SHEFFIELD, Mass. — Michelle LaPlante-Romanowicz, 40, formerly of Oak Street in Sheffield, passed away on August 16, 2017, in Great Barrington.

Born on November 8, 1976, in New Britain, Conn., she was the daughter of Gary and Janice Hausenbauer LaPlante.  

Michelle was a dedicated mother. Her greatest joy in life came in the form of her son Alex. She was a cat lover who not only rescued the cats that lived in her home but was known worldwide.

Michelle leaves a legacy of love and compassion for her son and all who knew her.  

Along with her parents Gary and Janice LaPlante and her son Alex, Michelle is survived by her husband Mick Romanowicz; her ste-sons Calvin and Ben Romanowicz; her sisters Becky and Laura LaPlante; and her grandmothers Rose Mary Hausenbauer and Angela LaPlante.

Funeral notice: A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, August 30, 2017, at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of the Valley Church in Sheffield, conducted by Rev. Bruce Teague. Burial will follow at Our Lady of the Valley Cemetery.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, August 29, 2017, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home in Great Barrington. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Michelle Romanowicz Memorial Fund through Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home, 426 Main St., Great Barrington, MA 01230.