Malcolm Bourgeouis, 2023–2026, ‘was a bright light who truly only knew love and happiness’

Malcolm Bourgeois, of Waltham, passed away on Sunday morning, Feb. 8, 2026. He was 2.

Born on Dec. 17, 2023 to his loving parents Michael and Elizabeth (Pelaggi) Bourgeois, he was a bright light who truly only knew love and happiness. In his two short years, he never knew a “bad” day, meeting every moment with a child’s joy and curiosity that defines his soul.

Though his time was brief, Malcolm was a true adventurer. He was happiest when he was moving – whether he was hiking to the top of mountains, camping across New England or simply running through the grass. He cherished his daily walks and the time spent playing outside in the fresh air.

Extremely smart and famously funny, Malcolm had a natural gift for making everyone around him laugh. He was a regular fixture at music classes, libraries, play groups and coffee shops, where his personality shone brightest. He loved being loud, often filling the house with his favorite songs, especially “Old MacDonald” and a very enthusiastic rendition of his ABCs.

His legacy is one of pure, uncomplicated love—a reminder to all who knew him of the beauty in the simple things.

In addition to his parents, Malcolm is survived by his grandparents, James and Joan Bourgeois of Lawrence and James and Amy Pelaggi of Venice, Florida; his aunts and uncles, Lisa and Joseph Puopolo of Groveland, Amanda and Eric Hunt of Wrentham and Matt Pelaggi and Heather Larson of Seattle, Washington; his cousins, Sylvie, Haven, Jake and Eric, Jr.; his great-grandmother, Marilyn Goldstein; and his great-uncles and great-aunts, Andrew Goldstein, Cheryl Petch, Ronald and Laurie Deschenes, Richard Oaks and Sheryl Doucet, Ronald and Karen Deveau and Gary Deschenes.

Family and friends will honor and celebrate Malcolm’s life by gathering to visit on Saturday, Feb. 21st from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham followed by a service at 4 p.m.