Joyce Ann LaFontaine

She was born in Keene, NH, on December 1, 1942 to Richard and Lena (Boudrieau) Shepard. Joyce attended Keene High School and in her senior year met the love of her life, Donald LaFontaine, Sr., at a Peterborough softball game. They were married on May 27, 1961, and together, built a life and family in Maple Acres, where she lived for 60 years.

Joyce was an administrative assistant at Met Life and later served as assistant to multiple principals at KHS. She thrived in her job because she loved young people, supporting many students over the years in ways that were significant or sometimes behind the scenes.

Her greatest joys in life were her four grandchildren, and she passed away with a pillow on her bed embroidered with the words “My greatest blessings call me Grammy.” She took care of all of them in their younger years, and after school as they got older. To quote her daughter-in-law, “She was a warrior for her family, and would have done anything for her grandchildren.” They will always cherish memories of the Halloween costumes she made, the Easter egg hunts she planned, trips for mini golf and ice cream, and her beautiful holiday decorations. Joyce’s second home was the Keene Ice Rink, where she spent many hours watching her grandchildren skate and play hockey. She prioritized every important moment of their lives and was there for them whenever they needed her.

While we will miss her dearly, we take great comfort in knowing she is finally reunited with her beloved Don.

Joyce is survived by her daughter, Lisa LaFontaine and son-in-law Matt Kayhoe of Washington, DC; her son Don LaFontaine, Jr., and his wife, Amy, of West Chesterfield, NH; her granddaughter Johanna Elsemore of Washington DC; and her grandchildren Lucas, Patrick, and Alicia LaFontaine of West Chesterfield, NH. She is also survived by four nephews, three nieces, one uncle, and dozens of first cousins.

She was predeceased by her husband, her parents, and her younger sister Judy Gutfeld.

There are no calling hours. Joyce will be interred with her husband at Arlington National Cemetery. Donations may be made in her honor to the Humane Rescue Alliance in Washington, DC, at www.humanerescuealliance.org.

The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Langdon Place and at American House, as well as her caregiver Jenny Brown. They gave her great support and comfort in her final months.