Paula A. Bouthiller

OXFORD – Paula A. (Courtney) Bouthiller, 91, of Main Street, died on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at UMass Memorial Medical Center – University Campus in Worcester, as a result of injuries sustained in a pedestrian accident in Oxford on December 14, 2025.

She was predeceased by her husband of 47 years, Jean Paul Bouthiller who died in 2004. She is survived by seven children, Mary Ann Riel and her husband John of Sutton, Pierre Bouthiller of Sebastian, FL, James Bouthiller of Worcester, David Bouthiller of Auburn, Julie Sweeney and her husband Jay of Oxford, Jean Bouthiller and his wife Melissa of Oxford, and Andrea Hower and her husband Sherman of Montverde, FL; a sister, Jane Royer of East Templeton; 22 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by a son, Martin Bouthiller; four brothers, Richard Courtney, Edward Courtney, Eugene Courtney, and James Courtney; and three sisters, Louise O’Keefe, Margurite Soutra, and Eleanor Toker.

She was born in Worcester, daughter of the late Richard T. and Marguerite (DuBois) Courtney, and lived in Worcester and Auburn before moving to Oxford 10 years ago. She graduated from St. Peter’s High School in Worcester. She was a lifelong learner, attending Anna Maria College, Westfield State University, and Worcester State University throughout her life.

Mrs. Bouthiller was a classically trained opera singer, and was a longtime member of Music Worcester and the Worcester Opera Association. Music was the most important thing in her life, and she could be found singing everywhere, from the opera, to church, to karaoke nights. She was a fixture at the local coffee shops, N&J Donuts and Half Baked Fully Roasted in Oxford. She loved to walk, was very active in the community, and was proudly still driving at 91 years old.

A funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at St. Roch’s Church, 332 Main St., Oxford. A calling hour will be Saturday, January 24, 2026, from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at Paradis-Givner Funeral Home, 357 Main St., Oxford, prior to the Mass. Burial will be private at a later date at Notre Dame Cemetery in Worcester.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Roch’s Church, 334 Main St., Oxford, MA 01540.