Helen R. LaForest, 80
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. - Helen Rose LaForest, 80, of 154 Protection Ave., died Friday, April 1, 2011, at her home.
She was born in North Adams on Sept. 22, 1930, daughter of Alfred and Rose Perras Bourdon. She attended the Notre Dame Parochial School and completed its commercial program.
She married Herman Edward LaForest on July 1, 1950. He died on Oct. 5, 1990.
Mrs. LaForest was last employed by the North Adams Public Schools at the Greylock School, where she worked for 37 years until her retirement in 1997. Before that, she was a bookkeeper at the former Boston Store. She was also a homemaker. She was a loving mother and devoted to her family.
She was a communicant of Holy Family Church. She was an active member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Aerie #310 Eagles and a member of the Jollee Circle. She also was a member of the PTA at Greylock School for many years. She enjoyed bingo, crossword puzzles, reading and watching TV.
Survivors include three daughters - Susan LaForest of North Adams, with whom she made her home; Carol Wagner, and her husband, Donald, of McPherson, Kansas; and Teresa McLain, and her husband, Michael, of Clarksburg; three sons- Robert LaForest, and his companion, Pat; Daniel LaForest, and his wife, Caron, all of North Adams; and Paul LaForest, with whom she made her home; a sister, Joan Brown of North Adams; grandchildren Jason LaForest, Todd LaForest, Donielle Andreas, Eric Wagner, Jessica Petersen, Sam Manandhar, Stephen LaForest and Michael LaForest; seven great-grandchildren; a brother-in-law, Richard LaForest of Lehigh Acres, Fla; a sister-in-law, Ruth Richardson of Williamstown; and nieces and nephews.
A son, William J. LaForest died April 29, 1988.
FUNERAL NOTICE: - The funeral for Helen LaForest will be Monday, April 4, 2011, at 8:15 a.m. at Flynn & Dagnoli-Montagna Home for Funerals Central Chapel, 74 Marshall St., North Adams, followed by a funeral Mass at 9 at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church. Burial will follow in Southview cemetery. Calling hours at the funeral home are Sunday from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Memorial donations may be made to Greylock School PTA in care of the funeral home.