Christine LaPointe

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With profound sadness, the family of Christine LaPointe announces her peaceful passing at home in Rochester, Massachusetts, on May 8, 2026, at the age of 57. Surrounded by the love of family and close friends, Christine passed with the same strength, compassion, and selflessness that defined her entire life.

Life and Legacy

Early Life and Education

            Christine grew up in Rochester, Massachusetts, where she developed a lifelong love for flowers, plants, animals, and helping others. She graduated from Bristol County Agricultural High School with the Class of 1987 before continuing her education at Stockbridge School of Agriculture, graduating in 1989.

            She later attended University of Massachusetts Amherst, where she studied Plant and Soil Sciences with a focus in horticulture, plant health, and greenhouse management, graduating in 1991. Christine possessed an extraordinary knowledge of plants and flowers and was often described as a “human encyclopedia” when it came to gardening and plant care. She also had a remarkable gift for creating beautiful floral arrangements that brought joy to so many. Years later, Christine followed another calling in life by attending the Bristol-Plymouth Regional Technical School LPN Program, proudly graduating in 2015.

Career and Achievements

            Christine began working at just 14 years old, picking corn at Cervelli Farm throughout her high school years. She also spent time helping at her family’s business, Corsini Auto Parts in Middleborough, Massachusetts.

            After college, Christine worked at Allen C. Haskell Nursery in New Bedford and later at Akinbac Farm in Freetown, Massachusetts, where she further developed her passion and expertise in horticulture.

            In the early 2000s, Christine started her own floral business, Christine’s Flowers. She specialized in a wide variety of flowers and arrangements, but she became especially known for her stunning succulent creations and chrysanthemums. Her creativity and natural talent made her work unforgettable to those who received it.

            In 2003, Christine embraced the role she treasured most — becoming a mother to twin boys. Her children were the center of her world, and she devoted herself wholeheartedly to giving them love, support, and every opportunity possible.

            Christine later became certified as a CNA and worked in various state group homes, where her nurturing and compassionate personality made a lasting impact on those in her care. After earning her LPN license in 2015, she continued caring for others through nursing, providing comfort, kindness, and dignity to countless individuals throughout her career.

Personal Interests and Hobbies

            Christine dedicated much of her life to helping others. She consistently placed the needs of family, friends, and those around her before her own, often caring for elderly loved ones and offering support wherever it was needed.

            She had a deep love for plants, gardening, and floral design. Whether she was creating arrangements, helping someone improve their garden, or sharing advice about plant care, Christine found joy in making things grow and flourish.

            She also loved being a mother and worked tirelessly to ensure her children always had what they needed. No matter how difficult life became, Christine’s love and dedication to her sons never wavered.

            Christine adored animals and had dogs throughout her life. As a child, she also loved horses and treasured the time she spent around them.

            She enjoyed spending time with family and friends and was always eager to help prepare for gatherings, celebrations, and holidays. Christine also loved crocheting and spent countless hours making handmade gifts and keepsakes for the people she loved.

Family and Relationships

            Christine was the beloved daughter of Brian N. LaPointe and the late Jean (Lawrence)

LaPointe.

            She is survived by her loving father, Brian LaPointe; her cherished sons, James and Andrew Caswell; her sister, Pauline Bonneau; her brother-in-law, Russell Bonneau; her niece, Madeline Bonneau; and her longtime partner, Randy Caswell.

            Christine also leaves behind many extended family members, lifelong friends, coworkers, and loved ones who will forever treasure the memories they shared with her.

Closing Tribute

            Christine will be deeply missed by everyone fortunate enough to know her. Her kindness, generosity, and nurturing spirit touched countless lives and will never be forgotten.

            She spent her life caring for others, often putting their needs ahead of her own until the very end.

            And for those lucky enough to receive one of her handmade crocheted gifts or beautiful flower arrangements, those thoughtful creations will remain lasting reminders of the love and care she shared so freely.

