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Frances C. LaPlaca
Frances C. LaPlaca
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Frances LaPlaca Obituary
The Rev. James Lawrence officiated, with the Rev. Deniskingsley Nwagwu, Sdv, con-celebrating the Mass
The organist was Cameron Steinmetz, the cellist was Eddie Wilkin and the vocalists were Peter Laramie and Sharon Bales.
Readers were Michael Alexander, Michael Poalino and Joyce Roberts.
The eulogist was Eric Ramey.
Honorary bearers were members of the Fair Haven American Legion Auxiliary.
A reception followed at the Iron Lantern Restaurant.
Burial will be at a later date in the St. Bridget's Cemetery, West Rutland.
Friday evening the Rev. Anthony Pittappillil, Sdv held a prayer service at the Durfee Funeral Home and the members and former members of her choir and Keynotes club performed.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the following: The Foley Cancer Center at Rutland Regional Medical Center, Our Lady Of Seven Dolors Church or to the newly founded FHUHS Fran LaPlaca Center For the Performing Arts. All donations can be made through Durfee Funeral Home, PO Box 86, Fair Haven, VT 05743.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Brian Perry
December 16, 2019
One of the very best people I have ever known. Merry Christmas to all!
Dale Sweet
January 3, 2015
sorry to hear of the passing of your mother.I know you will miss her
Neil Martel
December 31, 2014
Teresa, Jim, Mike, Mary Anne, and family
So sorry to hear of the loss of your mom. As so many have already mentioned, what a wonderful person she was. The kindness that your family extended to so many of us and the lasting influence that she and your father had will never be forgotten. My condolences and thoughts are with you all.
Vicki Kenyon
December 30, 2014
Teresa, we are so sorry to hear about your mom. She was such a great lady. So many concerts at FHUHS in the 70's with her leading the show. She gave me so much confidence to sing and these times were some of my happiest moments. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless! Love, Vicki(White)Kenyon
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Michal & Cheryl Morris
December 30, 2014
To all of the Laplaca family: Fran was such a gift to the Fair Haven area. She was always so positive and full of determination. It is hard to think of people who have taught parents and all of their children through several generations. She certainly did a wonderful thing in her career that was much more than a job to her. She will be very missed. God rest to her.
December 30, 2014
Dear LaPlaca Family,
Your Mom touched so many lives in so many ways. She was the type of individual that would "walk the walk" and "talk the talk" and you knew you were in trouble when you got "the look" from her, she did not have to speak a word, so respected her and your Dad. Try to take comfort in knowing they are in each others arms again and watching over all of you and yours.
Much Love from The Morris Family
December 28, 2014
So sorry about your mothers passing. She was as much a part of FHUHS as your Dad.
John and Kathy Ledo, Raleigh, NC
Lynn Jeffrey
December 28, 2014
So very sorry Jim and Sue. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Rick & Cindy Parrott
December 28, 2014
I would like to offer my deepest condolences to the LaPlaca family on the loss of their mother Fran. Coach and Fran were two very extraordinary people. The name LaPlaca will always be synonymous with FHUHS and the Slaters. Between the two of them they touched more people then one can count. They are missed and will never be forgotten. Rest in eternal peace Fran.
Barry & Mary Breslen
December 27, 2014
Dear LaPlaca Family,
Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts.
Jerry Bardwell
December 27, 2014
I remember Mrs. LaPlaca with great fondness from my days spent singing in the tenor section of the FHUHS choir for a number of years. She was truly patient and kind and never spoke a harsh word to or about anyone. God's peace be on you Mrs. LaPlace as you finally journey to be with your beloved husband. Jerry Bardwell, FHU Class of 77
Jeff Breslen
December 26, 2014
There aren't many words that can describe Mrs. LaPlaca (I just can't call her Fran!). We will not in our lifetime see a woman who will do so much for others as Mrs. LaPlaca did. She treated the "kids" at her schools like they were her own and often welcomed many of us into her home as if we were family. There are so many that are better people for what Mrs. LaPlaca did - both broadly from a teaching standpoint and the focused attention she so remarkably provided many of us. You will be missed Mrs. LaPlaca but we just know that that there is quite a celebration going on at this moment for your arrival in a much better place! My thoughts are with my many friends in the LaPlaca family.
