Obituary of Laura E. Labrecque

Belchertown- Laura E. Labrecque, 94, passed away February 20th after a lifetime of trying to be there for anyone or anything in need, be it human or animal. Born in Derby, VT, she lived in Belchertown for 72 years and worked as Payroll Clerk and then Assistant Treasurer at Belchertown State School for 20 plus years. Though quiet and unassuming, she used her indomitable spirit and every resource available to help causes dear to her, including the Audubon Society, Country Music and Blues Grass venues, and various charities. As co-founder of Animals Require Friends, she fostered and re-homed many stray and unwanted dogs, most of them larger than herself. She worked tirelessly trying to save the BSS carousel for the town along with Doris Stockton and others. Even though their efforts failed in the face of larger money at auction time, their valiant efforts were no less impressive. Laura was predeceased by her brother Rev. George Storey, sister Pauline Glover, beloved son Raymond Labrecque, and companion Les. She leaves behind her sister Evelyn Willard and her loving children Robert Labrecque and wife Charlene, daughter Denise Humiston, friend Nancy Austin, 6 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews whose lives she graced. We all miss her terribly and she has left a large empty space in our lives. There will be no calling hours and burial will be at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the MSPCA in Laura's name.