Mary Kathleen (McDonald) LaFlamme known to most as ‘Kathleen’, age 81, passed peacefully on Monday December 4th ,2023 at Marion Manor in Taunton, MA. She was the beloved wife of the late Roland E. LaFlamme.

Born in Brockton Hospital, Kathleen grew up in the Weir of Taunton, graduated from Taunton High School and went on to earn a degree in Elementary Education from Bridgewater State in 1964. She was the oldest of the late Lt. Robert E. McDonald and the late Esther Virginia (Hood) McDonald.

Upon graduating Kathleen first taught at West Yarmouth Elementary and later retired from Parker Middle School in Taunton. She also worked at the Taunton Public Library and co-owner and manager of Roland’s Furniture Store on Whittenton Street, Taunton. An avid reader, Kathy loved her family, gardening, Swifts Beach, and lending a smile. She never passed up an opportunity to dance or sing, she spread sunshine. In her later years she volunteered at Morton Hospital, the Wareham Free Library, and Community Acts in Action, Wareham. Always one to lend her talents and take the lead, in Kathleen’s earlier years she endlessly devoted her time to Coyle & Cassidy High School, Saint Paul’s and Saint Jaques Catholic churches, the Girl’s Club, the Junior Women’s Club, and TOPS, all in Taunton, and Swift’s Beach Preservation.

Kathleen leaves behind 4 children, 8 grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren:

Janine M. Bonenfant of Taunton and children Rachel, Amanda and great grandkids Sylvie and Rhys, Andrew, and Alyssa.

Jeffrey R. LaFlamme and children Hailey and Nathan and his wife Heather, of Florida

Roy LaFlamme and his wife Rhonda, of Brockton

Beverly White Douglas, her husband Fred and children Heather and Kathleen and great grandchild Anastasia.

Siblings:

Marilyn Gorey wife of the late Eugene Gorey, of Taunton

Robert L. McDonald and fiancé Susan Simanski

Barbara Holgerson and husband Dr. William Holgerson, Needham

Brian J. McDonald (late) and fiancé Kathy Doherty

Mary Lowemaster and husband John Lowemaster

and beloved nieces, nephews, extended family, and countless friends

In lieu of flowers Kathleen requested that a donation be made to her favorite charities:

Birth Right of Taunton

Society of St. Vincent de Paul

Sacred Heart Southern Missions, Walls, Mississippi

Visitation will be held on Friday December 15, 2023 from 4:00-7:00pm, at Riendeau-Mulvey Funeral Home, 467 Bay St. Taunton, MA. A Funeral Mass will take place on Saturday December 16, 2023 at 10:00am at the Annunciation of the Lord Parish, 31 First St. Taunton, MA , followed by a burial at St. Joseph Cemetery. All relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend.