Laconia-----Dorothy C. (Decelles) Stevens, 92, of 32 Davis Place died at the Lakes Region General Hospital on Friday, May 20, 2011. She was the widow of Clinton O. Stevens. Mrs. Stevens was born October 12, 1918 in Laconia, N.H., the daughter of Joseph and Ida (Lebrecque) Decelles. She was a lifelong resident of Laconia.
Mrs. Stevens was a Den Mother and Girl Scout leader for many years. She was a communicant of Sacred Heart Church as well as a member of the Ladies of Sacred Heart.
Her employment began in the Scott & Williams textile mill. She was part of the dedication of the conversion to new apartments. She held many positions throughout her long life, completing her last few years of employment as a seamstress at Lakes Region Linen.
Mrs. Stevens enjoyed participating in sports especially softball and skiing. From what we've been told, she sure could cut a rug and loved to dance. She enjoyed sharing the history of Laconia from her eyes, living in the same house throughout her lifetime.
Mrs. Stevens has left a lasting legacy of baking throughout the community as she was well known for her homemade doughnuts, rolls, meat pies, fudge and buckeyes. She always took special care in providing request for cakes and other sweets. She gave of herself to bring joy and laughter to those who were caring for her.
Survivors include a son, Richard Stevens, and wife, Chris, of Illinois; a daughter, Rosemary Drake, and husband, Larry, of Laconia; a son, Paul Stevens, and wife, Jean, of Hooksett and a daughter, Madeleine “Maggie” DeCoster, of Laconia. We've lost a sweet and caring mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She adored her 7 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. She always said they made her feel young again. She was the foundation of our family and a true friend to all.
In addition to her husband and her parents, Mrs. Stevens was predeceased by a daughter, Marie D. Marceau, in 2007.
Memorial calling hours will be held on Tuesday, May 31, 2011 from 5:00-7:00PM in the Carriage House of the Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, N.H.
A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, June 1, 2011 at 10:00AM at St. Andre Bessette Parish – Sacred Heart Church St., 291 Union Avenue, Laconia, N.H.
Burial will follow in the family lot in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Garfield St., Laconia, NH.
For those who wish, the family suggests that memorial donations be made to the American Heart Association, 2 Wall Street, Manchester, N.H. 03101 or to the American Diabetes Association, 330 Congress St., 5th Floor, Boston, MA 02210.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, N.H. is assisting the family. For more information and to view an online memorial go to www.wilkinsonbeane.com