Mary Jane Lafountain

Mary Jane (May) LaFountain, 80, of Wakefield, passed away peacefully at home on October 20, 2019. Born in Bigalow, Arkansas, she was the middle child of the late Willis Fred May and Faye Idell (DeLong) May. Jane was one in a million. Anyone who knew her would agree. She had a smart and sassy exterior with a heart of gold inside. Jane was known for her acceptance and willingness to help others. Whether her family needed help, or an outsider needed someone, she was the one you went to. Her door was always open, just like her heart. The work she did for the LaPlante Center in Wakefield with the developmentally disabled adults showed how much she genuinely cared for others. She loved her clients like her own family, often getting her children and grand children involved in activities with them. When you came by to visit, you could find her watching Food Network, cooking, doing a crossword, reading a book or putting together a puzzle. Jane was also an avid gardener who loved spending time out doors, often going camping with her family. The high light of each year was the family trip she took to Papoose Pond in Maine, spending time with her children, grandchildren, old friends and nieces and nephews. Jane often spent time playing cribbage, high-low jack and volunteering with the Special Olympics. Jane was predeceased by her sister, Juanita Ann (May) Malone, and daughter, Dawna Jane Bates, and her husband, Thomas Joseph Meikle. She is survived by her brother, Fred Sidney May; four daughters, Deborah Hope & her love Albert Smith; Denise Hope; Darlene Hope; and Dena Maine, as well as her son, Douglas LaFountain and son in law, Stanley Bates; two stepsons Bruce McAlpine and Peter McAlpine. Jane was a loving Nana to 11 grandchildren, including Faye-Ann Hope who was more like her daughter, 14 great grandchildren and 2 great, great grandchildren. A memorial service will be held in her honor at New Life Assembly Church, 251 Post Road, South Kingstown, Friday October 25 from 1pm-3pm. All are welcome to pay their respects. Burial will be private.