Gilford-----Eleanor C. Prior, 80, of Old Lake Shore Road passed away peacefully at home on Friday, February 02, 2018.
Eleanor was born on December 1, 1937 in Beverly, MA, the daughter of the late Alfred Chase and Madeline (Jones) Griffin. She spent her Elementary years in Beverly, then settled in Manchester Connecticut, where she graduated from Manchester High School in the class of 1955. She remained in the small town of Manchester to raise her loving two sons and daughter. In the late 70’s she moved to Alton, New Hampshire where she took pride in owning and operating the The Lamplighter Cottages. Her giving nature reflected in her work at Kim's Kiddie Korner, as a substitute teacher at Alton Central High School, and as School Secretary until her retirement.
Eleanor is survived by her brother Ted Griffin and his wife Irene of Alton Bay, New Hampshire, son Frank Prior and his fiance Neille Sullivan, of Gonic New Hampshire, son Scott Prior, of Key Largo Florida, daughter, Patricia Bolduc and her husband Edouard Bolduc of Tolland Connecticut. Also by, David and Donna DeCiantis of South Windsor Connecticut and Cheryl Ryan Deflumeri of Alton New Hampshire. Eleanor had and adored, 7 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her parents, her stepfather Charles Griffin, sister Cynthia Sinclair and ex husband Frank Prior.
Just before retirement, Eleanor and her love Robert Ritchie, made their home in Gilford, New Hampshire. Forever the sun-seekers, they spent many winters wandering the shores of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and cruising the coast with Bob in his corvette. Always a lover of life, Eleanor sought joy in everything and everyone she touched. From the serenity of the sand between her toes on beach walks and hand-clapping beats of country line-dancing, to the laughter and joy of her grand and great-grandchildren, to the friendly competition of Mahjong with her friends, a smile was always found upon her face. She showed her love in many ways, including each stitch of her beloved cross-stitch and crafting gifts. Eleanor’s love and light affected countless people and friends from North Conway to the Maine Coast. Her smile cast calm and assurance to all in her path. We know she will continue to shine that smile down on us as we continue our journey on earth, and she continues hers, above.
Special thanks to Dr. Charles Catcher, Oncologist, and his staff for providing the best care and respecting her wishes. She truly loved you all.
Also, special thanks to the central New Hampshire Visiting Nurse Association and hospice, who made it possible to take care of Eleanor comfortably at home.
There will be no calling hours, per her wishes.
Burial will take place at a later date in the family plot in Riverside Cemetery, Alton, NH.
For those who wish, the family suggest memorial donations in Eleanor’s name be made to the Anderson Ganong Cancer Center in the Lakes Region General Hospital or to the Central New Hampshire VNA and Hospice.
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.