Elizabeth M. Simonds

Lancaster- Betty Simonds, longtime resident of Lancaster, passed away after a long and fruitful life on January 25, 2013. Born in Jackson, NH on August 15, 1914, she was the only child of Chester and Annie McLean Elkins. During a very happy childhood on the small farm in Jackson she attended local Jackson schools, many times being driven to school by her mother with horse and sleigh. She graduated from Brewster Academy in Wolfeboro, NH in 1932, the graduated from Concord Commercial Business School in Concord, NH. She then started her working career by moving to Lancaster and taking her first position with the Law Firm of Irving Hinckley which she enjoyed for many years before taking a hiatus to raise five children. She returned to work at the White Mountains Region Assoc. from which she retired in 1980.

Not slowing her busy schedule she was a regular and longtime volunteer for the Weeks Memorial Hospital, various nursing homes and local residents of the area and the McKee Inn where she has pleasantly resided for many years after her retirement.

Her long service of volunteerism was recognized and acknowledged by a proclamation by then Gov. Jeanne Shaheen presented to her at her 85th birthday celebrations in Lancaster which was attended by her entire extended family. She was also honored by a visit from Gov. John Lynch in 2009 as further tribute to her.

She will be especially remembered by her family and friends for her excellent home cooking highlighted by her famous Pork Roast dinner with Wild Raspberry Pie (hand picked after work in the hills and valleys surrounding her home)

She was the widow of William H. Simonds.

She is survived by her five children; William Simonds and wife Cathy of Collinswood, NJ, Mary McKenna and husband Tom of Concord, NH, Robert Simonds and wife Maggie of Keene, NH, Anne Normandeau and husband Bob of North Berwick, ME, Alice Reilly and husband Dick of Northumberland, NH, seven grandchildren: Beth Sprankle, Peggy Kirkpatrick, Brian McKenna, Scott Normandeau, Mike Normandeau, Ben Simonds, Stacy Simonds, 10 great grandchildren; Tanner, Finn, Will, Conner, Hayden, Shane, Quinn, Johnah, Caleb, Ella, Nicholas and Lauren

Relatives and friends are invited to attend visiting hours at Bailey Funeral Home on Monday January 28 from 5 to 7 PM. A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday January 29 at 11 AM at All Saints Church in Lancaster. Burial will be held in the spring in Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the to the All Saints Tabernacle Society, c/o Sandra Doolan, 17 Hill St. Lancaster, NH 03584