Corinne Spence

Corinne (Lafrenier) Spence, 76 of Salem, NH was called home Saturday, July 11, 2020 at the Holy Family Hospital, Methuen, MA. She was born in Lawrence, MA on April 29, 1944. She was the daughter of Rene and Margaret (Horner) Lafrenier. She was raised in Methuen and graduated from Tenney High School, Class of 1962.

Corinne continued her education by earning a Bachelor of Arts in chemical-physics and English from Bridgewater State College. She continued at UMass Lowell receiving a Master of Education degree. Later she was in the UMass doctoral program in instructional technology.

Corinne was a science teacher in the Methuen Public School for twenty-four years and an instructional technology specialist for twelve years. She served as advisor to the National Junior Honor Society, School Council member, editor of the staff paper, and webmaster for the school web site. During her career she received local, state, and national awards for teaching.

Corinne was certified graduate school instructor by the Mass. State College System. She also conducted many in-services technology courses for the Methuen Public Schools.

On April 22, 1979 she married Richard Spence with whom she shared nearly forty years together. He became her constant companion when they both retired from teaching. He preceded her in death on June 2, 2018.

Corinne was a volunteer CPR instructor for the Lawrence Chapter of the American Red Cross for several years.

Corinne served on the Advisory Board for the International Order of Rainbow for Girls, Assembly No. 15, Past Matron of the Lawrence Chapter No. 78 Order of the Eastern Star and then was a member of Haverhill Fidelity Chapter No. 90, O.E.S. She became a 50-year member in October 2018.

In 1999 Corinne was elected co-president of the Methuen Public Schools Retirees’ Association, a position she held until 2014.   Corinne and her husband, Dick, hosted a yearly breakfast for retired Methuen Schools' staff for eleven years.

She is survived by a son, Christopher and his wife Jean (Valdinocci) and a grandson, Evan Spence. She is also survived by an “honorary” granddaughter, Ashlee Sarnie of Salem. Megan Gaffney, Michael and Jaina Lavertue all of Salem, NH were also considered honorary grandchildren. In addition, she leaves several cousins. Corinne and Dick were blessed to have many kind friends and neighbors.

Private family services will be held. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the William T. Barron School PTA, 55 Butler St., Salem, NH 03079.