Jeannette Sansoucy

Jeannette “Jan” (Boulay) Sansoucy, 86, of Benton, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on July 22, 2026, surrounded by her adoring family. A devoted mother, grandmother, great‑grandmother, and the wise, steady matriarch of the Sansoucy family, Jan’s life was defined by love, courage, and an unwavering commitment to those she held dear.

Born on November 15, 1939, in New Bedford, Massachusetts, to George and Ida Boulay, Jan grew into a strong, fearless, and deeply compassionate woman. In 1957, she graduated from St.Anthony’s in New Bedford, where her faith and dedication to community became apparent. These values followed her throughout her life, no matter where the Air Force sent her family.

With her beloved husband, Conrad F. “Sam” Sansoucy, Jan traveled the world while raising their six children—a feat that revealed her remarkable resilience and grace. Their homes spanned England, Greece, North Carolina, Florida, Texas, and Arkansas, each place contributed to Jan’s warmth, strong convictions, and ability to build community wherever she landed.

Her work with the teens and youth of Hellenikon Air Base in Athens earned her the honor of “Woman of the Year” in 1977, a testament to her generosity and her ability to uplift others.

In the 1980s, Jan began her career as a USAF Civil Servant, quickly rising into top management roles through her intelligence, work ethic, and natural leadership. Always ahead of her time, she was a force for good, and she led by example, offering her children a model of strength, integrity, and compassion that shaped their lives and continues to guide them.

Jan was preceded in death by her parents, George and Ida Boulay, and by her husband of 30 years and best friend of more than 50 years, Conrad F. “Sam” Sansoucy, beloved son-in-law Chris Butler and great grandchild, Isla James Humphrey.

She is survived by her six children: Mark A. Sansoucy of Benton, AR; George R. Sansoucy and his partner, Raul Briceno of Guatemala/Colombia; Michelle A. (Sansoucy) Gillum and her husband, Kenny, of Springdale, AR; Katherine M. (Sansoucy) Butler of Benton, AR; Cori Sansoucy of Hot Springs, AR; John P. Sansoucy and his wife, Meredith of Austin, TX.

Jan is also survived by her grandchildren: Jennifer and Robbie Mitchell of Benton, AR; Blake and Amy Humphrey of Alexander, AR; Alicia Gillum of Huntsville, AL; Samson and Jude Sansoucy of Austin, TX.

And lastly, Jan is survived by her great grandchildren, Barrett and Rhett Mitchell of Benton, AR who adored their “Gran Gran”.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Maryknoll Sisters:

https://www.maryknollsisters.org

A Final Love Note from Jan to her children…

To my children, their spouses, who are also my children, and my grand-children and their spouses – they too are my children – and my great grand-children. The joy you have all brought me is beyond what I deserved.

My life was so blessed and filled with the grace of God who entrusted me with all your lives and guided me along the path.

What a blessing! Such joy, such love, such a life! Blessed!

I am humbled by all of you. My love will always reach you and be with you eternally.

Love, Mom