1920 – 2013

FARMINGTON — Catherine M. Larochelle, “Kay,” 93, a resident of the Sandy River Center for Healthcare and Rehabilitation for the last three years, formerly of Jay, died Saturday morning, April 6, at Franklin Memorial Hospital, with family by her side.

She was born Feb. 28, 1920, in Rogersville, N.B., Canada, the 13thof 14 children born to parents Placide and Marie (Bourque) Doiron. In 1926, the family immigrated to Chisholm. Kay was educated in the Jay schools and graduated from Jay High School. On July 12, 1941, she married Harvey Larochelle at St. Rose of Lima Church, Jay. Harvey predeceased her on July 2, 1969.

In addition to being a devoted wife and mother, Kay worked outside of the home at Deshaie’s Market in Chisholm and she was also a babysitter for the Deshaie children. She later was employed at the Winthrop Woolen Mill and for many years at the Livermore Falls Shoe Co. She eventually went to work in the Otis Mill and was a bartender at the Frank L. Mitchell VFW Post No. 3335, Jay.

 She was an active member of the Jay-Livermore Falls community for many years. She was a communicant of St. Rose of Lima Church, Jay, and supported the efforts of her faith community humbly and honorably. She was a 50-year member and past president of the Frank L. Mitchell VFW Auxiliary No. 10, volunteered  routinely as a ballot clerk at the polls and was a former member of the Jay-Livermore Falls Senior Citizens group.

She was an avid cribbage player and always had a sharp mind and quick wit. She was a spontaneous, energetic woman with a strong will and faith. Her thoughtfulness and generous nature endeared her to family and many friends, whom she thought of as family; the Deane Family, Sporty and Sarah Knapp and Holly LaPointe. 

Kay is loved by her two daughters, Suzanne Litalien and her husband, David, of Mexico; Patricia Larochelle “Patty,” of the Rumford Community Home; one brother, Patrick Doiron of Brunswick; two granddaughters, Debra Towle and her husband, John “Chip” Towle, of Dixfield and Darcy Richard and her husband, Jason, of Rumford; three great-grandchildren, Hillary Dolloff, Brooke Dolloff and Corbin Arsenault; and many nieces and nephews. 

She was predeceased by an infant son, Roger; and siblings, Mathias, Arthur, Ernest, Clarence, Edmond, Joseph, Gerard, Frank and Henry Doiron and Claudia Doiron, Agnes Hachey and Jeanne “Joan” Knapp. 

Condolences and tributes may be shared with her family on her memorial wall at www.wilesrc.com.