New Hampshire, U.S., Marriage and Divorce Records, 1659-1947
George Morris
OSSIPEE - George Sierra Morris, 56, of 69 John Hodgdon Road, Ossipee, passed away Monday, April 5, 2004, at Tufts-New England Medical Center in Boston, following complications arising from his long battle with primary pulmonary hypertension.
He was born March 5, 1948, to George Francis and Aida Sierra Morris, in Tampa, Fla. He lived on Anna Maria Island, Fla., until the family moved to Havana, Cuba, when he was 5 years old.
In 1960, the family moved to San Juan, Puerto Rico, and in 1962 returned to Florida. A graduate of Merritt Island High School, he also attended Manatee County Community College.
He began working in the plumbing trade while living in Florida, and after moving to New Hampshire in 1982, he formed his own business, GSM Plumbing & Heating in Ossipee, N.H.
An avid outdoorsman, he was a hunter and fisherman, with a camp in Errol and another in South Carolina.
He is survived by his wife, Debra Morris of Ossipee; his children, George R. Morris and his son, George; DeeAnn Conner and her sons, William and Elbert, of Arcadia, Fla.; and Anna Maria, Myles and Madelina Morris of Ossipee. In addition, he is survived by his sister, Deanna Dorvillier of Rochester; his sister and brother-in-law, Myra and Ed Feely of Alachua, Fla.; and his brother and sister-in-law, Stephen and Beth Morris of Bradenton, Fla.; and his uncle and aunt, Michael and Esther Morris of Tampa, Fla. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Marcia McCann of Laconia; his sisters-in-law, Lecia Alloegra of Bow, and Wendy Davies of Guilford; and his brothers-in-law, Mark Allegra of Brooklyn, N.Y., and Michael Sheran of Loudon. Other survivors include his 19 nieces and nephews and 17 great-nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church on Moultonville Road in Center Ossipee, N.H., on Thursday, April 8 at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Pulmonary Hypertension Association, 850 Sligo Ave., Suite 800, Silver Spring, MD 20910 toward research into this disease.
Penny Murphy
LEE - Penny Diane Murphy, 59, of 56 Pine Knoll Village, died Tuesday, April 6, 2004, at Wentworth-Douglass Hospital in Dover.
Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by the Purdy Memorial Chapel, Lee, N.H.
Albert Oates
DOVER - Albert E. "Auggie" Oates, 87, formerly of Central Towers, died Monday, April 5, 2004, at the Wentworth-Douglass Hospital.
Born in Dover on Oct. 21, 1916, he was the son of Joseph A. and Eva (Mailhot) Oates. He was a native and lifelong resident of Dover and always loved the city. He was a graduate of St. Charles School.
He was a U. S. Navy veteran of World War II and later was a member of the Army National Guard.
He was a security guard for Clarostat Manufacturing Co. for more than 20 years and later worked for the Dover School Department at the Garrison School. He was also a call firefighter with the Dover Fire Department for many years.
He coached and refereed Little League Baseball and was a referee for high school football until he was 65 years old. He was a former member of the Dover Elks and the Hibernians.
He was a communicant of St. Joseph Church.
The widower of Mary (Jameson) Oates, who died in 1979, he is survived by four sons, Albert Oates Jr. and his wife, Hazel, of Snellville, Ga., Richard Oates of Rutland, Vt., W. Timothy Oates and his wife, Diane, of Pisgah Forest, N.C., William McCann of Wilmington, Mass.; one brother, Raymond Oates of Dover; 21 grandchildren, many great-grandchildren, three nephews, two nieces and cousins.
In addition to his wife, he was predeceased by two sons, Paul McCann and Donald McCann; two brothers, Fire Chief Walter Oates and Roland Oates; and a sister, Irene Gilpatrick.
Relatives and friends are invited to call Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. at the Tasker Funeral Home, 621 Central Ave.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1 p.m. Wednesday at St. Joseph Church, 150 Central Ave., with the Rev. Robert Cole, pastor, as celebrant. Burial will follow in St. Mary New Cemetery.
David Slanetz
DOMINICA, West Indies - David Colby Slanetz died March 27, 2004, on the Island of Dominica in the West Indies.
He was born on Sept. 15, 1954, in Keene, N.H. He attended the Keene public schools, graduating from Keene High School in 1972. He attended the University of New Hampshire, graduating in 1976 with a B.S. in business administration.
He worked as a VISTA volunteer and in retail management for several years.
In 1980, he and his wife, Sarah, started the Stockpot Restaurant in Portsmouth, N.H., and operated it until 1999.
