Alda E. (Ricard) LaChapelle, 100 of Salem, passed away peacefully with her son by her side on Saturday, May 19, 2018 at Grosvenor Park in Salem. She was the devoted wife of the late Jean P. “John” La Chapelle with whom she had shared 48 years of marriage.
Born in Chicopee, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Roseanna (Boisvert) Ricard. Throughout her mid-teens and twenties, Alda was active in the Woonsocket Deluxe Sporting Club where she was Vice President. As members they participated in hiking, camping swimming, tennis, figure skating, ice boating, skiing and dancing. Over the years she was the recipient of many sporting awards especially for winter sports and at one point was crowned Carnival Queen of Winter Sports in New Hampshire. She met the love of her life “Johnny” when he was stationed with the Army Air Force at the Westover Airfield. During the war years, Alda was active with the USO while working in the Holyoke textile mills as a supervisor.
Following the war Jean and Alda moved to Salem where the couple raised their two sons. Active in the Cub Scout Pack 83 at Ste. Anne Church, she served as the Pack 83 secretary. She taught over two hundred scouts over the years. She was proud of her two sons earning their Eagle Scout Award as well as her two grandsons. In 1963 Alda was awarded the coveted Corrigan Award by the Boy Scouts of America at Boston College.
Alda was also an accomplished knitter and crocheter. She was active in Ste. Anne Parish life and for many years crocheted and knitted many baby sets and blankets for the annual Christmas Bazaar.
Alda is survived by two sons, Paul A. LaChapelle and his wife Rebecca of Fairport, NY, Richard A. LaChapelle of Salem, three grandchildren, Paul Alan LaChapelle and fiancé Evelyn of Cape Coral, FL, Deborah Foley and her husband Kevin of Walworth, NY and Andrew LaChapelle and his wife Rachel of Greece, NY and two great-grandchildren, Logan & Angela Foley. She also leaves her sister-in-law, Theresa LeVasser of Miami Shores, FL and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brothers, Ephraim, Conrad, Hector, Romeo & Raymond Ricard.
Relatives and friends are invited to her Mass of Christian Burial in Ste. Anne Church, 290 Jefferson Ave., Salem on Saturday, May 26, 2018 at 11:00 AM. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Salem. At Alda’s request, there will be no visiting hours. In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a memorial contribution to Ste. Anne Parish, Salem. Funeral arrangements are by the Levesque Funeral Home of Salem. For guestbook and additional information, please visit www.LevesqueFunerals.com