian (Gervais), and Paul Boisvert and his wife Patricia (Hopping); nieces Nicole and Bethany, and nephew Alex, and their families. And last, but by no means least, my closest and dearest friend, Joan England, whom I’ve known since the academy days, and who has shared so much of my life. Waiting to welcome me into Eternal Life are my parents, Alexis and Cecile (Fournier) Boisvert, grandparents, aunts and uncles, several beloved cousins, and many dear friends, notably Fr. Joseph Laughlin SJ, and Fr. Robert Girouard. A special mention to my friends from St. Ignatious and St. Mary Parishes, and the St. Peter’s girls, is also in order … I have sincerely loved you all, and have enjoyed our times together. Know that you will all continue to be in my prayers.

A funeral mass will be held at 11 a.m., on Monday, July 11, 2022, at St. Martin Church, 120 Maple St, Somersworth, N.H., and will be officiated by age. Andrew. Graveside commital prayers to follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Somersworth.

For me to live is Christ, and death is gain. If I go on living in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. And I do not know which I shall choose. I am caught between the two. I long to depart this life and be with Christ, that is far better.

– Philippians 1:21-23

In lieu of flowers. Donations can be made to St. Ignatius and St. Mary Parishes, Somersworth and Rollinsford, N.H.

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