Catherine Rosaleen LaFontaine

Catherine Rosaleen LaFontaine, known to all as ‘Rose’ passed away on Friday, September 19, 2025, following the bravest battle with melanoma, which she had successfully held at bay for several years.

Born September 9, 1945, in Tralee, County Kerry Ireland to Jack & Kitty (Conway) Lawlor, Rose was the second child, little sister to Margaret. Sadly, Rose’s mum passed away when Rose was 9 months old. Her dad later married another Kitty (Cavern) and they added youngest sister Helen to the family. The family moved to London when Rose was 4 years old, as that is where Jack could find work.

Rose was a graduate of St. William of York in London. At age 18, she immigrated to the U.S. and initially lived with her beloved aunt and uncle, Mary & Richie O’Callaghan. Soon after, she moved into an apartment with 4 friends – some from Ireland and some from Scotland. Their place came to be known as The International House.

Rose was set up on a blind date, and she only agreed to go out with the guy if he was tall. Having fulfilled the height requirement, one young George LaFontaine Jr. climbed the steps of The International House to meet his date. Rose fell in love at first sight, quite literally. She took a tumble down the stairs, and yes, George had a good laugh about it. They went on their first date at a dance hall, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Rose married her best friend and love of her life on June 4, 1966. George & Rose welcomed their first son John in 1967, and their second son George in 1969. In her younger years, before she got her driver’s license, Rose could be seen pedaling her bicycle around Rotterdam, with John in a seat on the back of the bike, and George in a basket in the front. These were not small boys, so how she managed this remains a mystery.

As the boys grew, Rose devoted her life to their activities, traveling for ball games, working at the concession stand, and scrubbing their uniforms until they sparkled like new. Meanwhile, she ran her own wallpaper business and cleaned houses for those who were lucky enough to retain her. Rose was an immaculate housekeeper and took the utmost pride in her work.

She and George loved to travel. They saw the world and experienced it all. One of their trips was a month-long cross-country road trip, just the two of them. Many other trips were taken with family and friends. She had fond memories of all the places they visited, especially Italy, Alaska, Hawaii and Australia. Of course she made several trips home to Ireland, including one in February 2000 with her family in tow, which was especially poignant, as she was able to show them the house that she was born in. Another special family trip was to Las Vegas, where Rose & George celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with their children and grandchildren.

Rose loved a good movie, Netflix series, General Hospital and of course her beloved New York Yankees. She was also a big fan of the Kansas City Chiefs, for which she received a fair bit of ribbing. She loved to knit and do jigsaw puzzles, and she managed to inspire the next generation to do the same. Rose was a steadfast supporter of her grandchildren and was a constant presence at their events, including games, concerts, awards ceremonies and graduations. She was so very proud of them.

After spending much of their life in Rotterdam, Rose & George moved to Mayfield, on the Great Sacandaga Lake, to be near family. Rose enjoyed going for rides around the lake, taking pictures, and gathering with family for pizza on Friday nights.

Rose was predeceased by her husband George and her sister Margaret. She is survived by her sister Helen, sons John and George, daughter-in-law Julie, grandchildren Jordan, Taryn & Delaney, great-grandson Wes, several beloved nieces and nephews, and many treasured friends.

The family will be celebrating Rose’s life privately; there will be no calling hours or services.