Shirley A Laflamme

Shirley A. Laflamme, 91, beloved as a wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, peacefully passed away with her devoted husband Roger by her side on June 17, 2025, in Winchendon, MA.

Born on June 6, 1934 to Napoleon and Mary (Sawyer) Christian, Shirley grew up in Jaffery NH, but made a rich life in Winchendon. There she met Roger, the love of her life, beside a pond while on a swimming trip with her cousins. Roger was at the pond fishing—and what a catch he made that day. After three sons and 69 years of marriage, they were still holding hands like teenagers.

Shirley was devoted to her cherished sons Shawn, Larry, and Randy. Surrounded by growing boys, Shirley combined her sense of humor and spitfire spirit to more than keep up with them—as well as the many cats and dogs she welcomed into their home. After raising her own children, she shared her nurturing nature and unwavering kindness with the children of the elementary school in Winchendon, first working as a teacher’s aide then a librarian. After retiring, she passed her love of reading and learning to her grandson Alec, who she cared for as a baby and after school for many years.

As her family grew, Shirley warmly embraced her new daughters-in-law and grandchildren—always loving them equally and proud to share the news of each with the others. She was the heart that kept everyone connected. Nothing made her happier than to be surrounded by all her boys and their families at the holidays.

An avid cook, Shirley was always trying and sharing new recipes. Her spaghetti sauce with meatballs was a highlight of many a meal. Yet she was very humble about her delicious efforts, often saying she “really hadn’t done very much” as she detailed the buffet of dinner and dessert choices spread on her counter, stove, and table. No visitor ever left Shirley’s house hungry.

She also was fond of antiquing and travel. She was proud of her collection of carnival glass and always excited to discover vintage furniture for her home. In the summer, she and Roger would load their young boys in the car for trips to York Beach in Maine, then later vacation on their own in Mexico and Venezuela. In recent years, she and her close friend Christina Muse had many adventures together, including a visit to New York City.

Shirley will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all who had the privilege to know her. Her warmth, generosity, and love will forever remain in their hearts.

Shirley is survived by her loving husband Roger; her son Shawn, his wife Linda, and their son Christopher; her son Larry, his wife Sharon, their sons Alec and Garrett; her son Randy, his wife Nicole, and their children Taylor and Aidan; as well as her cousins Anna Laflamme and Betty Caron. She was predeceased by her sister Donna Nichols, her brother Stephen Hebert, and her parents Napoleon and Mary Christian.

A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Monday, June 23, 2025 at 11:30 am in Immaculate Heart of Mary, 25 Spruce Street, Winchendon. A burial service will follow at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery Chapel, 111 Glenallen Street, Winchendon at 1pm. 

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon, www.stone-ladeau.com.