Jean LaPlaca |
| Posted 2024-09-15 by mhenderson |
| Published by Today's News Herald on Sep. 15, 2024 - Lake Havasu City, Arizona - On September 4th, 2024, Lake Havasu City lost one of it's brightest lights. Jean LaPlaca peacefully left us to begin her next adventure in eternity. Born in New York City, she had a natural flair for performing, and was a regular on a weekly radio variety show. These talents continued to be on display with appearances in Atlantic City, and then the Ted Mack Amateur Hour. In the late 1950's she moved to Syosset on Long Island, NY, where she continued to perform in the Sweet Adelines Barbershop quartets and choruses. In 1969 she decided to fulfill another lifelong dream, to learn to fly. That was when she met Joe LaPlaca, her flight instructor, and future husband. In November of 1971, she earned her private pilot's license, and shortly thereafter bought her own plane which she flew regularly. In 1975, Jean and Joe sold off most of their belongings, bought a 30' Winnebago, and started their trip west. They spent the next six months on the road eventually arriving in Lake Havasu City in 1976. In 1980 they opened LaPlaca Flying Services servicing the international pilot's community for the next 30 years; Joe gave the flying lessons, and Jean ran the business. After Joe's passing in 2012, Jean volunteered frequently at the Hospice of Havasu Polidori House to thank them for the care they provided in Joe's final days. She was also an active volunteer for the Havasu Community Health Foundation. She continued to perform with the community chorus, was a participant in the 2015 Ms. Havasu Senior Pageant, and entertained us by getting up to sing at her 90th birthday party. Jean was always cheerful and had a smile for everyone. She loved to spend time with friends, and her family of children, step children, and grandchildren. She always had a positive attitude, and elevated the lives of those around her. While we are so sad to lose her, we also celebrate the woman who was brave enough to live the life she wanted, with humility, class, and elegance. |
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