LACONIA-----Barbara Mary (Bushen) Paquette, 96, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 12, 2020. She had been a resident of Forestview Manor for the past three years.
Barbara was the second daughter of five, born to Frederick H. and Elsie E. (Huxtable) Bushen in Barnstaple, Devon, England on November 16, 1923.
Barbara came to New Hampshire in 1946 to marry Roger Paquette whom she had met in England when he was stationed there in WWII. During the war she worked for Royal Mail and travelled around County Devon doing post office work. She and Roger were married over 70 years. He passed away in August, 2017.
Barbara became a U.S. citizen in 1960. Together, she and Roger raised 5 children. They were active members of Sacred Heart Parish, now St. Andre Bessette Parish.
Barbara was active in many parish activities and was a long time Girl Scout Leader. At various times of her life she worked at Scott & Williams, N.E. Telephone and Laconia State School. She enjoyed knitting, reading, and travel. She and Roger lived in Florida for many winters.
Barbara is survived by her children, Roger Paquette and his wife, Linda Kizer-Paquette of OR, Greg Paquette of Belmont, Antony Paquette, of Laconia, Sally Dowie and her husband, John, of Gilford, Stephanie Drake and her husband, Gary, of Sanbornton; three grandchildren, Andrea Drake, Allison Williams and Graham Dowie and their spouses; five great grandchildren; a sister, Sally Castle, of Pershore, England and many nieces and nephews on both sides of the Atlantic. In addition to her parents she was predeceased by her husband and three sisters.
Family and friends will be received from 9:30am - 10:00am on Monday, March 16, 2020 at the St. Andre Bessette Parish - Sacred Heart Church, 291 Union Avenue, Laconia NH.
A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:00am also at the Church.
Burial will follow also on Monday, March 16, 2020 at 12:00 noon at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery, Boscawen, NH.
For those who wish the family suggest that memorial donations may be made to a charity of your choice.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia NH is assisting the family with the arrangements. For more information to view an online memorial go to www.wilkinsonbeane.com.