Margaret E. “Betty” LaRocque, 86, of Lee passed away Thursday, Feb. 8, at her home with her loving family of children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and her cousin delivering into the waiting arms of Jesus and all of her family of angels who went before her.
Margaret was born Feb. 3, 1932, in Lee, the daughter of John E. and Margaret J. Tarmey Ford. She was raised and educated in Lee. She married Francis B. LaRocque Aug. 2, 1952, and raised a huge family whose devotion and love for her never wavered and will shine on. Francis died June 17, 1993. “Betty,” as she liked to be called, was dearly loved by her family and all those who knew her. She had an uncanny ability to laugh at herself in any situation. The lessons she taught of unconditional love will never be forgotten and will live on.
Betty leaves behind one son, Thomas LaRocque, of Lee; five daughters: Nancy Peetros and husband Mark of Lee, Christine Barber and husband Dave of Pittsfield, Pamela Rabbu and husband Abdul of Lee, Karen LaRocque and husband Robert Jones of Stockbridge, and Kim Rock of Rochester, New York. In addition, she leaves behind 17 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and her dear cousins LeeAnn Tarmey Sutton and David Tarmey. Besides her husband, Betty was predeceased by two sons Richard and Peter; her daughter Kathy; her brother John Ford Jr.; and her grandson Thomas LaRocque Jr.
Funeral services for Betty will be held Thursday, Feb. 15, at 10 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church with a Liturgy of Christian Burial. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery. As per Betty’s wishes, there will be no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, those wishing may make a donation to HospiceCare in the Berkshires in care of Kelly Funeral Home, 3 Main St. Lee, MA 01238. To send a donation, leave a message of condolence or share pictures, visit www.kellyfuneralhome.net.
