Obituary of Frances LaVigne

Frances (Fran) Woods LaVigne, 78, passed away on November 28, 2021 in Naples, Florida (formerly from Colchester and Manchester CT). Wife of Joseph LaVigne, Fran was born in Stafford Springs on July 27, 1943 to Francis and Fanny Barrett Woods. She graduated from Champlain College, University of Connecticut and Southern CT State University earning an Associates, Bachelors and two Masters degrees.

She enjoyed a 28 year career as a home economics teacher at RHAM Middle School. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and teacher. Fran enjoyed her family, good friends, flowers, and traveling. She filled her time with cooking, entertaining, gardening, reading, knitting, quilting and sunsets on the beach. Her recent passion was growing orchids and enjoying the Florida sunshine. Fran was fascinated by family history and did extensive research into the family tree of immediate and extended family members.

Fran is survived by her husband of 57 years and two children: Stephanie (LaVigne) Bancroft and her husband Paul from Andover, Christopher LaVigne and his wife Deborah Reelitz of Granby. She also leaves behind five grandchildren: Colin Bancroft of Utica, NY, Austin LaVigne of Mechanicsville, MD, Alexandra LaVigne of Dallas, GA, Ethan LaVigne of Hulbert Field, FL, and Benjamin LaVigne of Granby.

A memorial service will be held December 21st at John F. Tierney Funeral Home, 219 W. Center St. in Manchester from 4:00-7:00. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Harry Chapin Food Band harrychapinfoodband.org.