Maria Elizabeth "Pletsch" LaGoy

Maria Elizabeth (Pletsch) LaGoy, a cherished matriarch, artist, and friend, passed away peacefully on September 7, 2025, at the age of 89. Born on October 13, 1935, Maria's life was a rich tapestry woven with love, creativity, and resilience.

Maria's journey began in Germany, where she was born to Albert Pletsch and Maria Anna (Wagner) Pletsch. Her formative years were marked by the challenges of post-war Europe, but Maria's indomitable spirit shone through. She found love with Lorne LaGoy, an American soldier, and together they embarked on a new life in the United States, nurturing a family that would grow to include beloved children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Maria's intellectual curiosity led her to pursue higher education later in life, culminating in an associate's degree from Montachusett College. She worked at several places over the years, but it was her passion for wood carving that defined much of her life. She and her husband taught woodworking together and were well respected members of the New England Wood Carvers. The wood carving classes she taught in Leominster were as much about socializing as they were about artistry. Maria honed her skills in bird carving, relief carving, and painting. Her talent was widely recognized, and she was honored to carve a Christmas ornament for First Lady Laura Bush at the White House and the seal for the City of Leominster.

Maria's kind, creative, and wise nature touched all who knew her. Maria was at the heart of this vibrant community. Her works were not just displays of technical skill; they were expressions of her soul, imbued with the warmth and wisdom that were her hallmarks.

Maria's legacy continues through her surviving family. She leaves her daughters, Ellen (LaGoy) Burdett and Linda LaGoy; her son, Michael LaGoy and his wife, Gail; her sister, Meta Gries, her granddaughters, Jessica LaGoy and Sarah (LaGoy) Mullins and her husband, Carl, two great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents, her husband Lorne, her son David LaGoy, her son-in-law, Daniel Burdett, her sisters Anna and Hildegard, her brothers Ludwig, Otto and his wife Else, and Albert. She was also predeceased by her sisters-in-law, Bernadette Dignard, Theresa Kennedy, and Juanita Spingola and her brother-in-law Brian LaGoy.

As we bid farewell to Maria Elizabeth (Pletsch) LaGoy, we celebrate a life beautifully lived. Her legacy of kindness, creativity, and wisdom will continue to inspire and guide us. Maria's memory will be cherished and kept alive in the hearts of all who were fortunate to know her.

Calling hours are Wednesday, September 17, from 4:00 to 6:00 P.M. at Richardson Funeral Home, 106 West St., Leominster.

The funeral Mass is Thursday, September 18, at 11:00 A.M. at St. Leo's Church, 128 Main St., Leominster. Burial will follow at St. Leo's Cemetery.