Service Information:

A celebration of Christine’s life will be held on:

Sunday, June 14, 2026

12:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Arch at the Meadow

334 Mendell Road, Rochester MA 02770

            Family and friends are warmly invited to gather in remembrance and celebration of Christine’s life.

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Matos, Bulldogs Cool under Pressure

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            Neva Matos wasn’t always a cool customer on the tennis court.

Clutch in Tuesday’s victory over talented Watertown freshman Sara Yasin, the freshly minted, 2026 Old Rochester Regional graduate drew on all her learning of the last three years to turn around a bleak situation and earn the deciding point in ORR’s 3-2 MIAA Division 3 Round of 16 win that sends the Bulldogs into Friday’s quarterfinals at second-seeded Dover Sherborn (19-1).

            “A lot of times in the juniors, I was the problem in my own head. I would miss a shot, and then my whole game would spiral from there,” said Matos, whose match at first singles was looking like her last as a high schooler, having lost the opening set, 6-1. “I just realized that it’s just one point in the big scheme of things. There’s so many more you’re going to play. It’s more important to focus on the next point than the last point.”

            Showing the maturity of a graduate, Matos performed a reverse spiral, adjusting in the second set and finding efficiency with her first serve, mixing pace on her return games and taking away the rhythm that had been teeing up her opponent, a real slugger with a formidable, crosscourt forehand. Fed a steady dose of high, looping groundstrokes in the first set, Yasin had swung freely, pounding forehands hard to the corners of the court, sometimes for clean winners.

            “I think once the second set kind of came around, my focus shifted,” said Matos. “Instead of like (focusing on) winning the point to just put the ball in and kind of take it from there – because I don’t have a chance if I make the mistake.”

            Having utterly dominated her regular-season opponents, Matos was facing major, on-court adversity for the first time all season.

            “I think it could be part of it, but she is also a really good player so I think, either way, in my prime it still would have been a battle. That could have been a small factor, but I think really she’s a good player out there. It would have been a battle anyway,” said Matos.

            Number 10 Watertown (12-9) started strong, getting wins at second singles, where Eva Khalrian defeated Caroline Houdelette, 6-1, 6-1, and at first doubles where Julie Pipitone and Calista Tansalsank defeated Ella Bishop and Zadie Goyette, 6-2, 6-2. But the seventh-seeded, 19-0 Bulldogs got pivotal points at third singles from Grace Hebert, who prevailed against Gigi Nitchke, 7-5, 6-4, and at second doubles where Molly Franco and Paige Marotta closed out Lily Griffith and Addy Powazink, 6-1, 7-5.

            Those wins evened the count at two matches apiece, pinning all the attention on first singles, where Matos and Yasin slugged it out. As the two combatants dug into the deciding set with all eyes on their match, they were cognizant of the fact the entire outcome would be determined on their court.

            Matos’ experience emerged as the deciding factor, especially in the third set where she made more first serves, allowing her to dictate more rallies. Yasin struggled at the service line in the third set, and Matos alternated between teeing off on her returns with run-around forehands and slicing low, short returns that caught her opponent too far in the backcourt.

            After the final point, Matos and Yasin met at the net, and as Matos carried the scorecards through the door, her teammates gathered quietly to observe as she entered the score onto the grease board next to the gate.

            “It’s not over ’til it’s over, not ’til you play that last point,” said Matos, who turned to her teammates and disappeared behind a group hug as coach Jim McGonigle captured the memory on camera.

            ORR started out its postseason run with a 5-0 win against Number 26 seed Seekonk on May 31. A single sweep keyed the victory, as Matos won 6-0, 6-0 at first singles, Houdelette won 6-0, 6-1 at second singles, and Hebert won 6-0, 6-0 at third singles.

            According to the MIAA tournament website, match time Friday at Dover-Sherborn High School is 4:00 pm.

Boys Tennis

            The previously unbeaten (16-0) ORR boys tennis team, seeded 13th in Division 3, fell 3-2 to 20th seed Groton-Dunstable in the Round of 32, on May 27.

