Jaffrey, New Hampshire James Amirsakis, 68, of Jaffrey and Bonita Springs, Florida, died peacefully on Sunday, February 3, 2013 at Monadnock Community Hospital in Peterborough after a yearlong battle with stomach cancer. Mr. Amirsakis was born on February 2, 1945 in Samos, Greece, son of the late John and Irene Amirsakis. He had received his education at Boston Technical High School and Colby College. He had been the business manager at Rohm & Haas Company in Philadelphia, PA until retiring in 2002. Mr. Amirsakis had lived in Amherst, NH until moving to Bonita Springs, Florida to enjoy the warmer weather after retiring. He was strong, loving and persistent and enjoyed the outdoors. He particularly enjoyed skiing, hiking, and playing tennis and golf. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Mary (Hatziannou) Amirsakis of Jaffrey; his son John Amirsakis of Darien, Connecticut; his daughter Magda Amirsakis of Eagle CO; his grandchildren, Ashley, Drew and Aidan; his brothers and Sister in laws; Louis, Elizabeth, Charlie, Felitsa, Helen, Steven, Markella, and his nephews and nieces, Rena, Diana, Daphne, Mary and George.
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Victor Enoch Karlsen, infant son of Brian and Rebecca (Ketola) Karlsen died January 22, 2013 at the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon. Victor Enoch was born on January 22, 2013 in Lebanon, NH where he received the warmest and most tender care from his family and all of the wonderful nurses and doctors who took care of him and his mother. Victor is survived by his parents of Jaffrey, his brother Robert and two sisters, Ina and Caroline, his maternal grandparents, Walter and Elvi Ketola of Asheboro, North Carolina, his paternal grandmother, Carol Gallegos of King City, Oregon, and many aunts, uncles and cousins. Many friends and family have gone before Victor Enoch, including his paternal grandfather, Robert Karlsen.
Margaret Maggie Elizabeth Crawford, 97, died Friday February 8, 2013 at the Presidential Oaks in Concord, NH. She was born December 3, 1915 in Franklin, NH, daughter of the late Ralph E. and Sadie (Sanborn) Wells. Her formative years were spent in Contoocook where she attended Contoocook schools. She has been a resident of Presidential Oaks for the past twenty years. She had also lived in Warner, Contoocook, several towns in Massachusetts, as well as Jaffrey and Rindge before moving to Concord. Margaret worked several years at Sylvania in Hillsboro NH; she had also worked at Transitron in Wakefield MA and at the Peterborough Basket Shop in Peterborough NH. At the time of her retirement she was working at Millipore Corporation in Jaffrey. Margaret loved the outdoors, bird watching, gardening, playing cards, making puzzles, playing bingo and helping people. For many years at Presidential Oaks she tended to her gardens on the property and was known for her lovely flowers, especially her roses. She loved cats and was known for making doughnuts in the wee hours of the morning. Margaret did volunteer work at Presidential Oaks, up until her health wouldnt let her. She was a communicant of St. Patrick Church in Jaffrey. In 1935 Margaret married Oliver Johnson; that marriage dissolved in 1958. She married John P. Best Sr. in 1960. John predeceased her in 1976. She then married Ralph Crawford and he died in 1989. She is survived by her daughter Olive D. Ryan of Contoocook; her son Clinton L. Johnson of Clarksville, NH; her daughter-in-law Elizabeth Crawford of Contoocook; a step grandson Dennis Crawford and his wife Lynda of Warner; two step granddaughters Carol Crawford of Belmont and Brenda Martin and her husband John of Concord; two step-great grandsons Kendrick R. Crawford of Warner and Alden C. Martin of Concord. In addition to her parents and husbands, she was also predeceased by her sister, two half-sisters, six-half brothers and her son-in-law Arnold Crawford.
