Mary E. “Bette” (Ganley) LaFlamme, 93, of Lawrence, passed away peacefully surrounded by her devoted family in the home that she and her husband built with love on May 24, 2017.
Bette was born on May 6, 1924 to her hardworking parents, William and Molly (Scanlon) Ganley in Methuen. She graduated with the Class of 1941 from Lawrence High School. Shortly after high school Bette married her sweetheart, Edmund, and they settled in Lawrence to raise their family. She worked for many years in different professions throughout her career. Bette’s memorable smile could be found at the Town Toggery helping other mother’s dress their children, she worked at Western Electric and finished her long career until her retirement in 1994 working in sales department at Jordan Marsh. She was a woman who was very proactive in the lives of her children, she volunteered countless hours in the afterschool hockey program in Lawrence Schools. Bette was active in local politics and also stood by her husband’s side operating the family business, E.J. LaFlamme & Sons Crane Service. Always an active woman, she loved the beach, spending weekends and vacations in Hampton, and enjoyed the quiet activities of sewing and knitting. But mostly, Bette will be remembered for her love and devotion to her family. A devout Catholic, she touched many lives and she will be truly missed.
Bette is survived by her four devoted children; her daughter, Marybeth LaFlamme of Lawrence, MA, her son, William LaFlamme and his wife Denise of Tewksbury, her son, Edmund J LaFlamme, Jr. and his wife Faith of Warren, ME, and her son, Robert D LaFlamme of Lawrence, MA. She was the proud grandmother and great-grandmother to her six grandchildren and her 14 great-grandchildren. Mary is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband, Edmund J LaFlamme, and four siblings.
Visitation for Bette will be on Tuesday, May 30, 2017, 4:00 - 8:00 PM at the Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home, 233 Lawrence St, Methuen, MA. Friends and family are cordially invited. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, May 31, 2017, 9:00 AM at St Monica's Parish, 214 Lawrence St, Methuen. Interment to follow at the Walnut Grove Cemetery, Grove St, Methuen. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Mary’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association, 309 Waverley Oaks Rd, Waltham, MA 02452. For directions or to leave an online condolences please visit www.pollardfuneralhome.com. The Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home is proud to serve the LaFlamme family.