Terri Ann Boucher - Morris Nilsen Funeral Chapel

March 20, 1952 - February 8, 2022


Terri Ann Boucher

Terri Ann Boucher, born and raised in Crookston, Minnesota, was a devoted follower of Jesus and a loving mother, grandmother, and friend. She was born on March 20, 1952 to Harvey and Josephine (Caillier) Boucher and was the youngest of four children. Raised on her family farm, she enjoyed spending time with her closest friends and family as well as making memories at her family's lake home on Maple Lake. Growing up she played the organ and piano at church and loved singing, dancing, ice skating, and lifeguarding. She graduated in 1970 from Mount Saint Benedict Academy in Crookston.

With a heart for children and education, she graduated from Moorhead State University with a degree in Special Education. Throughout her working career she had various teaching positions in school and business settings and taught hundreds of students within her own home as a piano teacher. She had an immense love for children and a special gift for working with those who had special needs; she had a wonderful ability to encourage and lead children into reaching their fullest potential.

She lived a short time in Bemidji, Minnesota with her husband Phil before moving to Apple Valley, Minnesota where she became a mother to her two daughters, Alissa and Breanna. Her dream to live by the water led to building a family home on Lac Lavon Lake in 1990 where she lived for the next thirty years. She enjoyed making special memories for her family which included fun beach days, special holiday dinners, outings to Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, and family vacations to visit her parents in Cape Coral, Florida.

Terri had the gift of generosity and a servant's heart that desired to bless those in need. She loved to laugh and had a wonderful sense of humor. An incredible amount of joy was found in spending time with and spoiling her grandchildren as well as her children and the family dog, Cinder. She adored prayer and worship gatherings and spent many years playing piano and leading worship at various churches. During her last few years, she dedicated much of her time serving the Lord as a pastor in an online ministry and prayed constantly for her family, friends, and the world.

Terri went home to be with Jesus on February 8, 2022. Her heart was for everyone to know Jesus and she left a legacy of faith and generosity that lives on through her children and grandchildren.

Terri is survived by daughters, Alissa Brekken and Breanna (Brandon) Murphy; granddaughters, Hannah and Eleanor Murphy; siblings, Barbara (Melvin) Larson, Gordon (Nancy) Boucher, and Wayne "Butch" (Nancy Miller-Boucher) Boucher; former spouse Phil Brekken; and numerous other relatives and friends. Preceded in death by parents, Harvey and Josephine Boucher; and grandson, Isaiah Murphy.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to:
Feed My Starving Children
401 93rd Ave NW, Coon Rapids, MN 55433
www.fmsc.org



10 Comments

  1. Becky Tornes says:

    Having spent countless days and weeks at Terri’s house as a kid, playing with Breanna, it’s hard to isolate just one memory. But as I took time to reflect, I realized what stands out about Terri is not a memory, but rather a feeling. Being at Terri’s house felt like being at home. She was welcoming and warm. Not every friend’s house felt like that, but I always loved going over to Breanna’s. Yes, Breanna and Alyssa were of course wonderful, but that comfortable feeling really came from Terri. She holds a very special place in my heart and my memories, and she always will. Sending all my love to the family.

    • Breanna Murphy says:

      Oh Becky, thank you for that sweet and precious memory! It’s so crazy how feelings can stick with us…and I love that you felt so comfortable in our home. My mom sure loved you and your whole family. I know she had many precious memories with you too, and so do we. It was wonderful seeing your parents at the service – your fam is just so sweet and precious, we just loved that neighborhood and living next door to you! Thanks again for the special memory, it touched our hearts. Love and God bless!
      -Brea and Ali

  2. Allyson Wightman says:

    Breanna,
    Your mom sounds incredible.
    A real light here on earth.
    I know you continue her legacy.
    I just lost my mom and I am so sorry we have to be without our moms for a little while. It is hard to miss them! I am also so grateful that when we see them again, it will be FOREVER!
    “The sorrow of parting is nothing compared to the joy of meeting again.”
    Love to you.

  3. Phil Brekken says:

    Ali and Brea,

    I pray that the good Lord gives you the strength to get through the loss of your mom. Today, March 20th would be her 70th birthday. It is also the first day of spring. Spring is the time of year referred to as new growth or life. Your mom has moved onto a new life in a world that is better than the one she left.

    I hope you find peace in your hearts as you recall the times you were able to celebrate good times with your mom.

    Love you both always – Dad

    • Breanna Murphy says:

      Thank you, Dad – such wonderful and thoughtful words, and a beautiful picture of the new life she is experiencing. Love you!

    • Breanna Murphy says:

      Allyson – sending so much love and prayers back to you! I’m so sorry about the loss of your mom – grateful that she too is with Jesus! She sounded so amazing too. Our moms are so happy! It’s just so hard to be here without them….you have the most incredible gift of encouragement, my friend. Thank you for your thoughtfulness and kind words. You are simply amazing in every way, just like your sweet mom!

  4. Mary Kay says:

    Terri was my BFF from first grade all through high school. We talked endlessly on the phone, shared lots of teen girl secrets, pulled a few (maybe more than a few) shenanigans.
    She was so talented, smart, funny, laughed easily, laughed hard and often. I frequently spent Saturday nights at her house while Jo and Harvey were out for the evening. On those nights she would play the piano and sing “Misty” as I sat next to her on the piano bench. She talked about teaching piano someday. I cherish those sweet memories more and more as the years pass. She was indeed gifted, loving and one of life’s treasures. I pray for Ali and Brea and all her family that faith will sustain you all as it did Terri.

    • Breanna Murphy says:

      Oh Mary Kay, thank you for these sweet memories! My mom so loved you!! I remember her talking about you often whenever she would share about her life growing up. I remember her mentioning “Misty” too, and how she used to play and sing it…now I will think of her whenever I hear that song. I forgot she loved that one! Thank you for taking the time to share these memories!
      Love and God bless – Brea & Ali

    • Ron Capistran says:

      Think about you and Terri. You two were inseparable and I remember you as the nicest people ever. Hope you are all well.

      • chris says:

        RIP Terri
        I knew her long time ago , Hi Mary Kay
        hope you are well
        I remember the 55 chevy we rode in back in the day
        Hi Ron seems like so long ago.

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