Laconia---Barbara H. Theall, age 82, of Laconia, N.H., passed away quietly and peacefully at home, surrounded by her family members on May 14, 2013.
Barbara was born in Cohasset, MA on May 25, 1930, the daughter of Chester S. and Dorothy (Briggs) Higgins. During her youth, she lived in both Wollaston and Wellfleet, MA. The family moved to Laconia, N.H. in 1943. She graduated from Laconia High School (1949) and Laconia Business College. She worked as a secretary to two Laconia mayors, Robison W. Smith and Thomas J. McIntyre.
She was active in several service organizations over the years and served as a President of the Lakeport Women’s Club. She was a former member of the Lakeport Baptist Church. She had an enthusiastic interest in gardening, wildlife and sports.
She was the widow of Sheldon S. Theall, who preceded her in death in November 1994. Family members include: one brother, Carl B. Higgins of Havana, FL; two daughters, Andrea T. Avery and her husband, Rick of Laconia, N.H.; and Lesley Theall of Cambridge, MA; one son, Glen Sheldon Theall and his wife Diane of Popham Beach, ME; 2 grandchildren, Garrett L. Avery of San Diego, CA and Shelby A. Harrington and her husband John of Meredith, N.H. ; and three great grandchildren, John Jr., Meghan and Nolan Patrick Harrington. She was a direct descendant of Digory Priest, a signer of the Mayflower Compact.
Funeral services will be private. There are no calling hours.
For those who wish, memorial donations may be made to: Geneva Point Center, 108 Geneva Point Road, Moultonborough, NH 03254, Central New Hampshire VNA & Hospice, 780 North Main Street, Laconia, N.H. 03246, or the New Hampshire Humane Society, P.O. Box 572, Laconia, N.H., 03247.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, N.H. is assisting the family with the arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial go to www.wilkinsonbeane.com.