31 July, 2011
Laurette M. (Lecours) Danahy, 89, died peacefully July 30, 2011 at St. Patrick’s Manor, surrounded by family. Born in Boston, she was the only child of the late Romeo and Gertrude (DeAngelis) Lecours. She was raised in Winthrop, graduating from Winthrop High School in 1939, attending Portia School of Law and graduating from Simmons College in 1943.
Laurette was the devoted wife of William P. Danahy, who died in 2002 at their home in Hopkinton, after 58 years of marriage. She was a loving mother to five children.
She was a gracious, caring and dignified lady. She was prayerful in her life and always had a kind word for others. Laurette lived by the principle ‘treat others as you want to be treated” and she was thankful for every thoughtful gesture sent her way. She will be deeply missed.
Mrs. Danahy dedicated 31 years to serving the children of Hopkinton. She was passionate about innovation in the classroom and her commitment to life-long learning. For six years, she was Director of Happy Hours Kindergarten set in the family home. In 1963, she transitioned into her long career within the Hopkinton elementary schools as a second grade teacher in Center School and fourth grade in Elmwood School. When she retired in 1987, she was chosen as Grand Marshall of the traditional New England Horribles Parade, which celebrated her enthusiasm for teaching children, as well as her commitment to serving the town of Hopkinton.
Laurette was the co-founder of the Hopkinton Adult Education Program and remained the Director for 17 years. She was an active participant in the Hopkinton Democratic Town Committee, member of the Massachusetts Teachers Association, the Ladies Altar Guild of St. John the Evangelist Church and Friends of the Library. Laurette also played a part in the beginning of the Hopkinton Poly-Arts Festival 37 years ago.
A gifted pianist and artist, Laurette captured her enjoyment of the wonders of nature in her watercolors and oil paintings. She loved the ocean, beaches and vacationing on Cape Cod. She often shared early childhood memories of traveling each summer with her father to connect with her French heritage in Montreal.
Laurette’s greatest joy was her family. She is survived by daughter Lorraine and husband David Andersen of Kennett Square PA; son William J. Danahy of Framingham; son Richard Danahy and wife Libby of Bristol NH; daughter Marianne and husband Geno Barrows of Ashland and daughter Terese McElhaney of Hopkinton.
She leaves her beloved seven grandchildren: Kristen and husband Nels Olson of Annapolis MD; Dr. Ethan Danahy of Medford; Amy and husband Peter George of Auburn; David Andersen Jr. of Washington DC; Scott McElhaney of Hopkinton; Eliza de Carvalho of Framingham and Patrick Danahy and his mother Ilza Danahy of Framingham.
She also leaves eight wondrous great-grandchildren: Lars, Byrne, Finley, Sophia, Emelia, Tyler, Haley and Alyssa. She leaves behind devoted nieces, nephews and their families, who gave her loving kindnesses throughout her years.
The funeral will be held Wednesday, August 3, 2011 at 9:30 a.m. from the Callanan Cronin Funeral Home, 34 Church Street. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. in St. John the Evangelist Church, 20 Church Street. Burial will follow in the parish cemetery. Calling hours at the funeral home are Tuesday, August 2 from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Donations in her name may be made to Sant Bani School, 19 Ashram Rd, Sanborton NH 03269 or St Patrick’s Manor, 863 Central St, Framingham MA 01702.
