Gilford – Lorraine T. Royce, 96, died Saturday, July 25, 2015, peacefully in her sleep at Genesis Healthcare in Laconia.
Born in Laconia NH, November 21, 1918, the second daughter of Walter A. and Lillian Maud (Raymond) Tate.
Lorraine was raised in Laconia until Walter bought 30 acres of the Rowe Farm Estate in 1937. She loved riding her pony “Beauty”.
She graduated from Laconia High School in 1936. She studied voice and piano and, as a coloratura soprano, was constantly the guest soloist on the radio and at many local churches in the 30's. After graduation she worked for the Laconia City Clerk. When the opening for Gilford Town Clerk came up, she was elected and kept that office for 35 years. While clerk, Lorraine was Overseer of the Poor, Tax Collector, Director of Civil Defense, Trustee of Trust Funds, Assistant to the Selectmen, 2nd Certified Clerk in New Hampshire, President of the Municipal Clerks Association, organized Gilford Old Home Day for many years, Saved Lincoln Park, Lectured at the Thompson-Ames Historical Society, Elected an officer at the Friendship Club in Laconia, Artist, and published poet.
She married Dexter Melvin Royce August 31, 1941, at the Lakeport Baptist Church. They loved ballroom dancing.
She is survived by her daughter, Joanne Elizabeth and her husband Donald McNulty of Gilmanton and their 5 daughters; and her son, James Dexter Royce and his wife Marilyn (Blanche) of West Jordan, Utah, and their 8 children. In addition, she had 21 great-grand children.
She was pre-deceased by her sister, Lillian Maud Maynard of Wichita, Kansas. She joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1961 and was faithful and active her whole life. She served in many capacities including Relief Society President, Accompanist, Soloist, Adult Sunday school teacher, Primary President, Chorister, and more. The family helped build the chapel at 1242 Old North Main Street in 1964-67.
Calling hours are Saturday, August 8, 2015 at 10:00am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 1242 Old North Main Street, Laconia. The funeral will be at Noon and burial will be at the Pine Grove Cemetery immediately after.
The family wishes to thank the nurses and staff for their excellent and professional care.
Lorraine loved flowers. If you wish, bring or deliver floral arrangements between 8 and 11 am Saturday at the chapel on Old North Main.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia NH is assisting the family with the arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial go to www.wilkinsonbeane.com.