Joanne M. (Lafreniere) Capers, age 76, a longtime resident of Tewksbury, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, October 18, 2024, after a life well-lived and filled with love, laughter, and the occasional plot twist- usually courtesy of her favorite show, General Hospital.
She was the beloved wife of the late Robert W. Capers, Sr.
Born in Lowell on July 19, 1948, to Agnes E. (James) Lafreniere, of Tewksbury and the late Roger F. Lafreniere, Sr., former Tewksbury firefighter, Joanne was raised in Tewksbury, and attended Tewksbury Memorial High School, where she no doubt perfected her baton twirling skills- a hobby she delighted in throughout her life.
Joanne, affectionately known as “Happy”, earned her nickname by joyfully gifting birthday cakes on random days, bringing humor and light to those around her.
In addition to her mother, she is survived by three children, Leanne Dinsmore, of Houston, TX, Jayson Dinsmore and Elizabeth Murray, of Sherman Oaks, CA, and Robert Capers, Jr., and Carry Capers, of Pearland, TX. She was the proud grandmother of Audrey, Rhett, and Ava Kohler, Robert “Trey” Capers, III, Brady Capers, and was pre-deceased by Robin Kohler. She is the sister of Roger F. Lafreniere, Jr. and Jennine Mahoney, of Tewksbury, David and Joanne Lafreniere, of Tewksbury, Jeannie and Ronald Argenbright of Saco, ME, Diane LeBoeuf, of Tewksbury, Robert W. Lafreniere and Susan Pulido, of Andover, Carol and Ronald Lambert of Tewksbury, and Cynthia and Scott Worthley, of Salisbury.
She leaves behind many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.
Calling hours are Tuesday, October 22, from 4-7 p.m. at the Farmer & Dee Funeral Home, 16 Lee Street, Tewksbury. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, October 23rd, at 10 a.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Dana Farber Cancer Institute, www.dana-farber.org, SW120, 450 Brookline Ave., Boston, MA 02215.