Crystal A. Boucher

HADLEY – Crystal (Opalenik) Boucher, 59, passed peacefully at home surrounded by family on Easter Sunday, April 17, 2022. She was born in Holyoke on Easter Sunday, April 14, 1963. She graduated from South Hadley High School in 1981, where she met her husband of almost 40 years. Crystal worked at local garden centers, which inspired her to open her own business and become a Massachusetts Certified Horticulturist. Her visions came to light when Crystal Gardens Unlimited opened in Belchertown on Rt 9 & 202, transforming a diner into a favorite destination for plant enthusiasts. She eventually expanded, purchasing 80 acres of land in Hadley. “The farm” was her tranquil place. It’s where she could be her true self, walk barefoot in the grass, prune plants and be one with nature. Crystal loved loud cars and music, homemade french fries, and being at the beach with her toes in the sand. She was an avid picker. She had many natural talents and could do anything she put her mind to, from rebuilding cars to sewing prom and wedding dresses. She always amazed and inspired us. Crystal had a longing for travel; at the end of 2020, she rented a car and drove to California, making multiple stops along the way; this was a big check off her bucket list. She left us with a legacy we will carry on forever; our tradition of making pierogies, an appreciation of the outdoors, an obsession with plants, the passion to follow what is in our hearts, and the strength to ALWAYS believe in ourselves. She was predeceased by her parents, Joan Opalenik and Thomas Hartinger, both of Holyoke, MA. She is survived by her husband Ted Boucher of Hadley, MA, two daughters, Jennifer Duff and her husband Michael of Somers, CT, Melissa Rios and her husband AJ of Hampden, MA, and her brother Brian Opalenik of Chicopee, MA. Crystal was an affectionate and caring Grammy to her 6 grandchildren- they will miss her dearly, Paul, Juilianna, Lucas, Lily, Raiden, and Rogan. She is also predeceased by the best dog ever, Onyx. A private Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. New England Funeral & Cremation Center, LLC, 25 Mill Street, Springfield, MA has been entrusted with her arrangements. Please visit Crystal’s memorial page at www.nefcc.net to extend condolences. For further information please contact Jennifer at [email protected] To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of Crystal A. Boucher.

Crystal A. Boucher

April 14, 1963 - April 17, 2022