Albert Marro
December 26, 2014
My sincere condolensces to the LaPlaca family on the passing of their mother. She was a wonderful person, a great mother and a better cook. She is missed already ...
December 26, 2014
Mrs. Laplaca was a ray of sunshine that touched the lives of generations of children and adults. I was privileged to be a member of her 1968 Keynotes and chorus.
Our condolences to her family as they grieve the loss of Fran.
Sincerely, Pat and John Trutor
Barry Ouellette
December 26, 2014
I would like to send my condolences to Mike and the entire Laplaca family. May she rest in peace and be joined with her husband Tom.
Tammy and Doug Atwood
December 26, 2014
Our deepest heartfelt sympathies to the Laplaca family at this sad time. What a legacy she leaves behind! No one will ever think of chorus at FHUHS without thinking of Mrs Laplaca, her warm smile, her energy and her tapping toes as she kept us on tempo.
Jacky Marston
December 26, 2014
What a gift she was to anyone lucky enough to have known her! I joined the community chorus about ten years ago. She lifted my heart and all hearts around her.
It was an honor to have known her. She raised us up.
Mick and Peg Richards
December 25, 2014
Mrs. Laplaca...what a special lady. When she walked into a room, there was a sense of vibrancy and energy. Her smile was so "Fran"...just beautiful. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Laplaca family. We hope your many beautiful memories help you through this difficult time.
Nancy Thomas
December 25, 2014
I would like to offer my condolences to the LaPlaca family. I am so sorry for your loss. Fran was a very special lady. Not only did I have her in chorus, but went on to do Alumni chorus with her. Ten years ago when I started working with Relay for Life there was Fran doing Luminaries. She was just as devoted and passionate about this as she was her music. It will not be the same without her. She will be missed.
Aaron Savage
December 25, 2014
Mrs. LaPlaca was beyond being a wonderful and special teacher, mother, and person, we all will miss her. I pray her to be with Mr. LaPlaca looking down on us.
marj kyhill
December 24, 2014
to the family of Fran Laplaca...sorry for your loss. Fran was a role model and an inspiration to her current and past students alike. May her warmth and kindness help you through these difficult days ahead.
Marj and Jerry Kyhill
Dan Kelly
December 24, 2014
So sorry to hear about the passing of Mrs. Laplaca. She was a great lady who will be missed. No doubt she is Heaven's newest angel. RIP Mrs. Laplaca!!!!
Dan, Bubba and Brody
Mary Jane and Phil Stinson
December 24, 2014
So sorry to see this, Teresa. She can now watch over you every day. Prayers and thoughts are with you...
Mary Jane and Phil Stinson
Robert & Beth Cijka
December 24, 2014
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
December 24, 2014
We are sorry for the loss of your mother.
Memories of the lives of your family will forever comfort you in this time of grief. David & Sherry & The Abbey Group.
Merle Bronson
December 24, 2014
Fran was an inspiration,teacher, mentor,and friend to hundreds of us. She will live forever in our hearts. My sincerest condolences to the Laplaca family.
William Holden
December 24, 2014
FHUHS was lucky to have a teacher like Fran LaPlaca. She was an amazing inspiration to generations of students and will be missed by all.
Robert Gay
December 23, 2014
To Mike, Mary Anne, Jim, Teresa and your family,
There aren't enough words to express how awesome your mother was. I enjoyed playing drums so much for the chorus concerts just to be near someone so tender and sensitive. Music is the universal language, but it became so much more when your mom helped create it. Everyone was equal in her eyes and everyone had dignity. Thank you so much for sharing her with all of us, and thank you Mrs. LaPlaca for being the instrument of god's love to us
Sincerely,
Robert Gay Class of '77
Steph Van Vlack
December 23, 2014
Thank you for all you have done.
December 23, 2014
You will be missed
Dwight Perry
December 23, 2014
Mrs.Laplaca taught me to appreciate all music, she inspired me to play music and sing. She may be gone, but she still lives on in every single one of her students..RIP Mrs. Laplaca.
