Bessie (Bonney) La Rochelle

April 10, 2010

MARION – Bessie (Bonney) LaRochelle, 89, formerly of New Bedford, died Saturday, April 10, 2010, at the Sippican Healthcare Center in Marion, after a period of declining health. She was the wife of the late Stephen C. LaRochelle. Born in New Bedford, the daughter of the late Stephen K. and the late Ruby (Chippendale) Bonney and her late stepmother, Emma Bonney, she was a lifelong resident of the city and member of Grace Episcopal Church in New Bedford.

A graduate of New Bedford High School and Kinyon Campbell Business School in New Bedford, Bessie worked for the firm of David Duff and Son prior to working as a secretary for fourteen years at the Continental Screw Co. She then left to get married and raise her family. She was a member of the Assembly of Rainbow Girls in her youth.

Survivors include a daughter, Betsy-Ellen Fuller and her husband George “Sonny” of New Bedford; two sons, Guy S. LaRochelle and his wife Dabney of Rochester and Todd C. LaRochelle and his wife Sharon of Dartmouth; eight grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren.

Funeral Information

In accordance with her wishes, she will be cremated and a Memorial Service will be held Saturday, April 17, 2010, at 10:00 AM in Grace Episcopal Church, 133 School St., New Bedford. Arrangements are by THE DONAGHY FUNERAL HOME, 465 County Street, New Bedford. To LIGHT A CANDLE, SIGN THE MEMORIAL REGISTER, consult THE GRIEF LIBRARY, or obtain FACILITY DIRECTIONS, please log on to www.hathawayfunerals.com., or telephone 508/992-5486.

Donations Information

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association, 222 Richmond St., Providence, RI 02903; and/or Habitat for Cats, P.O. Box 79571, N. Dartmouth, MA 02747.