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Gudrun G. Magnusson

LACONIA – Gudrun Gerna Magnusson of Gilford, passed away peacefully at Lakes Region General Hospital, surrounded by family and friends, on Thursday, January 10, 2013.
Gerna, the daughter of Icelandic parents, Magnus G. and Maria (Olafsdottir) Magnusson, was born in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, Canada. Her family moved to Winchester, Massachusetts and summered at Lake Shore Park, Gilford, New Hampshire, where Gerna later settled.
She was a graduate of Winchester High School, Massachusetts in 1944, received a degree in Physical Education from Sargent College, Boston University, in 1948; a degree in Elementary Education from Plymouth State College in 1954; and a Master's degree in Education from Boston University in 1978.
From 1955 to 2012, Gerna served in a multitude of leadership roles within the Delta Kappa Gamma International Honorary Women Teachers Society including President of the Beta Chapter and Beta Alpha State as well as in numerous positions within the Theta Chapter. Delta Kappa Gamma is an International Society of Key Women Teachers whose purpose is to endow scholarships and promote professional growth for women educators. A fellow Delta Kappa Gamma member described her as, "a loyal, hard-working member at all levels of Delta Kappa Gamma...who knows, understands, supports and defends the purposes and ideals of our organization and is always ready to help wherever she sees a need."
Gerna began her teaching career in Hanover, New Hampshire as a Physical Education Instructor, K-12, and as the girls' athletic coach for all sports from 1948-1953. A close colleague of hers said that, "Gerna was not simply a coach, but a dedicated, caring leader for her teams, spending may extra hours giving guidance and support to her girls." In 1953, Gerna moved to Laconia where she taught Grades 3 and 4 at Harvard Street, Grade 5 at Pleasant Street School, and finished her career at Elm Street School. She retired in June of 1985 after 38 years of teaching.
During her career, Gerna received commendations for Participation in Advanced Studies in Reading at Boston University, 1975 as well as a Mathematics Workshop at Plymouth State College, 1961.
Gerna was very involved in her community. At Lake Shore Park, she had served on the Board of Directors for several years and was also in charge of the Recreation Program for both adults and children. One of her favorite programs was the "Christmas in September" event that included a visit from Santa Claus and gifts for the children who summered there. Over the years, she had been in charge of maintenance, care, and reservations and operated the park's General Store. Gerna also served on the Town of Gilford's Budget Committee and the State Retirement Board. In 1986, she became a certified real estate salesperson and had been active in Reed Elwell Realty since then.
Gerna is survived by her adopted daughter, Leslie Magnusson, of Phoenix, Arizona and two great nephews, Matthew and Dylan. She was predeceased by her parents, a sister, Gudridur "Berta" Magnusson, and a nephew, John Alexander.
There will be no calling hours. A celebration of her life will be held later in the spring.
To recognize Gerna's lifelong love for and commitment to animals, the family suggests that contributions
in her memory be made to the New Hampshire Humane Society, PO Box 572, Laconia, NH 03247.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia,
N. H. is assisting the family with the arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial go to www.wilkinsonbeane.com.

Last Updated on Wednesday, 23 January 2013 23:15

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Dorothy M. Keller

LACONIA — Burial for Dorothy M. Keller, who died January 11, 2013, will be at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery, 110 Daniel Webster Highway, Boscawen, N.H. on Thursday, January 24, 2013 at 11:00 AM.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, N.H. is assisting the family. For more information and to view an online memorial go to www.wilkinsonbeane.com.

Last Updated on Tuesday, 22 January 2013 01:34

Hits: 219

Louise A. Young, 88

LACONIA — Louise Arlene Young, 88, of 70 Stark Street, died Wednesday, January 16, 2013 in her home.
She was born in Laconia, the daughter of Earl G. and Louise V. (Hurd) Clough. She worked for several years as a food service assistant in Laconia, retiring as Food Service Manager from Sacred Heart School. After Louise retired, she enjoyed traveling with her best friend, Gloria Swain. Every year they went to Florida and enjoyed many bingo trips to Indian Bingo in Maine. She spent many hours with her grandchildren. She loved camping, cooking and family gatherings. Louise was a lifetime member of the VFW Post #1670 Ladies Auxiliary in Laconia.
She is survived by her son, Garey Hawkins and his wife Terri of Gilmanton, one daughter, Linda Fitts of Laconia, five grandchildren; Randy Fitts, Sherry Hawkins, Frank Hyslop, Melissa Bivens and Shawn Vaillant , four great grandchildren; Nicole Fitts, Jacob Bivens, Whitney Vaillant and Brynn Vailant, one great-great grandchild, Memphis Desbiens and one brother, Earl L. Clough and his wife Shirley of Laconia. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Lawrence Young and one brother, Richard Clough.
There will be no calling hours.
A private graveside service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Central New Hampshire VNA & Hospice, 780 North Main Street, Laconia, N. H. 03246.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, N.H. is assisting the family with the arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial go to www.wilkinsonbeane.com .

Last Updated on Tuesday, 22 January 2013 01:29

Hits: 191

Nancy P. Smith, 88

LACONIA — Nancy Pashley Smith, 88, of Old North Main Street, died Friday, January 18, 2013 at Lakes Region General Hospital.
She was born in Providence, Rhode Island, the daughter of Donald W. and Agnes (Hall) Hurd. Nancy moved to Laconia after graduating from the Rhode Island School of Design. She worked at the Laconia Airport and also the Laconia Citizen in the advertising department. She then moved to White Plains, New York, where she worked as a Sound Area Advertising Manager for Westchester Rockland Newspapers until her retirement. She maintained a home in Laconia through most of her life and retirement years.
She is survived by one son, James C. Pashley Jr. of Gardena, California, one grandson, Matthew R. Pashley of Gardena, California, one brother, Dr. John Hurd of Vancouver, Washington, a sister-in-law, Georgianna Smith Silva of Concord, two nephews; David Hurd of Vancouver, Washington and George A. Silva of Massachusetts, and one niece, Susan Tucker of Barrington, Rhode Island. She was predeceased by her husband, Lawrence J. Smith in 2007 and one sister, Jean H. Tucker.
Calling hours will be held from 4 PM to 6 PM on Thursday, January 24, 2013 at the Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, using the Carriage House entrance. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, January 25, 2013 at 11:00 AM at St. Andre Bessette Parish – St. Joseph Church, 30 Church Street, Laconia, N.H. Burial will follow in the Smith family lot in Calvary Cemetery in Concord.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Lakes Region Scholarship Foundation, PO Box 7312, Gilford, NH 03247-7312, the Community Wellness Center, 22 Strafford Street, Laconia, N. H. 03246 or the Holy Trinity Endowment Trust, c/o St. Joseph Church, 30 Church Street, Laconia, N. H. 03246.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, N.H. is assisting the family with the arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial go to www.wilkinsonbeane.com .

Last Updated on Tuesday, 22 January 2013 01:25

Hits: 142

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