In 2001, they moved to Dominica, owning and operating the Cornerhouse Cafe and Green Flash Grill restaurants on the island.
He served on the board of Pontine Movement Theatre in Portsmouth for many years and was very involved in the arts community in the city. He was also a founder of Share Our Strength in the Seacoast area, a non-profit organization that works with others to serve the hungry. He had enjoyed traveling and gardening throughout his life and was known by all for his wonderful sense of humor, compassion and generosity of spirit.
He mentored many young people in his life, in particular, his close friend, David J. Roy.
He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Sarah Memmert Slanetz; his parents, Norma and William Slanetz; one sister, Dianne Patenaude; one brother, Jack Slanetz; his mother-in-law, Carola Memmert; and many nieces, nephews, a grandniece, and many friends throughout the world.
The family requests that donations be made in lieu of flowers to Pontine Movement Theatre, 959 Islington St., Portsmouth, NH 03801 and/or the Seacoast Chapter of Share Our Strength, c/o Scott Logan, The Hill 409, Portsmouth, NH 03801.
A celebration of his life will be held at United Church of Christ, 23 Central Square, Keene, N.H., on April 10 at 1 p.m.
Another gathering will be held in Portsmouth, N.H., on Tuesday, April 13 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Stockpot Restaurant on Bow Street.
Elaine Stimpson
NEW DURHAM - Elaine R. Stimpson, 74, of Main Street in New Durham, died suddenly on Tuesday, April 6, 2004, at Frisbie Memorial Hospital in Rochester.
Born May 10, 1929, in Farmington, she was the daughter of Abbott and Arlene (Place) Lawrence. A graduate of Farmington High School, Class of 1946, she was a star basketball player. A loving wife, mother and grandmother, she was loved by all in her family and the community.
She retired in October 2003, having served the town of New Durham for 22 years as bookkeeper and deputy town clerk.
An avid golfer, she played at the Farmington Country Club and was a winner of many trophies. She enjoyed puzzles, knitting, stenciling, gardening, birds, holidays with the family, enjoyed visiting Foxwoods and was a New England Patriots fan.
Survivors include her husband of 27 years, Dean Stimpson of New Durham; 10 children, Denise and husband, Joseph Novak, of Daytona, Fla., Glenn and wife, Sharon Chagnon, of Alton, Donna Chagnon of Davisville, Diane MacDonald of Alton, Darlene Brown of Manchester, Dale Chagnon of Alton, Deborah Chagnon of Barnstead, Janine and husband, Patrick Young, of Farmington, Dennis and wife, Annette Chagnon, of Alton and Richard and wife, Linda Chagnon, Jr., of Alton; 25 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren; one sister, Nancy Landstrom of Ohio; and three brothers, Roger Lawrence of Alton, Richard Lawrence of Farmington and James Lawrence of Columbia; also several nieces and nephews. She was pre-deceased by her husband, Richard L. Chagnon Sr.
Calling hours are Thursday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Peaslee Funeral Home, 24 Central St., in Farmington, N.H. A funeral service will be held on Friday, April 9 at the funeral home at 11 a.m. Interment will follow at Pine Grove Cemetery in Farmington. If desired, memorial donations may be made in her memory to the New Durham Ambulance Service, 4 Main St., New Durham, NH 03855.
Keith Bernardin
SARASOTA, Fla. - Keith Roger Bernardin, 24, formerly of Barnstead, died unexpectedly Wednesday, July 21, 2004, in Sarasota, Fla.
He was born in Concord, the son of Diane St. Germain and Richard Bernardin.
He graduated from Concord High School in 1999.
He worked as a car salesman in Florida for the last several years.
He enjoyed spending time with people, especially his family, and most especially his baby daughter, Chloe.
Survivors include a daughter, Chloe; his mother of Barnstead; his father of Flagler, Fla.; his stepfather, Tom McCarthy of Barnstead; a sister, Melissa Bernardin of Portsmouth; grandparents, Roger and Persis St. Germain of Andover, Mass., and Richard and Doris Bernardin of Flagler, Fla.; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.
Jerome Blaney
NEW DURHAM - Jerome R. Blaney, 87, of 91 Ridge Top Road, died Tuesday, Aug. 3, 2004, at Rochester Manor, following a period of declining health.
He was born in Berlin on May 2, 1917, the son of Jerome and Rose (Morin) Blaney.
He previously resided in Berlin and Gonic. He proudly served with the Army Air Corps during World War II. He had been a member and communicant of St. Leo Church in Gonic.
He worked in road construction most of his life. He also worked as a crane operator for Madbury Metals in Madbury, prior to his retirement in 1991.