Elaine G. Barlow, 87, of Keene NH passed away on Sunday February 3, 2013. She was born September 19, 1925 in Keene, daughter of the late Charles and Mabel (Fosdick) Gray. She was a 1943 graduate of Keene High School and also attended Northfield Academy before starting Bates College in Maine. Mrs. Barlow earned her Bachelors degree in English from the University of Bridgeport (CT). Mrs. Barlow had lived in Fairfield CT from 1955 until 1971 when she returned to Keene. She was a substitute teacher in the Fairfield Public Schools. She was active in the Womens Fellowship of the First Congregational United Church of Christ in both Fairfield and Keene. She was also a member of the Keene AAUW. She had been a board member of the Keene Visiting Nurses and a hospital aid volunteer. Mrs. Barlow was an avid reader, belonging to several book groups and also enjoyed playing bridge. Her greatest joy was spending time at her cottage on Forest Lake with family. Her husband of 58 years Frederick I. Barlow, Jr. died January 22, 2006. Survivors include her daughter Emily Barlow Vonada and her husband Gary of Portland Oregon; two sons Frederick G. Barlow and wife Marcia of Norwalk, Ohio and Bruce F. Barlow of Loxahatchee, Florida; four grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; a sister Sylvia G. Sears of Bethlehem, PA.
Steven A. Coll, 37, of Greenville, New Hampshire (formerly of Jaffrey, NH) died on Sunday, February 10, 2013 as a result from injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident. Steven was born on December 7, 1975 in Keene, NH son of Thomas J. and Angelique (Caron) Coll. He attended schools in Jaffrey, which is where he lived a majority of his life, before settling down in Greenville, NH. He was a foreman with Quality Concrete in Rindge and was previously the owner and operator of Steve Colls Flatwork in Antrim. Steven enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He was known best for his willingness to drop everything to help those in need, both friends and family. He was always a very generous person and a dedicated hard worker who could fix anything. However, his most important role was being a dedicated daddy to his daughter Shae-Lynn. Steven is survived by both his parents Thomas J. Coll of Swanzey and Angelique Coll of Gilford; his daughter Shae-Lynn Coll of Jaffrey.; fiancée Julie Doucette of Greenville; three sisters Wendy Wrage of St. Ansgar, IA, Tiffany (Toni) Salera of Epsom, Meagan Dicey of Swanzey; seven brothers, Keith Coll of Swanzey, Brad Coll of Temple, Corey Coll of Rio Rancho, NM., Matthew Coll of Hancock, Nathan Coll of Keene, Patrick Rovinski of Winchester and Nicholas Coll of Keene, his maternal grandmother Jeannette Caron of Hinsdale; 24 nieces and nephews, 1 great-niece, and several aunts, uncles, cousins and many close friends. He will definitely be missed by all.
Cynthia (Cindi) Haskell, 58, of Jaffrey died Tuesday, February 19, 2013 at her home surrounded by her loving family, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born on November 16, 1954 in Peterborough, NH, daughter of the late Frank Reed and Priscilla (Fairbanks) Reed. She attended Conant High School in Jaffrey and later married Dean G. Haskell on February 27, 1970. Together they made their home in Jaffrey. She enjoyed motorcycling, painting, needlework and cherished the time spent with family and friends. In addition to her mother, Priscilla Reed of Rindge, Cindi is survived by her husband of 43 years, Dean Haskell of Jaffrey; her son, Jeremy Haskell of Jaffrey; her brother, David Reed of Rindge; her sister, Susan Ramos of Antrim; her in-laws; Dwight Haskell and Ann Pratt of Westmoreland; Ray and Carla Haskell of Jaffrey; Laura and Robert Jones of Rindge; Roy and Denise Haskell of Rindge; Mark Haskell of Rindge, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends, especially her beloved Ollie.
