Maria D. Elwell, 82, of 14 Gilford Avenue died Wednesday in Lakes Region General Hospital after a period of failing health. She was born in Laconia on March 5, 1923, the daughter of Leonelle and Almande (Lavoie) Cartier.
She was a graduate of Laconia Hospital School of Nursing and worked most of career as a private duty nurse. For a period of time, Maria lived in Massachusetts and Florida prior to her return to Laconia.
She was an active parishioner of St. Joseph Church and was an early organizer of the local St. Vincent de Paul Society. She was pre-deceased by two husbands, Alexander Rudzinski on May 15, 1988 and Charles Elwell on January 15, 2005.
Maria enjoyed crocheting and was devoted to her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Family members include five daughters, Julijone Flanders of Laconia, Charlene Lizotte of Franklin, Aleta Tibbetts of Center Ossipee, NH, Priscilla Slannery of Boston MA and Veronica Rudzinski of Laconia; 9 grandchildren; many great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren; three sisters, Louise Coyla of Florida, Annette Lessard of Conn. And Rita Paquette of Florida; three brothers, Henry Cartier of New York, Rudolph Cartier of Laconia and Robert Cartier of Florida; nieces and nephews.
Calling hours were in the Simoneau & Lambert Funeral Home, 139 Church St. Friday from 6 to 8 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated in St. Joseph Church, 30 Church St. Saturday at 11 AM. Rev Gary Kosmowski, pastor was the celebrant. Burial followed in St. Lambert Cemetery.