GILFORD - On January 21, 2018, Mrs. Irene Agnes (DuPont) Simoneau, 83, passed away peacefully at her home in Gilford, NH surrounded by her beloved family, after a brave battle against a long illness.
Irene, or "Pauney," as she was known to most, was born in Laconia, NH on June 21, 1934 to Allison and Lillian (Allard) DuPont. She was raised in Laconia, the fifth of eleven children. After attending St. Josephs School at Sacred Heart Church, she graduated from Laconia High School in 1953.
She married the love of her life, Archelas J. Simoneau, "Archie," on May 29, 1954 and together they raised their children, Steven Simoneau and Sally (Simoneau) Koning. Irene and Archie shared a devout faith and were adoring and devoted parents. She delighted in her role as grandmother and great-grandmother, her home always warm with the aroma of baked goods and the sound of laughter.
Irene was widely known for her radiant smile, kindness, and generosity, shining her light on many as a teller at Laconia People's Bank for nearly 20 years. She was active in the community and served as president of the LRGH Nursery Guild in 1967, along with being a long-time member.
Irene is survived by her son, Steven Simoneau, of Gilford, NH, and daughter and son-in-law, Sally and Jon Koning, of Belmont, NH. Steven was a dedicated son and served as her main, live-in caregiver in her final years, with Sally's daily support. She is also survived by her brothers, Robert DuPont, Richard DuPont and Paul DuPont, as well as her sisters, Rita Laflamme, Lorraine Daigle, Patricia McNamara, and Elizabeth Gauthier. She also leaves behind granddaughter Kara (Kendall) Kinsey, of Brooklyn, NY, and granddaughter Jade (Kendall) Badger and her husband Robert Badger, of Gilmanton, NH, great-grandsons Beck McLean and Bode McLean, of Gilmanton, NH, and great-granddaughter Clementine Kinsey, of Brooklyn, NY.
In addition to losing her cherished husband and best friend, Archie, on July 11, 1993 to a devastating illness, she was predeceased by a brother, Donald DuPont, and sisters Jeannette Lawton and Louise Hildreth.
A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10:00am on Monday, January 29, 2018 St. Andre Bessette Parish - Sacred Heart Church, 291 Union Avenue, Laconia.
Burial will be held in the spring at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Garfield St., Laconia.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Irene's memory to the Cure Alzheimer's Fund, at curealz.org or 781-237-3800.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, N.H. is assisting the family with the arrangements.