Shirley C. Lessard, 89, of Berlin, NH, passed away on Sunday morning October 25, 2015 at the St. Vincent de Paul Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Berlin. She was born in Berlin, NH on August 29, 1926 the daughter of Gedeon and Fridoline (Roy) Couture and was a lifelong resident. She had been employed as a telephone operator for New England Tel & Tel and then at Kelley’s Auto Parts until she retired in 1991. Shirley had been a member of St. Joseph Church, where she sang in the church choir. She sang in choralairs, was involved with Theatre North for many years, held a private pilot’s license and enjoyed arts and crafts, needlework, reading and her computer.
Members of the family include her daughters Dianne Laroche and husband Ronald of Berlin, NH, Liza Burrill and partner Keith Grenier of Milan, NH, Deena Dinardo and husband Gary of Dover, NH and Michelle Houle and husband Elvis of Berlin, NH; her sons Richard R. Lessard and wife Kaarina Brodsky of Anchorage, Alaska, Steven Lessard and wife Julie of Seffner, FL and Robert Lessard and wife Robin of Gilbert, SC; 17 grandchildren; several great grandchildren; her sisters Pearl Guay, June Couture and Joan Couture, and her brother Donald Couture all of Berlin, NH; many nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws and dear friends. She was predeceased by her parents, a daughter Suzanne Benton, a grandson Michael Laroche, a great granddaughter Veronica Burrill, a brother Warren Couture, a sister Priscilla Berube and her former husband Roland Lessard.
SERVICES: A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday November 2,2015 at 10:00 AM at St. Anne Church of Good Shepherd Parish in Berlin. Relatives and friends may call at the Bryant Funeral Home, 180 Hillside Avenue, Berlin, NH on Sunday evening Nov. 1, 2015 from 5 to 8 PM. Interment will be in the Mt. Calvary Cemetery.