Kathleen M. Perry

OXFORD – Kathleen M. (LaRose) Perry, 82, of Linden Street, died Thursday, December 11, 2025, at UMass Memorial Medical Center – University Campus in Worcester.

She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Joseph A. Perry Jr. of Oxford; two daughters, Donna M. Maryyanek and her husband Robert “Bo” of Holland, and Michelle “Mimi” R. Strzelewicz and her husband Mark of Webster; her sister, Karen LeClaire and her husband James of Millbury; three grandchildren, Brad Strzelewicz of Torrance, CA, Mandi LaBelle and her husband Phillip of Willington, CT, and Jacob Blain of Woodstock, CT; a great-granddaughter, Meredith Rose LaBelle of Willington, CT; and many nieces, and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother, Ernest LaRose of Pennsylvania.

She was born in Worcester, daughter of the late Ernest and Lucienne (Vaillancourt) LaRose, and was a lifelong resident of Oxford. She graduated from Oxford High School in 1961.

Mrs. Perry worked for the Town of Oxford for many years, first as a clerk in the Assessor’s office, and later the Oxford Housing Authority before retirement. Previously, she worked at Mass Electric and Worcester County National Bank, and was an Avon lady for several years.

Faith and music were important parts of Kathy’s life. She was a longtime member of St. Roch’s Church in Oxford, where she was the organist for over 20 years and taught CCD. She played accordion in the Gerry Hadean Band. She also played in her own band, the Monterey’s, and was a member of KMD. She played every Saturday night at the Scandinavian Athletic Club in Shrewsbury for many years, and taught organ and accordion in her home. She had a gift for writing poetry, and enjoyed yoga, dogs, and camping, where she made many friends.

The family would like to thank everyone at Lanessa in Webster, for their loving care over the past ten years.

A funeral will be held on Friday, December 19, 2025, from Paradis-Givner Funeral Home, 357 Main St., Oxford, followed by a Mass at 11 a.m. at St. Roch’s Church, 332 Main St., Oxford. Burial will follow at St. Roch’s Cemetery in Oxford. Calling hours are Thursday, December 18, 2025, from 4-7 p.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Oxford Ecumenical Food Shelf, 4 Maple Rd., Oxford, MA 01540, or to the Alzheimer's Association, 320 Nevada Street, Suite 201, Newton, MA 02460.