1923 – 2014
Loretta A. (Vadnais) Langlois, 91, a long-time resident of West Thompson, died peacefully Wednesday, May 28, 2014 in the Mansfield Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation. She was born March 22, 1923 in Putnam, the daughter of François X. and Yvonne (Delisle) Vadnais. Her husband of 61 years, Normand R. Langlois, died in 2011. She leaves three sons: Richard (Deborah Savage) of Columbia, Marc (Craig Mathis) of Rancho Mirage, CA, and Michael (Elena Langlois) of Winchester, MA. She also leaves two brothers, Francis Vadnais of West Warwick, RI, and John Vadnais of Ravena, NY.
Loretta attended Putnam Catholic Academy, where she played basketball and graduated as salutatorian. After studying hairdressing in Hartford, she worked as a beautician in Putnam for several years before taking time off to raise a family. In the 1960s, she returned to work as the head of the cafeteria at her alma mater, Putnam Catholic Academy. When the school closed in the 1970s, she became head of food services at the nearby Provincial House of the Daughters of the Holy Spirit. In retirement, she enjoyed driving around the northeast with her husband. However, her favorite activity was being Mémère to her five adoring grandchildren: Zachary, 24; Anaïs (Annie), 20; Noah, 18; and twins Christopher and Abigail, 14.
Loretta was a founding member of the Ladies Auxiliary of VFW Post 10088 in Quinebaug. She was also an avid fan of the Boston Red Sox and, especially, the UConn women’s basketball team.
The family would like to extend sincere thanks to the staff of the Mansfield Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation, who took such wonderful care of Mémère for the last two-and-a-half years.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Loretta’s family from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Sunday, June 1, 2014 in the Valade Funeral Home, 23 Main St., N. Grosvenordale. A gathering will begin in the funeral home at 10:00 am on Monday, June 2, 2014, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated by her cousin, The Reverend Laurence A.M. LaPointe at 11:00 am in St. Joseph Church, 18 Main St., N. Grosvenordale, CT. Burial will be private as requested by the family. For memorial guestbook visit www.GilmanAndValade.com.
Elaine Rinehimer
Dear Family,
I spent lovely times with your Mom and Dad when I was a child. I was so lucky to see her at Uncle Fran’s 90th. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers,
Respectfully,
Elaine
Paul DeLisle
We were very sorry to hear the news today. Normand and Loretta were very special people. When my father moved back to Connecticut he often mentioned the family get-togethers. Please accept our sympathies. I’m sorry we were unable to attend.
Paul and Mary DeLisle
Gail White
So sorry I couldn’t make the service. Your mother was a lovely woman. I will always be grateful for what both she and your dad did to help my mother. I’m sure she will be missed by many.
Gail