Alice "Sally" LaFrance

Alice “Sally” LaFrance, 89, with family at her side, passed from this life into the loving arms of God and all who awaited her arrival on February 20, 2019.

Sally was born May 21, 1929 in Duluth, MN to Stanley and Genevieve Chapinski, and graduated from Duluth Cathedral High School.  She met William “Bill” LaFrance, and they began their married life of 57 years on June 25, 1949.  Sally was a decades-long member of St. Michael’s Church and served in several capacities, including the Home and School Association, funeral lunch worker, and the “Jammers” who cooked up countless pints of jam to give away and sell.  She was also involved with ARC, and for several years worked as a nursery school teaching assistant.  Sally loved music (especially her operas), played piano beautifully, sewed clothes, kept close tabs on the Twins, and passed those passions on to her children.  Well remembered is her tolerance of lengthy family camping road trips across the country, with Bill at the wheel and all their children packed in a station wagon with vinyl seats and no air conditioning.  Sally was happiest when she was with her family and, with 13 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren, had plenty of them to keep her company.  They remember her most for her bright and easy smile, infectious laughter, Cribbage prowess, and most importantly her endless supply of homemade chocolate chip cookies.

Sally was preceded in death by her parents, Stan and Gen; husband Bill; sons William “Billy”, Philip, Gary, baby Kevin; daughter Susan; brother, Jerome.

She is survived by her children, Steven (Jeanne) of Lake Nebagamon, WI, Jeanine (Norm) Hansen Hubbard of New Hope, MN, Ann Louise (Dan) Ogg of Hibbing, MN, Kevin of Duluth, daughter-in-law Donna LaFrance of Lakeville, MN; sisters Dorothy Gagne of Hermantown and Mary Chris (Clem) Goneau of Brooklyn Center, MN; brothers Daniel Chapinski of Cloquet, and Martin (Marie) Chapinski of Hermantown; many nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great grandchildren, and treasured friends.

Sally was a woman of great faith, weathering the tragedies and losses in her life with amazing grace.  She so looked forward to being reunited with her loving husband and dance partner, Bill, and their children.  That prayer at last has been granted.

The family would like to thank the staff at Greenview Residence and Dr. Jan Baldwin for their exceptional care and genuine love throughout the final months and days of Sally’s life.

Visitation will be at 10:00 AM until the mass of Christian Burial at 11:00, on Thursday, February 28, 2019 at St. Michael’s Church, 4901 E. Superior St., Duluth.  Burial at Calvary Cemetery.

Donations may be made to St. Michael’s Church or ARC Northland, 424 W Superior St. #500, Duluth, MN  55802.

Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home, 600 E 2nd St. Duluth, MN  55805, (218) 727-3555.