Gerard "Jigs" LaFleche

Gerard (Jigs) LaFleche passed away peacefully at home on March 8 surrounded by his loving family.

He leaves his wife of 57 years Darcy (Domijan); his daughters Kerry Mossey and her husband Keith of Ashby and Nicole LaFleche of Austin, TX; his grandsons Keegan and Owen Mossey; his siblings Paul LaFleche and his wife Lucille of Southbridge, Lucille Houde and her husband Fred of Hudson, FL and Old Orchard Beach, ME, Roger LaFleche and his wife Lenelle of Brimfield, Joseph LaFleche and his wife Margo of Southbridge, sister-in-law Gail LaFleche of Alpharetta, GA.  He was predeceased by his brother Philip LaFleche.  

Jigs was born November 18, 1942 in Southbridge, the son of the late Gerard E. and Louise (Bourdelais) LaFleche.

He graduated from Assumption Preparatory School in Worcester and Nichols College in Dudley.  His career path was varied; manager at American Optical,  business owner at Beacon Craftsmen.  The most rewarding chapter of his work life was with Catholic Charities of Southbridge and Worcester and as business manager at Saint Anne-Saint Patrick Parish in Sturbridge. 

Volunteer work was important to Jigs.  He gladly gave his time and energy to Southbridge Food Share,  Tri-Community Exchange Club and St. Vincent de Paul Society at St. Anne’s.  He was especially proud to assist in relocating immigrants from Kosovo and Sudan.

Jigs’ life was centered around his family, friends and faith.  These aspects were interwoven throughout his 81 years.  

His roots were planted deep within the Southbridge and Sturbridge communities.  His friendships spanned decades, many of his closest began in grammar school and his years at Assumption Prep and endured still.

He loved living in his neighborhood.  The community that grew there was a vital part of his family and social life.  He and Darcy traveled extensively including trips to Israel, Turkey, and France with dear friends.  They enjoyed many winters in Florida after their retirement.

Jigs’ family connection was strong.  Even after starting his own family and household, life still centered around Moon Street and the family he was raised in.  He was proud to be the oldest brother to his beloved siblings and pleased to extend that role to brother-in-law when he and Darcy began their married life together.  His love for his many nieces and nephews was a mutual appreciation society.

A great joy came with the birth of his grandsons Owen and Keegan.  Playing wiffle ball on the porch, debating the merits of Red Sox vs. Yankees, and playing catch anywhere created cherished memories.

He was a faithful and involved member of Saint Anne-Saint Patrick Parish.  He particularly cared for morning mass and Saturday coffee at the rectory.

He dealt with his Parkinson’s Disease diagnosis and progression with strength, dignity and resolve.  Darcy was by his side and his champion, unfailingly caring for and cherishing him throughout the last years of his life.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Worcester County Food Bank at foodbank.org or St. Vincent de Paul Society of Saint Anne’s Parish 16 Church Street Sturbridge, MA 01518.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, March 12th from 4-7pm at Sansoucy Funeral Home, 40 Marcy Street, Southbridge.  A funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, March 13th at 11am at Saint Anne-Saint Patrick Church 16 Church Street, Sturbridge.

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