LACONIA - Margaret Mary (Dolan) Plumer, affectionately known as Peg, died February 2, 2015 peacefully with her daughter at her side. Peg lived on Kinsman Drive in the Taylor Community in Laconia. Born in Boston, MA on September 10, 1925 to Henry C. Dolan and Helen ( Potter) Dolan, Peg grew up in Somerville and Medford MA. During her youth, Peg was a featured singer for the Big Bands that frequented the Boston area night clubs. A song was written especially for Peg's voice that was later recorded by Frank Sinatra.
After graduating from the Prince School of Merchandising, Boston, MA Peg met a handsome young Marine, Lester Plumer, and they were married in 1946. In 1950, Lester was recalled for duty in Korea and he and Peg moved to Camp Lejeune. After his tour, they moved to Reading MA where they raised their two children, Lester, Jr and Diane. Later they moved to New Hampshire and Peg began her long, illustrious, career in banking. She was employed by the Indian Head Bank in Portsmouth for 33 years. After it changed to Fleet Bank, she was the first woman named vice president in New Hampshire. Until two years ago, Peg worked part-time as the friendly, beautiful older receptionist at Meredith Village Savings Bank in Laconia.
Peg, Lester, their daughter ,Diane, and son -in-law, Tim, owned and operated the Irish Tweed Shop in Laconia, Wolfeboro, and Hanover. Peg loved to travel and crisscross the globe but her heart was in love with Ireland which she traveled to many times for pleasure and for buying trips. Peg was active in the community and sought after by many committees and boards. She served on the board of directors of Lakes Region General Hospital for many years, Chairing the Finance and Audit committees. Other community service included board of Lakes Region Community Services, Genesis Behavioral Health, Lakes Region Scholarship Fund, Spaulding Youth Center, Treasurer of Christmas Village, Treasurer of Laconia Multinational Committee, Treasurer of Human Relations Committee of Laconia, and member of the Board of Advocates for Taylor Community. Peg was an original foundress of New Beginnings- Without Violence and Abuse, and a member of Zonta International of Laconia. Peg was a life member of the Red Snapper Chapter of the Red Hat Society. She was awarded many community awards over the years including the Rhoda C. Ladd Award for “For Service to Community Health Care”.
As a member of Our Lady of the Lakes Parish, Peg taught religious education, was a Eucharistic, did prison ministry, and taught at the PreCana sessions before marriage. She was a member of Our Lady of the Lakes Ladies Guild,serving as treasurer for many years and was designated as Honorary Member when she became too ill to participate.
Peg was predeceased by her husband Lester F. Plumer Sr, brother, Francis E. Noonan and sons William G. and Lester Jr. She is survived by her brother Henry C. Dolan and his wife Nancy of South Dennis MA, Daughter Diane and her husband,Timothy Poh, of Meredith, NH. Her Grandchildren include Alexandra and her husband, Christopher Sullivan, Tristan and his wife Marsha Poh, and Brendan Poh, all of San Diego, CA. Sean and his wife Emily Plumer of Milford NH, Scott and his wife Jill Plumer of Bedford NH, and Seth Plumer of Manchester, NH. Her Great Grandchildren are Michael Sullivan and Madeline Poh of San Diego, CA, Collin Plumer of Manchester NH and Raegan Plumer of Milford NH. She is also survived by nieces and nephews and legions of loving friends.
Little Peggy Dolan accomplished much in her lifetime of service. She raised a family and had a successful career during a time when doing both was very difficult. She will be remembered for her deep love for her family and friends. She was an inspiration and model of kindness and professionalism for many and did much work to improve the lives of many in our community. Many will miss her wisdom and wise counsel.
There will be no calling hours.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday March 6, 2015 at 11:00AM at St. Andre Bessette Parish - Sacred Heart Church, 291 Union Avenue, Laconia.
Burial will be privately held at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Laconia, at a later date.
Contributions in Peg's name may be made to any of the charitable organizations that she was involved or the charity of your choice.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, N.H. is assisting the family with the arrangements.