Laconia, NH----------Alice M. (Poire) Haynes, 88, of 55 Durkee Street, Laconia died peacefully on March 19, 2011 surrounded by her family at Mountain Ridge Center in Franklin.
Mrs. Haynes was a lifelong resident of Laconia, born June 28, 1922, the daughter of the late Henry and Eva (Dionne) Poire. She graduated from Laconia High School class of 1941 and was married to George E. Haynes, Sr. for 47 years before he passed away in 1989.
Mrs. Haynes worked as a bookkeeper at the Laconia District Court for more than twenty years retiring in 1987. She lived a life of service to her community and church. Mrs. Haynes was elected to positions as ward clerk and moderator in Ward 4 for 55 years. In 2004, she was honored with Alice Haynes Day receiving a citation from the mayor and city council for fifty years of service. She was a founding member of the Memorial Park Association and was instrumental in the construction of the present facility off Lindsay Court. She and her husband spent many Saturday nights chaperoning teen dances at the park house. For several years, she was the south end chairperson for the March of Dimes and the American Lung Association.
Mrs. Haynes was always active in politics. She worked as a ward chairperson in many elections at the local, state and federal levels to insure that candidates were elected who represented “the people”. Along with her husband she cherished times spent with their friends, the late J. Oliva Huot and Tom McIntire who served NH in the House of Representatives and the United State Senate respectively.
For many years, Mrs. Haynes was active in scouting with her children. She was a Girl Scout Leader, as well as a Den mother. One of her proudest moments was when her cub scout den appeared in a pilot TV program for children on Channel 9 with Gene Autry. She was also an advisor for the Catholic Youth Organization. Many weekends were spent chaperoning activities including one-act play competitions throughout New England. As a hockey mom, Mrs. Haynes gave her time to transport her sons and their teammates to games around the state. She and her husband were the adopted grandparents of the 1975-76 Laconia Youth Hockey Pee Wee team that went on to win the State Championship.
Mrs. Haynes was the past president and grand regent of the Catholic Daughters of America as well as an officer of the Ladies Guild at St. Joseph's Church where she was a communicant. Her love of music led her to sing in the church choir for most of her adult life and participate in musical shows sponsored by the parish.
Mrs. Haynes also loved nature and gardening. For many years, she worked with her husband and son Mark growing and selling strawberries from Berry Patch Farm. She was famous for jams, jellies and relishes all made with crops from her gardens. As a true animal lover, Mrs. Haynes was more than willing to rescue pets and give them a loving home. She will be greatly missed by her companion, Abigail her beloved golden retriever. More than anything, Mrs. Haynes loved spending time with her grandchildren. She was always present at concerts, dance recitals, sporting events, ceremonies or any other activities in which her grandchildren were involved.
Mrs. Haynes is survived by her children, Mark S. Haynes, Mary-Ellen Azem and her husband Sali, Gregory Haynes and his wife Vickie all of Laconia and George E. Haynes, Jr. and his wife Ida of Hinsdale; her grandchildren Zachary Azem, Emily Haynes, Matthew Haynes, Lisa Lowell, Paula Dockham, and Travis Haynes all of Laconia, Katherine Leonard of Salem, Jeffrey Haynes of Pembroke, Amanda Pattern of Tilton, Carly Nunez of Haverhill, MA and Cassandra O'Reilly of Tilton, 11 great-grandchildren and two very special friends, Darlene Fitts of Sanbornton and Donna Jean Hobdy of Houston, Texas. Survivors also include a sister and brother of Laconia as well as several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband, Mrs. Haynes was predeceased by two brothers, Albert Poire of Laconia and Arthur Poire of Elbridge, NY.
Calling hours will be held from 6-8 PM on Thursday, March 24, 2011 in the Carriage House of the Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, NH.
A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at St. Andre Bessette Parish, St. Joseph Church, 30 Church Street in Laconia, NH on Friday, March 25, 2011 at 11:00 AM. Burial will be in the family lot in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Laconia on Saturday, May 7, 2011 at 10:30AM.
For those who wish, memorial donations can be made to Mountain Ridge Genesis Eldercare Resident Council Fund, 7 Baldwin Street, Franklin, NH 03235.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, NH is assisting with the arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial go to www.wilkinsonbeane.com.