GILMANTON - Suzanne Lorraine Welch, 67, of 31 NH Route 106, was welcomed into the arms of Jesus on Friday, August 25, 2017, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.
Suzanne was born on October 5, 1949, in Putnam, CT, the daughter of the late Leo D. and Simone (Lapalme) Gauthier. She was a graduate of Notre Dame College in Manchester, NH and was a longtime music teacher, specializing in piano and organ music. She and her husband, Arthur, owned and operated the Accordion Connection in Loudon and Gilmanton for several years. Suzanne played for a number of churches throughout New Hampshire, such as St. Andre Bessette Parish in Laconia and the Gilmanton Community Church in Gilmanton. She was admired by all who knew her for her unwavering faith and caring nature. A founding member of the NH Accordion Association, she loved animals and gardening.
She is survived by her husband of 45 years, Arthur E. Welch, Jr. of Gilmanton, one step son, Arthur E. Welch III of New Boston, one step daughter, Linda Gonzales of Indiana, two brothers: Leo Andre Gauthier of South Windsor, CT and Edward Joseph Gauthier of Cromwell, CT, one sister, Mary Renaud of North Grosvenordale, CT, two step grandchildren, Arthur IV and Leah, and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brothers Paul and Daniel.
Suzanne’s family would like to extend their gratitude to the nurses and staff at St. Francis Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Laconia.
Calling hours will be held from 12 Noon to 1PM on Tuesday, September 5, 2017, at St. Andre Bessette Parish - Sacred Heart Church, 291 Union Avenue, Laconia.
A Mass of Christian Burial at the church will immediately follow the calling hours at 1PM.
Burial will follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Garfield St., Laconia.
Memorial contributions may be made to the New Hampshire Humane Society, PO BOX 572, Laconia, NH 03247.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, N.H. is assisting the family with the arrangements.