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HUNT – Helen L. Hunt, 85, of 55 Franklin St., Rochester, N.H., died Jan. 30, 1998. The funeral service will be conducted at 1 p.m. Monday in the chapel of the R.M. Edgerly & Son Funeral Home, 86 South Main St., Rochester. The Rev. William Gardei of the First United Methodist Church in Portsmouth will officiate. Friends may call 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Rochester Cemetery, Franklin Street, Rochester, in the spring.
WHITCOMB - Samantha K. Whitcomb, 23, daughter of Paul and Jean Whitcomb of 5 Glendale Road, North Hampton, and Robert and Laurie Douglas of 310 F.W. Hartford Drive, Portsmouth, and sister to Todd Whitcomb of New York City and Lindsay Douglas of Portsmouth, died Saturday Jan. 24, 1998, from accidental injuries in Avon, Colo.
A Portsmouth native and resident throughout her childhood, she attended various local schools and graduated from Portsmouth High School with the class of 1992. She participated in field hockey and soccer, co-captained the basketball team, and was a member of the student council, as well as serving on various organizing committees for school dances, Spirit Week and the yearbook.
In 1996, she graduated magna cum laude from Pine Manor College in Chestnut Hill, Mass., with a bachelor of arts degree in interior design and business management. That year she received national recognition in "Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges."
While in college she was a resident adviser, lettered in varsity soccer and was a member of the Environmental Club, a Vice President Scholar Leader, a founder of the Recycling Club, and served on the Academic Code of Conduct Committee. She was an admissions ambassador, received the Scholar Leadership Award, was a member of the American Society of Interior Design and participated in the 1994 Boston Beach Cleanup. At graduation, she received the school's President's Award for Citizenship, Academic Achievement and College Spirit.
Throughout her life she enjoyed the closeness of friendships, the love of family and the earth around her.
She is also survived by her loving grandmother, Arlene Whitcomb of Portsmouth; step-grandparents Mr. and Mrs. George Douglas of Venice, Fla.; various aunts, uncles and cousins; a stepbrother, Andrew Ewart of Stratham; a stepsister, Shirley Jones of Portsmouth; and Christopher Haskins, a longtime boyfriend whom she loved so dearly.
A Service of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Friday at St. James Church, Lafayette Road, Portsmouth. Friends are invited. Visiting hours will be held at 6-8 p.m. Thursday at Buckminster Chapel, 84 Broad St., Portsmouth. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Samantha Whitcomb Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o The Greater Piscataqua Community Foundation, 446 Market St., Portsmouth, NH 03801; or the Samantha Whitcomb/Pine Manor College Memorial Fund, c/o Citizens Bank, 134 Pleasant St., Portsmouth, NH 03801. Arrangements are by the J. Verne Wood Funeral Home.
William J. Devanna
EAST KINGSTON - William John Devanna, 65, of 16 Rowell Cove Road, died Tuesday, May 25, 1999, at Portsmouth Regional Hospital after a lengthy period of illness.
Born July 1, 1933, in Melrose, Mass., he was the son of the late William and Belle (Caswell) Devanna. He had formerly been a resident of Portsmouth and moved to East Kingston 14 years ago.
From 1973 to 1993, he owned the High Street Deli in Hampton.
He was the husband of 41 years to Barbara (Cohen) Devanna of East Kingston.
In addition to his wife, survivors include three sons, Charles Devanna of Lowell, Mass., Michael Devanna of Nashua, and William J. Devanna Jr. of Kingston; four daughters, Denise Foster and Deborah Metcalf, both of Eliot, Mary Metcalf of East Kingston, and April Cote of Somersworth; 16 grandchildren; three brothers, Ronald Devanna of Medford, Mass., David Devanna of Malden, Mass., and Robert Devanna of Montreal, Canada; a sister, Linda Belanger of Gardner, Mass.; and several nieces and nephews.
Elaine K. Conery
EXETER - Elaine K. Conery, 50, of Crestview Drive, died Wednesday, May 26, 1999, at her home, from cancer.
Born July 2, 1948, in Exeter, she was the daughter of Agapit Jean Sr. of Epping and the late Doris Beaulieu, who died in 1998. For the past 25 years, she lived in Exeter and was formerly of Epping.
She was a communicant of St. Michael's Church for which she worked as housekeeper and cook for about two years.
She was a volunteer with the Widowed Persons and a member of the New Hampshire Volkswagen Club.
She was an avid doll collector.
She was the wife of Edward H. Conery of Exeter for 11 years. Previously, she was the wife of Chet Kazimierski, who died in 1984.