Jean H. Stanton, 89, of Jaffrey died February 13, 2013, with family by her side, at the Monadnock Community Hospital in Peterborough following a brief illness. She was born November 17, 1923 in Waltham MA, daughter of the late Charles E. and Alberta (Sweet) Harvey. Jean was a graduate of Belmont (MA) High School and Katherine Gibbs School in Boston. She was employed as a secretary for many years with the American Baptist Convention in Boston, and later at MIT Sloan School of Management in Cambridge. Upon moving to Jaffrey she worked for the Monadnock Ledger, from where she retired. Mrs. Stanton was an active member of the First Church in Jaffrey; Jaffrey Womens Club; The Monadnock Country Club in Peterborough; and was a member and officer of CLAPA (Contoocook Lake Area Preservation Association). She enjoyed homemaking, flying, golf, gardening, horseback riding and most importantly her two daughters, two grandsons and three great grandsons. Jean was active and independent until just a few days before her death. She was looking forward to soon renewing her drivers license for another five years! Jean met her husband, Arthur Stanton, while car pooling to the Norwood Airport, in the early 1940s, where they both worked. They were married in 1944, and with WWII still in progress, they traveled to where he was stationed at Chanute Air Base in Illinois and then to Louisiana as part of his military commitment. In 1946 they settled in Belmont MA, and summered in her familys long time Jaffrey summer cottage on Lake Contoocook. Upon her husband Arthurs retirement from MITs Charles Stark Draper Laboratory in 1977 they remodeled the old summer place and become year round Jaffrey residents, where she cherished her many friends and Church family. She was predeceased by her husband of fifty-five years, Arthur C. Stanton, in 1998, and by her daughter Lynn Stanton in 2004; also by her sister Margaret (Peggy) Pelletier in 1997. Survivors include her daughter Lee S. Sawyer and her husband Harvey of Jaffrey; her two grandsons Tyson D. Sawyer, his wife Emilie, and great grandson Isaac of Mason; and Kent S. Sawyer, his wife Heather, and great grandsons Jacob and Benjamin of Jaffrey; her sister Charlene Hoar and her husband General Joseph P. Hoar, USMC Ret. of Del Mar CA.; and several nieces and nephews.
Maria C. Caporicci, 33, of Hudson, died suddenly and unexpectedly on Tuesday, February 19, 2013 at the Southern NH Medical Center in Nashua. She was born on June 27, 1979 in Port Jefferson, NY, daughter of John M. Caporicci and Patrice Petry. Maria is survived by her mother, Patrice and her husband James Petry, Jr. of Jaffrey; her father John M. Caporicci of Easton, Pennsylvania; her sister Anne Caporicci of Jaffrey, Donna Reidman of Massapequa, NY, Ted Petry of Blue Island, Ill, Jim Petry of San Francisco, CA, a large extended family and many close friends and coworkers.
Robert L. Barton, 95, of Peterborough, NH died on February 11, 2013 at Summerhill Assisted Living, following a period of declining health. Mr. Barton was born on February 9, 1918, in Stillwater, NY son of Chester and Helen (Southard) Barton. Mr. Barton attended Saratoga Springs High School in New York and graduated in 1936. He married Bertha A. DiPasquale on June 2, 1940 and went on to serve in the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1943, where he fought in World War II. After serving his country faithfully, Mr. Barton was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant in 1946. He then went on to working at Grand Union Company where he would work for many years and finally retire in 1979 as a Grocery Store Manager. Mr. Barton and his family had lived in many areas including; Saratoga, NY, Ballston Spa, NY, Barre, VT, Whitehall, NY, Manchester, CT, Rindge, NH and finally Peterborough, NH. In his spare time, Mr. Barton enjoyed being a part of his community and was a member of the Elks Club, the Italian American Club and the Methodist Church. He also enjoyed woodworking, puzzles and gardening. He was active and enjoyed playing sports and was involved in semi pro football and basketball. Mr. Barton was predeceased by both of his parents, his wife of 59 years Bertha A. DiPasquale on October 1, 1999, and by his son Alan Richard Barton on September 9, 2004. He is survived by his two sons; Robert L. Barton Jr., of Bethesda, MD and Richard P. Barton of Greensboro, MD; His brother, Leon Barton of Queensbury, NY; his