Barbara A. LaRochelle

Barbara A. LaRochelle, 15, of 25 Turner Street, died unexpectedly of a seizure Thursday morning, following a brief illness. She was born in Sanford, April 16, 1988, the daughter of Gregory G. LaRochelle and Ellen S. Richards.At the time of her death, Barbara was a freshman at Sanford High School. She was active in the Key Club there and found great joy in giving to people and had a philanthropic nature. Barbara also worked on the yearbook staff and was an active javelin thrower on the track team. For many years, she played soccer in the SSYAA program. Barbara also loved dancing, music and swimming.According to her parents, Barbara loved to shop at the mall with her friends and because of her charismatic personality, people loved to be around her. With her sense of humor, she enjoyed poking fun and could always find a positive side to any difficult situation.Her aunt Donna helped Barbara find her natural cooking abilities, especially with home made pizza! Family members describe Barbara as a "card shark" and remember her love and care for any manner of creatures and animals, especially her dog, Chance. They also recall her love of simple things in life, her Bocci Ball skill, and her artistic and creative side, especially drawing. Despite the many demands on her time and talent, Barbara's family values always remained important.Barbara was predeceased by her grandmother, Barbara Hewey Richards. Survivors include her father, Greg G. LaRochelle of Westbrook, her mother, Ellen Robertson and stepfather, Randy Robertson of Springvale, her brother; Dustin R. LaRochelle of Springvale; her paternal grandparents, Fernand and Nancy LaRochelle or Westbrook and Yolande and Ted Godin of Winterhaven, FL; her maternal grandparents, Franklin and Karen Richards of Sanford and Robert and Patricia Robertson of Dundee, NY; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.Visiting hours will be from 2 to 4 PM Sunday, June 1, 2003 at Curtis Lake Christian Church, behind Wal-Mart, in Sanford. A Memorial Service celebrating the happy life of Barbara will be held at 4 PM. The Rev. Jim McAtee will officiate, assisted by family and friends. Following cremation, interment will be in Riverside Cemetery, Springvale.