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In Our Care

Josephine "Jo" M. Lapre

8/6/1956 - 2/2/2025

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Obituary For Josephine "Jo" M. Lapre

Josephine “Jo” M. Lapre, 68, of Warren, RI, passed away on Sunday, February 2, 2025 after a short illness. A daughter of the late Judith A. (Passero) Cabral and the beloved wife of David R. Lapre, Josephine was a longtime resident of Swansea, MA before moving to Warren in 1984.

Jo was a graduate of Joseph Case High School, class of ’74 and went on to attend college at Bristol Community College and Bridgewater State University. Jo began her teaching career at Head Start in Taunton, MA, where she taught from 1982-1998. She then went on to teach in Swansea from 1998-2022. Retirement did not keep her from teaching, however. She loved teaching so much that she continued teaching until 2024 in Swansea. Over the years Jo was able to touch the lives of generations of students. She also coached Pop Warner Cheerleading for many years. In her leisure time, Jo loved gardening and baking. It was the highlight of the season when she would make her Christmas cookies for friends and family. She was an avid fan of Bon Jovi and Broadway shows at PPAC. Jo enjoyed watching the Yankees and the Patriots play during the respective seasons. Showing her outgoing nature, she loved to be out with friends, around people and socializing. Above all of this was the love of her family. Jo loved her children and was the proudest being at both of their weddings in 2024.

In addition to her loving husband, David, Jo is survived by her son, Christopher Lapre and his wife Kathleen of New Bedford, MA; her daughter, Stephanie Coffland and her husband Dan of Bristol, RI; her brother, Thomas Cabral and his wife Sharon of Swansea, MA; her sister, Sue Schucker and her husband David of Lawton, OK; and many nieces and nephews. She was the sister of the late Lt. Robert M. Cabral of the Swansea Police Department.

Services are with Smith Funeral & Memorial Services, 8 Schoolhouse Rd. Warren, RI 02885, where the family will receive relatives and guests for Visitation on Friday, February 14, 2025 from 4-8PM. A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, February 15, 2025 at 8AM followed immediately by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10AM in St. Mary of the Bay Parish, 645 Main St. Warren, RI 02885. A Burial will follow at St. Mary of the Bay Cemetery, Vernon St. Warren, RI 02885.

For directions or tributes, please visit: www.wjsmithfh.com.

Services

14 Feb

Visitation

04:00 PM - 08:00 PM

Smith Funeral & Memorial Services 8 Schoolhouse Road Warren, RI 02885 Get Directions »
15 Feb

Church

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

St. Mary of the Bay Parish 645 Main Street Warren, RI 02885 Get Directions »
15 Feb

Interment

11:00 AM

St. Mary of the Bay Cemetery Vernon Street Warren, Rhode Island 02885 Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

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Tributes

  • 10 TREES

    Deborah Kelly planted 10 trees in memory of Josephine "Jo" M. Lapre . - 02/06/2025

Condolences

  • 06/07/2025

    David Znoj

    I rember " Jo " very well from school daze. She was a classmate of mine. Case High class of '74 was always well represented by Jo, she would greet everyone with a smile! Will miss you Jo-- David Znoj

  • 02/13/2025

    Billy and Joyce Graham

    Our hearts are broken over the loss of our beautiful cousin. May she rest in eternal peace. 💔

  • 02/12/2025

    Ashley Asklar

    Jo was one of a kind!! I am blessed to have called her my friend and a true mentor in teaching. We taught together at Hoyle for several years and she became much more than a colleague, she became like my family. Jo was the most caring human I have ever met and always gave her students 100%. Always offered to help everyone around her and never asked for anything in return. She loved her family so deeply and spoke of them all the time. Sending my deepest condolences during this very sad time. 💔🙏🏼

  • 02/11/2025

    Keith Mello

    I am sadden to hear the passing of a former co-worker and friend, Jo. You were such a WONDERFUL person who I enjoyed speaking with. You always had a smile on your face, which brought a smile to mine as well. You were such an amazing teacher who touched so many lives. You will surely be missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to your friends and family. God Bless, Keith Mello

  • 02/10/2025

    Gloria and Alan Ferreira

    Dave and family, i am so shocked to see this - may her soul rest in peace and that she is flying with those angels in heaven with her new wings. May God comfort you and your family during this difficult time

  • 02/09/2025

    Mario J Canario

    My sincere condolences to all the family members.

  • 02/09/2025

    Donna Skelton

    Dave, Chris, Stephanie (and all the Cabral/Lapre family) we are thinking about you all. "The sweetness of her smile mirrored the beauty of her soul." We all, who started our friendship 48 years ago at Desilets NH, will miss her greatly!

  • 02/08/2025

    Merrilyn (Carvalho) Sikora

    I am so saddened at the loss of Jo. She was one of my best friends growing up, we attended 1st grade through graduation together. We would hang out together at the tennis courts with all our friends. She was such a warm and loving person. She will be truly missed. Even though I don't get to see her maybe once a year when I visit my family in Swansea, MA she was still one of my best friends. She truly loved her family with all her heart. I will truly miss her, may she rest in peace with God's love and mercy. She is with her beautiful mother and brother in heaven I am sure. God bless you all, Merrilyn (Carvalho) Sikora Broomfield, CO

  • 02/08/2025

    Anabell Puniello

    Our deepest condolences. Mrs Lapre was the most loving and inspirational K teacher to Carmine & Abigail. She was such a genuinely kind person who left a lasting impression on my kids. Till this day, they both still quote her..."nothing is prefect -just pizza is perfect." We shared Christmas cards and enjoyed the special moments we got to talk to her out and about in the community. As my son is about to graduate highschool, he is so saddened because she was his absolute #1 teacher. She will be sadly misses and never forgotten. God rest her beautiful soul.