sister, Dorothy Trumbull of Johnstown, NY; 6 Grandchildren, 4 Great-Grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Clayton E. Jarest, 84, formerly of Peterborough, died peacefully at his residence in Colebrook, NH surrounded by his family on Wednesday February 27, 2013 after a very long illness. Clayton was born in Peterborough, NH on August 4, 1928, the youngest of six boys of Remi and Eva (Hill) Jarest. He grew up in Peterborough and had attended Peterborough schools. Clayton enlisted in the United States Army and served with the National Guard Battery Stationed at the Peterborough Armory. He was Chaplain and 2VP with the American Legion Post #47 in Canaan, VT. He also was an auxiliary member of the Jaffrey Memorial Post #5613, VFW. Clayton drove truck for Milford Grains for several years, and had worked at Durants Esso Station in Peterborough. He had also worked as a plumber and was a cutter and weaver as well as a lead man at the Peterborough Basket Shop. He had been a machine operator at New Hampshire Ball Bearing in Peterborough and was supervisor in the etching department at Honeywell. Clayton also enjoyed woodworking and making furniture for family and friends. He lived in Peterborough until moving to Colebrook in 1999. Clayton is survived by his wife of sixty two years, Sally (Beauvais) Jarest of Colebrook, whom he married on November 23, 1950, which just happened to be her birthday as well as Thanksgiving. He is also survived by his son Terry Jarest of Port Charlotte, FL; his daughter Deborah Roy and her husband AndrŽ of Canaan, VT; his grandson Jamie Jarest and his wife Chris of Peterborough; two great-granddaughters, Justine and Taylor also of Peterborough; his two brothers Howard Jarest and his wife Esme of Port Charlotte Fla., and Clifford Jarest of Peterborough; many nieces and nephews; his best friend of 76 years Stan (Bing) Bingham and his wife Ellen of Melbourne, Fla.; his brother-in-law Leo Beauvais and friend Joyce Rouleau of Dennis Port, MA; his sister-in-laws, Bette Ascani and friend Glen Brown of Peterborough, and Marlene Davis of Jaffrey. In addition to his parents he was predeceased by his three brothers Octave, Horace and William. His friends, Robert Perreault, Pete Chamberlain and Joe Russell, were all waiting to welcome him home.
Kenneth A. Christian, 68, of Peterborough died peacefully on Sunday March 3, 2013 at the Monadnock Community Hospital, following a long and courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Peterborough on August 25, 1944 son of the late Alfred and Olive (Robichaud) Christian. Ken was a 1962 graduate of Conant High School in Jaffrey and received his Bachelors degree in Business & Accounting from the University of New Hampshire in 1966. He had served as Captain in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. Ken has been a resident of Peterborough since 1970, previously living in Tampa FL while in the military and before that in Jaffrey. Ken joined the Bellows-Nichols Agency in Peterborough in 1970; he eventually purchased it in 1984. Ken had also served as Treasurer for the Town of Peterborough from 1974 until 2012. He was Past President and Treasurer of the Peterborough Lions Club; he was a recipient of the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award which is the highest award presented by Lions International; a member of the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce, Peterborough Junior Sports League and Contoocook Housing Trust. He was also a member and Past Commander of the Amoskeag Veterans; Past President of the Monadnock Indoor Tennis Club; former Trustee and Treasurer of the Scott-Farrar Retirement Home; former Board member of the Monadnock United Way and member of the Allocations Committee. He was Past Chairman of the Board of Directors at the Monadnock Community Bank in Peterborough. He was a communicant of St. Peter of the Divine Mercy Parish where he had served as a lecturer for many years. Ken enjoyed traveling and restoring old houses. He is survived by his wife of forty seven years, Bonnie (Wheeler) Christian of Peterborough; two daughters Kari J. Christian of Peterborough and Lori A. Bailey and her husband William of Windham, NH; two grandchildren Ryan Bailey and Emma Bailey, both of Windham; a brother Paul R. Christian and wife Diane of Pigeon Forge, TN; nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother Ronald D. Christian in 2011.
