Carole Joan Laventure (Walker), 76, of Palmer, MA formally of Belchertown, MA passed away peacefully at her home on December 18, 2020. Carole was born on January 4, 1944 in Springfield, MA to the late Egbert Walker and Delia Walker (Harper). Carole’s late grandmother, Louise Catherine Harper, played a vital role in her upbringing providing her with unconditional love and support. Carole graduated from the High School of Commerce in Springfield, MA in 1961 and continued her education at Westfield State in 1968. Carole worked as a caretaker for infants at the Brightside Orphanage in Holyoke, MA. Carole had a strong desire to help people and so found her calling in the Human Service field. She spent her career advocating for the rights of individuals with disabilities. Carole had a way of identifying each person’s potential and aiding in the pursuit of their dreams.
Carole found solace at the ocean, sitting with her feet in the sand and soaking up the sun. She loved to travel and enjoyed trips abroad to Paris, London, Germany, Switzerland, Italy and Bermuda. Some of her favorite vacation spots were Cape May, New Jersey, Maine, Rhode Island and California. Carole enjoyed many trips with her grandchildren to New York City to attend Broadway shows. Carole loved working in her yard and was known for her beautiful flower gardens that adorned her home.
Carole’s love for her family was immeasurable. Even as she approached death, her focus remained on her family, planning upcoming holidays and birthdays despite her quickly declining health. Carole so loved the Christmas season and hosted a family gathering for Christmas Eve for the past 55 years. Each Christmas Eve would come to a close with the children gathering around Carole as she read “Twas the night before Christmas.”
In addition to her parents, Carole is predeceased by her brother Donald Walker. Carole is survived by her husband of 59 years, David Laventure of Palmer, MA and their four children April Louise Cox (Laventure) and her husband Steven Cox of Mooresville, NC, Michael Laventure and his wife Maryann Laventure (Carter) of Palmer, MA, Suzanne Markham (Laventure) and her husband Eric Markham of Monson, MA and Sallyanne Laventure and her wife Gina Zanvettor of Florence, MA. Carole leaves behind eight grandchildren, Matthew, David, Christopher, Brittany Carole, Jennifer, Samantha, Emily and Evelyn. She leaves behind 5 great grandchildren Melody, Sunni Rae, Brandon, Ethan and Gabriella. Carole is also survived by her sister, Eleanor White (Walker) and her husband Neil White of Naples, FL and by her sister-in-law Phyllis Walker of Orlando, FL.
People often referred to Carole as their guardian angel as she had a way of providing a sense of protection and guidance for all who knew her. Rest easy, Carole, in eternal peace. May you watch over us all, our sweet angel.
A service and celebration of Carole’s life will be held sometime in the spring at South Cemetery in Belchertown, MA. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Saint Jude Children’s Hospital. Williamsburg Funeral Home was entrusted with her cremation. www.HampshireCremation.com