Dec. 12, 1939 – Jan. 5, 2025
Grafton/South Yarmouth – Evelyn M. (Dauphinais) LaDuke, 85, passed away peacefully on January 5, 2025, surrounded by her family at home in Yarmouth after a brief illness. Evelyn was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years Richard U. LaDuke (2022).
She is survived by her three children Anne LaDuke (Judy), Peter LaDuke, and Kevin LaDuke (Lori), as well as her grandchildren Jonathan and Katherine LaDuke. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews including Michael Shaheen, Michelle Parker, Maryfrances Ouellette, Dr. Moira Sheehan as well as two great nieces Helena and Emily Dauphinais who will forever be grateful for the time spent and memories made with their Auntie.
Evelyn was born December 12th, 1939, In Worcester, daughter of the late Emile and Dolores (Gabrieau) Dauphinais. She was raised in Grafton and spent much of her life in town before moving to Sutton and ultimately retiring to her Cape Cod home in Yarmouth. She attended St Joseph’s School in Worcester and graduated from Notre Dame Academy before earning both a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Anna Maria College and a master’s degree Assumption College. Following her schooling Evelyn began her career first as a chemist for the Pratt and Whitney Company in East Hartford Connecticut and then pursued her new career as a High School Chemistry Teacher and eventually becoming the director of Religious Education at St Mary’s Parish in Grafton where she held this position for many years. After retirement she remained active as both a part time teacher and religious educator on Cape Cod.
Evelyn cherished time spent with her family both at home as well as on Cape Cod where she and Dickie spent many years together, although born and raised in the Grafton area she was happiest when on the Cape. She enjoyed spending time at the beach walking her dogs Gracie and Coco, reading, writing personal notes, and knitting or sewing special mementos for family and friends. Evelyn also enjoyed watching her grandchildren participate in sports throughout Massachusetts.
The family would like to extend their thanks and gratitude to those who visited with Evelyn during her illness as well as the Nurses and home health aides for their help.
Family and friends can be assured that Evelyn was welcomed through Heavens Gates by family and friends that preceded her while wearing her one of her famous nightgowns dancing to Hello Dolly.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Evelyn’s life by gathering for a time of visitation on Friday January 10th from 9 – 11:30 AM at Roney Funeral Home 152 Worcester St N. Grafton, MA 01536. Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated immediately following the calling hour at 12:00 PM at St. Mary’s Church in North Grafton. She will be laid to rest alongside her husband at Fairview Cemetery in South Grafton.
