Anna M. Laplante

Anna Marie (Racette) Laplante Anna Marie (Racette) Laplante, 88, of State College, went peacefully to be with her Lord and Savior on January 26, 2019, surrounded in her home by loving family. A wonderful wife and mother, Marie and Gerald were married on April 6, 1953, at St. Peter's Church in Plattsburgh, N.Y. Married for 48 years, together they left a legacy of strong life, love, family and faith. Marie is survived by her brother James Racette and her sister Ida Strack, both of upstate N.Y. She is also survived by her six children: David (Rita), of Seattle, Wash.; Marcia, of State College; Amy, of Southbury, Conn.; Dan (Claudia), of Albertson, N.Y.; Catherine (George), of State College; and Doug (Mary Kay), of State College. From the younger generation, 13 grandchildren: Imai (Miguel); Theresa (Matthew); Jackie (Carol); Timothy (Kellyn); Ilan (Brian); Samantha (Aaron); Caroline; Sarah; Daniel; Julia; Andrew; Stephanie; and William; nine great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews hold her memory dear. In addition to her husband Gerald and infant son Christopher, Marie was preceded in death by her brother Al and her sisters Betty Ann and Dorothy. She graduated as valedictorian from Sallaz Academy in Redford, N.Y., going on to receive her RN degree at the Champlain Valley School of Nursing. Marie had a 40-year career in nursing, including obstetrics, pediatrics, emergency medicine, surgical nursing, geriatrics, and individual care. Her hobbies and interests included knitting, crocheting, reading, card-playing, word puzzles, and board games. She would regularly complete the New York Times Crossword. Marie was a lifelong devout Catholic-Christian. Despite being homebound, she was a faithful friend of God, active in her religious practices. She lived her life showing others, by her example, how to truly love. God sent Marie and family some of the best caregiver-friends imaginable. The family would like to express their gratitude to Home Instead, Allegheny Lutheran Social Ministries, Home Nursing and Family Hospice. To know her was to love her. A visitation will be held 5-8 p.m. on Friday, February 1, 2019. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. February 2, 2019. Both will take place at Good Shepherd Catholic Church, 867 Grays Woods Blvd., Port Matilda. Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome. com or visiting us at Facebook.