Laconia-Dorothy (Evelyn) F. Weeks, 96, of 21 Ledges Drive, Ledgeview, formerly of 98 Gunstock Hill Road, Gilford, died peacefully Tuesday afternoon, March 27th, 2007 surrounded by her family.
Dorothy was born in Laconia on September 5, 1910 the daughter of the late Earl and Mellie A. (Calderwood) Flanders. She had been a resident of Laconia and Gilford for most of her life living for a period of time in Farmington, NH.
Dorothy was a graduate of Laconia High School Class of 1927, and graduated in 1930 from the Boston School of Physical Therapy.
During the Polio Epidemic Dorothy treated those stricken through physical therapy.
Along with her late husband, Norman S. Weeks, she had been an active lifetime member of The Congregational Church of Laconia, together receiving the Churchmanship Award, now known as the Service Award, in 1968. Dorothy’s involvement at the church also includes serving as the Chair of the Mother’s Circle in 1948, serving on the Diaconate from 1957-1960, she was the Woman’s Union President in 1964, the Chair of the Altar Guild in 1972, the Chair of the Greeter’s from 1972-1973, a member of the Adult Ministry Committee in 1975, and she was made an Honorary Deaconess in 1996.
Dorothy was also a member of the Laconia Women’s Club, a past member of the Board of Director’s at the Taylor Home where she also was involved for 30 plus years as a volunteer in many capacities. She was a dedicated volunteer for many activities and charities throughout the Lakes Region.
On September 19, 1946, Dorothy, together with Janet Walker, Muriel Kinsman, Helen Martin, Shirley Minor, Pauline Johnson, Fern Miller and Kitty Mann, founded “The Bridge Club”, of which she was the last surviving member.
Dorothy was predeceased by her husband Norman S. Weeks in 1991, her brother Haven E. Flanders in 1976, and her son-in-law J. Normand Paquette in 2004.
Dorothy is survived by her three children, Nancy W. Paquette of Gilford, Stephen E. Weeks and his wife Pauline of Laconia, Norman K. “Rick” Weeks of Gilford; three grandchildren, Stephen E. Weeks, Jr. and his wife Kim of Laconia, J. Normand Paquette, Jr. and his companion Cheryl of Laconia, and Lisa A. Clute and her husband Gordon of Belvedere, California; five great grandchildren, Jackson, Trevor, and Bradley Weeks of Laconia, and Hallie and Regan Clute of Belvedere, California. Many nieces and nephews also survive Dorothy.
Funeral Services were held Saturday March 31st, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. at The Congregational Church of Laconia, 18 Veterans Square, Laconia. Rev. Dr. Warren H. Bouton pastor of the church officiated. Burial followed in the family lot in Loudon Ridge Cemetery, Loudon. Visiting hours were on Friday March 30th, 2007 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the Simoneau-Paquette Memorial Home, 139 Church Street, Laconia. Family and friends were invited to attend.
For those who wish, the family suggests expressions of sympathy may be made in Dorothy’s name to The Congregational Church of Laconia Dorcus Fund, 18 Veterans Square, Laconia, NH 03246.