            Aiden Comorosky contributed to this report.

ORR Girls Tennis

By Mick Colageo

Float Continued; Shed Approved

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            The Marion Conservation Commission met on Wednesday, May 27. Though this was their first meeting following the Town Election, none of the commission’s seats were up for vote.

            Chair Matt Shultz began the meeting by continuing to its June 10 meeting the Public Hearing of Elizabeth H. O’Leary of 81 Cove Circle for a Notice of Intent for the removal and replacing of a timber float.

            Following that, the commission quickly approved the minutes from their May 13 meeting without question.

            Next, they quickly approved two certificates of compliance for the Town of Marion, one for work at the intersection of Creek Road and Point Road and another for the relocation of a generator on Pumping Street Road. Both were approved unanimously without discussion.

            Thus began the next Public Hearing, being for Susan Fine of 83 Mooring Road for a Request for Determination of Applicability for the removal and replacing of a wooden shed. Fine was present, explaining that the new shed will keep the same foundation slab and will be the same size and footprint. She clarified the shed is back around 100 feet from the water, and the motion to close the Public Hearing was made with a unanimous vote.

            For the vote, the commissioners stated the work does not require a Notice of Intent, and a unanimous Negative Determination vote approved the project.

            The next meeting of the Marion Conservation Commission is scheduled for Wednesday, June 10 at 7:00 pm in the Marion Police Station’s conference room.

Marion Conservation Commission

By Sam Bishop

Students Win Feinstein Golden Tickets

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Old Rochester Regional School District and Massachusetts Superintendency Union #55 is proud to share that two students from Old Rochester Regional Junior High School (ORRJHS) and Sippican Elementary School were recently selected as winners of Feinstein Foundation Golden Tickets.

            The tickets earned each school a $2,000 grant and an additional $500 for the students to donate to a charity of their choice.

            “We are grateful for the Feinstein Foundation’s generosity,” said Superintendent Michael S. Nelson. “Their dedication to inspiring kindness and community service among young students is helping to shape a more compassionate generation, and we are proud to see its impact in our schools. We greatly appreciate the Foundation and all it has done for the Old Rochester community.”

            Seventh grader Lauren Dowd was selected as a winner for ORRJHS. She chose to donate her winnings to Showstoppers Performing Arts, Inc. The nonprofit organization, of which Lauren is a member, instills confidence in performers ages 7 to 18 as they sing at various events for community organizations, including hospitals, nursing homes and more.

            First grader Lily Bowser was selected as a Golden Ticket winner for Sippican Elementary School. Lily will donate her $500 winnings to people experiencing homelessness in New York City. Originally from New York, Lily witnessed the impact of homelessness firsthand and was inspired to help unhoused families and individuals after she moved to Marion.

            “The Feinstein Foundation’s charitability helps foster a school environment where acts of kindness and generosity are the norm,” said Sippican Elementary School Principal Lynn Dessert. “We are always proud of how our Sippican students choose to support their community through this program. When they have the chance to pay it forward, our students always do so with excitement and sincerity. Congratulations to Lily for winning a Golden Ticket.”

            Each Feinstein Junior Scholar receives an individually numbered Golden Ticket. Beginning in October, random drawings are held on WPRI Channel 12, and five student tickets from elementary and middle schools across Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts are randomly selected each week.

            “We are always inspired by what our students do when provided the opportunity to give back to their community,” said ORRJHS Principal Silas Coellner. “We are proud to see our students choose charities that directly benefit local causes important to them. Lauren’s support of the arts will be appreciated by both the students involved in the program, as well as the community members who enjoy their performances.”

Ned’s Point Lighthouse Tours

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Ned’s Point Lighthouse is soon opening for the summer season, with tours from June through October. First tour of the season will be on Saturday, June 20, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.  July tours will be held on the first from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm and July 11 and July 18 from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm noon. August 1 from 8:00 pm to 12:00 pm noon, and August 5, August 12, and August 26 from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Tours will run from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm on September 2 and from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm on September 19. The final day will be October 1 from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

            All tour dates are subject to change according to the weather or at the discretion of the light keeper. No flip flops or loose clothing are allowed, and children under 13 must be at least 48 inches tall and accompanied by an adult. No food or drinks allowed in the lighthouse.

