Carol A. (Shafer) LaFrance

It is with love, admiration and profound sadness that we announce the passing of Carol Ann Shafer LaFrance on November 30, 2023.  Born in Roseglen, North Dakota, Carol was predeceased by her parents Jesse and Hallie (Erb) Shafer and 3 brothers Jesse, David and Herb Shafer and survived by her sister Opal Zimmer. 

She was the wife of the late Howard Joseph LaFrance.  Carol’s loving family includes her daughter Judy Ann LaFrance-Zwack (Harold), son Howard David LaFrance (Kim) and adoring grandchildren, Heather-Ashton Zwack, Jessica Lauren LaFrance and the late Ryan David LaFrance.

Carol, or Meme to all who loved her, was the first in her family to go to college, attending a two-year Christian junior college in Tennessee, after which she proceeded on to Montana State University in Boseman to complete her undergraduate and master’s degrees in Biochemistry and Mathematics.  Upon graduation, she began her career as a chemist at Standard Oil in Gary, Indiana, where she remained until she obtained the position as a Supervisory Chemical Technologist at the United States Veteran’s Administration Hospital (VAMC) in West Haven, Connecticut, as well as teaching at Housatonic State Community College.  Carol was always very active in her community playing an integral part within her children’s schools and her church,

the First Congregational Church of West Haven, where she served as a Deacon, taught Sunday school, sang in the church choir, served as a member of the Nursery School Board of Directors as well as belonged to numerous other church clubs and service committees.  

She retired from the VAMC in 1980 only to work part time at Lender’s Bagels because she got bored and could never sit still for long.  Carol also was a lifetime member of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees (NARFE) and remained actively in touch with her colleagues long after she retired.  Carol never turned away from a person in need, whether through her church service or in her personal life.  Everyone she knew loved her and was touched immensely by her warm and embracing personality.  Her incredible smile brightened the room instantly when she entered it.  She will be missed by all yet appreciated for the blessing she was in their lives. 

To celebrate the Carol’s life, a memorial service will held on December 17, 2023 at 2 o’clock at the First Congregational Church of West Haven. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations will be accepted and forwarded by the family to a charity close to Carol’s heart.  A reception will follow the service in Fellowship Hall.

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