  • 02/08/2025

    Owen Dawn

    I am so sorry to her family and close friends. Jo and I have been friends since grade school. We would catch up in the market while doing our grocery shopping. Jo I am so sorry your gone. One of the nicest people I knew. Jo was also my granddaughter s kindergarten teacher. She really loved Mrs. Lapre.

  • 02/08/2025

    Wednesday Pollard

    We are sorry to hear of Jo, Jos passing. She will always be remembered as a shining light in the community. I enjoyed spending time as a coach with her for Pop Warner cheerleading. Prayers to you all. Wednesday Pollard

  • 02/07/2025

    Nadeen LaFleur

    My prayers and thoughts are with you. Nadeen

  • 02/07/2025

    Shirley Tetrault

    Jo and I first met at Fisher college where we attended Dental assistant school. We both went on to be Headstart teachers. Jo was a warm hearted person who was always willing to leaned a helping hand. It was my pleasure to have her as my friend

  • 02/07/2025

    Penny Woodard

    David, I am so very sorry for your loss. Although, I never met Jo, i feel I know he through the beautiful words written here and in the obituary. My condolences to you and your family.

  • 02/06/2025

    Deborah Kelly

    Jo, I will always remember fondly all those great summer visits to Swansea...such wonderful & cherished memories. You left too soon but God needed you. I am sure your mom, Bobby & Brandi were waiting for your arrival with open arms. Rest now in eternal peace 💔🙏💔

  • 02/06/2025

    Jane aronne

    Jo is a sweetest compassionate dedicated professional committed tender educator. Many children have been blessed to be her student and Jo to be their teacher

  • 02/06/2025

    Donnetta Soares

    I am saddened by the loss of your Mom. I'll always remember her kindness she showed me. She truly loved her children. I can still see her beautiful smile. Sending hugs and prayers to her family.

  • 02/06/2025

    Tom Cabral

    💔💔💔

  • 02/06/2025

    Richard Cordeiro

    My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time. Richard Cordeiro

  • 02/06/2025

    Deborah Shears

    We were so sorry to hear of Jo's passing. Offering our deepest condolences and prayers to Dave and the family. Ron and Deb Shears

  • 02/06/2025

    Mickey Securo

    Dan, Sincere condolences at this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the Lapre family.

  • 02/06/2025

    Maureen Camara

    Jo was a truly amazing, beautiful woman who was a good friend to all. We will miss her every day. Our prayers and thoughts for Dave & all the family. All our love, Dave & Maureen

  • 02/06/2025

    Susan (Costa) Browning

    David and family, I'm so sorry for your loss. Jo was such a kind, sweet person, always with a smile on her face. So sad she had to go through this as well as you and your family whom she loved so much! My love and thoughts are with all of you. Susan (Costa) Browning

  • 02/06/2025

    Pattie Steele

    Joe and I used to commute to Bridgewater State, she was a kind, loving and caring person. What an exceptional educator and I had the privilege to work with her daughter for a bit, a beautiful life taken too soon.

  • 02/06/2025

    Joe McKenna

    Sweet Jo Jo. Always a ray of sunshine when you saw or talked to her. The memories are great and the loss bitter. You will be missed as you were taken too soon, but the memories will last forever.

  • 02/06/2025

    Steve Calenda

    Dave and family, so sorry for your loss, Jo will be missed, but never forgotten. Prayers and condolences to you and your entire family.

  • 02/05/2025

    Nichole Costa

    Sending prayers to her family. Jo was such a sweet lady, always brought her pizzelle cookies to the police station every Christmas. I will miss her sweet smile and kind heart.

  • 02/05/2025

    Kelly Coury

    Jo and I went to dental assistant school together, she was so sweet, we had great times in class and especially on our breaks!! She had the best smile !!! Prayers and hugs

  • 02/05/2025

    Melissa Boyer

    I am so very sorry to hear about the passing of Jo. She was a wonderful person, and she will be missed by many My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Melissa Boyer

  • 02/05/2025

    Christine Stanton

  • 02/05/2025

    Christina Leduc

    David, Chris and Stephanie, there are no words to describe the loss of losing Jo. My thoughts and prayers are with you all! I remember the first time I met Jo. David you brought her to our house I believe for a cook out . I just remember how beautiful she was and her long gorgeous hair reminded me of singer Crystal Gayle. I was probable around 13 , but she engaged in conversation with me just like she was with the adults. I remember thinking I hope my cousin marries her! Love you all Cousin Chrissy

  • 02/05/2025

    Paige Bouchard

    So sorry for your loss.. she was a great teacher. From Page Bouchard

  • 02/05/2025

    Diane Rodrigues

    Jo was one of the genuinely nicest people. I met her when I was 16. Our lives went separate ways but everytime I ran into her, she remembered me and would stop to chat. So sorry for your loss!

  • 02/05/2025

    David and Nancy Ferreira

    Jo was a wonderful kindergarten teacher to our Aubree. She taught her the joy of learning. . My daughter Jessica loved her as her cheering coach .Jo was a supportive and kind teacher tu my son Frank. Jo was a caring friend. She touched all our lives and made them better. God Bless 🙏 Dave and Nancy Ferreira

  • 02/05/2025

    Chris Sampson

    Chris and Sandy Sampson wish to share our deepest condolences to Jo's Family. She will be sadly missed.

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