Betty Jane Boudreau

Betty Jane "BJ" Boudreau, a world traveler, photographer of the Arctic and Antarctic, and tireless worker for Republican politicians during the 1960s, died in her sleep on Thursday night. She was 94. In 1968 she became the first American woman to set foot on the heartland of Antarctica.

BJ was the third child of Elsie Lee Page and Dr. Eugene Boudreau. She studied Political Science and Economics at Syracuse University and at the University of Zurich. She served as an aide to Senator Jacob Javits and later as the business administrator at her father's private hospital. She was on the Board at Crouse Irving Hospital and was founder of Syracuse Sister Cities, Inc. She was an advocate and lover of animals, especially her dogs and horses.

She is survived by her many nieces and nephews and their families. Her quiet affection, boundless curiosity, and sense of adventure will all be missed.

There will be a graveside service Friday at 11:00am at St. Mary's Cemetery, DeWitt. A celebration of her life and adventures will be held after the pandemic.

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