Ann Elizabeth LaSalle

Ann Elizabeth (Jenks) LaSalle, age 77, passed away on Monday, April 15, 2024, at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital in Needham, Massachusetts. Born in New London, Connecticut on January 15, 1947, she was the daughter of the late Richard R. and Mary E. (McKown) Jenks. Ann was raised in New London and graduated from New London High School’s class of 1965. After graduation, Ann stayed close to home, working at the Coast Guard Academy, while attending classes at Mitchell College. 

 

On December 4, 1970, Ann married the love of her life, Charles R. LaSalle, in a lovely ceremony in her hometown. The couple made their married home in Newton, Massachusetts for three years before moving to Norwood, Massachusetts in 1973. During this time, Ann continued to work for the Coast Guard, but this time at the Regional Offices in Government Center, in Boston, Massachusetts. 

 

In 1978, Ann and her growing family moved to the neighboring town of Walpole, Massachusetts, where she would focus on her role as a mother and home maker. 

 

Ann built a great community of friends in Walpole, many of whom she became so close with that they became family. She loved to entertain, inviting friends into her home for an evening of laughter and memories. Dinners were something to look forward to for both Ann's family and her friends, as Ann would lovingly prepare a meal using one of her recipes, bringing delicious meals to life. Sometimes, finding inspiration in her kitchen, guests would enjoy a one-of-a-kind meal that she created from items on hand. 

 

Ann began volunteering for the Walpole School systems once her youngest was enrolled. Whether she was assisting with sorting paperwork or preparing for activities, she found that she enjoyed the environment and the work. Ann slowly began the transition from volunteer to part time employee, working as a teacher's aide and a library assistant. Her career began in the Boyden Elementary School, before heading to the Bird Middle School, and finally ending at the Walpole High School. She retired in 2012 after 15 wonderful years in the classroom.

 

In addition to volunteering in the school system, Ann also volunteered in her community at large. She was a founding member of the Walpole Youth Connection Teen Center at Blackburn Hall, helping to give a place for the youth of Walpole to congregate. Having been elected by her fellow townspeople, Ann was active as a Representative to the Town Meeting, representing her precinct and voting on their behalf. Additionally, Ann was on the Redistricting Committee for the Walpole School System twice; the first time serving as a member and the second time leading the effort. Ann was also active in the Walpole Sludge Fight in the early 1990's, helping to prevent the environmental and economic impact of waste on her beautiful town.

 

In her free time, Ann loved to head up the coast to vacation in Kennebunkport and Wells Beach, Maine. While in Maine, Ann would make sure to indulge in the sun, sand, freshly caught lobster or a fisherman’s platter.

 

Beloved Wife of Charles R. LaSalle

Loving Mother of Brian C. LaSalle of Walpole, Brooke M. Reilly, and her husband Tim, of Needham, and Lindsey C. Gandolfo, and her husband Peter, of Norwood

Cherished Nana of Maeve Reilly and Finley Reilly 

Sister of the late Richard W. Jenks, and his surviving wife Karen, of Norwich, CT. Sister-in-law of Anita Gostkiewicz, and her late husband Ronald, of Canterbury, CT, and Susan Kornacki, and her husband Thomas, of Simsbury, CT

Aunt of Brent Jenks, Ty Jenks, Mark Gostkiewicz, Timothy Kornacki, Christine Kornacki, John Kornacki, and Jennifer Sorabella.

 

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Ann's Life Celebration on Sunday, April 21st, 2024, from 2:00 - 5:00 pm in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole.

 

A Funeral Home Service will be held on Monday, April 22nd, 2024, at 11:00 AM. Interment will take place privately at Saint Francis Cemetery in Walpole.

 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Ann's name may be made to the Alzheimer's Association 320 Nevada Street Suite 201 Waltham, MA 02460 or by visiting https://www.alz.org/manh