Joan M. LaPlante

WORCESTER-Joan M. (Burke) LaPlante, 77, died Sat., Jan. 27 at UMass Memorial Healthcare.

Her husband, Henry L. "Angie" LaPlante died in 1987. She leaves two daughters, Deborah Melander of Shrewsbury and Robin and her husband Robert Bazinet of N. Grafton; five sisters, Barbara A. Williams of Worcester, Peggy L. Trotto of W. Boylston, Eleanor L. Burke of Worcester, Patricia A. Glodis of Worcester and Sharon M. Poulin of Holden; four grandchildren, Kelly DeCaire of Worcester, Keith Bazinet of E. Longmeadow, John and Heather Melander of Shrewsbury; her great grandson, Mason DeCaire who brought great joy and happiness to her life in the last 6 months, and many nieces and nephews. A son-in-law John Melander, Sr. predeceased her.

She was born in Worcester the daughter of Raymond S. and Margaret B. (Schollard) Burke and graduated from Commerce High School in 1948. Joan was born and raised in Quinsigamond Village then moved to Oxford where she lived for 36 years before returning to the Village in 1987. She worked part-time at Helen's Bakery for 15 years where she loved talking to people and gained many dear friends. She was a member of St. Catherine of Sweden Church. Joan loved vacationing at Hampton Beach and Florida with her family, she loved animals and was an avid reader.

The funeral will be Wednesday, January 31 from LINDQUIST LUNDIN FUNERAL HOME, 36 Butler St. with a Mass at 10:00 AM at St Catherine of Sweden Church, 1 Wiser Ave. Interment will be in St. John's Cemetery. Visiting hours will be Tuesday, January 30 from 5:00 to 8:00 PM in the funeral home. Please omit flowers. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Association, 25 Spring St., Walpole, MA 02081 or to the Worcester Animal Rescue League, 139 Holden St., Worcester, MA 01606. For directions or online guest book please visit www.lindquistlundin.com.