Dorothy Dotty M. Dillon, 85, of Clearwater, Florida, formerly of Stoneham, Massachusetts died peacefully Thursday Morning, February 28, 2013 at the Good Shepherd Nursing Center in Jaffrey. She was born on December 14, 1927 in Woburn, MA, Daughter of the William J. Carroll and Helen (Grammer) Carroll. Dorothy attended Woburn High School, and later married Robert E. Dillon in 1951. Together, they made their home in Stoneham, MA and lived there for many years. She enjoyed bingo, traveling, and most cherished her time spent with friends. She is survived by her sister Barbara Jewer of Newport, VT, her son Lieutenant Colonel Robert E. Dillon, Jr. of Latham, NY; her daughter, Deborah Dugan of Dublin, NH; her grandchildren, Daniel Dillon of Indianapolis, IN, Kerry Dugan of Keene, NH, Theresa Dillon of Nottingham, PA, Michael Dugan of Keene, NH; and great-grandchildren Dexter and Angelina Dillon of Indianapolis, IN.
Gertrude N. Gallup, 90, formerly of Peterborough died Tuesday March5, 2013 in Biddeford ME following a period of failing health. She was born January 31, 1923 in Norwalk CT., daughter of the late Norman and Gertrude (Zimmerman) Yakal. She was a 1942 graduate of Norwalk (CT) High School and earned her nursing certification from the former Elliot Community Hospital School of Nursing in Keene. Trudy, as she liked to be known, worked as an LPN at Monadnock Community Hospital in Peterborough for over thirty years, retiring in 1985. She was active with the Order of the Rainbow Girls ( a Masonic organization); the Girl Scouts, Grace Methodist Church in Norwalk CT where she sang in the Junior Choir and was active in all of the churchs Childrens Programs. She enjoyed camping and knitting in her spare time. She was previously married to Roland Brunnel who died in 1978. She later married Wallace H. Gallup who died December 17, 2003. Survivors include her stepson Mark Gallup and his wife Mary of Wells, ME; grandson John Gallup and wife Shawnda of Valdez, AK; granddaughter Joy Grandbois Gallup of Portland ME; granddaughter Katie Gelfand of New Orleans, LA; great grandchildren Alexander Gallup and Addyson Gallup both of Valdez, AK.
James A. Jimmy Seppala, 56, of Rindge, New Hampshire died suddenly and unexpectedly on Saturday, March 9, 2013. He died how he lived, Hammer down, hair straight back, and went to be with Jesus. Jimmy was born on June 14, 1956 in Winchendon, Massachusetts. He is the son of Edwin and Mary Ann (Haapaoja) Seppala. Jimmy grew up in Rindge, his roots ran deep. He attended Rindge Memorial and Conant High School. He was not a veteran, but was considered a true patriot and proudly displayed his American flag. He was co-owner with his brother Cal, of Ji-Cal Masonry, Inc. for 29 years. Jimmy had a heart of compassion, always encouraging, and always uplifting others. God blessed him with the gift of playing the guitar. His love for hymns and songs of Zion blessed, comforted, inspired and encouraged countless souls. In addition to his parents of Lantana, Fla, Jimmy is survived by his wife that he adored, Margaret Peggy (Wiinikka) Seppala. They were married for 38 years, 4 months, 1 week, and 5 days. His children; Son, Richard with Toini Seppala of Fitzwilliam, NH, daughter, Naomi with Isaac Jussila of Rindge, NH, Son, Randy with Heather of Ashby, MA, daughter, Shanna with Roy Pyhala of Greer, SC, Son, Gregory with Emily of Rindge, NH, Son, Grant with Jessica of Rindge, NH, daughter, Brianna Seppala of Rindge, NH, Son, Jamen Seppala of Rindge, NH, daughter, Sara with fiancé Jerome Muhonen of Rindge, NH, sons Josiah, and Uriah of Rindge, NH, his brothers and sisters, Mike and wife Kathy Seppala of Rindge, NH, Ann and husband Jack Matson of Yacolt, WA, Susan and husband Lyle Stenersen of Rindge, NH, Paul and wife Sharon Seppala of Rindge, NH, Darlene and husband Jon West of Rindge, NH, Calvin and wife Brenda Seppala of Rindge, NH, Peter and wife Mary Lynn Seppala of Rindge, NH, Timmy and wife Pam Seppala of Battle Ground, WA, Carla and husband Chet Olin of La Center, WA, Jennie and husband Adam Aho of Rindge, NH., mother in law, Marge Hilman of Vancouver, WA, 19 Grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and close friends. He will be greatly missed by all. He was predeceased by his brothers Ralph Seppala in 1963, and Philip Seppala in 1969.
