Erma C. (Hallett) LaBonte

December 31, 2018

Erma C. LaBonte

ORANGE-  Erma C. (Hallett) LaBonte, 99, formerly of Chase Street, died on Sunday, December 30, 2018, a week before her 100th birthday, at Quabbin Valley Healthcare in Athol.

Born in Four Falls, N.B, Canada on January 6, 1919, she was a daughter of the late Charles and Violet (McDougall) moved to the United States at the age of 6 and lived in Orange most of her life.

In October 1941, Erma married Joseph W. LaBonte and enjoyed over 46 years of marriage until his death on May 22, 1988.

A homemaker most of her life, Erma had briefly worked at the former Eastern Star Home in Orange.

Erma cherished her role as a grandmother and loved her time with the grandchildren. She was a loving and caring mother too who was a wonderful baker and taught her children crafts such as creating berry bowls. Erma had also been a Cub Scout leader.

A member of Saint Mary’s Church in Orange, Erma was a very active member of the Saint Mary’s Women’s Club and the church choir, where she loved to sing.

Survivors include her children, Joan Starrett and her companion, Carlton Racie, of Athol, Gerald LaBonte and his wife, Wendy,  of Orange, Geraldine Hayes of Hawaii, and Theresa Lapointe and her husband, Norman, of Petersham; grandchildren, Paul Gabrenas and his wife, Beth, of Grafton, Renee Gabrenas of Wells, Maine, Wendy Shewalter and her husband, Bruce, of Hawaii, Leanne Hachey and her wife, Nettie Vierra, of Hawaii, Michael Lapointe and his wife, Moria, of Stowe, Nicole Berthiaume and her husband, Ken, of North Orange, Andrew LaBonte and his wife, Shana, of North Windham, Connecticut, and Ryan LaBonte and his wife, Mallory, of East Longmeadow; numerous great grandchildren; and a brother, Charles Hallett and his wife, Theresa, of Hartly, Delaware; as well as several nephews and nieces.

Besides her parents, Erma was predeceased by a granddaughter, Alicia LaBonte, and brothers, Cleland “Bud” Hallett, Gilbert Hallett, and Jake Hallett.

There are no calling hours.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on January 11, 2019 at 10 a.m. in Saint Mary’s Church, 19 Congress Street, Orange, with Fr. Shaun O’Connor officiating.

Interment will follow in South Cemetery, Orange.
Flowers may be sent.

Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is directing the arrangements.

You may offer your sympathy online at www.wittyfuneralhome.com

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