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Isabelle A. Surowiec
CONCORD - Isabelle A. Surowiec, 87, of Whitaker Place in Concord, died Monday, Oct. 25, 2004, at Harris Hill Nursing Home.
She was born in Sanbornton, the daughter of the late Louis and Rosalie (Lepianka) Surowiec. She was raised on Perley Hill Farm in Sanbornton and attended local schools. She was a graduate of Laconia High School and received her bachelor’s degree from Plymouth Normal School. She spent most of her life in Concord, formerly of North State Street.
She taught in the elementary grades in Lisbon, Gilmanton, Tilton/Northfield, and Concord for 39 years, retiring in 1979. She was a member of the New Hampshire Retired Teachers Association and the Merrimack Valley Teachers Association. She belonged to New Hampshire Saffron and Indigo Society of Needle Workers and the Audubon Society of New Hampshire. She was a communicant of St. John the Evangelist Church; she volunteered at Concord Hospital, the New Hampshire Association for the Blind and the Audubon Society. She loved all kinds of needlework, and small town living.
She is survived by nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was predeceased by a brother, Alphonse Surowiec, and three sisters, Stella Wisniewski, Viola Porter and Florence Watkins.
Jessie McWhirter
NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. -- Jessie (Goodwin) Bassett McWhirter, formerly of Laconia, died Dec. 1, 2004 in Florida at the age of 97 years and 3 months.
She was born in Beachmont, Mass. on Sept. 1, 1907, the first of six children to Eva LeJeune (Young) and Walter L. Goodwin. She leaves her husband, Kenneth McWhirter of Florida; a daughter, Betty-Jeanne (Bassett) Maheux and her husband, Paul L. Maheux of Laconia; one son, Donald F. Bassett and his wife Marie of St. Cloud Fla.; her only grandson, Gedeon P. Maheux of Greensboro and Colfax, N.C.; a brother, Edwin Goodwin of Holiday Fla.; and many nieces and nephews.
Jessie graduated from Laconia High School in 1925. She took up bookkeeping and hairdressing and worked with Hairdo's of Marcel in the 1920s and early 1930s using hot curling irons. To help support her family she started waitressing at the Lakeport Hotel, the former "Crystal" in downtown Laconia and the Laconia Tavern with it's lavish dinning room. When Mr. King opened his new Chinese restaurant on South Mass.in St., Jessie served as the manager for the first year in Mr. King's absence.
Also in the 1940s, Jessie and her late husband, Franklin E. Bassett worked at Scott & Williams Co. in Lakeport. During World War II she was honored and awarded seven times for inventions she created to help speed along the building of needed parts for airplanes and other equipment used in the war effort.
She eventually started her own restaurant by purchasing " Perrys" in Busy Corner Square. Known as "Jessie's Restaurant," she became the first to offer a horseshoe counter in the middle of the floor, surrounded by booths and also offered the first black and white television for her customers to view while dinning. Many of her customers were employed at Scott & Williams as well as a number of motorcyclists that were starting to come to the area for the early motorcycle rallies.
She also opened another restaurant next door in the old Normandin Apartment House called "The Rain Room", which featured a neon sign with a rainbow on it. She was known for her bubbling smile, great food, handsome interior and elegant servings that included finger bowls served with her fried chicken and giant sized onion rings. Jessie lobbied for many hours at the Statehouse in Concord over a period of several years for legislation that would allow dinning restaurants to sell liquor to patrons. Following the passage of this legislation New Hampshire restaurants experienced a boom in business.
In 1956, Jessie Mass.rried Kenneth McWhirter in Florida and operated a restaurant and motel until she retired when she was almost 80 years of age.
Never one to stop, she purchased an organ to learn to play pieces of music and at the age of 87, she bought a computer so that she could keep in touch with her grandson. She continued her hobbies and made more than 200 dolls, some with real hairpieces, and donated them to the local fire department in Florida to distribute as Christmas gifts for children.
She also created her own greeting cards of all sorts and wrote poems to send or sell. Of her, her family writes, "Jess was a giving person".
Paul N. Chunko Jr.
NEW HAMPTON -- Paul N. Chunko Jr., 51, of Pine Meadow Road, died Tuesday Dec. 7, 2004 at his home.