He was a member of the American Legion Post in Berlin, was an avid reader and enjoyed taking frequent trips to Canada. He also enjoyed being with his grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his wife, Jeannette (Chaisson) Blaney in 1994, and by a son, Roland Blaney in 1991.
Surviving family members include two sons, Gerard Blaney of Strafford and Frank Blaney and his wife, Elaine, of New Durham; a daughter, Felice Higgins and her husband, Hoagy, of Rochester; six grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Visitation at H.J. Grondin & Son Funeral Home, 177 North Main St., Rochester, will be Thursday from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 2 p.m. at St. Leo Church in Gonic. Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Gonic.
Barbara Burton
CHATHAM, Mass. - Barbara Watts Burton of Chatham, died at the Liberty Commons Broadreach Rehabilitation Center in North Chatham on April 20, 2004. She was 89.
She was a native of Belmont, Mass., graduating from Belmont High School. She went on to graduate from the New England Conservatory of Music in 1935 earning a Bachelor of Music in piano performance.
During 1934-35, she performed in six concerts featuring Beethoven, Griffes, Ibert, Mozart, and Scarlotti, culminating with her graduation performance in Jordan Hall.
After marrying her husband, Harold Louis Burton, who predeceased her in 1983, she made her home in Belmont where she was very active in musical activities at Payson Park Church. She was a member of the Senior Choir and for many years conducted both the Cherub and Youth Choirs. An accomplished pianist and musician, she was renown for her performances in the church on the chimes during holiday seasons.
After retiring to Chatham in the 70s, she was active in the First Congregational Church of Harwich helping prepare meals for the "Meals on Wheels" program as well as participating in several other groups and activities.
Her major hobbies were gardening and her continuing love of music. She served as an accompanist, transposer, and performer for various people in several settings.
"My most salient memory is of my mother leading two choirs with each hand while playing the bass notes of the organ with her feet during Christmas concerts," recalls her son, Dr. Wayne M. Burton of Durham, N.H. "And every Sunday we were treated to violin/piano duets when our Uncle George would visit playing the violins he made by hand and used as a member of the Hingham Symphony Orchestra."
In addition to her son, she leaves her daughter, Marilyn Gold of Holladay, Utah; five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Aug. 9 at the First Congregational Church in Harwich Center.
As Mrs. Burton loved animals and was known to rescue strays when she found them, donations may be made in her memory to the MSPCA Cape Cod Animal Shelter, 1577 Falmouth Road, Centerville, MA 02633.
Paul Desilets
PORTSMOUTH - Paul A Desilets, 77, of 245 Middle St., passed away on Monday, Aug. 2, 2004, at Portsmouth Regional Hospital.
Born in Lowell, Mass., on December 12, 1926, he was the son of Armand and Mary (Provencher) Desilets. He attended local schools in Lowell and Dracut and went on to further his education at the Schlessenger School of Music, now known as Berkeley School of Music. He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Naval Air Force.
He was a jazz pianist and played with the Carbon Copies, touring the United States and Canada. He also played with big bands and several well-known entertainers. After moving to Portsmouth 18 years ago, he entertained at local nursing homes and at the Adult Day Program.
He was a member of American Legion Booma Post 6 and delivered Meals On Wheels for several years. For pastimes, he enjoyed bingo, cards, and his parakeet, Joe Pete.
Survivors include his dear friend and companion, Ann Peterson, of Portsmouth; six children Carla Mavrogiannids of Waltham, Mass., Heidi Desilets of San Francisco, Calif., Gretel Desilets of Colorado Springs, Colo., Max Desilets of New York City, Serge Desilets of Medford, Mass., Bierne Desilets of Winthrop, Mass.; five grandchildren; a great-granddaughter, and many nieces, nephews and friends. He was predeceased by a son, Klaus Dana Desilets.
A graveside service will be held on Friday at 1 p.m. at St. Joseph Cemetery, 96 Riverneck Road, East Chelmsford, Mass. Friends invited. Arrangements by the Farrell Funeral Home, 684 State St., Portsmouth, N.H. 03801.
Berla Grant
ELIOT, Maine - Berla Mae Grant, 82, of 6 Staples St., formerly of 26 Shapleigh Road in Kittery, died after a courageous seven-year battle with cancer on August 2, 2004, at the York hospital.
Berla Grant, Devoted wife and mother
Born in Hancock, Maine on April 9, 1922, she was the daughter of Luther O. and Myrtle (Springer) Grant. She worked at GE in Somersworth, the Canteen and J.J. Newberry’s in Portsmouth, and Bradlee’s and So-Fro Fabrics in Newington.
