Eleanor E. LaFontaine

Eleanor “Ellie” E. (Viner) LaFontaine, 98, of Winchendon, formerly of Gardner, died peacefully Friday, March 7, 2025, in Heywood Hospital, Gardner, after a period of declining health.

Born in Gardner on January 23, 1927, she was the daughter of the late Roell and Viola (Rousseau) Viner. She graduated from Gardner High School with the Class of 1946. Eleanor was a stitcher employed by Modern Contract of Gardner for 26 years until her retirement in 1994. She was previously employed by Rousseau Brothers of Gardner.

Eleanor was a parishioner of the former Sacred Heart of Jesus Church of Gardner. She was a member of the Gardner Golden Ages and a member of the Gardner Chapter of AARP. Eleanor loved to play cards, work on puzzles, read, knit and was an avid fan of her Boston Red Sox. She also enjoyed doing craft fairs and going to Florida in the winters with her husband. Her greatest joy and treasure was her family, treasuring all the special memories made throughout the years, especially at the family camp in Fitzwilliam, NH.

Eleanor is survived by her daughter, June E. Klockars of Winchendon; a son Ray A. LaFontaine and his wife Kathleen of Fitzwilliam, NH; four grandchildren, Kim LaPointe, Lisa Klockars, Lance, and Eric LaFontaine; two great-grandchildren, Tyler Klockars and Ellayna LaPointe; several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was predeceased by her husband of 60 years, Francis R. LaFontaine, who died in 2008; her sister, Dorothy Lampert; and a son-in-law, William Klockars.

A Calling Hour will be held Friday, March 14, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in the Boucher Funeral Home, Inc., 110 Nichols Street, Gardner, MA. Funeral Services will follow at 11:00 a.m. in the funeral home. Burial at St. John’s Cemetery, West Street, Gardner, MA, will be held in the spring at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Ahimsa Haven Animal Rescue, 273 Central Street, Winchendon, MA 01475. Eleanor loved spending time with her cat Lucky who was her loving companion for many years. Please reference in memory of Eleanor E. LaFontaine.