WESTFIELD: Kathaleen R. Lafreniere (Henry), 70, passed away peacefully at home with the love of her family and friends surrounding her on January 14, 2022 after a battle with Alzheimer’s. After 51 years of marriage she is survived by her husband Kenneth, a Vietnam Veteran. She is the daughter of the late Thomas and Jean Henry and a lifelong resident of Westfield, MA. Throughout her career Kathy worked as a hairdresser for many years. She also worked for the Westfield school system for over 10 years. Kathy was an avid bowler and in a bowling league, she was also in a pitch league for almost 30 years. She volunteered countless hours for the Vietnam Veterans Chapter 219 and hosted yearly parties for them. Kathy shared a special bond with her grandchildren, never missing a birthday or family event with them. Above all Kathy loved to entertain, spend time with her family and loved ones, and play cards with her lifelong friend Linda. She loved the color purple and had a heart of gold. Kathy will be dearly missed and will forever be remembered for her sincere kindness. Kathy’s love for family is shared within her daughter Nicole, who has spent intangible time and memories supporting her mother during her battle.
A very special thank you to all the love, support and help given by Linda and Rita over the years. The family would also like to thank Hospice for their kindness and help. Now Kathy will be joining her best friend, Patricia Gilbert, who passed in 2017.
Kathy is survived by her husband Kenneth: two sons, Kenny, Heath and his wife Erin, and their son Dylan; daughter Nicole Osden, her husband Heath, and their two sons Brandon and Mathew; sisters Patricia Johnson and Debbie Bonazelli; sisters-in-law Judy Campbell and Rita Slasinski; thirteen nieces and nephews; best friends Jimmy and Linda Lamb; along with Sara and her brother Travis Gilbert who thought of Kathy as an aunt.
Due to COVID-19, services for Kathy Lafreniere will now be held privately at the family’s request. At a later date a celebration of life will be held. The family wishes to thank everyone in advance for understanding. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Westfield Senior Center, making checks payable to: “Westfield Revolving Gift fund”, 45 Noble Street, Westfield, MA, 01085. Or to Massachusetts Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, making checks payable to: “Massachusetts General Hospital Development Office”, 125 Nashua Street, Suite 5407, Boston, MA, 02114. Firtionadams.com
