Online Obituaries

Joan D. (Crawford) LaFreniere, passed away on Wednesday, July 1, 2015 at Willimansett Nursing Home West.  She was born in Rocky Mount, NC to Leon “Al” and Frances (Szelest) Crawford.  Joan was the loving wife of Richard “Dick” LaFreniere, who passed away in 2006. She leaves her wonderful son, Barry, who cared for her while she was at home; her devoted sister, Joyce LaBonte and her husband, Theodore “Jay” LaBonte of Chicopee; her niece, Alicia Dunaj and her husband, Michael of East Otis, and their children, Wilder and Willa.  She also leaves her brother-in-law, Fran LaFreniere of Chicopee, sister-in-law, Donna Fountain of South Hadley, brother-in-law, Dennis LaFreniere and his wife, Lorraine of Virginia Beach, VA, sister-in-law, Linda LaFreniere of TN and sister-in-law, Elizabeth Willard and her husband, Donald of Northampton.  She also leaves her aunt, Doris Crawford and cousin, Sandy Bolitho and her husband, Bill of Raleigh, NC, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Joan attended local schools and graduated from Chicopee High School, after which, she worked for 29 years at American Bosch until its closing. She finished her career at the Willimansett Nursing Centers in accounts payable and benefits, retiring after 17 years.  Joan was loved by everyone who knew her; she never had a harsh word for anyone.  Taught to sew by her Babcia, she was her own designer/seamstress, often sewing outfits for herself, her sister and niece until her beloved husband Richard introduced her to golf.  She retired her sewing machine and proceeded to spend most of her free time at Southwick Country Club with her husband and East Mountain Country Club with her sister and many dear friends.  When not out golfing, Joan and Richard loved cooking and hosting family meals at their home and could also be found dancing at the Elks in Ludlow.

Joan will be missed by many family and friends who are invited to gather on Monday, July 6th from 5 to 7 pm at Cierpial Memorial Funeral Home on 69 East St., in Chicopee Falls. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Parkinsons Disease Association, 72 East Concord St, C3, Boston, MA 02118 or the Wounded Warriors Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675.