GILMANTON IRON WORKS ---- Betty G. Lines passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 1, 2026, after a long and courageous battle with dementia.
Born on March 25, 1948, to Maurice and Rita (Genest) Davis, she was a woman whose life was defined by her compassionate heart, her dedication to helping others, and an immense love for her family.
After graduating from Pittsfield High School in 1967, Betty went on to earn her nursing degree from the New Hampshire Technical Institution in 1973. Her career spanned decades of tireless service; she dedicated 20 years to Lakes Region General Hospital as a pediatric nurse and spent 35 years as the beloved school nurse at Gilmanton Elementary School. While she was an expert at fixing cuts and scrapes, she was most famous for welcoming children into her office who simply needed extra TLC, a comforting hug, and maybe a sweet treat.
Betty was a pillar of the community. Her passion for supporting local families led her to start the Adopt-a-Child Program, which began by providing holiday food baskets and gifts for just one or two families and quickly grew to support many more. She also gave her time to the Gilmanton Supplemental Fund, her church, and the local Women’s Club.
Betty’s life revolved around her family, anchored by her 52-year marriage to the love of her life and best friend, Gary Lines. She was an extraordinary mother who poured her heart into raising her two daughters, and she shared an unbreakable bond with her sisters. Together, the sisters were a powerhouse—whether they were catching up at Sunday coffee break, locked in a spirited round of cards, or hosting massive Thanksgiving feasts where Betty famously baked more than 20 pies. She loved gardening, cooking, reading, and the simple joy of the sun on her face and sand on her feet. Above all else, her grandchildren were the absolute light of her life and her greatest pride and joy; nothing in the world meant more to her than being their grandmother.
She is survived by her devoted husband, Gary Lines of Gilmanton Iron Works; her daughters and sons-in-law, Heather and Stephen Camerano of Milton, MA, and Heidi and Matt Petrin of Springfield, NH; and her cherished grandchildren: Zach, Iris, Lila and Colin. Betty also leaves behind her siblings and their spouses: Bea and Al Douglas, Bern Davis and Jim Coen, and Bradley and Donna Graeme, as well as many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Maurice and Rita Davis, as well as her sisters and brothers-in-law: Beverly Martel, Brenda and John Cowdrey, Barbara and Gordie Martin, and Bonnie Chagnon.
The family extends a special thanks to Pine Rock Manor and Bayada Hospice for the compassionate care they provided over her final years.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Betty’s memory may be made to the Gilmanton Community Church Food Pantry and Thrift Shop payable to GCC Food Pantry and sent to PO Box 16, Gilmanton, NH 03237.
Calling Hours will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026 from 2:30pm to 4:30pm in the Carriage House at the Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, NH,
A reception to celebrate her life will follow.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services/603Cremations.com, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia, NH, 03246, is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, please visit wilkinsonbeane.com.