Carlene (Phillips) LaBranche, 86, passed away peacefully in her home on Monday, June 29, 2026 in Rochester, New Hampshire. She was born on August 25, 1939 in Stewartstown, New Hampshire the fifth of nineteen children born to Bert and Evelyn Phillips.

Carlene was the beloved wife of Roger LaBranche. They married in 1973 in Somersworth, New Hampshire and shared many happy years together until Roger's passing in 2019. In her younger adult years, Carlene traveled extensively. She spent time in Hawaii, California, New Mexico, Michigan, and Illinois before returning home to New Hampshire, where she spent the remainder of her life.

A graduate of Colebrook Academy's Class of 1957, Carlene later studied at New Hampshire College of Accounting & Commerce in Manchester, New Hampshire. She spent much of her professional career in the Personnel and Payroll Department at Thompson Center Arms. Earlier in her career, she worked at Tillotson Rubber, and in her semi-retirement, she worked with Easter Seals and Trinkets & Treasures.

Carlene found joy in life's simple pleasures. She loved cooking for family and friends, listening to country music, reading, and spending evenings playing cards. Above all, she treasured time with her family. She will be remembered for her kindness, deep love for those around her, her strong sense of patriotism, and for never missing a loved one's birthday.

In addition to her husband, Roger, Carlene was predeceased by her siblings, Grace Lehoux, Barbara Cass, Richard Phillips, Roy Phillips, Ellen Phillips, Harold Phillips, Stewart Phillips, John Phillips, and Dorothy Phillips.

She is lovingly survived by her son, Brian LaBranche; her granddaughters, Erika and Marissa; and her siblings, Samantha Phillips, Doris Goyette, Carl Phillips, Wayne Phillips, Sue Normand, Donna McLaren, Derwood Phillips, Michael Phillips, and Nancy Phillips, along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will miss her greatly.

No formal services will be held. A Celebration of Life is planned for August 22, 2026, with additional details to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to Wentworth Home Health Care, 9 Andrews Road, Somersworth, NH, 03878 in appreciation of the compassionate care and comfort they provided to Carlene during the final weeks of her life.