Gilford----Elizabeth M. Gilbert, 93, lifelong resident of Laconia and Gilford, died Thursday, March 30, 2017, at the Peabody Home in Franklin.
Elizabeth was born on January 18, 1924 in Laconia, the daughter of Arkino and Evon (Guay) Russilillo. She attended St. John’s School and finished her high school years here in Laconia. She married her loving husband, Rene J. Gilbert, on June 21, 1941, and together they raised eight children. Those were happy years for her as being a devoted mother came naturally. She was a wonderful cook and welcomed relatives, friends, priests, nuns, and neighbors to her meals. She was a member of the Ladies Guild and the Catholic Daughters of America. Elizabeth also worked as a bookkeeper for her husband’s business, Rene J. Gilbert Builder/Contractor, for many years. In addition, she hosted a Sewing Club where she served coffee and delicious desserts, and she volunteered as a Den Mother for the Cub Scouts. She always had a passion for nature and found time to enjoy canoeing, hiking, and golfing. Elizabeth and Rene spent many relaxing summers at their Camp on Silver Lake watching their children learn to swim and grow.
Elizabeth is survived by her husband of 75 years, Rene J. Gilbert; a son, David Gilbert of Laconia; five daughters: Lorraine Sanborn of Gilford; Cheryl Allen of New Brunswick, Canada; Carolyn Kinsman of Seattle, Washington; Ruth Fecteau of Laconia, and Ellen Giguere of Laconia; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by a daughter, Patricia Allen; a son, John Gilbert; a brother, Lorenzo Russilillo and her dear sister, Evelyn Daigneault.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, April 8, 2017, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Andre Bessette Parish-St. Joseph Church, 30 Church Street, Laconia, NH. At 9:30 a.m., a half hour prior to the mass, the family will receive friends at the church.
Burial will follow the mass in the family lot at the Sacred Heart Cemetery, Garfield Street in Laconia.
For those who wish, the family suggests that memorial donations may be made to Holy Trinity School, 50 Church Street, Laconia NH 03246.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, NH, is assisting the family with the arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial please visit www.wilkinsonbeane.com.