I would like to thank our community for all the support and comfort it has extended to Wendy Boudreau’s family and mine during the past few weeks.

Police Chief Brad Paul and his department, the Saco Fire Department and paramedics, along with Maine State Police and the Maine Attorney General’s Office, have been so compassionate and gracious in assisting us as we try to come to terms with the recent events. As our motorcade made its way to the Garland Auditorium, your presence was so clearly visible and sincere. Thank you for all that you have done for us.

I would also like to extend our sincere thanks to Shaw’s, its employees and customers for doing all you could to help Wendy. Your heartfelt condolences are so greatly appreciated.

Wendy shopped at your store for 40 years, almost on a daily basis. She would never entertain the idea of shopping anywhere else in Saco. She knew the employees and where every item was located. I think her car knew the way there on its own.

The candlelight vigil organized by Melody Laskey provided an amazing opportunity for friends and strangers alike to come together to pay tribute to Wendy. In these situations, it is very comforting to know that so many people care and want to support the family in any way possible.

The Naples community has seemed to have adopted Jeff, Wendy and their family as locals. Their support and condolences have been so heartfelt and comforting.

Wendy often told me she couldn’t wait for the tourists to leave so she could have Tony’s store to herself. She loved shopping there and said you couldn’t buy better steak anywhere.

Anyone who works or has worked at Thornton Academy knows what it means to be a part of the “Thornton Academy Community.” There is an instantaneous network of support whenever one of us is in need. Thornton has always been at the heart of the Saco community.

The trustees of Thornton Academy, Headmaster Rene Menard and several departments within Thornton, in coordination with Bryan and Stacey Cote, made it possible for a community, reaching far beyond our campus, to come together to celebrate, honor and pay tribute to Wendy. We will be forever grateful for all you have provided, not just to us, but also to everyone who knew Wendy.

We would also like to thank the Rev. Burton Howe and Ann Guiney. The comforting sound of the Rev. Howe’s voice and his words of inspiration will never be forgotten.

Ann reached out to Wendy’s family, offering whatever she could do for the memorial service. I was particularly moved when, accompanied by Camille Saucier, she sang “Climb Every Mountain” from “The Sound of Music,” Wendy’s favorite movie.

On behalf of the Boudreau family and mine, thank you to a community we are proud to be a part of.

Patti Parisien

Saco

The writer is the sister of Wendy Boudreau.

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