She was a life member of Sarah Orne Jewett Chapter 176 in South Berwick and a past matron of Piscataqua Chapter 90 in Kittery, Order of the Eastern Star.
She was a skilled seamstress and multi-craft person. She especially enjoyed painting and beading items which she lovingly made for her family and friends. She was a devoted wife and mother. She was soft spoken, had a gentle manner, and a generous heart. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Beryle W. Grant of Eliot; her daughter, Sharon Nye and husband, Richard, of Dover, N.H.; her son, Kenneth Grant of Eliot; her seven grandchildren, Lisa Crossan of Wakefield, N.H., Derek Winton of Kittery, Nicole McCoomb of South Berwick, Darren Grant of Berwick, Laura Giovannettone and Jeremy Grant of Eliot, Nathan Winton of Yukon, Okla.; and nine great-grandchildren.
She was predeceased by her parents, two brothers and a sister.
There are no visiting hours. Family viewing only. Burial will be at a later date in Hancock, Maine. Donations made be given in her memory to the York Hospital for the Baldwin Nurses Education Fund.
Meralyn MacDonald
SOMERSWORTH - Meralyn MacDonald, 65, of 233 Sherwood Glen, died early Monday, Aug. 2, 2004, at the Wentworth-Douglass Hospital, Dover, N.H.
She was born on December 13, 1938, in East Boston, Mass., the daughter of Joseph and Mildred (New Hook) Doucette.
She was a resident of the Somersworth area since 1990. One of her favorite things to do was shop with her two sisters, Delores and Donna. She also loved spending time with her family at home, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed going to Cape Cod and taking a trip out on the Island Queen.
She is survived by her husband, Hugh MacDonald of Somersworth; two sons, Billy and Warren Brown, both of Somersworth; one brother, Harold Doucette of Somersworth; two sisters, Delores Martel of Portsmouth, and Donna Anderson of Somersworth; nine
grandchildren, several great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by one daughter, Donna Silva; five brothers, Arthur, Charles, Robert, Walter and Joseph Doucette; and her parents, Joseph and Mildred (New Hook) Doucette.
Visiting hours will be from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, August 4, and funeral services will be 11 a.m. on Thursday, August 5 at Wiggin-Purdy-McCooey-Dion Funeral Home, 655 Central Ave., Dover, NH with Chaplain Ginny Slawnwhite officiating, of the Wentworth Douglass Hospital. Burial will follow at the Pine Hill Cemetery, Dover, NH.
Family flowers only are requested, memorial contributions may be made to Seacoast Cancer Center, c/o Wentworth Douglass Hospital, 789 Central Ave., Dover, NH, 03820.
Sara Shaw
NORTHWOOD - Sara Jane Shaw, 54, of 205 Old Turnpike Road, died Saturday, July 31, 2004, at Brigham & Women’s Hospital, Boston, Mass. after a period of failing health.
She was born on March 9, 1950, in Concord, N.H., the daughter of Mearl and Mary M (Reese) Strachan of Northwood, N.H.
She worked as a senior program analyst at Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield.
She loved her hobbies, which included gardening, raising sheep, spinning wool, being near the ocean with her family. A patron of the arts, she loved going to museums and the theater. She was an active member of the Northwood Historical Society and the Northwood Congregational Church, she was the chairperson of the original Northwood Community Crafts Fair and actively supported the Democratic candidates and progressive social causes.
She is survived by her husband, Richard A. Shaw of Northwood; two
daughters, Amy Shaw of Brooklyn, N.Y. and Meagan Shaw of Arcata, Calif.; one brother, William Strachan of Northwood, and one sister, Susan Omand of Manchester; two nephews, Adam and Tristan Omand of Manchester.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 8 at the Northwood Congregational Church, New Hampshire Turnpike (Route 4), Northwood, with the Rev. Maren Tirabassi officiating with a reception to follow in the fellowship hall.
Burial will take place at the convenience of the family at a later date in the Pine Grove Cemetery, Northwood, N.H.
Memorial contributions, in lieu of flowers, may be made by making a donation of blood to American Red Cross, if you are able. Monetary contributions may be made in her name to the American Red Cross, Seacoast Chapter, One Junkins Avenue, #4, Portsmouth, NH 03801; NARAL Pro Choice of New Hampshire, 18 Low Avenue, Concord, NH 03301 or the John Kerry Campaign, 2½ Beacon St., Concord, NH 03301.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Purdy Memorial Chapel and Oyster River Crematory, Barrington/Lee, N.H.
