ORANGE – Joan Marie Shangraw LaRose, 72, of Richardson Road, passed away on Friday, October 2, 2026, at the University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington, surrounded by her loving family.

Joan was born on June 25, 1954, in Barre, the daughter of Warren and Ruby (Baker) Shangraw. She was raised in Williamstown and graduated from Williamstown High School. She went on to attend and graduate from the Thompson School of Practical Nursing in Brattleboro.

On September 15, 1972, Joan married Andrew “Andy” LaRose at St. Edward’s Catholic Church in Williamstown. They resided in Williamstown for 10 years before moving to Orange, where they made their home and raised their family.

Joan was an LPN who cared for patients at several local facilities throughout her career. She worked at Rowen Court, Central Vermont Medical Center, and Woodridge Nursing Home before retiring. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Joan came out of retirement for a couple of years to continue caring for patients at Heaton Woods in Montpelier.

Joan was a proud member of the Williamstown United Church. In her free time, she enjoyed quilting, sewing, pumpkin hunting, and, most of all, spending time with her family.

Joan leaves behind her loving husband, Andy LaRose; her daughters, Patty LaRose and Bethany Vivian and her husband, Bill; her grandchildren, Lydia, Alex, and Sophie; her sister, Lois Partlow and her husband, Terry; and her brothers, Steve Shangraw and his wife, Kim, and Andy Shangraw and his wife, Ann. She also leaves many other family members and loved ones.

She was predeceased by her parents and her two brothers, Denny and Arthur Shangraw.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Williamstown United Church.

A service to honor and celebrate Joan’s life will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at 11 a.m. at the Williamstown United Church, 2374 Route 14, Williamstown, VT. A potluck gathering will follow at the church. Family and friends are welcome to bring a dish to share.