Paulette E Lachance

Gardner- Paulette E. LaChance passed away Sunday, February 4, 2018 at the age of 82 in her Fitchburg home with her daughters at her side. She displayed inordinate strength, courage, and endurance throughout her 5-year battle with Lung Cancer. In the past few weeks, as Paulette’s health declined, she was surrounded by loving family members, numerous loyal friends, and dedicated, compassionate private caregivers. All were blessed to share joyous and sometimes just plain silly laugher, heartfelt tears, and poignant farewells. Paulette was born in Gardner on December 21,1935 to the late George (“Chick”) and Valerie (Dumont) Racine. She grew up in Gardner, attended Holy Rosary School (for which she has many funny stories), and graduated from Gardner High School with the Class of 1954. After High school graduation, Paulette was employed at Heywood Wakefield and worked in the office for many years until she married and had two daughters that she selflessly chose to raise as a “stay-at-home Mom.” She was an avid golfer and a longtime member of Oak Hill Country Club in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, Equinox Country Club in Manchester Vermont, and Laurel Oak Country Club in Sarasota, Florida. Paulette also enjoyed playing Bridge with friends and a vast array of card games with her family members (even if they didn’t want to)! It would be remiss not to mention one other passion of Paulette’s…” Golf-Cart Deer Hunting” (do not be appalled as no deer were hurt in this sight-seeing sport)! Her friends and family were her greatest joys, followed closely behind by her love of sparkly clothing and glitzy jewelry. Paulette is primarily remembered for her ever-present humor, her loyal and vast network of friends near and far, and her admirable generosity to all. Paulette was proud of her steadfast and regular participation in fund-raising events with friends and she was a generous philanthropist herself. However, her grandchildren will remember her most memorable gift-giving under the guise of “pocket surprises.” Paulette was predeceased many years ago by her loving husband Luke A. LaChance and by her only sibling, Patricia Dembek. She leaves her two daughters who will sadly miss her in their remaining time on this earth: Deborah Sweeney and her husband James of Rindge, NH; Linda LaChance and her husband Luke of Rindge, NH; her four beloved grandchildren; Carly Sweeney, Joshua Sweeney, Jodi LaChance, and Abby LaChance; and her furry four-legged grandchildren; Cooper, Beamer, Ollie, Boone, and Emmet. In lieu of flowers, Paulette would be pleased to know that memorial contributions have been made to GVNA Hospice at 34 Pearly Lane in Gardner, Massachusetts. She received exemplary care from her Nurse, Sue Lowther’s; and Paulette’s family was blessed by the support and compassion of John and Laura from the GVNA Hospice team. Calling hours will be held on Saturday, February 17, 2018 from 9:30-11:00 a.m., followed immediately by Paulette’s Funeral Service at 11am. Both will take place at the Lamoureux-Smith & Poliks Funeral Home, 105 Central St., Gardner. Lamoureux-Smith & Poliks-A Mack Family Funeral Home, 105 Central St. Gardner is assisting with arrangements. To send an online condolence, please visit www.mackfamilyfh.com