In addition to her husband and her father, survivors include a daughter, Christine Irish of Exeter; a son, James Kazimierski of Exeter; a grandchild, Emily A. Irish; four brothers, the Rev. Agapit Jean Jr. of Portsmouth, and Michael Jean, Robert Jean and Edward Jean, all of Epping; seven sisters, Yvonne Poliquin of Epping, Betty McCusker of Plaistow, N.H., Yvette Jean of Gig Harbor, Wash., Marlene Myers of Dover, Darlene Bothwell of Exeter, Donna MacDonald of Dover and Theresa Devine of Raymond; and many nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by a brother, Capt. John Jean.
Peter G. Sargent
PORTSMOUTH - Funeral services for Peter G. Sargent, 51, of 333 Post Road, were held Monday, May 24, 1999, from Buckminster Chapel with services at Greenland Community Church. The Rev. Douglas Carter, pastor, officiated. Ida Morang was the organist. An honor guard was formed by representatives from the Portsmouth Police Department including Deputy Chief Michael Magnant, Officer Earl Case, Detective Kevin Semprini, Officer Johnnie Edwards, Officer Michael Schwartz, Sgt. Todd Horn, Officer Rodney McQuate, Detective Stephen J. Arnold Sr., Auxiliary Officer John Connors and Auxiliary Officer Phillip Miles.
In attendance were members of Greenland Community Church and representatives from the Portsmouth and South Berwick police departments.
The flag that draped the casket was folded by Portsmouth police including Case, Semprini, Edwards, Schwartz, Connors and Miles. Magnant presented the flag to Ruth A. Sargent, mother of the deceased.
Ted Blood sounded taps.
Bearers were John Sargent Jr., James Sargent, Tom Monaghan, Kevin VanEtten, Bill Copeland and Bob Hersey.
Casket guards Sunday evening were Capt. Thomas Schladenhauffen, Sgt. Kenneth Winsor, Sgt. John Yerardi, Sgt. Robert Carbone, Semprini, Edwards, Officer Phillip Ahlin, Officer Richard Brabazon, Case, Officer Christopher Roth and Schwartz.
Elk services were held at the chapel Sunday evening by BPOE No. 97 of Portsmouth including Stephen J. Arnold Sr., PER, exalted ruler; Thomas C. Gouin, PER, leading knight; Mark Warrington, loyal knight; Sue Parnham, lecturing knight; Daniel J. King, PER, esquire; Hazen C. Hayward, PER, secretary, inner guard/chaplain; John Sullivan, trustee; and members Ann Sullivan, Steve Smith, Jon R. Garvin and Brian Cisneros.
Luke David Robert Howe
PORTSMOUTH - Funeral services for Luke David Robert Howe of Kittery were held Wednesday, May 26, 1999, from the Buckminster Chapel, with services at St. John's Episcopal Church in Portsmouth. The Rev. Timothy T. Rich, rector, was officiant, and the Rev. Trace Browning, assistant rector, and the Rev. Robert Stiefel, pastor of Christ Episcopal Church, were celebrants.
Grandmother Susan Mennel and uncle Roger B. Howe II gave readings.
Dick Rozek and Al and Ginny Edwards were the ushers. Melinda McMahon and Sharon Jenkins were the soloists. Dianne Colby Dean was the organist.
In attendance were members of St. John's Episcopal Church.
Burial will be at the convenience of the family.
Bearers were Steven Orr, James Foye, Roger Howe and Gabriel Noard.
Alfred C. Bernier
NEWMARKET - Alfred C. Bernier, 29, died Tuesday, May 25, 1999.
Born April 21, 1970, in Exeter, he was the son of Carol (Miller) Nelson of Saint Petersburg, Fla., and the late Camille A. Bernier, who died in 1986. In 1988, he graduated from Newmarket High School, where he played basketball.
A carpenter, he worked for Bernier Brothers Custom Framing.
He enjoyed the outdoors.
In addition to his mother, survivors include three brothers, Jay S. Bernier of Newmarket, Robert T. Bernier of Sandown, and David C. Bernier of Lee; his maternal grandparents, Elwin and Pauline Miller of Raymond; several aunts and cousins; two nieces; and a nephew.
Aileen E. MacFarlane
PORTSMOUTH - Funeral services for Mrs. Aileen E. (Carpenter) MacFarlane, 84, of 346 Pleasant St., were held Tuesday, May 25, 1999, from the Buckminster Chapel, with services at North Congregational Church Chapel. The Rev. Donald Jennings, interim pastor, officiated. Jean Bell, Mimi White and Ann MacFarlane gave words of remembrance. Mimi White read a poem. Malcolm Austin was the organist.
In attendance were members of North Congregational Church and representatives from Senior Writer's Action Group.
Burial was in Central Cemetery in Rye, with committal services by the Rev. Jennings.
Dorothy E. Lawler
HAMPTON - Dorothy E. (Sanborn) Lawler, 88, of 22 Tuck Road, formerly of Amesbury, Mass., died Tuesday, May 25, 1999, at Exeter Hospital.