            Tours conducted by USCG-6-3, Sal Giglia Lightkeeper FSO-LK.

Tri-County Symphonic Band

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On Sunday, June 14, the Tri-County Symphonic Band, directed by Philip Sanborn, will be under the Grand Tent at Tabor Academy for its Annual Pops Concert to benefit the John R. Pandolfi Music Scholarship Fund. This year’s concert will be a festive celebration of Flag Day and 250 years of independence. The music will be a patriotic parade of classic American tributes to the flag and our country. The concert begins with John Williams’ “Liberty Fanfare” and is followed by “A Jefferson Portrait,” “American Civil War Fantasy,” “Variations on America,” “America the Beautiful” and a host of iconic, flag-waving arrangements. Cupcakes and lemonade will be part of the festivities along with a multi-prized raffle with the proceeds benefiting the scholarship fund.

            Doors will open at 12:00 noon. The music starts at 2:00 pm with a social hour at 1:00 pm. The grand tent, with ample space and excellent ventilation on all sides, is virtually an open-air concert venue, on the Sippican Harbor waterfront.

            Tickets are $40 in advance and can be purchased at the Symphony Music Shop in North Dartmouth, Mimi’s of Marion or online at www.tricountysymphonicband.org/ Tickets can be purchased at the door on the day of the event for $50 each.

Rochester Historical Society Events

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As in May we have two June events. The first will be our annual ice cream social with music by Tom and Sheila Perry. This has become a bit of a moveable feast. Because of July’s heat, we moved it to May 2025, but 45- degree temps made for a smaller than normal turnout. Therefore, this year it will be our June meeting on Wednesday, June 17 at 7:00 pm at the Historical Museum at 355 County Rd.

            The second event will be on Saturday, June 20 at 12:00 pm noon at the Plumb Library. This will be Women Of 76: True Stories of Revolutionary Women. Check the Library website as registration will probably be required. Thanks to the Library with letting us partner with them for this presentation.

            Also, thanks for all who helped us with a successful Red, White and Blue Bake Sale. We wouldn’t be able to fund the Historical Society without your help.

Water Street Work Approved; MRC Charter Adopted

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            The Marion Select Board met publicly on Tuesday following an Executive Session.

            The board began with a Public Hearing for Eversource Energy to locate underground cables, conduits and manholes along and across Water Street and the installation of 227 feet of 1-to-2 inch conduit. Jessica Elder, an agent for Eversource, represented the corporation and the proposed project.

            Board member Randy Parker, an electrician by trade, questioned the work being done and offered technical recommendations on the sizing of the pipes, stating they may be too small for their proposed output.

            Elder stated, “it will provide more power, and they will have fewer outages.”

            A resident from 52 Water Street was worried the work would damage the granite near the road on his property. The company representative stated all removed material will be replaced.

            Chair John Hoagland made a motion to approve, which was accepted by the other members.

            Following the approval of minutes from their April 29 and May 5 meetings, Hoagland stated Town Administrator Geoffrey Gorman has been reappointed to another three years in the position.

            The board discussed the third read of the Blighted and Vacant Property Policy. Vice Chair Toby Burr argued against the policy, stating the 180-day deadline for properties to be classified as vacant was too short, and stipulations regarding negative impacts on the surroundings were “too arbitrary.” The board agreed to work on the policy and discuss it at their next meeting.

            Hoagland recommended the Finance Committee attend their next meeting on Tuesday, June 16, to discuss various projects and budgeting.

            The board then moved to discuss the Marine Resources Commission Charter. Chair Vincent Malkoski and member Scott Cowell were present to represent the MRC. There was a short discussion between the men, which culminated in the long-awaited and long-worked-on approval and adoption of the MRC Charter with a unanimous vote.

