Carolann Marie (Olsen) Boardman, 86, a longtime Sheffield resident and affectionately known as “Ma,” passed away peacefully at her home on Hewins Street on Tuesday, November 8, 2022, surrounded by her loving family and her beloved cat, Minnie.
Carolann was born in Canaan, Conn. on October 1, 1936 to the late Catherine (Franks) O’Dell and Allen Olsen. She grew up in Sheffield, attending and graduating from Sheffield High School. On January 15, 1955, Carolann married Richard M. Boardman (Dick). Through 60 years of marriage, together they built their life on the Boardman family farm raising their five children.
She enjoyed traveling with family to Cape Cod, Vermont, and the casinos. She also enjoyed baking chocolate cakes and apple pies for her grandchildren. Ma loved hosting Sunday morning coffee and donuts with her family, followed by Sunday night dinners. She was an avid Red Sox fan and enjoyed watching the games no matter what kind of season they were having. She was rarely seen without her trademark cup of coffee and enjoyed showing off her mug that displayed the names of her ten grandchildren. Through the years, she also enjoyed knitting, bowling, and spending time with her family.
She waitressed at the F-2 Milk Bar, Pearly Gates, the Morgan House, and J.W. Steakhouse. She worked at the Southern Berkshire Regional School District for 30 years as Secretary to the Principal and for the Athletic Director. This was how she became known as “Ma” to many outside of her family. She and Dick ran a catering business involving her kids and eventually the grandkids as well. She and Dick ran the family farm stand for over 50 years. In her later years, she was actively involved with the Sheffield Emergency Support Staff.
She is survived by her daughters, Debbie Bob Beham and husband Bob, Carolyn Ullrich and husband Tony, and Judy Ullrich and husband John, all of Sheffield; 10 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren; and many extended family members. She was predeceased by her husband, Dick; her son, Richard A. Sr. (survived by wife, Sandy); daughter, Cynthia Ellen; her brother, Allen Olsen; her sister, Suellen Eschbach; and her step sister, Joan Olsen Digregorio.
The family would like to thank Elder Services of Berkshire County, HospiceCare of the Berkshires, and SVNA Home Assistance, especially her caregivers Brenda and Susie. With respect for Ma’s wishes, there will be no services.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Ma’s memory can be made to HospiceCare of the Berkshires or Sheffield Volunteer Hose Company #1 in care Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home, 426 Main St., Great Barrington, MA 01230. To send remembrances to her family, please go to the website of Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home.
