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Rena G. Graves
December 26, 2018

Obituary

BARNSTEAD---- Rena Grace George (Cookie) Graves, 76, most recently residing at Merrimack County Nursing Home in Boscawen, passed away on Wednesday, December 26, 2018, surrounded by her family at Concord Hospital from a short illness.

Rena was born on April 11, 1942 in Lynn, MA, the daughter of the late James George and Hazel Mae (Ransom) George. Rena was educated in local schools graduating from Lynn Classical High school. After graduating from High School she continued onto New England Baptist School of Nursing, upon completing the program she became a licensed RN in 1960 and continued to practice into the early 2000’s.

In her youth Rena was an avid horseback rider enjoying trail rides from Haverhill Mass to Gilmanton, NH. She also enjoyed camping and waterskiing. Her first marriage in 1963 was blessed with five children. Following the dissolution of that marriage she married her high school sweetheart and love of her life on December 30, 1971 William (Bill) Alfred Graves son of Harold and Belle (Foss) Graves of Haverhill, MA. Shortly after her marriage to Bill the family moved to Haverhill Mass. where she continued her career in nursing at the Kenoza Nursing Home as a nursing supervisor until 1977 when the family moved to Center Barnstead New Hampshire. Rena worked at Pittsfield Box and Lumber, Mountains General Store, and Brock Children’s Home. It was her work at the Brock home that inspired her to offer respite care in her own home which then lead to her and Bill establishing their own foster home which they aptly named, “Cornerstone Children’s Home”. They fostered severely handicapped children who were wards of the State, these children became part of the family. Even after the loss of both of her legs due to compilations from diabetes Rena continued administrative and care duties in the home until Bill’s passing in 2014. Due to Rena’s failing health she was unable to maintain the home following Bill’s passing and moved to the Merrimack County Nursing Home. She thrived at MCNH. She passionately advocated for residents who did not have a voice, she was named “Resident of the Year” in 2017. At the nursing home she continued using her gifts as a master quilt-maker crafting quilts for the gift store and teaching others how to quilt. She also could be found reading or surfing the web on her “Apple iPad” YouTube was her favorite. She enjoyed opening her room to other residents and offering a listening ear, a hug, a quilt to snuggle with, or a snack from her constant supply of chocolate, pickles, and cheese-balls. Her tremendous sense of humor and patience with her children’s teasing and practical jokes will be greatly missed.

Rena was a woman of deep faith in God. Throughout her life, whether she was in church or sitting around a table with others, she loved to study the Bible and spend time in prayer, and singing. She looked forward to spending eternity in the presence of her Savior, Jesus Christ.

Rena is survived by her five sons; Douglas Graves and his wife, Stephanie of Boscawen, Michael McMahon and his wife, Patricia of Rockland, ME., James McMahon and his wife, Tammy of Middletown, PA., Keith McMahon and his wife, Beth of New Brunswick, Canada; a daughter, Heather McMahon Topouzoglou and her husband, Andrew Topouzoglou of Derry, NH; thirteen grandchildren Melissa (McMahon) Edmiston and her husband, Stephen of San Mateo, CA, Ashley (McMahon) Cummings and her husband, Andrew of Newark, OH, Nathan McMahon and his wife, Tykea of Hoover AL, Emily McMahon of Rockland, ME, Joshua McMahon and his wife, Joanna of Marietta PA, Kaylee McMahon and Kelsey McMahon, both of Middletown, PA, Will McMahon and his wife, Ashley of Standish, ME., Collin McMahon and his wife, Vashti of Parkers Cove, NS, Hannah Kingston of Waterville Valley, NH, Samuel Kingston, of Brooklyn NY, Jakob Graves of Andover and Tyler Graves, of Boscawen; a sister, Edith Miller of West Newbury, MA; two nephews, Stephen and Gary Miller; and eight great grandchildren. In addition to her family she leaves her dearest lifelong friend since first grade Lurlyne E. Murray of Port Charlotte FL. Their friendship endured through all of life’s adventures. She also held a special place in her heart for David Finethy of Barnstead, NH who she considered as another son. In addition to her parents and her husband, William, Rena was predeceased by her daughter, Patty Beth McMahon in 1970.

A Calling hour will be held on Saturday, January 5, 2019 from 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. at the Center Barnstead Christian Church, 116 S. Barnstead Road, Center Barnstead, NH 03225.

A Memorial Service will follow held on Saturday, January 5, 2019 at 2:00 p.m., also at the Center Barnstead Christian Church.

Spring Burial will take place in Pine Grove Cemetery, Gilmanton Iron Works, NH.

Rena was a strong supporter of cancer research and treatment. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you make donations to Dana Farber Cancer Institute Memorial Donations, 10 Brookline Place West, 6th floor, Brookline, MA 02445.

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.

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Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services / 603Cremations.com
164 Pleasant Street
Laconia, NH 03246
603-524-4300