Elizabeth LaPlante Sherwood
December 17, 1940 — October 27, 2015
PETERSHAM - After a battle with cancer Elizabeth LaPlante Sherwood died peacefully at home with her family on October 27, 2015 at the age of 74. She leaves behind the love of her life Harold Sherwood.
Elizabeth was born on December 17, 1940 in Astoria, Long Island, NY to Arthur and Mary-Anne Laplante who predeceased her. She grew up in Biddeford and Saco Maine in a large and loving family with four sisters and two brothers. In 1972 she moved to Gardner MA where she graduated from Mount Wachusett Community College with a degree in Human Services.
Elizabeth lived in Petersham, MA and retired from the Sister of the Assumption. She was a member of the Elks Club, Deep Sea Club, Quabbin Anglers, and on the board of directors for the Wheelerville Club. She loved hosting parties, especially Independence Day, bowling and dancing.
Betty is survived by her husband Hank, her daughter Connie Helstowski and husband Stan of Athol, her daughter Patricia Tourigny of Ashburnham, her sisters Theresa Leblanc of Orange, Barbara Nelson of Baldwinville, Linda Haskins of Fitzwilliam, NH, Lana Montbreand of Winchendon and a brother Peter LaPlante of Lee Maine. She also leaves eight grandchildren, Alana Meserve, Nicholas Chiasson, Gabrielle Tourigny, Kristen Gutierrez, Madalyn Gutierrez, Daniel Ayotte, Matthew Tourigny, and Lauren Tourigny; a stepdaughter, Abigail Sherwood of Petersham as well as two great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Betty is predeceased in death by her parents, her brother Roger LaPlante, her daughter Corinne Ayotte, and her sons Daniel and Donald, who died in infancy.
She remained dedicated to her family and in her will to fight her illness. She remained a brave iron-willed and humerous woman, even through her final months.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, October 31st at 12 Noon in St. Peters Church, 18 North Street, Petersham. A reception at the Orange American Legion will follow the mass.
The family would especially like to thank the staff of Beacon Hospice for their constant, attentive treatment.
Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon is directing arrangements.
www.stone-ladeau.com