Mary Kathleen "Katie" LaFrance

Mary Kathleen "Katie" LaFrance was born on Oct. 30, 1961, in Rockville. She was a unique soul with a zest for life, who lived to enjoy every occasion among friends and family. She was a proud and loving wife, mother, sister, aunt, and friend. She is survived by her husband of 31 years, David Rukakoski of Tolland; son Andrew Rukakoski and wife, Camila of West Hartford; sister Bridget Kirby and husband, Arnold of Tolland; niece Aimee Fortin and husband, Larry of Tolland; and nephew Chaplain Jason Palmer and wife, Kirsten of Dunedin, Florida.

Noted for her wit and bold personality, she excelled working in creative roles in print media, and later fostering her love for history working at Old Sturbridge Village. Her extensive work in print media included roles at The Hartford Courant, The Willimantic Chronicle, Gamer Publishing, The Norwich Bulletin, and Horseman's Yankee Pedlar. She would later start her own business, where she provided remote administrative business consulting for several years. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, she also pursued her love for used clothing by managing an online consignment store with hundreds of sales. She was passionate about humanity and nature, and expressed great compassion towards others. She always believed in second chances and redemption, and would often bear the weight of the world on her shoulders through causes larger than herself. She held a deep appreciation for art and cinema, thrived for autumn and Halloween, and never shied away from conversations about religion and politics. Always a social butterfly, she maintained a large collection of friends and acquaintances who all meant so much to her. Katie had created and maintained two websites, Hartford Woman Online and Connecticentric, where she supported the local community. She managed many Facebook communities for class reunions and community meetups like East Of The River Friends. She touched so many people in her life, even if it was only for a short time. She will be sorely missed by many.

Relatives and Friends are welcome to join the family from 4 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, July 26 at the Burke-Fortin Funeral Home, 76 Prospect St., Rockville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m., Wednesday, July 27, at St. Bernard Church, 25 St. Bernard's Terrace, Rockville. Burial will follow at nearby St. Bernard's Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Old Sturbridge Village by visiting their website at

www.osv.org

For online condolences, please visit

www.pietrasfuneralhome.com