OBITUARY: Alma Frances (Simard) LaRocque

DATELINE: Swanton

Alma Frances (Simard) LaRocque, 85, went to meet her Lord at sunrise on Easter Sunday, March 23, 2008, after a brief illness. Alma was born at home in Swanton on, October 3, 1922 to the late Joseph and Anna (Pinelle) Simard.

She attended the former Saint Anne’s Academy graduating as Salutatorian of her class. On January 29, 1946 after a long courtship during World War II, Alma married Ephraim LaRocque. They spent 31 years together, raising five children. Ephraim predeceased Alma on March 27, 1977.

In addition to her responsibilities as a devoted wife and mother, Alma worked several years at Pearl’s Department Store and later at Prouty’s / Blouin’s IGA all in Swanton.

Alma spent all of her life as a devoted and active member of The Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. She was a member of both the parish’s Altar Society and Ladies of Saint Anne assisting with many dinners, visiting the sick and teaching religious education. She was also always very faithful to bringing communion to the shut-ins until just a month ago. Alma loved life and lived according to her strong Catholic faith, becoming an Associate of the Daughters of the Holy Spirit. She continued living out her faith, helping to establish the Pastoral Care Department at the Northwestern Medical Center as well as serving as a volunteer with the Franklin County Home Health Hospice Program.

She truly enjoyed life. She always had a smile, a baked good, a meal ready in a “jiffy’, or simply a hug to satisfy anyone. She enjoyed playing tennis with her friends and singing with the Grandma’s and Grandpa’s Choral Group.

Alma is survived by her daughter, Jackie Washburn and husband Bruce of Vancouver, WA; sons, Andy and wife Sue and Jim and wife Diane all of Swanton; she was predeceased by her daughter, Janet in November of 1963, and son, Steven in May of 1977. She also leaves behind her grandchildren, Christine and Jonathan Hutchins of Cambridge, Jason and Carmelina LaRocque of Agawam, MA, Jeremy and companion Janice Camara of Highgate, Jennifer and Joshua Barney of Monkton, Jessica and fiancé Walter Ochs of Milton, Patrick and Jessica LaRocque of Macedon, NY, Joshua and Ashley LaRocque of Swanton, Tim LaRocque of Syracuse, NY and Adam and Gabriel Washburn of Vancouver, WA; Five great grandchildren, Antonio and Marisa LaRocque and three to be born in May and June. She had four children that survived for a short time after birth.

Alma is also survived by her brother-in-law, J. Paul LaRocque of Saint Albans; sisters-in-law, Rhoda LaRocque and Aurilla L’Esperance both of Swanton and several nieces, nephews and many dear friends.

Besides her husband, children and parents she was predeceased by her mother and father-in-law, Wilfred and Lura LaRocque; her siblings, Stella LaRocque, Euclid Simard, Gilbert Simard, Bernard Simard, Alice Mercier, George Simard, Sister Marion Simard DHS, Fr. Ernest Simard, SSE; brothers-in-law, Clarence “Lefty” LaRocque; sisters-in-law, Hilda LaRocque Curran, Laurie LaRocque and many others.

The family would like to express their sincere thanks to Fr. Benedict Kiely and the doctors and nurses at the Northwestern Medical Center for their compassion and care.

The Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, March 29, 2008, at 11 a.m. from The Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, 65 Canada St., Swanton. Fr. Benedict C. Kiely will be the celebrant and homilist. The Rite of Committal and Interment will follow at the Simard / LaRocque family lot in Saint Mary’s Cemetery. Friends may call at The Kidder Memorial Home, 89 Grand Avenue, Swanton, (802-868-3331), Friday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Gifts in Alma’s memory may be made to The Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, in care of Fr. Benedict Kiely, 65 Canada St, Swanton 05488.

To offer online condolences please visit: www.kiddermemorialhome.com

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