Charlotte Y. LaFlame

Charlotte Y. (Guillotte) LaFlame of Swansea, age 86, passed away Monday, June 3, 2024 in Charlton Memorial Hospital. Upon entering hospice care, she was with family twenty-four hours a day and never alone. She was the beloved wife of H. James LaFlame with whom she shared sixty-one years of marriage.

Born in Fall River and raised in Tiverton, a daughter of the late Henry and Blanche Guillotte, she was a longtime resident of Swansea. She was a graduate of the former Girls Vocational High School (now Diman Regional Technical Vocational School.)

Charlotte began studying the piano in childhood, which led her to her destiny when she met and immediately fell in love with H. James LaFlame. They married four months after meeting, and they were happily married to the very end.

Charlotte built a full life after relocating to Swansea shortly after her marriage. Having five children in six and a half years, this busy homemaker also found time to indulge her passion for music as she became involved as an accompanist, band member, or music director for many organizations including the Case High School Chorus and the beginnings of what was to become the Swansea Community Musicians. A caregiver both formally and informally, Charlotte supported her children's many fine arts and athletic endeavors including time as a Den Mother with the Boy Scouts. Additionally, Charlotte embraced her husband’s many interests including devoting hours to learning how to properly maintain his National Guard uniforms when he enlisted approximately ten years into their marriage.

Family was very important to Charlotte, and she treasured time spent with immediate and extended family. There was never a dull moment during holiday celebrations and family reunions with sixteen nieces and nephews running around! Charlotte loved every minute of it. She was also known for her generosity not only through time given to others, but with supporting many deserving charities.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by five children, Susan LaFlame, James H. LaFlame and his wife Paola, Karen LaCroix and her husband Paul, all of Swansea, Debra Irons and her partner Jim Salemi of Cumberland, and Charles LaFlame of Mashpee; one sister Suzanne Vitale and her husband Richard; five grandchildren, Amy Irons and her fiancé David Morelle, Ethan LaCroix, James Irons, Elijah LaCroix, and Lucas LaFlame along with many nieces and nephews. She was the sister of the late Henry (Dorothy) and Louis (Ruth) Guillotte. She is also predeceased by her cherished niece and godchild Elizabeth Camp.

Her Funeral Service will be held on Friday, June 7, 2024, at 9:00 AM from the Waring-Sullivan Home at Birchcrest, 189 Gardners Neck Road, Swansea followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:00 AM in St. Francis of Assisi Church, 530 Gardners Neck Road. Visiting hours will be Thursday from 4:00 – 7:00 PM. Contributions in her honor may be made to Swansea Ambulance, 285 Wilbur Avenue, Swansea, MA 02777 who never failed to serve her efficiently, effectively, quickly, and kindly. Charlotte held the Swansea Ambulance Corps in the highest regard. For directions and tributes please visit, www.waring-sullivan.com.