            Next, there was an update on the work at Island Wharf. Gorman said the Island Wharf watermain project will be ready to go to bid in the fall. Currently, water and sewer input/output is too much for the system to handle.

            Following work on the watermain, it was said the parking lot will be repaved. Parker recommended additions, such as electric car (EV) chargers. Gorman stated there is money in the budget for a feasibility study on much of the work. It was mentioned the Department of Public Works was beginning some work and evaluations the day following the meeting.

            Hoagland then spoke on a new policy recommended from Town Counsel: a Public Comment Policy. The proposed policy would protect the town from litigation while also providing clear guidelines for expectations for public-meeting conduct. The chair also said he desired each Select Board meeting would start with a time for public comments.

            Parker mentioned he didn’t understand the use for the policy, while the town administrator stressed it was a way to mitigate risk. “I think it needs work, if we need it at all,” Parker said. The board agreed to discuss it further in the future.

            Work on repairing and repaving Delano Road was brought up, with the board being in consensus that work had to be done. Hoagland wanted to, “do as much of Delano as we can.” There was no vote on this, but the board and DPW are in agreement work will be seriously discussed going forward.

            The next meeting of the Marion Select Board will be held on Tuesday, June 16 at 6:00 pm in the Marion Police Station’s conference room.

Marion Select Board

By Sam Bishop

School Committee Needs Recount

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            Rochester School Committee incumbent Kate Duggan topped a four-way race for two spots on the committee in the Rochester Annual Town Election on May 27. Duggan earned 624 votes to keep her seat and begin a third term.

            “I’m just glad it’s all over,” Duggan said when asked how she felt about her win. She attributed winning the most votes in the race to her steady presence on the school board for the past six years. “Just being present was important for a lot of voters and important for the challenges that the school is facing. I say thank you to the voters. I know this is a big show of support for the direction we’re on. And I look forward to what’s next.”

            For the second open spot, Isabel Gomes-McCann, a stay-at-home mom and former biologist with 19 years of experience as a school-district volunteer, and Barbara Lee, a member of the Rochester Memorial School Council, are tied with 544 votes each. Town Clerk Marjorie Barrows said on Thursday there will be a recount. The fourth-place finisher was Stacie Noble Shriver, with 480 votes.

            Wednesday night, Isabel Gomes-McCann speculated on why she was one of the top vote getters. “It’s hard to say but I’d say they looked at my experience, and they saw the skills that make up what’s needed on the school committee,” she said. “Hopefully, this school committee will work to really be there for every single child.”

            In the election’s other contested races, incumbent Tax Collector Beatrice Renauld, with 850 votes, bested challenger Judith Shepley, who tallied 181 votes. “I’ve been in the office since 2011,” Renauld said, speculating on the reasons for her win. “Hopefully, it’s because the voters are happy that the Tax Collector’s office has done a good job, and that’s why the results were what they were.”

            In the Park Commission race, Brian Berube, with 438 votes, earned a narrow victory over Zoning Board of Appeals member K. Douglas Sims, who garnered 430 votes.

            Peter Damien McCann was elected as the new Rochester member of the Old Rochester Regional School Committee with 790 votes, replacing Joseph Pires, who did not seek re-election.

            This year’s election saw a total of 1,132 voters cast their ballots.

Rochester 2026 Annual Town Election

By Michael J. DeCicco

Mattapoisett Museum

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Please join the Mattapoisett Museum at 5 Church Street on June 13 at 6:00 pm for the amazing music of The Hot Club Cheese Roll. Founded by guitarist Jason Smith in 2016 and inspired by the music of Django Reinhardt and Stephan Grappelli of The Hot Club of France, they will perform a mix of music of jazz standards as well as more contemporary hits interpreted in the gypsy jazz/hot club style.

            Entrance to hear The Hot Club Cheese Roll costs $18 to Mattapoisett Museum’s members; non-members’ entrance fee is $20.