SKOWHEGAN – Ethel Lachance, formally of Madison and Skowhegan, left this world to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Nov. 14, 2022.

Ethel was born on Jan. 19, 1926, to Ollie and Josephine Caron, (one of 13 children) in St. Albans, Maine. She grew up and attended schools in Penobscot and Aroostook counties. At age 17 she moved to South Portland where she worked as a painter on the Liberty Ships during World War II at the South Portland Shipyard.

It was at the shipyard where she met the love of her life, Alva J. Lachance. They married in Portland shortly after the war. They started their family and lived in Portland on Munjoy Hill until 1962, when they moved to Madison and raised eight children: that included six boys and two girls, finally adding their prized child, a girl LeeAnn. Ethel raised her children in the Catholic tradition with regular Mass attendance and Rosary.

Ethel began her professional life in 1972, at age 46, when she studied for and obtained her Certified Nurse’s Aide certificate. She worked at Bragg’s Nursing Home, Maplecrest Nursing Home, Venziano’s Nursing Home, as well as many home care assignments. You could always tell when Ethel was on duty by her distinct cursive handwriting and her dedicated work ethic.

Not long after her husband Alva died in 1983, she moved to Skowhegan, expanding her circle of friends by going to Saturday afternoon Mass, eating out and attending dances at local dance halls. Ethel owned and maintained her home always finding a project to do or something that needed painting. She loved to quilt and work in her flower gardens and of course, spent countless joyful hours with her grandsons, Dereck and Lucas. In 2016 Ethel moved to Woodland Assisted living in Waterville, however, she was still able to take trips to the coast with her family.

Ethel was predeceased by all her siblings, her husband Alva, son Raymond and stepdaughter Rita. She is survived by her beloved daughter LeeAnn and sons Roland, Robert, Richard, Patrick, and stepson Roger, as well as many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

The family would like to express their warmest appreciation to Maine General Hospice and Cedar Ridge Nursing Home for the care of Ethel over the last three years, especially in her last days and moments.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Sebastian Catholic Church in Madison, on Dec. 9, 2022, at 11:30 a.m..

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at http://www.SmartandEdwardsFH.com for the Lachance family.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Smart and Edwards Funeral Home.



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