Shirley Eva Lachapelle, a loving mother, grandmother, and fiercely loyal sister, passed away peacefully on August 26, 2024—her 86th birthday—in Jacksonville, Florida.

Born on August 26, 1938, in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, Shirley was the devoted older sister and lifelong best friend of Lorraine “Raine” Benoit. From childhood, Shirley took on the role of protector and confidante, always looking out for Lorraine and sharing a bond that endured through every stage of their lives. They were inseparable in spirit, even after Lorraine’s passing in 2022, and together they lit up every room with their laughter, wit, and the kind of love that only sisters share.

In 1953, Shirley met her 2nd greatest love: a young man named Roger Lachapelle spotted her through a basement apartment window and boldly declared that he would marry her. Three years later, they began a 62-year-long marriage full of warmth, resilience, and a shared devotion to family. The couple made their home in Orange Park, FL, where Shirley raised their two sons, Roger and Bill, and created a welcoming space filled with love, laughter, and the occasional flying shoe.

Though deeply spiritual, Shirley wasn’t one for conventional churchgoing. She found God in her family and friendships. Her joy came from simple pleasures: sharing stories, chatting with neighbors, hosting friends, and spending time with her grandchildren and, later, her dog Zuma.

After losing Roger in 2019 and her sister Lorraine in 2022, Shirley continued to be a source of light for her family. She remained a devoted grandmother to Stephanie, Bryan, Marcel, Mikhail, and Nikita, and loved nothing more than spoiling them at every opportunity. Despite the heartbreak of loss, Shirley never lost her humor or her ability to make others feel deeply loved.

Shirley is survived by her son Bill and his wife, Lubov; her grandchildren—Stephanie, Bryan, Marcel, Mikhail, and Nikita; her great-grandchildren, Atticus Kolb and Evelyn Meek; and a legacy of love and resilience that will be remembered by all who knew her. She is reunited in heaven with her husband Roger, her son Roger, her parents Eva and Omer Allerie, her sister Lorraine, and countless friends.

Graveside services will be held on October 2 at 2:30 p.m. at the Jacksonville National Cemetery in Jacksonville, FL. In lieu of flowers, honor Shirley’s memory by sharing a laugh, spoiling your pets, and cherishing the time you have with the ones you love—just as she did until the very end.

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