Henriette "Henri" von Trapp

Henriette "Henri" (Lajoie) von Trapp, age 85, of Adamsville, RI passed away on April 13, 2013 after a brief illness. She was born in Fall River, MA, the third daughter of the late J. Edward and Cecile (Laurent) Lajoie. In 1947 she married Dr. Rupert von Trapp and they settled in Adamsville RI, to serve the community and raise a family. In 1949, Henriette was afflicted with polio. Despite severe paralysis and two children to care for, she bore four more children and ran a bustling household. At the age of 50, she began working at the Newport Naval Base for 20 years. She lived for her family and friends and "the most beautiful beach in the word" Elephant Rock. She leaves her sons George and wife Patricia of Waterbury Center, VT, Christopher and wife Kelly Sweeney of Waltham, VT, her daughters Monique and husband James Saflund of Cranston, RI, Elizabeth and husband Vern Walker of Fairfield, VA, Stephanie and husband Peter Derbyshire of Adamsville RI, and Francoise von Trapp an partner Stephen Rayle of Phoenix, AZ, 13 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother James Lajoie and wife Jane of Salem, MA and her sisters Anne Marie and husband Joseph Ripanti of Swansea, MA, Marie Claire Cote of Montreal, PQ, Gabrielle McBride of Albuquerque, NM, Elizabeth Lajoie of Chester, CT and Francoise Brunette of San Raphael, CA. and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her, brothers Henri and Laurent, sisters Marguerite Brais, Therese Collette, Bernadette and her grandson Marc. Mrs. von Trapp's Funeral will be held on Saturday, April 20, 2013 at 9:45AM from the BOULE FUNERAL HOME, 615 Broadway, Fall River, MA, followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00AM in St John The Baptist Church, 945 Main Rd Westport, MA. Interment will be at a later date at the convenience of the family. Visitation will be held on Friday from 4:00PM to 7:00PM.