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Catherine M. LaPrade
Catherine M. LaPrade
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Catherine was born in Concord, NH on February 27, 1931, a daughter of the late John and Catherine (Dawson) Crand. After graduating from the Catholic High School in Gardner, MA, Catherine worked with her father at Priscilla's Candy Store, where she met her future husband, Paul. On September 4th, 1950, Catherine and Paul married and began raising their family in Fitchburg. When Henri's Hair Salon was looking for models for the latest hairstyles, Catherine was honored to have been chosen. In 1967, Catherine began her work as the friendly face and manager of the Wonder Bread and Hostess Outlet in Fitchburg, fondly called the "Thrift Store."
Along with her husband, Catherine always enjoyed their daily afternoon car rides and spending time outside tending their flower gardens. In her later years, she enjoyed taking cruises with family.
She is survived by her children, Deborah L. LeBlanc of Devens, Mark P. LaPrade and partner Marcelo Moura of Boston and Toronto, Canada, Lynn A. LaPrade and partner Angela Bryan of Attleboro, Melinda A. Collins and husband Dennis of Fitchburg, Paula J. Chaban and husband William of Gardner; 9 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, and one great great grandson; a brother Robert Crand and wife Nancy of Sommers, CT; many nieces and nephews.
Catherine was predeceased by her loving husband of 64 years, Paul E. LaPrade in 2015 as well as her siblings, Irene Flynn, John, Richard, Thomas, and David Crand.
A calling hour will be held in the Isabelle & Anderson Funeral Home, 316 Clarendon St., Fitchburg on Thursday, June 12, from 9:30-10:30am. The funeral Mass will be held at 11am in Saint Joseph Church, followed by burial in the parish cemetery. For more information or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.andersonfuneral.com
In lieu of flowers please consider a memorial contribution to the Alzheimer's Association
P.O. Box 96011 Washington, DC 20090-6011 or at alz.org
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
1 Entry
John Kamal
June 18, 2025
Mrs. LaPrade embraced every moment of her life. Hers was about giving, loving, and celebrating all its gifts, big and small. Raising her four daughters and a son, all of whom remained close to her for nearly a century, she ennobled them with a type of unconditional love that was palpable. Although she was of humble means, she gave generously, especially to the poor and needy. Like the patron saint of hospitality, she opened her much loved cozy home to neighbors and friends as well as family; and, as if that were not enough, she often had set aside some special gifts to give them as they left. Her spirit endures like the perpetual light that shines upon her so that all those who were a part of her life will never walk alone in the world.
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316 Clarendon Street, Fitchburg, MA 01420
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