Irene Lajoie

FREDERICKSBURG, VA - Irene (Lesneski) LaJoie, 93 of Fredericksburg, VA,  formerly of Gardner passed away peacefully at home on November 14, 2021.  She was born in Gardner, on March 24, 1928, the daughter of the late John Lesneski and the late Josephine (Los) Lesneski. Irene graduated from Gardner High School with the Class of 1946.  During her high school years she was active in many school activities especially sports, softball captain, tennis and varsity basketball.  Awarded the “Little Oscar” for Best Athlete of her class.   A member of Gardner’s first tennis family, Irene continued to excel in tennis winning many titles and championships in the Women’s Outstanding Athlete category. She was employed by L.E. Dolhenty, Co, Inc., as Office Manager for over 30 years until the business closed.  She completed her working career with the Town of Templeton in the Assessor’s Office.   Irene had many hobbies and talents.  She was an accomplished seamstress and cook. Her love of music was encompassed as a member and past president of the Chair City Pipers, a women’s barbershop singing group.  Irene and her husband Gene R. LaJoie (deceased) relocated to Fredericksburg, VA in 1998 to reside with their daughter and son-in-law, Karen and John A. Teeple II (deceased). She has two step daughters, Rebecca Vincent of Richland Heights, OH and Gina Cormier of New Brunswick, Canada, one sister Adele Bockus of East Templeton, MA; six grandchildren, three great grandchildren and four great great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.  She was a member of St Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Fredericksburg, VA.  She was predeceased by six brothers and four sisters. Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, December 3, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. in Holy Spirit Church, 50 Lovell St, Gardner, MA.  Burial will follow in St John’s Cemetery.Calling hours will be held Thursday December 2, 2021 from 6-8 pm at the Mack Family Funeral Home, 105 Central St, Gardner. To send an online condolence please visit  www.mackfamilyfh.com.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in her name to Mary Washington Hospice, www.marywashingtonhealthcare.com; the Alzheimer’s Association, www alz.org; or the charity of your choice.Mack Family Funeral Home, 105 Central St., Gardner is directing arrangements.Kevin J. Mack & Walter C. Taylor Directors.