S Ethel S. (Cairns) Lapan

STERLING – Ethel S. (Cairns) LaPan, 86, of Bird Street, died Sunday, December 6, 2009 in Oakdale Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Center, West Boylston after an illness.

Her husband of 40 years, Raymond D. LaPan, died in 1984. She leaves three daughters, Corinne T. McKenzie and her husband John of Norwood, Arleen L. Locke and her husband Bryan of Lancaster and Patricia A. Greenwood and her husband Tracey of Sterling; six grandchildren, Sharon Sypek, Amy Locke-Ortiz, Michelle Travers, Jennifer LeBlanc, David Greenwood and Lisa Greenwood; and two great-grandchildren, Tayla Sypek and Zachary Locke-Oritz. Her sister, Florence Ellensohn predeceased her.

Ethel was born in Lowell, the daughter of Harold and Florence (McFaden) Cairns, and lived in Westford for 40 years before moving to Sterling in 1996. She was a member of St. Richard of Chichester Church and a former member of St. Peter's Church in Lowell. Ethel was a devoted mother and grandmother and enjoyed being with her family.

Relatives and friends are invited to calling hours from 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, December 10th, in the Miles-Sterling Funeral Home, 100 Worcester Road (Rte. 12), Sterling. The funeral for Mrs. LaPan will be held from the funeral home with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. on Friday, December11th, in St. Richard of Chichester Church, 4 Bridge Street, Sterling. Burial will follow in St. Joseph's Cemetery, 96 Riverneck Road, Chelmsford. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sterling Fire Association, P.O. Box 1081, Sterling, MA 01564.

Website & Guest book: www.milesfuneralhome.com