Dick & Bobbi Adams
December 23, 2014
We are so sad to read of Fran's passing. But she is now pain-free. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of her family and friends. RIP Fran
Carl and Nancy Ruby
December 23, 2014
Dear Teresa, Jim, Mike and Mary Ann, Our thoughts are with you as we remember our dear friend Fran. We were so lucky to have known her as a teacher, colleague, mentor and friend. She has been a constant "Slater" here in Fair Haven where her spirit, like Tom's will remain through the memories of all those she has known. Our deepest sympathy to all of you. Pie and Nancy
Joseph Doran
December 23, 2014
Monday's were always special as that was the day Fran taught chorus at Castleton Village School. She always greeted you with a smile and ask how things were going. She saw joy in bringing music to middle schoolers.
December 23, 2014
It can be so hard to face the first year without your loved one, but the love of family and friends can carry you through.
December 23, 2014
I'm so sorry for your loss. Fran touched many, many lives in a very positive way!
Sally deLancey
Mary Alice Souther Phillips
December 23, 2014
Like me, all of her students over the years have only cherished memories of this beloved teacher. She gave us such a gift in the music she taught us. Now she and Coach rejoice with the music of the angels! Lord, grant her joy with you forever!
brad and maureen gibeault
December 23, 2014
we are very sorry to hear about the loss of your mother . as this guest book will attest what a special person your mother was.our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Brian Perry
December 23, 2014
Our deepest sympathies to the Laplaca family and the entire community. Mrs. Laplaca was truely a gift to us and all who new her. She will be sorely missed. Best wishes and warmest regards.
Brian and Trudy Perry
Jeff Sullivan
December 23, 2014
My thoughts are prayers are with your family. God Bless you all.
Bonny Grupe
December 23, 2014
There are no words to express the sadness felt on the passing of such a fine woman. Thoughts and healing prayers to MaryLa, Mike, Jim & Teresa.
December 23, 2014
My sincere condolences to the LaPlaca Family. I knew Fran through my time at Fair Haven Grade School. She was a woman of grace, dignity and integrity. They come no finer. It was a privilege to have known her. She will be missed greatly. RIP
~ Lorraine "Re" Lester
December 23, 2014
To the Laplaca family. Sorry to hear about Fran. Our thoughts & prayers are with you.
Jim & Patty Boule'
Marleen Cenate
December 23, 2014
My condolences to the LaPlaca families. Fran will be greatly missed just as "Coach" Tom was. She will be watching over you now from above. Thoughts and prayers go out to all of you during this very difficult time. Hold on to the wonderful memories you have to help you.
lori bruno
December 23, 2014
To amazing woman who will always be in my heart so truly sorry for your loss may u rest in peace
Jamie Curavoo
December 23, 2014
u will b missed dearly Mrs. Laplaca. Now you will be up there with the angels giving them chorus lessons.lol
Jamie Curavoo
December 23, 2014
Mrs. LAplaca u will be missed dearly. now u will be up in heaven teaching the beginner angels singing classes.
Darlene Hall Goodman
December 22, 2014
A choir of Angels will be led by Fran in Heaven! A gentle, quiet soul who touched so many with not only her music, but with her kind, soft spoken spirit! Truly a saint! My heartfelt condolences to the entire family! Find comfort in knowing we are all grieving with you!
December 22, 2014
Patti and I are very sorry to hear of your Mother's passing. Our thoughts are with you and your family.
Scott and Patti Sparks
Janis Audet-Krans
December 22, 2014
My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Shandell Wilcox
December 22, 2014
Mrs. LaPlaca touched the minds and hearts of all people fortunate to have known her. As a transfer student to FHUHS, she helped me find a place to fit in, and my most treasured memories revolve around her smile, laughter and enthusiasm. I feel blessed to have shared these times with her. My heart goes out to those closest to her at this incredibly sad time.
Sheila Class of 1965
December 22, 2014
Fran Laplaca was an amazing women who was loved by so many . I am so sorry for your loss .
Mike and Karyn Stannard
December 22, 2014
The world and our area has lost another member of that "Greatest Generation" who's shoes are tough to fill. What a wonderful lady, that we all learned about class and community from, by example. Our thoughts and prayers are with the whole family.
