NEW BEDFORD — Hilda R. Lamarre (Mayhew), 91, of Fairhaven, passed away Monday, March 3rd, 2014 at St. Luke's Hospital surrounded by her family. She was the wife of the late G. Raymond Lamarre.
Born in New Bedford on March 10, 1922, she was a daughter of the late Herbert L. Rodman and Freda Allen. She was raised in New Bedford, and spent most of her years in Fairhaven.
She graduated from New Bedford High School in January 1940 and subsequently attended Wheaton College in Norton, MA. Her college work was interrupted by World War II. During the War years she worked in a bank. She was the first female bank teller in New Bedford.
Hilda was an avid tennis player. She played tennis competitively and advanced to the finals of the Southeastern Massachusetts tournament when she was a teenager.
In her later years she enjoyed playing golf. She was a member of the New Bedford Country Club and also a member of Acoaxet Golf Club in Westport, MA.
Hilda was a dedicated mother and grandmother. She was happiest when simply spending time with her family. She also enjoyed playing contract bridge with her close friends Claire Carter, Betty Bolton and the late Charlotte Spooner and the late Sally Haywood. She enjoyed knitting, sewing, reading and spending time with her dog Henry. She was a loyal New England sports fan. She was active in local charities and volunteered several years at a thrift shop in Martha's Vineyard.
She was a life long member of the Grace Episcopal Church and active in the church 20/30 Club.
As the matriarch she was inspirational to her family.
She had four children, the late Patricia L. Southworth, the late Julia R. Lamarre, Philip A. Lamarre of Burlington, MA, Sara E. Lamarre and two beloved sons-in-law, Dan Dejesus and Mark A. Southworth and his wife Jane R. Stankiewicz.
She adored her six grandchildren, Katherine A. Southworth of Boston, Elizabeth R. Boucher and her husband Jad of Fairhaven, Julia E. Southworth of Aspen, CO, Abigail S. Lamarre-Dejesus, Thomas A. Lamarre-Dejesus, and Jane R. Lamarre-Dejesus all of Fairhaven.
She was a sister of the late Dorothy R. Renfree and aunt to Christopher H. and Peter R. Renfree and his wife Sharon.
She was cousin to the late Jean R. St. Germain of Padanaram.
The funeral services will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to The Humane Society, Community Nurse and Hospice of Fairhaven or The American Cancer Society.
Arrangements are with the Wilson Chapel, 479 County St., New Bedford.