Windsor Obituary: Shirley LaRoche, 81

Shirley Ann LaRoche, 81, of Windsor Locks, passed away on October 9, 2017 at home surrounded by her family.

The eldest of three children in her family, Shirley was born in Hartford on November 14, 1935 and grew up in Windsor. She graduated from Windsor High School and entered the workforce as an administrator for the local water company. Shirley was hardworking, professional, and eventually transitioned into the medical field where she worked as a Pharmacy Technician at the Hebrew Home and Hospital in West Hartford.

After retiring Shirley worked part time at the CVS Pharmacy in Windsor Locks. Shirley was a private person who enjoyed watching and playing tennis, fishing, and most of all spending time with her family. She was especially proud of her granddaughter, Sydney, and cherished outings to the bookstore to read together and collect new literary treasures. She was active in Sydney's life and tried never to miss one of her field hockey games or school events.

Shirley was a member of St. Joseph Church in Poquonock for most of her life. Her kind and loving spirit will always be remembered by her family and friends.

She leaves her children, Linda Morel and her husband Stephen Olstein of Lyme; Robert Howard and his wife Anita of Somers; and her adored granddaughter, Sydney Olstein of Lyme as well as longtime friends, Jackie Wayler, Lisa Oddo, Arlene Overstrom, and Mike Cleveland. She was predeceased by her parents, Roland and Leona (LaRose) LaRoche; her infant son, Richard Francis Howard; and two brothers, Francis and Roland "Butch" LaRoche.

Her family wishes to thank her caregivers, Dina Bates, Nelly Rodriguez, and Honora Torto for their compassionate and gentle care during the last few months of Shirley’s life as well as Dr. Karyn Hansen and Nurse Norma Vazquez of the Women’s Center and Dr. Prashant Grover for their empathy during Shirley’s struggle.

Her family will receive friends at Carmon Poquonock Funeral Home, 1816 Poquonock Ave., in the Poquonock Section of Windsor from 7-9 p.m., Thursday, October 19, 2017. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m., Friday in St. Joseph Church, Poquonock.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to Masonicare Charity Foundation, P.O. Box 70, Wallingford, CT 06492.