Joan Elizabeth LaBonte

Joan E. LaBonte of Chicopee, MA passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 20, 2018, after a battle with cancer.

She was born July 7, 1956 in South Hadley, MA and grew up surrounded by family and close friends. Joannie was a graduate of South Hadley High School and Holyoke Community College. Joannie had worked as a bookkeeper throughout her career, beginning with 8 years at what is now New England Dermatology and LASIK Center, for 24 years with Drs. Fishman and Clinton in their South Hadley, MA practice and for the past few years, for Change Healthcare, formerly McKesson, in Ludlow, MA. She’ll miss the close friends she made who shared her sense of humor, and hopes that they’ll continue to point out stupid people and the ridiculous side of life and think of her when they do.

Joannie loved her family and was quick to laugh and find the amusement in situations, especially if they made other people squeamish or grossed out. Every year around her birthday, you could find Joannie in York Beach with her family for their annual trip, sitting outside and listening to the waves crash against the rocks. She looked forward to this trip every year and always found it funny that other people couldn't believe that her family got along so well that they voluntarily spent their vacations together.

She was an awesome aunt and sister whose conversations will be greatly missed and a much loved “Bubby" to her great nieces and nephews, sharing a special bond with four-year-old Will. Most recently she enjoyed living with her sisters, Joyce LaBonte and Chris Coughlin, being entertained by their collective cats’ crazy antics.

She was predeceased by her parents, Anne J. (Haber) and Leon G. LaBonte of South Hadley, MA; her eldest sister Carol A. Cooper and her brothers Robert J. LaBonte and Daniel J. LaBonte. Joannie was quick to point out that she'd be hunting them down in the afterlife.

She is survived by her sisters Joyce M. LaBonte of Worcester, MA, and Nancy E. Leutert of Mendon, MA, five nieces and nephews, five great nieces and nephews, many cousins and friends who will miss her laugh and remember her fondly.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, October 26^th at 10 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church, 30 Main Street, South Hadley, MA.  Interment will follow in St. Rose Cemetery, South Hadley.  There are no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Joannie’s memory to either:  Rose Monahan Hospice Home, 10 Judith Road, Worcester, MA 01602-3213 or Worcester Animal Rescue League, 139 Holden Street, Worcester, MA 01606.

Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel, Worcester, is assisting her family with arrangements.