He was born in Bay Shore, New York, the son of Paul and Kathryn (Fenton) Chunko Sr. Mr. Chunko was rasied in Framingham, Mass. and lived there until moving to New Hampshire about 15 years ago.
Paul loved the outdoors, where he enjoyed gardening. He enjoyed collecting model cars and trains, and was an avid Nascar fan.
He is survived by his wife Lynn (McCranie) Chunko of New Hampton; two daughters, Amber and Nicole Chunko of New Hampton; his mother, Kathryn Chunko of Clinton, Maine; two sisters Debbie Johnson of Lancaster, S.C. and Kathy Mahoney of Ashland, Mass.; nieces, nephews, aunts, and cousins.
Memorial Calling Hours will be on Saturday, Dec. 11, 2004 from 2-3 p.m. at the Emmons Funeral Home, 115 South Main Street, Bristol, N.H.
Those wishing may make donations to the Amber & Nicole Chunko Fund, c/o Franklin Savings Bank, P.O. Box 339, Bristol, N.H. 03222.
Arthur J. Beebie
FRANKLIN - Arthur J. Beebie, 79, formerly of North Main Street, Franklin, died at the N.H. Veterans Home on Thursday, Dec. 7, 2004.
He was born in Altona, N.Y. on Feb. 28, 1925, the son of Joesph and Georgiana (Duby) Beebie. Arthur was raised in the Altona area and later resided in Hudson and Nashua, moving to Franklin in 1972.
During World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy in the Asia Pacific Theater. He was the recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal with one gold star.
Several years ago, Arthur worked as a mechanic and owned and operated Beebie Brothers Auto in Nashua with his brother. He then worked at Malden Mills in Hudson. While in Franklin, he operated A & R Way Cafe on North Main Street for several years. He also worked part time as a security officer for Pinkerton Security and as custodian at the Franklin Lodge of Elks #1280. As a member of the Elks, he held several chairs including Exalted Ruler. He was a member of Franklin VFW Post #1698.
Family members include his son, Sean A. Beebie of Hudson, a daughter, Kathryn Beebie of Mass.; two grandchildren, Peter and Sean; a brother, Hilliard Beebie of Nashua; stepchildren: James "Buddy" Beyer and Michael "Mickey" Beyer, both of Franklin, Dennis R. Beyer of Manchester, Barbara A. Wilcox of Tonawanda, N.Y. and Kathleen R. Roberts of Las Vegas; and several step grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his first wife, Mary (McCarthy) Beebie, his wife Rita (McCormack) Beebie, a son, Richard J. Beebie, a sister, Hazel Brodeur, and a brother, Russell Beebie.
Visiting hours will be held Friday, Dec. 10, 2004 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at the Thibault-Neun Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Dec. 11, 2004 at 10 a.m. in Thibault-Neun Funeral Home, 143 Franklin St., Franklin. Spring burial will be in Franklin Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 10 Ferry St., Concord, NH, 03301.
Myrtle I. Pray
BRISTOL - Myrtle I. Pray, 96 of Beech Street, died Friday Jan. 28, 2005 at the Mt. Ridge Center in Franklin.
She was born in Boston, Mass., the daughter of Frank and Florence (Whiteway) Hinds. Prior to retirement Mrs. Pray had worked at The New Hampton School and the Laconia State School.
Mrs. Pray had been a long time resident of both Gilmanton and Bristol. In January of 2004, Mrs. Pray was awarded the Boston Post Cane as the oldest resident of Bristol. Mrs. Pray was an accomplished pianist and organist. She had played with a six-piece band at the Gilmanton Iron Works Town Hall, and had served as organist at the Baptist Church in Hill. In her spare time Mrs. Pray enjoyed the Lawrence Welk Show as well as Everybody Loves Raymond.
She was the wife of the late Norman C. Pray Family members include one son and daughter-in-law Donald & Ruth Hislop of Gilmanton; one step daughter Myla Jacquith of Alexandria; two brothers Raymond Hinds of Tilton, Frank Hinds of Iowa; one sister Dottie MacDonald of Cape Cod, Mass.; four grandchildren; Betty Hughes, Michael Hislop, David Hislop, and Susan Ward; 10 great grandchildren, one great great grandchild. She was predeceased by one brother George Hinds and one sister Edith Hinds.
