CARON: Virginia E. (Cantin), 86 Tuesday November 2, 2004 CARON: Virginia E. (Cantin), 86, of Agawam, Mass., died Sunday evening, Oct. 31, 2004, at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Mass. Mrs. Caron was born the oldest of nine children in Guildhall, Vt., Nov. 10, 1917, the daughter of William and Elizabeth (Hardy) Cantin. Virginia was raised in Guildhall where she attended local schools and was a graduate of Lancaster Academy. She married a mechanic/heavy equipment operator and had five children. From early morning until late night she worked as a registered nurse at Brightlook Hospital in St. Johnsbury, Vt., and Springfield Hospital in Springfield, Mass., to help feed, clothe and care for her brood. For a time she was also employed at the Kent Nursing home in Lancaster, N.H. She endured plenty of life's ups and downs and witnessed so many of the big events of modern history that she became a living, breathing historian for her family and friends. Nowhere was there a sweeter, kinder matriarch. She always acknowledged a birthday or event with a card or a call, and kept track of births and weddings as the family grew to hundreds. She was a communicant of All Saints Church, Lancaster, and St. John the Evangelist, Agawam. Family members include three sons, George H. Caron of Tannersville, Pa., Donald F. Caron of Monroe, N.H., and Douglas E. Caron of West Springfield, Mass.; two daughters, Janet A. Seymour of Springfield, Mass., and Luanne M. Caron of Agawam, Mass.; three brothers, Harland Cantin of Guildhall, Vt., Leonard Cantin of East Haven, Vt., and Wallace Baker of Lancaster; a sister, Josephine Ball of Gilman, Vt.; seven grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband, Ralph W. Caron; and three brothers, William Cantin, Philip Cantin and Arnold Cantin; and a sister, Madeline Rosebrook. Visiting hours will be held Thursday afternoon and evening, Nov. 4, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m., at the Bailey Funeral Home, Lancaster. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Friday morning at 10 a.m. at All Saints Church, Lancaster. The Rev. Raymond Ball, pastor, will officiate. Burial will follow in the Calvary Cemetery, Lancaster.