Louise Thankful Newell Audette, 101, a lifelong Derry resident, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 6, 2014 at her home, surrounded by her loving family. She was born April 5, 1913 in Manchester, NH, a daughter of Dr. Charles E. and Harriett Chase Newell. Mrs. Audette graduated from Derry’s Pinkerton Academy in 1931 and from Lasell Junior College in Newton, MA in 1933; she also attended Syracuse University.
A committed musician, she was organist at Central Congregational Church in Derry for more than 46 years (retiring in 1991), an honorary member of the NH Chapter of the American Guild of Organists, and a volunteer pianist in nursing homes. Mrs. Audette was a 75-year, third-generation member, Past Regent, and State Pianist of the Molly Reid Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She was a member of Keep in Touch, the Thalian Club, the Ladies’ Benevolent Society, and the Historical Society. At the time of her death, she had lived in Derry longer than any other resident and was the oldest living Pinkerton Academy alumna.
She is survived by her daughter Linda Stevens and son-in-law Alan Stevens, of New York, NY; her sister, Ruthlee Root, of Derry; her daughter-in-law, Kathy Audette, of North Providence, RI; her grandchildren Emily and David Stevens, Miriam Desjarlais, Jenifer Luther, and Charles and Jon Audette; her ten great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her son, Dana Audette, in 1998; her husband, Charles A. Audette, in 2000; and all but one of her six siblings.
There are no calling hours. A memorial service will be held at 10:00am on Saturday June 28, 2014 in the First Parish Congregational Church, East Derry. Memorial contributions may be made to the music department of First Parish Congregational Church, 47 East Derry Road, East Derry, NH 03041.