At Mrs. Pray's request there will be no services. Interment will be in the Homeland Cemetery in Bristol in the spring. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in her memory to the Bristol Fire Company, 85 Lake St., Bristol, N.H. 03222. Arrangements are under the direction of the Emmons Funeral Home of Bristol.
Ralph Cozzens
BOILING SPRING LAKES, N.C. - Ralph Adrien Cozzens, 59, died Friday, Jan. 28, 2005 at New Hanover Regional Medical Center, Wilmington, N.C.
He was born June 5, 1945 in Southbridge, Mass., son of the late Ralph and Alice Kiley Cozzens. A U.S. Army veteran, he was the retired owner/operator of Ralph’s TV & Repair in Oak Island, N.C., and an avid bowler.
Survivors include a son, Anthony Cozzens of Buffalo, N.Y.; a brother, Brian Cozzens of Boiling Spring Lakes, N.C.; two sisters, Kathy Pascale and Cindy Vance, both of Boiling Spring Lakes, N.C.; two grandchildren, Alexandria and Nicholas Cozzens of Fayetteville, N.C.; and several nieces and nephews.
Dr. George Farmlett
LACONIA - Dr. George Farmlett, M.D., 97, a resident of the Taylor Community, died Monday, Jan. 31, 2005 at Lakes Region General Hospital.
Dr. George Farmlett
He was born on Aug. 18, 1907 in Freeport, N.Y. to Italian immigrant parents, Francisco and Francisca (Rocco) Farmlett. He graduated from Freeport High School in 1925 and Columbia University in 1930, majoring in Zoology, Chemistry and English. He attended the University of Lyon Medical School in Lyon, France, graduating in 1937 with special certification in radiology. He then returned to New York and practiced general medicine at Glens Falls Hospital for several years until enlisting in the army in 1942.
At his first post at William Beaumont General Hospital at Fort Bliss, Tx., he met and became engaged to a medical social worker, Elizabeth (Betty) Spiess. He was promoted to captain in the medical corps and ran an X-ray training program. Later, he was deployed to Korea and subsequently to Okinawa, where he ran the radiology department of the 87th field hospital on the front lines. After the war ended, he returned in 1946, married Betty and they moved to Chicago Ill., where he began a three year residency program in radiology.
After completing his residency in 1949, he moved to Laconia, which reminded him of his rural boyhood home. He entered solo practice in general radiology at Laconia Hospital, where he worked for 31 years. In 1971, he took on a partner, Ken DeHart Jr. M.D., with whom he very much enjoyed working, until his retirement, at age 73, in 1980.
He enjoyed boating, moving rocks and building stone walls on his beloved wooded lot on Mark Island in Lake Winnipesaukee. He also enjoyed woodcarving, listening to music, playing the violin and playing bridge with his friends. After retiring, he spent the winters with his wife in New Port Richey, Florida and the summers in Laconia until 1994, when they moved to the Ledges at the Taylor Community.
He was predeceased by his wife, Elizabeth, in February of 1997, after 50 years of marriage. He is survived by his sons, Frank Farmlett and Edward Farmlett, M.D., as well as his daughter-in-law, Mary Jane Farmlett; a grandson, Christopher Farmlett and several nieces and nephews.
Calling hours will be held on Friday, Feb. 4, 2005 from 7-9 p.m. in the Carriage House of the Wilkinson-Beane Funeral Home, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia. A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, Feb. 5, 2005 at 11 a.m. also at the Funeral Home. The Rev. Dr. Warren H. Bouton, Pastor of the Laconia Congregational Church, will officiate.
Spring burial will be in the family lot in Union Cemetery, Laconia. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association, PO Box 3049, Syracuse, NY 13220-3049 or the American Cancer Society, Gail Singer Memorial Building, 360 State Route 101 Suite 501, Bedford, NH 03110-5032.
Wilkinson-Beane Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, is in charge of the arrangements. .
Felix J. LeBrun, Sr.
TILTON - Mr. Felix J. LeBrun, Sr., 88, died Monday, Jan. 31, 2005 at the N.H. Veterans’ Home in Tilton.
