Susan M. Lachance
Retired Tewksbury School Teacher
Susan M. (McCarthy) Lachance, age 80, a longtime Tewksbury resident, passed away at her daughter’s home surrounded by her family on Wednesday, September 4, 2024.
She was the beloved wife of Robert J. Lachance, with whom she celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary on April 16th.
Born in Everett on October 26, 1943, she was the daughter of the late George E. McCarthy and the late Ella Ruth (McLaughlin) McCarthy.
Susan was raised in Everett, MA and graduated from Everett High School in 1961.
Following high school, she attended Suffolk University receiving a Bachelor’s Degree in 1965 and Salem State College, where she earned a Master’s Degree in 1969.
Prior to retiring, Susan was a teacher in the Tewksbury Public Schools. Susan worked at the Loella F. Dewing Elementary School but spent most of her teaching career at the Heath Brook School as a Reading Specialist, where she started the Reading Recovery Program. She always had her student’s best interests at heart. She was their advocate and showed them warmth as well as encouragement. In addition, Susan was a valuable colleague to teachers and five principals during her long career.
In her spare time, she was an avid reader and was a member of several book clubs. She also enjoyed vacationing at Lake Winnipesaukee with her family during the summer. She enjoyed many trips during her retirement, such as; traveling to Ireland, Europe and several U.S. National Parks with her husband. In addition, Susan was an avid fan of the Boston Red Sox and proud member of “Red Sox Nation”.
Besides her husband, she is survived by three children, Heather A. LeBlanc and her husband David, of Lancaster, MA; Michelle S. Lampron and her husband Brian, of Plaistow, NH; and Carl R. Lachance and his wife Maura, of East Williston, NY. Susan is also survived by her nine grandchildren: Jacqueline, Nicholas, and Christopher LeBlanc, Ella, Drew and Grace Lampron, and Jack, Madelyn, and Owen Lachance. Susan was the sister of Audrey M. McCarthy and her late husband, Dr. John Hoye, of Wayland, MA; Bruce M. McCarthy and his wife Mary, of Naples, FL; George A. McCarthy and his wife Joanne, of Boynton Beach, FL; and the late Sister Joan R. McCarthy. She also leaves many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
Calling hours are Tuesday, September 10th, from 4-8 p.m. at the Farmer & Dee Funeral Home, 16 Lee Street, Tewksbury. Her funeral procession will begin on Wednesday, September 11th, at 9 a.m. at the funeral home, followed by her Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. at St. William’s Church, 1351 Main Street, Tewksbury. Services will conclude at St. Mary Cemetery, 90 River Road, Tewksbury.