Inez R. (Gigante) Lavigne, 94, of Franklin passed away peacefully on April 17, 2018 after a brief illness. She was the wife of the late John R. Lavigne with whom she shared 66 years of marriage until his death in 2014.
Born in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, August 27, 1923, the daughter of the late Salvatore and Mary (Neri) Gigante, Inez lived in Bellingham where she graduated from high school and soon after, she met and married John while he was stationed in Newport, Rhode Island while serving in the Navy.
She made her husband and her family the center of her life and there was no greater joy for Inez than spending time with her family.
In addition to being a wife, mother and homemaker, Inez worked as a legal secretary, then enjoyed a long tenure as a secretary in the Franklin Public School business office until she retired.
She was a communicant of St. May’s Church and enjoyed many early years volunteering at St. Rocco’s Festival as well as Franklin Meals on Wheels Program.
She is survived by her children, John R. Lavigne and his wife Susan of Penacook, New Hampshire, Susan L. Newman and her husband Dr. Michael Newman of Boston and Carol L. Giardino and her husband Michael of Franklin.
She was a devoted grandmother to Christopher Lavigne, Alyson Lavigne, Andrea Newman Gilligan. Natalie Newman Lipson, Sean Giardino and Adam Giardino. She was also blessed with seven beautiful great-grandchildren.
She was the sister of Angela Chevalier of Franklin and the late Mary Ottavi.
Her funeral mass will be celebrated on Monday, April 23 in St. Mary’s Church Franklin at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be in the parish cemetery.
Visitation will be on Monday from 9:30 a.m. -10:30 a.m. in the Ginley Funeral Home of Franklin (www.ginleyfuneralhomes.com) 131 Main Street, Franklin.
The family would like to thank all the caregivers who provided compassionate support to mom including Milford Regional Medical Center, Countryside Rehab and Forge Hill Senior Living Community.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in her name can be made to St. Mary’s Parish, Church Square, Franklin, MA 02038.