Joan R. (LaBonte) Starrett

ATHOL- Joan Renee Starrett, born August 8th, 1942 to Joseph and Erma (Hallett) LaBonte passed away on October 27, 2023 in her home.

She is survived by her son Paul Gabrenas and his wife, Elizabeth, of Grafton as well as her daughter Renee Gabrenas of Wells, Maine. She is also survived by her two sisters Geraldine Hayes of Kaneohe, Hawaii and Theresa LaPointe and her husband Norman LaPointe of Petersham. Her brother Gerald LaBonte and his wife, Wendy Labonte of Orange. She is also survived by her companion of nineteen years, Carlton Racie and her former husband Robert Gabrenas. Her nephew Michael LaPointe, her nieces Nicole Berthiaume, Wendy Shewalter and Leanne Hachey. She is also survived by her step granddaughters Danae Marchetto, her husband Peter Marchetto, Caillen Bollas and her step-great grandson Sebastian Marchetto.

Her father, Joseph LaBonte, mother Erma and second husband Douglas R. Starrett predeceased her.

Joan was a beloved, lifelong resident of the Athol, Orange area. She worked for the L.S. Starrett Company for 38 years, retiring in 2005. She was a highly social person who could seldom visit a restaurant and not visit with at least three other tables so that she could be fully informed on what was happening in town. Joan read a prodigious number of books and was a formidable player at Jeopardy. She traveled the world extensively but she always felt happiest when she returned home to her dogs and her daily routine. She supported many local charities and was exceedingly generous to causes she cared about. Joan was blessed to have lived her entire life with a strong will, a sharp mind and a kind heart.

Funeral services will be held at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Orange at 10 AM, Saturday November 18, 2023 followed by burial at South Cemetery in Orange.

Flowers are not requested, and as a long term Type-1 diabetic, Joan supported The Barton Center of North Oxford, MA. Anyone wishing to honor Joan’s life is encouraged to donate to this wonderful organization that provides camping experiences to children with diabetes.

Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family.

Guest book and directions online at WWW.WITTYFUNERALHOME.COM

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