Alton-----Catherine Anne Consentino, 86, of Main Street, died at her home Monday, May 30, 2011. She was the widow of Salvio Lucius Consentino.
Mrs. Consentino was born December 31, 1924 in Lawrence, Mass., the daughter of Giuseppe and Filomena (Yemma) Cirieco. She lived in Salem, N.H. for 63 years before moving to Alton eight months ago. She and her husband founded and owned Rockingham Wood Craft for over fifty years and was a member of the Northeast Lumberman's Association. Mrs. Consentino was a communicant of Mary, Queen of Peace Church, Salem, N.H. , for which she did much fundraising at the inception of the parish.
Perhaps entering this world as a tiny, premature infant gave Catherine the strength and determination that she needed, and drew upon, all her life. She was a "force of nature" from the very beginning. From persevering under difficult circumstances to obtain her high school diploma to achieving very high levels of "piece work" productivity at her first job at Stillman Shoe Company of Lawrence, Mass, she unfailingly got the job done! She met and married her husband of fifty years soon after World War II and together they began a small woodworking shop which became Rockingham Woodcraft, Inc, a renowned building supply shop on Rt. 28, when it was quite a remote area. Their business venture was the epitome of the American Dream as they built a combination shop and small home and added on to both as family and business grew together.
All the while, Catherine worked in the shop, did the bookkeeping and raised five children, in whom she instilled a strong work ethic. She kept an immaculate home and constantly provided huge, wonderful meals. Her hospitality enveloped everyone, from vendors and customers to her large extended family. Known as "Mona" and "Gram" to the spouses of her children, she always included all of their families as well. There were always a dozen different pies at Thanksgiving, and lots of various Italian cookies homemade for Christmas. Her spirit of hospitality was with her, even to the end of her life.
The family went on several camping trips across this country... five kids, a dog, a station wagon and a simple "pop-up" camper... in the days before "amenities" and air-conditioning. Many lifelong memories were made and are still frequently shared among the family. Catherine and her husband, Sam, also made many trips to Italy (once meeting the Pope), England, China and many other countries throughout the years. She always garnered a bell for her impressive collection from each destination.
Her hobbies included gardening, for which she received many awards. She also raised a large number of different kinds of orchids. She enjoyed sewing, crocheting and quilting. She made gorgeous afghans and quilts for each of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, thereby sharing lovingly created beauty and practical warmth
and comfort with each of her loved ones. She was a voracious reader, especially of mysteries, and relished Masterpiece Mystery on PBS. She had an elaborate system of feeding the birds in her yard, and attracted many species, including beautiful cardinal "couples".
Throughout her life, whenever beset by an obstacle, her reply was always "no problem". In addition to her unbeatable work ethic, and her "carpe diem" sense of never wasting a moment, she had a charming sense of humor and fun. One of her favorite things to do in recent years was to visit the "Christmas Tree Shop". She enjoyed seeing the varied merchandise, and just "loved a bargain". Happily, she was able to make such a visit just two weeks before she passed away. She always had a strong feeling of gratitude for all of life's blessings that filled her world. Her unfailing devotion to St. Anthony was legendary and she called upon his intercession constantly on everyone's behalf. She will be deeply missed by her family.
Survivors include two sons and daughters-in-law, Edward F. & Christine Consentino of Alton and Robert P. and Sharon Consentino of Hampton; two daughters and sons-in-law, Mary Lou & Ronald Kruczynski of Newtown, Penn. and Cathy & David Lenzen of Derry; four grandchildren, Nicole (& Tyler)Whiteside, Phillip (& Susan Laws) Consentino, Nicholas (& Katie) Kruczynski and Laura Kruczynski; five great grandchildren, Kayley, Nolan & Grady Whiteside, Zoe Kruczynski and Holden Laws Consentino; a brother, Robert Cirieco, of Arcadia, Calif; two sisters, Marie Gentile of Burbank, Calif and Josephine Lovett, of DePoe Bay, Oregon, several nieces and a nephew and a loving companion, Kay Hoben. She was predeceased by a son, Ernest.
There will be a Celebration of Catherine's life in the fall. Info: (603)875-5678.
The family is most appreciative of all who assisted with Catherine's care during her illness.
For those who wish, the family suggests that memorial donations be made to the Alton (Fire/Rescue) Firemen's Association, PO Box 472, Alton, NH 03809
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