Born on Oct. 27, 1916 in St. Philippe de Neri, PQ, Canada, Mr. LeBrun was the son of Philippe and Mederise (Brodeur) LeBrun.
He had spent his life as a N.H. resident, living in Penacook, Keene, Allenstown, and Manchester, before retiring to Tilton several years ago. A 1935 graduate of Penacook High School, he had been employed by Brezner Tanning and as a maintenance supervisor for Briar Pipe, Co. in Penacook.
He was a World War II Army Air Force veteran and was also a member of the Air National Guard stationed at Pease Air Force Base and Grenier Field, where he served as a loadmaster instructor.
He was the widower of Mildred E. (Smith) LeBrun, who died in 1988, and is survived by four sons: Richard LeBrun of Hinsdale, Ronald LeBrun of South Deerfield, Mass., Gary LeBrun of West Milan, and Felix "Joe" LeBrun, Jr. of Laconia; a daughter, Carol Sabol of Hopkinton; 10 grandchildren; three great grandchildren; two brothers, Albert LeBrun of West Palm Beach, Fla. and Raymond LeBrun of East Rochester; a sister, Rose Sawtelle of Pittsfield; and nieces and nephews.
Friends and relatives may call at the Petit Funeral Home, 167 Main Street, Pembroke on Thursday from 6-8 p.m. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Friday at 11 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Church, Allenstown, by Rev. Donald Clinton, Pastor. Spring burial will be in St. John the Baptist Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations should be made to NHVH Benefits Fund, P.O. Box 229, Tilton, NH 03276.
George E. LaCoursiere
FRANKLIN - Mr. George E. LaCoursiere, 98, formerly of Glory Ave., Franklin, died at Merrimack County Nursing Home in Boscawen on Feb. 1, 2005.
He was born in Plymouth, Mass. on Nov. 16, 1906 the son of Edouard and Lumina (Marceau) LaCoursiere. As a child, his family homesteaded in Alberta, Canada for a time. Returning to N.H. he attended St. Mary School in Franklin and the Sanbornton Square School. He was a resident of the Franklin and Sanbornton area most of his life.
He was a loom fixer / mechanic for JP Stevens Co. in Franklin and Tilton. After Stevens closed, he worked at Griffin Hacksaw Shop. Earlier he had worked at Sulloway Hosiery in Franklin on the full-fashion machines. He also worked at Pratt & Whitney, CT. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy Seabees at the start of World War II. During WW II, he worked at Scott & Williams in Laconia. He was an accomplished carpenter and pattern maker.
He was a Fourth Degree member of The Fr. AJ Timon Knights of Columbus Assembly and The Fr. AJ Timon Council. He was a member of Franklin Fire Dept. Engine Co. 1 from 1937 – 1954 retiring as Lieutenant. He was a communicant of St. Paul Church and assisted with St. Mary School Bingo for many years. He was a former member of The Sanbornton Grange and played saxophone in Moulton’s Band for many years. He enjoyed fishing and boating.
His wife, Sophie (Filaroska) LaCoursiere died in 1996.
Family members include his son, Edward J. LaCoursiere of Lee and Meredith and Ed’s wife Leslie McRobie of Lee, three grandchildren: Mr. Averill LaCoursiere, Ms. Marissa LaCoursiere, and Mr. Thaddeus (Tad) LaCoursiere, all of Lee; three sisters: Lucille Gauthier of Manchester, Claire Ruotolo of Chesire, Conn., and Ellen McLane of Concord; a cousin, Connie Forest of Franklin; and nieces and nephews.
George was predeceased by a brother, Clarence LaCoursiere, and four sisters: Irene Poirier Comire, Edna Clifford, Jeanne Miller, and Juliette McDonald.
Visiting hours will be held Friday, Feb. 4 from 6-8 p.m. and Saturday, Feb. 5 from 9-10:30 a.m. at Thibault-Neun Funeral Home, 143 Franklin St., Franklin. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, Feb. 5 at 11 a.m. in St. Paul Church. Spring burial will be in Holy Cross Cemetery, Franklin. Donations in memory of Mr. LaCoursiere may be made to a charity of one’s choice.
