Constance “Connie” LaRoche of Holyoke and Osterville MA, passed away peacefully on December 19, 2024. Connie was born on September 26, 1931. She was raised in Chicopee and South Hadley until she wed the love of her life, Normand LaRoche, and they settled in Holyoke to begin their life together. Connie and Norm owned and operated several area pharmacies for more than forty years, including their flagship store, The Prescription Center on South Street in Holyoke. Connie served as the Financial Manager of the family businesses while raising their four children. Connie’s warm and energetic presence permeated their bustling and welcoming home, where the door was always open to neighbors or her children’s friends. Freshly baked brownies and hot chocolate awaited all visitors, both young and old.

A woman of generous spirit with a quick wit and a kind heart, Connie lent her time and talent to numerous charitable organizations including the Providence Hospital Women’s Auxiliary, the Boys and Girls Scouts of Holyoke, the Boys and Girls Club of Western MA and Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church Council and Choir. Connie was an avid skier until her mid-70’s and a competitive league bowler for over twenty-five years. Connie loved music and dance, often traveling to Manhattan to attend Broadway musicals. She enjoyed spending long days at the beach with her family, followed by fun cookouts and lively games of Scrabble or Hearts. Connie’s day was not complete until she read the Springfield Republican or the Cape Cod Times newspapers from cover-to-cover.

Connie was pre-deceased in 2021 by her beloved husband of 67 years, Normand. She is survived by her four children, Keith LaRoche (Barbara) of Chicopee MA, Joy Jepsen (Niels) of Glenwood Springs CO, Susan Roche (Tom) of Waltham MA and Robert LaRoche of Austin TX. She leaves behind six loving Grandchildren and seven adorable Great-grandchildren. Connie was blessed with wonderful close friends and neighbors in Western Mass and at the Cape. Connie’s family would like to extend special thanks to her doting caregiver, Diana Wingren, who provided exceptional care and companionship since Norm’s passing.

Constance LaRoche will be remembered as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. Connie and Norm built a strong and loving bond which stood the test of time. Their union was a shining example of devotion, partnership and unwavering support. Connie’s family will be celebrating her life with a private service, followed by her burial alongside Normand at the Massachusetts Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery in Agawam. May her legacy of kindness carry on, please give a New Year’s Eve toast to Connie for a life well-lived.​

Arrangements for Connie are under the direction of the Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home. Please visit www.barryjfarrellfuneralhome.com.