Canterbury-----Thelma Louella Nault 97, former longtime resident of Stark Street in Gilford, died Sunday, September 4, 2016 at Concord Hospice House.
Thelma was born June 21, 1919 in Laconia, daughter to the late Louis and Florence Bockus DeHart. She lived on Stark St in Gilford her entire life until moving to Canterbury in 2005 where she lived and was cared for by her daughter Nancy and her husband Vincent. She worked for Scott & Williams in Laconia making military parts during the war and then worked at Laconia Shoe factory for a number of years. Later, She proudly managed Peek N' Buy, a women's clothing store in Gilford until its closing.
Thelma loved to tell the story of how she met her late husband Pete Nault while ice skating on the lake in Lakeport. He was a talented skater, she a novice, and when she took a fall, he came to her rescue. It was love at first sight and he was her hero for ever after.
Thelma enjoyed cake decorating and was well known for her professional quality creations including wedding cakes for family weddings. She also was an advocate of eating and cooking healthy which helped her to remain free of complications while having diabetes over 40 years. She was especially proud of the many different fruit and berries she and her husband, Pete cultivated, preserved, and shared. A visit to her home usually included an invitation to pick fresh fruit. Thelma especially enjoyed a month long 50th anniversary trip around the US with her husband. She was honored to serve as Matron of Honor in her granddaughter’s wedding at age 70. More than anything, Thelma loved spending time with her family and friends sharing a simple meal or activity such as a game of Parcheesi, checkers or cards, and entertaining visitors with endless stories.
Thelma was predeceased by her husband of 67 years, Joseph "Pete" Nault in 2005. In addition to her parents, she is also predeceased by her brothers, George, Walter and Norman DeHart and her sister, Evelyn Tardy.
Thelma is survived by a son, Peter Nault and his wife, Lucille of Deerfield, a daughter Nancy Foden and her husband, Vincent of Canterbury, 4 grandchildren, Shelly Cote and her husband, Louis of Pembroke, Michael Normandin and his wife, Denise of Gilford, Paula Langevin and her husband, Mark of Deerfield, and Peter Nault and his wife Jennifer of Deerfield; 9 great-grandchildren, Ethan and Alex Cote, Julia, Laurel, Austin, and Addison Normandin, Nickolas and Michael Langevin, and Timothy, Ashley, and Caley Nault; Step grandchildren, Vincent, Aaron, Joseph, Tom, and Pam Foden, Denise Delaney, and Alana Susko; a sister, Marian Fecteau of Laconia; nieces, Patty and Jane Nault and several other nieces, nephews and cousins. Thelma also leaves a dear friend and caregiver, Deb Cotnoir.
Calling hours will be held Wednesday, September 7, 2016 from 6:00pm-8:00pm at Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home, 164 Pleasant Street Laconia, NH, using the Carriage House entrance.
A funeral service will be Thursday, September 8, 2016 at 10:00am also at the funeral home.
Burial will immediately follow the funeral service at Pine Grove Cemetery, Gilford, in the family lot.
For those who wish memorial donations may be made to CRVNA Hospice House, 30 Pillsbury Street, Concord, NH 03301.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, N.H. is assisting the family with the arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial please visit www.wilkinsonbeane.com.