Born July 22, 1910, in Exeter, she was the daughter of the late Arthur and Annie (Dow) Sanborn.
She had worked as a machine operator at both the Merrimac Hat Shop and the Bailey Corp.
She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary of Kensington.
She was the wife of the late Roland F. Lawler.
Survivors include a daughter, Dorothy E. Brown and her husband, Henry, of Kensington; two sons, Richard Lawler and his wife, Pauline, of South Hampton and R. Frank Lawler Jr. of Boston; a brother, John Sanborn of Raymond; a sister, Mabel Brown and her husband, Ralph, of Grafton, N.H.; six grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, four great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by four brothers, Walter Sanborn, twins Willard Sanborn and Willis Sanborn, and George Sanborn; and two sisters, Edith and Virginia.
Viola A. Hill
STRATHAM - Viola A. Hill, 91, of Portsmouth Avenue, died Wednesday, May 26, 1999, at Exeter Hospital after a brief period of illness.
Born Sept. 12, 1907, in Exeter, she was the daughter of the late Orrin and Angeline (Willis) Abbott. She attended the Robinson Female Seminary School in Kingston. She was a longtime resident of Washington Street in Exeter before moving to Stratham more than 30 years ago.
For many years she worked at the Wise shoe factory as a top stitcher.
She was the oldest member of the Exeter Methodist Church of Exeter and a member of the Stratham Community Church.
She was a member of the Stratham 76ers, the Winnicutt Grange No. 170 and the Pomona State and National Grange, and a charter member of the Stratham Historical Society.
She was the wife of the late John Hill, who died in 1967.
Survivors include two daughters and their husbands, Eleanor and Richard Duclos of Goffstown, N.H., and Joan and Peter Tilton of Hampton; three grandsons, three great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and a close friend, Mildred Parker of Stratham.
She was predeceased by two brothers, Ralph Abbott and Clifford Abbott; and a sister, Mae Abbott.
Robert A. Flood
WESTFORD, Mass. - Robert Allen "Bob" Flood, 37, died Monday, May 24, 1999, at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.
Born March 25, 1962, in Limestone, Maine, he was the son of Donald Flood of Stratham and Sheila (Mullaney) Flood of Leominster, Mass. He graduated from Leominster High School. He lived in Westford for the past two years and previously lived in Townsend, Mass.
He served in the Air Force.
For four years, he was employed by Ascend. He was currently employed as a manager of networks and communications at Sycamore Networks in Chelmsford, Mass.
He was a member of the H.E. Fletcher Social and Athletic Club of Westford and played softball on the Crory Stonewall team in Littleton, Mass. He also enjoyed golfing and fishing.
He was the husband of Sarah (Kendrick) Flood.
In addition to his wife and parents, survivors include four daughters, Tiffany, Samantha, Jennifer and Kelly Flood, all of Westford; his stepmother, Barbara Flood of Stratham; a sister, Kathy O'Dell of Patterson, N.Y.; a brother, Dan Flood of San Jose, Calif.; and a close friend, Jake, of Westford.
Oralee Wentworth
KITTERY - Funeral services for Oralee Wentworth, 83, of Kittery, were held Thursday, May 27, 1999, from the Wilson-Cooper Funeral Home. The Rev. Warren Conary officiated.
Ken Fernald was the soloist. Her granddaughter Sharon Carlson shared words of remembrance.
Services continued in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Eliot, with committal prayers by the Rev. Conary.
Pallbearers were granddaughters' husbands, Ray Hill, Karl Fernald, David Carlson and David Ruger; and nephews Jim Wentworth and Alex Hanson.
Herbert J. DeGraffe Sr.
PORTSMOUTH - Herbert J. DeGraffe Sr., 65, of 34 Mason Ave., died Thursday, May 27, 1999, at Portsmouth Regional Hospital.
Born Dec. 16, 1933, in New York City, he was the son of Florence (Francis) (DeGraffe) White of Bronx, N.Y., and John DeGraffe.
During Vietnam, he served in the Air Force, retiring in 1972 as a technical sergeant after 20 years of service.
He had been employed at Portsmouth Dodge, Goss Lincoln-Mercury and Taccetta Chevrolet as a sales manager.
He was a member of the Prince Hall Masonic Fraternity and the American Legion in Concord.
He was the husband of Marie (Thompkins) DeGraffe.
In addition to his wife and mother, survivors include three sons, Herbert J. DeGraffe Jr. and his wife, Karen, of Portsmouth, Keith M. DeGraffe and his wife, Darcy, of Newport, N.H., and Adrian J. DeGraffe Sr. and his wife, Michelle, of Portsmouth; seven grandchildren, Jennifer DeGraffe, Aaron DeGraffe, Adrian J. DeGraffe Jr., Jacob DeGraffe, Jarred DeGraffe, Demetrious DeGraffe and Janita DeGraffe; two aunts; an uncle; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
