Obituary of Kathleen A (McGinn) LaChance

Kathleen A (McGinn) LaChance, 63, died early Saturday morning following a valiant battle with dementia. She was surrounded by her family at the Hunt Nursing and Rehab Center in Danvers. Kathy was the devoted wife of Gerard LaChance, with whom she shared over 35 years of marriage, and loving mother to son Patrick LaChance. Born in Cheverly, MD, Kathy was the daughter of the late Leo and Ann (McDonough) McGinn. She was raised in Peabody and was a graduate of Bishop Fenwick High School, class of 1970. She continued her studies at Salem State College, earning both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education. Kathy taught elementary grades in Peabody, Lynn, Winthrop and Somerville. Following her teaching career, she worked at Harbor Sweets in Salem, before attending North Shore Community College, from where she graduated with an associate’s degree in nursing in 1994. She then worked as a long term care and home health care nurse and taught at Salem State University’s Simulation Lab. Kathy was a Boy Scout and Cub leader in Lynn for many years. She loved making arts and crafts and was passionate about music. She was also committed supporter of animal rights and welfare causes. In addition to her loving husband and son, Kathy is survived by her sister Mary Farrell of Peabody, niece Rebecca Farrell of London, England and Patrick’s partner Kathryn Coggeshall of Peabody. She is also survived by several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the wonderful staff at both Hunt and the Compassionate Care Hospice. Her funeral will be held on Thursday, September 8th, at 9:00 AM at the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, located at 82 Lynn Street in Peabody, followed by her Funeral Mass at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church, also on Lynn St. Family and friends are kindly invited to attend. Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, September 7th from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Conway, Cahill-Brodeur. Following cremation, services will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to either the Compassionate Care Hospice (800 W Cummings Park, room 31000, Woburn, MA 01801) or the Northeast Animal Shelter (347 Highland Ave, Salem, MA 01970).