Beverly Bev Soderberg, 74, of Jaffrey, NH, died Thursday, April 11, 2013 at the Catholic Medical Center in Manchester after a brief period of failing health. Bev was born in Whitinsville, Massachusetts on September 20, 1938, daughter of William and Cecil (Jones) Magill. She was a 1956 graduate of Northbridge High School in Whitinsville and had graduated from the Newton-Wellesley School of Nursing as a Registered Nurse. Bev was the School Nurse at the Elementary Schools in Swanzey, NH for over 24 years. Her nursing career also included being an Intensive Care Nurse at Newton-Wellesley Hospital, and a Recovery Room Charge Nurse at Knox County Hospital in Rockland, Maine. She also cared for patients in the Detox and Rehabilitation Center at the former Beech Hill Hospital in Dublin, NH. Bevs life was centered on church, children, and music. She had belonged to the United Church of Jaffrey since moving to town in 1978. She enjoyed serving in countless roles at church and had been active on many committees through the years. Bev had been an instrumental part of the Jaffrey Juvenile Diversion Committee and was devoted to the local youth in many ways. She was affectionately known as Mom to many while she attended the Conant High School basketball games and more. She shared her unconditional love, patience and loyalty with all of the children, and especially her 4 grandchildren. They were always a great source of joy for Bev. Bev was very humble and never wanted recognition for what she did. She was born with the great gift of a lovely voice and learned to play the piano. She always gave freely of her talents. Whether it was singing in the choir, services or events in the community, leading hymn sings at nursing homes, singing with her family at their gatherings, it was always inspiring, heartfelt and beautiful. Bev enjoyed the beauty of nature too. She was an avid bird watcher and wildflower enthusiast, and will be remembered for the fun she had picking blueberries. Beverly was preceded in death by her son Jeffrey J. Soderberg on August 14, 2011. She is survived by her husband of 52 wonderful years, Lloyd R. Soderberg of Jaffrey; her daughter, Debra Anderson of Vancouver, British Columbia; her son, Bruce Soderberg of San Antonio, Texas; her grandchildren Mary Margaret, Kate, Evan, and Carlene; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends.
Cynthia 'Cindy' Louise (Lansberry) Given, 48, entered into eternal peace on Friday, April 12, 2013. Cindy was born in Denver, Colorado on December 15, 1964, a daughter of Janice (Sorensen) and Roger Lansberry. She graduated in 1983 from Corry High School in Corry, Pennsylvania. She then attended Johnson and Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island. She married Jaffrey native Aylmer Given, III on June 30, 1990. Together, they had two sons; Joshua and Brandon, both at home in Jaffrey. Cindy was remotely employed by Accommodations Unlimited, from Fairfax, Virginia, as an account director. She was diagnosed with Stage 4 Breast Cancer in 2005, and Cindy continued to battle through as the disease metastasized to her bones. Her strong will was to live with an unwavering faith in God, and the love and prayers of family, friends, and many supporters carried her through the years of endless treatments and procedures. Yet even through her own struggle with Cancer, Cindys greatest passion and concern was for others in need. A woman of faith, she served tirelessly over 17 years at her church, Monadnock Congregational Church of Peterborough. With incredible organizational skills and attention to detail, Cindy created curriculum and served as a teacher in Christian Education and Vacation Bible School. She also had the opportunity to participate in a mission trip to Wales to develop a Bible school for some local children. She went on later to serve as a spiritual leader and elder within the church. Her heart broke for those in need and an understanding of the power of prayer, Cindy created a prayer ministry within the church. This opportunity evolved into the construction of a prayer room which provided a solemn, quiet place for members to pray. The final 3 years of her life, she led the church in prayer spurring others on in their faith. With Cindys kind and compassionate nature, she won the hearts and trust of many, who even now are being changed by her unending witness of nurturing love, prayer and faith. She leaves loving memories to be cherished by her husband; Aylmer in Jaffrey; sons, Joshua and Brandon in Jaffrey; parents, Janice and Roger Lansberry in Phoenix, Arizona; siblings, Sandra (Lansberry) Hornak in Atlanta, Georgia, James Lansberry in Peoria, Illinois and Jeffrey Lansberry in Denver, Colorado; and many adoring nieces and nephews.