Loran Diehl Saito
December 22, 2014
Dear LaPlacas,
Your mother and father both impacted so many lives. Our family will always remember Mrs. LaPlaca's kindness, gentleness, and commitment to her work and her students. Warmest wishes and condolences to all of you.
Loran Diehl Saito
oliver allen
December 22, 2014
Mary Ann my deepest condolences to you and your whole family @ the loss of your mom. She truly was an exceptional lady.
melynda manning
December 22, 2014
You will always be in our hearts, you are things legends are made of
Joe Goodrich. Class of 87'
December 22, 2014
Mrs LaPlaca will forever live in the hearts of many, many lives she touched in her time here on this earth. My hope is that her family can take comfort in knowing that she was loved by all that had the good fortune to know her. Her memory will live on. Rest well Mrs LaPlaca. Until we meet again.
kate malkin
December 22, 2014
Thank you Mrs. Laplaca. You gave all your students so much and showed us the beauty of music within. You will be greatly missed.
nicole stacey
December 22, 2014
Rest in peace. I am so sorry for your loss. She was an amazing woman. Who I looked to alot for advice.
summer folsom
December 22, 2014
Mrs. Laplaca you were a great music teacher all the students will dearly miss you Mrs. Laplaca you were a very strong women god bless to the Laplaca family. <3 your student summer
December 22, 2014
my thoughts and prayers will be with you at this time I had her at a time in my life that I will never forget God has another angel up there with him I will pray for the family
Dave Truman
December 22, 2014
My deepest sympathies to the LaPlaca family. May god bless you all. RIP Fran.
Shelley Hathaway
December 22, 2014
What an awesome, kind, patient woman! She will be so missed by so many.Prayers for the LaPlaca family.
Harold/Ann Hubbard
December 22, 2014
Dear LaPlaca Family,
Ann and I were so sorry to hear of your Mom's passing. She was a wonderful person and will be greatly missed by her family and the community which she dearly loved. God bless you all in this trying time...RIP Fran.
Donna Reed
December 22, 2014
The heavens above are so blessed to have gained such a beautiful angel. I am honored to say I knew Fran LaPlaca. I learned so much from her in my time in chorus, keynotes and later on in alumni chorus. I will treasure those memories always. My sincere condolences to the entire LaPlaca family. My heart aches for all of you. Fran was the best! I will remember her always. Rest in peace Fran LaPlaca.
Deborah McClain/Johnson
December 22, 2014
My deepest sympathies to the family . She was a great person and will be deeply missed by all
Robin (Ladue) Iliopoulos
December 22, 2014
My heart is broken. What a wonderful woman and mentor. Some of my best memories are of Mrs LaPlaca and singing with her. My sincerest sympathy to the entire LaPlaca family at this time. You are all gems.
Megan Price
December 22, 2014
Kindness, patience, encouragement and endless optimism are what Mrs. Laplaca taught and gave to thousands of students, in addition to her love of music. She and "Coach" were the best of FHUHS and those of us lucky enough to have learned from them will not forget their many invaluable lessons. May a chorus of angels sing you to your well deserved rest. Thank you for all you gave to us.
The Haley's
December 22, 2014
I had the blessed opportunity of knowing your mom and I know heaven just received one of the most special angels.
December 22, 2014
Mrs Laplaca was a angle that was sent to us from above to teach us how to express ourselves through music to show how much one person can love a hole Community not just a few. She will deeply missed but heaven called her home to sing with her husband
Melanie Perry Tufts
December 22, 2014
My thoughts and prayers are with the Laplaca family. She was a true angel and will forever watch over all of us.
Linda & Vic Genier
December 22, 2014
Please accept our deepest sympathies in the loss of your mother. She was a truly remarkable woman and will be missed by so many people. She was a true gift to the community. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time.
December 22, 2014
When we lose a loved one here on earth like Fran LaPlaca, we gain an angel in heaven that watches over us. May you take comfort in knowing that you have Fran to watch over you now. We extend our most sincere condolences to the LaPlaca Family.
Glen, Patty, Zack and Brittany Roberts
December 22, 2014
Our heartfelt condolences go out to the LaPlaca family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Please know that Mrs. LaPlaca was loved throughout the community and was an inspiration for so many people. She filled our family with love of song and put joy in our hearts.
