Michelle M. Lattanzio

Michelle Lattanzio, 63, of Princeton, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on May 30, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family.
Born on January 16, 1962 to Norman and Louise Gamache, Michelle was one of seven children and was raised in a close-knit, loving family. Her upbringing instilled a deep sense of love, compassion, and the joy of being surrounded by loved ones.
Michelle graduated from Leominster High School, class of 1980. She dedicated her life to caring for others, first and foremost as a devoted mother to her daughters, and later as a beloved Nonna to her cherished grandchildren. This carried into her unwavering commitment to caring for both her parents. She married the love of her life and her best friend, Thomas Lattanzio, in 2002. Together they built their home in Princeton, where they welcomed generations of friends, family and loved ones for over two decades. Their unparalleled ability to bring loved ones together from near and far, is a testament to the love they created and shared with their families. A passionate, dedicated, and nurturing educator, Michelle made a lasting impact in the Gardner School District and local community. She influenced the lives of countless students and colleagues. She was a pillar in the community and will be admired for years to come. Her love for children and her natural gift for teaching left a legacy that will endure in the lives of many.
Michelle found joy in life's simple pleasures such as family trips to her "Happy Place"- Maine, quilting, fresh cut flowers, bird watching, making jewelry, scrapbooking, trips to the casino, and hosting large gatherings filled with laughter, love, and home-cooked meals. Her home was the heart of endless celebrations and opportunities to make memories. Her happiest moments in her life were those she created with her husband, daughters, grandchildren and loved ones.
She is survived by her loving husband, Thomas Lattanzio of Princeton; her daughters, Nissa Thornton and her husband James of Templeton, and Jessica LeClerc of Templeton; her grandchildren, Aine, Haydin, Padraic, Maire, and Kira, who were the light of her life; and her father, Norman Gamache of Leominster. She also leaves behind siblings and their spouses Kevin and Janice Gamache of Orange MA, Keith Gamache of Cornish ME, Dianne Gamache and Michael Perla of Leominster, David and Karen Gamache of Keansburg NJ, Melanie and Michael Kelly of Leominster MA, and Mellissa Hastings of Leominster MA. She also leaves behind in laws and their spouses Linda Escabedo of San Diego CA, John Lattanzio and Anne Boulette of Westminster MA, Fred O'Conner of Vero Beach FL, and Daniel and Laura Lattanzio of Leominster MA. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. She is predeceased by her mother Louise Gamache of Leominster, brother-in-law Robert Hastings, brother-in-law Charles Lawlor, father-in-law Arnesto Lattanzio, sister-in-law Judy O'Conner, and brother-in-law Ben Escabedo.
Michelle will be remembered for her warmth, strength, patience, generosity, unwavering faith, and the unconditional love she gave so freely. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched, the family she adored, and the memories she created with all who were blessed to know her.
In honor of Michelle please wear purple in her memory at her services.
Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, June 11 from 4:00 to 7:00 P.M. in Richardson Funeral Home, 106 West St, Leominster. A funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, June 12 at 10:00 A.M. at Our Lady of the Lake, 1400 Main St, Leominster, burial will follow in St. Leo Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in her memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. http://www.stjude.org
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