Madeline T. (Heathcote) DeSanty

     Madeline T. (Heathcote) DeSanty, 85, of Highland Village, died at home on Saturday, November 26, 2016.

     Madeline “Lynn” was born in Pawtucket, RI on March 5, 1931 the daughter of Howard and Madeline (O’Brien) Heathcote.

     She was a waitress and hostess at various restaurants in the area over the years. Most recently Lynn was happy to help as a paraprofessional at the Buckland-Shelburne Elementary School and she found great joy in being a “school grammie” to the kids. An accomplished seamstress, when her own kids were young she would make outfits for each child for all of the holidays.

     Lynn enjoyed square dancing and loved to dance with the Swinging Sweethearts at different locations in the county. She was also an avid history buff, particularly the civil war.

     Lynn was known by her family and friends as a very classy lady and an elegant dresser.

   She was a “friend of Bill W” for many years and was referred to as “Lynn fine” by her friends. She helped many people with her warmth, compassion, love and sense of humor. She loved to dance and refer to herself as Ginger Rogers.

     Survivors include her five children; son James DeSanty of Milford, NH, son William DeSanty of Chicopee, daughter Theresa Evens of Tacoma, WA, Karen Fairbrother and her husband Steven of Buckland, daughter Ellen Vishaway of Montague, eleven grandchildren; Kimberly Watrova and her husband Jason, Matthew Evens and his wife Nicole, Jacob Evens, Aimee Vishaway, Rebecca Vishaway, Danielle Vishaway and her partner Robbie Ryan, Michael Granger, Justin M. DeSanty, Nichole K. Cole and her husband Troy, Christopher J. DeSanty and his partner Kaleigh Chancey, Breanna Kozan and her husband Jeff, nine great grandchildren, daughter-in-law Tina Marie DeSanty of Davie, FL, son-in-law Mark Evens of Tacoma, WA, her best friend Mary Lane of Shelburne Falls, nieces, nephews and friends.

     A memorial service will take place Wednesday, November 30 at 11:00 am at the Smith-Kelleher Funeral Home, 40 Church St., Shelburne Falls. There are no calling hours and burial will be at the convenience of the family.

     Lynn’s family wishes to give thanks to the nurses and staff of Hospice of Franklin County as well as the staff of O’Connell Care at Home for their compassion, love and unwavering support they gave to Lynn when she needed it most. Their dedication and level of caring was a tremendous reassurance to the family and will forever be cherished by her family. Thank you.

     In lieu of flowers, Lynn’s family asks donations be made to the charity she gave to over the years; St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjudes.org

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