GILFORD ---- It is with great sadness that the family of Brenda Marie Kean announce her passing on Friday, June 5, 2026.
Brenda was born on July 1, 1962, in Medford, MA, the daughter of Paul and Elizibeth (Blauvelt) Cookinham.
She was the proud mother of Stephanie Dale (husband Robert) and John Polidoro (partner Salaine). She will be fondly remembered by her children for her love of family, gardening, crafting, cooking and community service; one of Brenda’s many cherished moments when raising her children was the annual visit to Veterans Square in Laconia to honor veterans who served or had given the ultimate sacrifice.
Brenda was a beam of happiness to all that knew her. Her bright smile, her welcoming spirit and warm and loving nature would make anyone she met feel loved. She was a fun-loving person who loved to laugh and loved to have others laugh with her.
Brenda’s career started at Franklin Savings Bank as a loan originator. Once her children were born, she devoted her life to their needs. After her children had grown Brenda channeled her passion for history, taking on the position of Executive Director of the Laconia Historical and Museum Society. During her time with LHMS she facilitated the discovery and restoration of the Moulton Opera House main drape. Together with the staff at Curtains Without Borders, this very important piece of Laconia’s history was restored and preserved. During a visit to the Lakeport Opera House, she discovered the original main drape of the Lakeport Opera House. This important artifact was given to the Lakeport Historical Society and is currently housed in their collection. Ultimately, her love of History
led her to transcribe the handwritten “Day Book of Jeremiah S. Jewett”.
In 2015 Brenda was hired as the Director of Resident Life at Tayor Community in Laconia. With her engaging love of life and bright spirit she created an environment of social activities allowing residents to enjoy themselves during their time at Taylor. Whether it was the Annual Veterans Day Recognition, dinner at a local restaurant, helping to navigate
pontoon rides on Lake Winnisquam with “Captain Paul”, or the “Not-So-Newlywed” game, she took great pride in creating events for the enjoyment of “her” residents. The programs she created during Covid helped keep residents connected in a variety of ways without compromising their safety.
Her love of music, specifically the Blues and New Orleans Jazz, led her to create the Taylor Community Music Series showcasing some of the most talented and sought-after musicians from near and far to entertain her residents.
Brenda is survived by her loving and devoted husband John, children Stephanie and John and sisters Donna, Debora, Kristina and Melinda.
Calling Hours will be held on Saturday, June 13, 2026, from 2:00pm-4:00pm, in the Carriage House at the Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, NH 03246.
A Memorial Service will be held at 4:00pm, also at the funeral home.
Per Brenda’s wishes, please donate to The NH Veterans Association, 208 Lakeside Avenue, Laconia, NH 03246, Laconia Historical & Museum Society, PO Box 1126, Laconia, NH 03247, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center Oncology, 1 Medical Center Drive, Lebanon, NH or the charity of your choice.
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.