Lester W. Parker, 75, of New Ipswich and formerly of Jaffrey, NH died at the Monadnock Community Hospital in Peterborough on Sunday, April 14, 2013 after a period of failing health. Lester was born on January 9, 1938 in Jaffrey, NH, son of the late Walter and Jenny (Bryant) Parker. He graduated from Conant High School with the class of 1955 and went on to earn a Bachelors Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Lowell Technical College. Lester worked at New Hampshire Ball Bearing in Peterborough for over 35 years and retired in 2000. Lester liked to travel and had visited all 50 states. He also enjoyed playing golf, reading, camping, fishing and spending time with his dog Sophie, who will miss him dearly. After retiring, he enjoyed being an armchair quarterback and rooting for all local and New England teams, his favorite team being the Atlanta Braves. He also liked being an armchair contestant and testing his knowledge on afternoon game shows which involved trivia. His time most cherished was spent with his family and friends. Lester was preceded in death by his first wife Toini (Walkonen) Parker on September 12, 1988, his wife Betty A. Chouinard on August 20, 2010, his daughter Lynn Ferland on November 2, 1996 and his brother Paul Parker in 1998 Lester is survived by his two daughters; Carol Flowers of New Ipswich, NH and Bethany Lundsted of Rindge, NH; his 10 grandchildren; Elisha Murray, Nathan Flowers, Amy Flowers, Jacqueline Lundsted, Parker Lundsted, Leila Lundsted, Gabriel Ferland, Danielle Ferland, Jessica Ferland, and Timothy Ferland; 8 great-grandchildren, his beloved dog Sophie, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Helen I. (Broadbent) Hardy, 95, died on April 16, 2013 surrounded by her loving family at her home at RiverMead in Peterborough. She was born in Attleboro, MA, on January 13, 1918. Her parents were Ernest and Cynthia Broadbent. She attended Attleboro public schools and graduated from Wheaton College in Norton, MA, in 1940 where she majored in mathematics and philosophy. She married Rev. Richard B. Hardy in 1943, and was a very active ministers wife in the six churches they served together from 1942 to 1984 when they retired to Harrisville. She was known and loved for her spiritual strength and leadership in the womens fellowship of each church. In retirement she accompanied her husband for three years in the visitation of retired Baptist pastors in all of New England. At RiverMead, she had been an active participant in the social and wellness programs and a loving friend of many people. Mrs. Hardy was the loving mother of four children, seven grandchildren, and five great grandchildren. She loved cooking and baking, knitting and chair caning. Her family and her support of her husband's work were her passion. She passed on her belief that education was of highest importance to all her children and grandchildren. In her busy life as a mother and ministers wife, she always found time to knit right to the end of her life when she finished her last knitting project the evening before she became ill. She worked part-time for several years as a secretary and substitute teacher. She is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 70 years; her children, Paul M. Hardy, M.D. and his wife Ellie Hardy of Dublin; daughter Betsy Perry and husband Russ White of Harrisville; daughter Priscilla Hardy of Harrisville; daughter Ruth Jacobson-Hardy and husband Michael Jacobson-Hardy of Florence, MA; 7 grandchildren Matthew Perry and partner Betsey Finn of Sausalito, CA; Seth M. Hardy, M.D. and his wife Shelby Hardy of Hallowell, ME; Sarah Hurley and her husband Brian of Hingham, MA; Rebecca Perry-Hill and her husband Skyler Hill of West Lafayette, IN; Hannah Jacobson-Hardy of Savoy, MA; and Leah Jacobson-Hardy of Florence, MA; 5 great grandchildren Sawyer, Libby and Rosemary Hurley; Emerson and Oscar Hardy; nephew David A. Hardy and his wife Bobbie Fried and daughter Aimee Fried-Hardy of South Easton, MA; and second cousins Heather Harrington Bento and her husband Jim of Swansea, MA; Marcia Harrington of Daytona Beach, Florida; and Susan Weigel of Knoxville, Tennessee. Her sister, Miriam Johnson, her grandson, P. Nathaniel Hardy, and her nephew Rev. Ronald Hardy died earlier.
