Leda Gladys Lafrennie

Leda Gladys Lafrennie (Lafreniere), 98, passed away peacefully at her home in Rindge, NH on the 24th of June, 2025.

Leda was born and raised in Winchendon, MA to Leo and Priscilla (Tetro) Lafreniere. Her school years began with a language barrier, speaking only French Leda learned the English language by ear. Like many others, Leda left school early to work and help support her family during The Great Depression. As a teenager, she met her first husband, Norman Bartlett, who affectionately called her “Red,” in reference to her hair color. She waited for him as he served in WWII and they married when he returned. The couple went on to buy a home in Rindge, NH, had 5 children together and adopted a son. The two were resourceful, and would often cook meals that Norman would hunt or fish for. Whatever daily catch he’d come home with, Leda could cook it. After the early passing of Norman, Leda remarried to Paul Lafrennie.

The two joined their families and continued raising their family in their Rindge home. Leda was hardworking and worked many jobs over her lifetime. Most notable, she spent over 30 years working at NHBB. In her retirement, Leda and Paul stayed busy caring for their grandchildren. Leda was well known for her culinary abilities and you could find her in the kitchen most of her days. She was always on her feet and had many hobbies. She gardened for many years and collected cookbooks of all kinds to learn new recipes. As the resourceful woman that she was, she could sew, scrub, patch, or repair anything back to “new.” She loved caring for others and her animals. Her beloved cats were always by her side and well-loved. Babies were a great joy in her life and she so loved when her grandchildren would visit her with their babies. Her family was her pride and joy and her most favorite times were days with them by the pool, ocean, or just around the dinner table. Her door was always open and she looked forward to her loved ones walking through it. She lived a humble life full of gratitude and all who knew her learned much from her.

Leda is predeceased by her parents, Leo and Priscilla Lafrienere. Her siblings, Walter Lafreniere, Harry Lafreniere, Olive (Lafreniere) Russell, and Alice (Lafreniere) Trombley. Her first husband, Norman Bartlett. Her second husband, Paul Lafrennie. Her sons, Thomas Bartlett and Burt Young. Her stepchildren, Stephen Lafrennie, Scott Lafrennie, Kevin Lafrennie, Mark Lafrennie, Timothy Lafrennie, and Michelle (Lafrennie) Brow. Her son-in-law, David Shooster.

She is survived by her children, Donna Shooster, Norma (George) Rocheleau, Norman (Rhonda) Bartlett, Brian Bartlett, and his ex-wife Chauntelle Carty. Her stepchildren, Paul Jr. (Florence) Lafrennie, Joseph (Tek) Lafrennie. Her siblings Leo Lafreniere, Donald Lafreniere and Marion Prince. Her grandchildren, Alan (Robyn) Shooster, Keith (Beverly) Shooster, Rebecca (Joel) Warburton, Lois (Scott) Rocheleau, Susan (John) Basso, Norman (Susan) Rocheleau, Kate (Jason) Cormier, Jaclyn (Jay) Esparza, Curtis Bartlett, Ashlyn (Alex) Kundert. She also leaves, many step-grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. She will be sorely missed by all who loved her.

The family would like to thank personal caregivers, Kelli Montville and Claire Griffin for their years assisting Leda’s son, Brian, with her end of life care. Because of them, Leda was able to live the end of her life the way she always wanted, at home with her son by her side.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday July, 8th 2025 from 10:00am-11:00am at Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home in Winchendon, MA. The graveside ceremony will be immediately following calling hours at Riverside Cemetery in Winchendon, MA. In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the Monadnock Humane Society.

Matthew 6:9-13 until we meet again.