Elva S. LaBonte, 88

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. —

Mrs. Elva (Skellie) LaBonte, 88, of North Adams, died Saturday evening, February 24, 2024 at North Adams Commons, with her family at her side.

She was born in Cambridge, NY on December 4, 1935, a daughter of the late John A. and Alice (Burch) Skellie. She graduated from Greenwich Central High School, and then continued her education at Hartwick College, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing in 1956. Elva worked as a Registered Nurse in the Maternity department at North Adams Regional Hospital for over 35 years until retiring in 1997. She was an active member of the First Congregational Church, North Adams, where she was a member of its Fellowship Club. Elva enjoyed reading, walking, bicycling and vacationing in Maine, and spending time with her family. Her husband, Louis L. LaBonte, whom she married on February 21, 1957, died on June 24, 2013. She is survived by her daughter, Louellen Boucher(Michael) of North Adams; three sons, Gary LaBonte(Valerie) of Pelham, NH, Mark LaBonte (Barbara) of North Adams and Matthew LaBonte (Lisa) of Clarksburg; nine grandchildren, including Christopher and Jaye Boucher, and Sarah, Matthew, Ashley, Casey, Andrew, Jared and Emily LaBonte; five great grandchildren, including Kayden Boucher, Aleeah Cellana, Levi LaBonte, Piper LaBonte and Noah LaBonte; as well as several nieces and nephews, and sisters in- law and brothers in- law. She was predeceased by a daughter, Joanne LaBonte, a sister, Neva Sawyer and by two brothers, Ernest Skellie and John N. Skellie. Our family wishes to express its heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to all of Elva’s caretakers and North Adams Commons, where she lived for the past few years. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, March 5th at 11:00 AM in the First Congregational Church of North Adams. Burial will follow in Southview Cemetery, North Adams. Relatives and friends are invited. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the First Congregational Church, 134 Main St North Adams, MA 01247. The PACIOREK FUNERAL HOME, Adams, is in charge of arrangements. To leave a message of condolence, please go online to www.paciorekfuneral.com