Eleanor M. La Chance

1936 - 2023

Eleanor M. La Chance

Greenfield, MA - Eleanor "Ellie" (Farrick) La Chance, age 87, passed away Friday July 14, 2023 at Charlene Manor Extended Care Facility. She was born in Whately, MA on January 20, 1936, the daughter of Jacob and Marion (Wesolowski) Farrick. She moved here and graduated from Greenfield High School in 1953. Ellie was employed by the Franklin County Tuberculosis Association as executive secretary from 1953-1966. She then worked for Bank of New England as a safe deposit clerk until 1992. She belonged to the Guiding Star Grange for 25 years. She was a volunteer in public schools, including assistant librarian, assistant cub scout leader, worked the voting polls in Greenfield, and helped train future citizens. She married Lewis La Chance, Jr. on May 1, 1965 at Sacred Heart Church. She was a Eucharistic minister and greeter at Holy Trinity Church, part of a prayer group for the sick, and for 26 years as treasurer for the Rosary Society, being a long-standing member. At church suppers, people looked for her kielbasa and her baked apple pies. She raised five children in her spare time with her husband. She made quilts for her grandchildren and sold jewelry with her husband at flea markets until 2003. She had a green thumb for plants. She loved her family and her community.She is survived by her husband, Lewis of 58 years, five children and their spouses including, Lawrence and his wife, Teresa of Utah, twins, Peter and his wife, Robyn of Washington state, Mark and his wife, Maple of Hawaii, Thomas and his wife, Bonnie of Massachusetts, and a daughter, Elizabeth "Betsy" and her husband, Edward Stehno, III of Indiana. Additionally, she leaves a brother-in-law, Robert and his wife, Carolyn of Maryland, two sisters-in-law, Ruby and her husband Fred Aldrich of Texas, and Beatrice "Betty", her husband, Gregory Buteau of Massachusetts, 11 grandchildren including Harris, Porter, Claire, Jacqueline, Madison, Kennedy, Lauren, Luke, Lucy, Hope, Eddie IV, and one great-grandson, Harvey Harris La Chance, son of Harris and his wife, Grace. She was predeceased by her parents, a grandchild, Jane Elizabeth Stehno, a brother-in-law Amos "Uncle Al" La Chance, and a sister-in-law, Mary (La Chance) Wilson. Service will be held Wednesday July 19, 2023 at 9:15 AM from the Kostanski Funeral Home at 220 Federal Street, followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10 AM at Blessed Trinity Parish/Holy Trinity Church; 133 Main Street Greenfield, MA. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Calling hours will be held Tuesday July 18, 2023 from 4-6 PM at the funeral home. We would like to thank the staff at Charlene Manor for their compassionate care while Ellie was a resident there. Much appreciation to the staff and volunteers from Pioneer Valley Hospice & Palliative Care for their kindness.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Greenfield Children's Public Library or to the Literacy Project at 15 Bank Row Greenfield, MA 01301.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Kostanski Funeral Home. For condolences, please visit www.kostanskifuneralhome.com.