LACONIA – Leona C. Belanger, 86, of 16 Taylor Home Drive, died Wednesday, January 13, 2016 at Lakes Region General Hospital in Laconia after a short illness.
She was born on April 11, 1929 in Bartlett, NH, the daughter of the late Arthur P. and Geraldine (Dinsmore) Hill. Leona was a 1947 graduate of Bartlett High School and trained at Laconia Hospital School of Nursing from 1947 to 1950. She worked as a Registered Nurse for Laconia Hospital until 1956. She returned to work as a Registered Nurse for St. Francis Home in 1975 after raising her children, retiring in 1993. As the second shift in-charge nurse for 18 plus years at St. Francis Home, she was beloved by the patients and staff alike.
Leona was happiest when she was with her family, showering them with warm hugs and homemade cookies. She was so proud of her three daughters and her grandchildren and always took great pleasure in all of the details of their lives. She also enjoyed traveling, puzzles, cats and baking. She particularly enjoyed her flower garden, especially her prized Asiatic Lilies. Her positive attitude on life was truly inspiring, and she was loved by all who had the good fortune to meet her. She will be greatly missed.
She is survived by her loving husband of 63 years, Ralph A. Belanger of Laconia, three daughters; Shirley Catelotti and her husband Steve of Gilford, Sharon Showalter and her husband Paul of Arlington, VA, and Sheila Spurr and her husband David of Shaftsbury, VT, three grandchildren; Andrea Doyle and her husband Michael of Concord, MA, Nicholas Spurr and Elizabeth Spurr, both of Shaftsbury, VT, one sister, Margaret Tilton of Franklin, two brothers; Brian Hill and Donald Hill, both of Intervale, nieces and nephews.
There will be no calling hours.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12 Noon on Monday, January 18, 2016 at St. Andre Bessette Parish, Sacred Heart Church, 291 Union Avenue, Laconia. Burial will follow in the family plot at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Garfield Street, Laconia.
For those who wish, memorial contributions may be made to the St. Francis Rehabilitation & Nursing Center Recreation Fund, 406 Court St., Laconia, NH 03246, or to the Taylor Community Sunshine Fund, 435 Union Avenue, Laconia, NH 03246.
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.