Joan C. (Britton) LaBelle, 79, of Thompson, CT, formerly of Worcester, passed away on Wednesday, May 3rd at home surrounded by her loving family. Joan courageously faced a 5-year journey with Alzheimer’s Disease. She leaves her husband of 61 years, Ronald LaBelle as well as three children: Karen Longo and her husband, John of Sutton, MA., Kenneth LaBelle of Rutland, MA, and Sandra White and her husband, John also from Rutland. She also leaves seven grandchildren, Jacob Devereaux and his wife, Erin, Patrick White, Dylan White, Ryan Bean, Elizabeth LaBelle, Emily LaBelle, and Christina Longo as well as one great-grandchild, Evelyn Devereaux. Joan also leaves her cousin, Brenda Muir-Hippchen of Blairsville, PA as well as several other relatives in PA.
She was born in Blairsville, PA the daughter of Minerva “Ruth” (Shirley) Houle. Joan moved to Massachusetts as a young girl and graduated from Oxford High School in 1961. She obtained her real estate license as well as a certification as a pharmaceutical technician. Joan worked in several different positions over the years and always excelled with each new role. In her early years, she worked as a secretary at Travelers Insurance and then spent many years as a homemaker. After her children were grown, she held several roles at Stop & Shop and then managed her own real estate business. She later worked in Pharmacy Services for the Fallon Clinic until her retirement. Joan made many friendships over the years and was great at keeping in touch, hosting gatherings and remembering everyone’s birthdays and special occasions. She was affectionately known as the ‘Hallmark Queen’.
After retirement, Joan and Ron moved from Worcester to their dream home in Thompson, CT. They also enjoyed spending the winter months in Daytona Beach Shores, Florida. Joan was a long-time parishioner at Our Lady of the Angels Church in Worcester and then St. Joseph Church in N. Grosvenordale, CT. Joan was a resourceful hard worker, who enjoyed life. She enjoyed supporting her husband, Ron with his antique car hobby, cake decorating, playing Scrabble, knitting, sewing, gardening and travel. She and Ron were fortunate to have traveled many parts of the world, including Australia, Russia, and China. Most importantly, she loved spending quality time with her family and friends.
Her funeral is Tuesday, May 9th from O’CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue, Worcester with her funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of the Angels Church, 1222 Main Street, Worcester. A burial will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park, 217 Richards Avenue, Paxton. Her calling hours are 4:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. on Monday, May 8th at the funeral home. Donations can be made in Joan’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association, 100 North Parkway, Worcester, MA 01605.