Elaine "Ginger" Lapato

Elaine "Ginger" V. Lapato, 88, of Westborough, passed away on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at the Beaumont Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Northborough after a lengthy illness. She was the wife of John Lapato, to whom she was married for more than 65 years.

Ginger was the daughter of the late Herbert and Nellie (Venuti) Thurber. She grew up and was educated in Westborough. She was a 1956 graduate of Westborough High School and a 1960 graduate of Worcester State Teachers College.

Ginger taught school for several years before staying home to raise her family. She was a dedicated wife, mother and daughter. In the final years of her mother Nellie’s life, Ginger was her devoted caregiver. Ginger enjoyed traveling with her husband John but she was happiest at home in her beloved Westborough.

In addition to her husband she is survived by two daughters, Jill Lapato of Westborough and Jane Lapato of Queensbury, NY, her brother Herbert Thurber of Dawsonville, Georgia and extended family.

Ginger was predeceased by her sister, Maryann Whitney of South Elgin, Illinois.

Ginger will be truly missed by all her family and friends.

There will be no services. Donations in her memory can be made to Massachusetts Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (part of MGH) at https://www.madrc.org/support-us/ or to Notre Dame Health Care (Worcester) at https://www.notredamehealthcare.org/donate/