Obituary of Bessie Labonte

Palmer- Bessie (Montos) Labonte, 93, died of natural causes on July 14, 2021. Born in Chicopee November 29, 1927, her parents were James and Catherine (Nikitos) Montos. Bessie grew up in Chicopee Falls, and in 1946 she married Joseph (Al) Labonte of Chicopee. They lived in Chicopee Falls, then moved to Granby in 1951. In 1962, they moved to Lake Thompson in Palmer. Joseph died in 2011, and Bessie continued to live there until 2017 when she moved to Keystone Commons in Ludlow, then to The Wellington in Springfield in 2019. Bessie worked part-time at area factories once her children were all in school, retiring from Wrights in Warren when her husband retired. They enjoyed camping and wintering in Florida for many years. In her leisure, she enjoyed having a cup of coffee and playing cards with a friend or just visiting. She was a fun-loving and funny person loved by many. She was a devoted and loving mother of 7 children. She will be deeply missed by her six surviving children; Susan Williams of Bellow Falls, VT and her life partner Edward; Catherine Cloutier and her husband Edward of Wilmington, DE; Elaine Phifer and her husband Stephen of Brimfield; Diane Hazen and her husband Stu of Brimfield; David Labonte of Palmer; and AnnMarie Potts and her husband Joe of Pennsauken, NJ. A son, Joseph Labonte Jr., died in infancy in 1958. Bessie also leaves a large number of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. She loved each and every one and was proud of them all. She also leaves her brother-in-law Joseph (Rael) Labonte of NY and his life partner Yvette, and sister-in-law Marta (Marty) Labonte of FL, who were much loved. The family is requesting that if you are not fully vaccinated, to kindly wear a mask. Calling hours will be Monday, July 19th from 9:30-11:00 a.m. at Beers & Story Palmer Funeral Home, with a service there at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at St. Thomas Cemetery. For those wishing, donations may be made in her memory to the Alzheimer’s Association. For online guest book, please visit www.beersandstory.com.