With love,
Karen, Kyle, James, and Gus Ruby
Donna Martino
December 22, 2014
My heart is heavy with the loss of your mother. Fran will be missed greatly by all that loved and met her. She had a gift of making people feel very special. You all have my deepest sympathy and prayers.
Samuel Loomis
December 22, 2014
My deepest sympathies to the LaPlaca family. Mrs. Frances LaPlaca's legacy to FHUHS (and beyond) was a priceless gift. Her passion to educate and foster growth in all students was only matched by that of her late husband, Thomas E. Laplaca. The ripples of their impact on so many of our lives extend well beyond Fair Haven, Vermont. God Bless you Mrs. LaPlaca and may you rest in peace.
Wayne Blackmer
December 22, 2014
Our sympathy to the entire Laplaca family. She was an inspiration to us all. May you all find peace during your time of loss.
Wayne, Roxann, Shelby, and Abigail Blackmer
Tanaya Mongeur
December 22, 2014
We all will severely miss you, Mrs. LaPlaca. You will be a beautiful angel in the sky. I hope you bring beautiful and wonderful music up there as you did here on earth
Lisa Kelly
December 22, 2014
Sending my thoughts and prayers, Mrs Laplaca was an amazing woman and teacher.So many students were blessed to have her as a mentor. She will be greatly missed.
Samuel Loomis
December 22, 2014
My deepest sympathies to the LaPlaca family. Mrs. Frances LaPlaca's legacy at FHUHS (and beyond) was a priceless gift. The integrity, class and unbridled passion to educate and foster growth in all students was only equal to that of her late husband, Thomas E. LaPlaca. The ripples of their impact on so many of our lives is felt way beyond Fair Haven. God Bless you Mrs. LaPlaca, and may you rest in peace.
Amy Mumford
December 22, 2014
My condolences to the LaPlaca Family. Mrs. LaPlaca will be greatly missed. She was the best and had a huge heart.
Jody Murray
December 22, 2014
I am truly honored to say I knew Mrs. Laplaca. She touched the lives of so many people. One of those people was myself, what an amazing lady. Mike and Maryanne, I am so sorry for your loss.
Susan Eaton
December 22, 2014
The heavens are surely blessed to have gained such a beautiful angel. Rest easy Fran. My sympathies to the entire LaPlaca family.
Ed & Tammy O'Shea
December 22, 2014
To the LaPlaca Family,
Sending you our most sincere and heartfelt sympathy. Fran was a wonderful person.
Brian Grady
December 22, 2014
My condolences to the LaPlaca family. Fran was real class, and she will be missed.
brian ianni
December 22, 2014
my deepaest sympathy to the LaPlaca family ,misss Fran was a big part of my early yrs as well as mr tom ,i think of them often
Amelia Proctor
December 22, 2014
I feel so blessed to be able to say I knew this wonderful lady. Thank you Fran for helping further my love of music and for giving my son the same love. Rest in Peace!
jim eaton
December 22, 2014
The heavens have gained an angle. Mrs Laplaca was a classy lady with a huge hart. She is at rest now at Tom's side. To the family, we share in your sadness at this time.
Gary Moreau
December 22, 2014
I would like to express our sympathy to Fran's family on behalf of the Vermont Music Educators Association. Fran's love of music and her students was evidenced so often in her over 50 years of teaching and we were all proud to be her friends and colleagues. I had the privilege of attending her final Fair Haven Union High School concert last spring with my wife, Lynn, a former chorus student of Fran's. It was my honor to be there representing the members of the Vermont Music Educators. Fran will be missed by all and we send our love and prayers to her entire family. The angel choir just got a new amazing director!
Gary Moreau - President
Vermont Music Educators Associaiton
Ann (Garvey) Masse
December 22, 2014
Teresa(Rob),Jim(Sue),Mike,Maryann and family: My thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of loss. Your mom was an amazing lady. Hold tight to all those wonderful memories you have of her. Now she is your guardian angel,and she will watch over you with love.
Jacki Perry
December 22, 2014
I am so sorry for your loss. She was a gem and I loved her.
Jack Healey
December 22, 2014
My deepest sympathies to the LaPlaca family. Fran was a wonderful person and will be missed.
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