John Balcom Mills, Jr. 68, of Rindge, NH, passed into glory on April 18, 2013 at his home surrounded by his wife and loving family. John was born in Lynn, MA on September 6th, 1944 to John B. Mills Sr. and Francine (Tudal) Mills. John had an extensive life and work history that included many endeavors such as time spent in the Navy Seals, United States Navy. He had owned and managed several automobile dealerships such as: Encino Ford, Encino, California, Owner of Mills Motors in Pepperell, MA, Manager of Arista Chevrolet in Peterborough, NH, Manager of Tacetta Chevrolet in Newington NH, and Owner of John Mills Chevrolet in Brockton, MA. He also owned and operated restaurants such as: All In The Family Donut Shop in Fitchburg, MA, Joma Bakery in New Ipswich, NH, and Josiahs Restaurant in Fitchburg, MA. He had owned 13 Veteran Real Estate offices throughout Florida as well as the Veteran Housing Center in Rindge, NH, and the Veterans Housing Center in Lyman, SC. He owned Mills Construction in Rindge NH and Miami Tropics in USBL Florida. He was an International Commodities trader with dealings in Kuwait, Nigeria, China, Slovenia and throughout Western and Eastern Europe. He was an International Commodities broker, specializing in gypsum board BPB, Rigips, Ljubljana, Slovenia. CEO of FER. He owned the Quantum Link all natural vitamin drink, Sweetlink Xylitol and the founder of the 501c3 charity Josiahs Will Foundation. He was invited to the United Nations as an advisor and speaker to the World Bank on Humanitarian Aid and was the recipient of United Emirates Award on Humanitarianism John was a Christian, Husband, Father, Grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin who loved and studied the Bible, a linguist, avid reader and writer, entrepreneur, salesman, pilot, international traveler, artist, poet, and guitarist. He enjoyed politics and was a good baseball coach. John enjoyed spending time with his wife, children, and 27 grandchildren. He was a dedicated man of God, who was compassionate to all. He was a kind and generous friend who taught his children and grandchildren the Love of the Lord and to follow in all His ways. He will be deeply missed and his legacy cherished and nurtured for eternity. He was predeceased by his parents John B. Mills Sr. & Francine (Tudal) Mills, his Daughter Zion Faith Mills, Grandchildren Rafael & Zavier Weeks, and his sister Janice (Mills) Henderson. He is survived by his beloved wife of 42 years, Marsha (Tommila) Mills, and his precious children; Sarah Mills Weeks, wife of Harold Weeks of Jaffrey Center, NH, Rebekah Mills Salter, wife of Nathan Salter of Rindge, NH, Abraham Mills and his wife Priscilla Mills of Inman, SC, Isaac Mills and his wife Christy Mills of Rindge, NH, Jacob Mills and his wife Jeanniffer Mills of Manchester, NH, Josiah Mills of Rindge, N.H., Rachel Mills Colon, wife of Jose Colon of Webster, MA, Abigail Mills of Rindge, N.H., Jonathan Mills and his wife Trissa Mills of Greenville, NH, Zacharias Mills of Rindge, N.H., Tonja Mills of CA, and John Mills III of CA., and grandchildren: Dylan, Isabella, Sophia and Xander Weeks, Isaiah, Elijah, Immanuel and Caleb Salter, Arielle, Elsie, Naomi, Sonja, Joseph, David, Anna and Daniel Mills, Gabriel and Asher Mills, Jaycen and Joshua Mills, Valentino, Mariana, Israel and Dominic Colon, Kristina, Elizabeth and Khalad Mills.