Lorna J.P. Wade
DUDLEY — Lorna J.P. (Pleau) Wade, 77, of Sunset Drive, Dudley, passed away Jan. 21, 2026, in the comfort of her home, surrounded by her loving family. She was the loving wife of Joseph L. “Jay” Wade.
Born June 12, 1948, in Putnam, she was the daughter of the late Roland and Yvette (Demers) Pleau.
Lorna was a teacher at Thompson Elementary School for five years and retired from Putnam Middle School after teaching 5th and 8th grade language arts for 30 years. While teaching at Putnam Middle School she was awarded Teacher of the Year and served as the president of the Putnam Education Association for 17 years. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Anna Maria College and her master’s degree from Eastern Connecticut State University.
Lorna took great pride in her volunteer work within the community. She was a member of the Putnam Lion’s club for 10 years and president for two years. She taught Lamaze Birthing classes at Day Kimball Hospital for fifteen years. Lorna was a member of the Putnam United Methodist Church since 1997, where she participated in the choir, was the head of spiritual education, and a lay leader. She was also a member of the Dudley Women’s Club for 19 years. Lorna played varsity basketball for Tourtellotte Memorial High School and coached the Putnam Middle School girls’ basketball team for many years.
Lorna had a lifelong love of music, which brought her much joy. She was an avid reader, lover of art, gardening, and passionate about her French-Canadian heritage. She enjoyed traveling with her family to Cape Cod, the White Mountains, Hilton Head, Quebec, Bermuda, Italy, Switzerland, Spain, and France. She also enjoyed visiting our National Parks. Some of her favorite moments were sitting around the table with her family, playing games, or sharing a meal.
She leaves two daughters, Anja E. Wade of Thompson, and Zoe R. Wade of Dudley; three sons, Aaron P. Wade (Charlotte) of Wickford, R.I., Ryan C. Wade (Kelley) of Wayland, Mass., Nicholas D. Wade (Leah) of West Warwick, R.I.; two granddaughters, Claire Wade and Georgia Wade; four brothers, Jeffrey Pleau of Dudley, David Therrien of Gray, Maine, Robert Therrien of Putnam, and Gerard Therrien of Esmont, Vir.; sister, Sherry Ann Lavallee of Putnam; nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother, Robert Pleau.
A Celebration of Lorna’s Life will be at 10 a.m. April 25 in the Living Faith United Methodist Church, 53 Grove St., Putnam, followed by a reception in the church hall. Donations: Daily Bread Food Pantry, PO Box 281, Putnam, CT 06260. Gilman and Valade Funeral Homes and Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam.
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