Josephine LaChance

COLEBROOK — Josephine “Jo” LaChance, 97, passed away peacefully at her home in East Colebrook on Friday evening, June 28, 2019. She was born on June 20, 1922, in Newmarket, NH, a daughter to the late Daniel J. and M. Adaline (Varney) Brady. She grew up on a small dairy farm, was always active in 4-H, and enjoyed the Grange Hall dances in Lee on the weekends. She received a teaching degree from Keene Teachers’ College and later earned a Masters’ degree in Alaska. Jo began her teaching career in Nottingham, NH, with a single class of grades 1-4. Two years later, she moved to Montana where she taught 1st grade for the next two years. She then relocated to Alaska, and taught in Wrangell, Palmer, and for 26 years in the Anchorage school system--in the Denali School, Government Hill, Turnagin, and the Lake Otis school. She was awarded an honorary life membership in the Alaska Congress of Parents & Teachers in 1969. She was a 60-year member of Delta Kappa Gamma, and regularly attended DKG meetings. She was also a member of the Metallak Retired Teachers and the local Red Hat Society. Jo loved to play bridge, and was one of the original four members who started the local bridge club in Colebrook. She also enjoyed gardening and watching the wildlife around her home. She is predeceased by her first husband of 20 years, Richard F. Rasch, her second husband of 40 years, James E. LaChance, her parents, two sisters, and three brothers. She leaves behind four generations of nieces and nephews, and her cat, Pepper. There are no public calling hours. A graveside interment service will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, July 3, in the Colebrook Village Cemetery Expressions of sympathy in memory of Jo may be made to the Delta Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma, an international women’s educational organization, for their scholarship fund, c/o Mary Jolles, chapter treasurer, 206 Roaring Brook Road, Colebrook, NH 03576. Condolences may be offered to the family on-line by going to www.jenkinsnewman.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Jenkins & Newman Funeral Home, Colebrook, NH.

Josephine LaChance

June 20, 1922 - June 28, 2019