It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we announce the passing of our devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and matriarch, Helen Patricia (Pat) Grant, 82, on September 8th, 2018 in Laconia. Pat (she didn’t like to be called “Helen”) was born in Bedford on January 5th, 1936 to the late Martin and Elizabeth (Gaynor) Cunningham. The family shortly after moved to Manchester where she was raised with her three brothers. Pat graduated from Manchester West Central High School. Shortly after graduation Pat traveled across the United States with a singing band. Pat returned to New Hampshire and got a job with New Hampshire Hospital where she worked until retirement in 1997. Pat married her husband, Addison Grant, in 1961, and was
married for 51 years, until his passing in 2012. Pat was predeceased by her three brothers, Martin Cunningham, James Cunningham and Bill Cunningham. Pat is survived by her two sons and a daughter. Brian Grant and his wife Lori of New Hartford, NY, Chris Grant and his partner Wendy Langone of North Sutton and Laura (Grant) Soucek and her husband Michael of Laconia. Pat is also survived by eight beloved grand-daughters: Autumn, Brittany, Danielle, Devin, Nicole, Riley, Aliyah and Savanna; five grandsons, Dennis, Ryan, Travis, Tyler and Caleb; three great granddaughters: Hailey, Sophia and Scarlett; four great grandsons: Joshua, Holden, Logan and Addison. Pat’s (and Andy’s) greatest love and dedication was to family and on numerous occasions over the years they
would open up their home to help relatives going through difficult times. Pat set the standard of love and dedication when she took on the care and responsibility of her mother, who was suffering from dementia, until her passing. Pat’s greatest enjoyment in later years was spending as much time as possible with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Pat also had a love and zeal for all things “ocean.” Whether it was the Nubble Lighthouse in Maine, or Plum Island in Massachusetts, she made certain to pass on that passion to her children and grandchildren. Pat was a consummate storyteller and was easily able to communicate the humorous aspects of incidents and situations that occurred during her life. Pat was intelligent and articulate and very pragmatic. But one of her most appreciated gifts was the ability to communicate the truth, even if it wasn’t what you wanted to hear, with sincere love. Mom set a very high standard with her life. With mom, the glass was always “half full.” Now it’s up to those of us who knew and loved her to honor her life, by trying our best to replicate the love and pure dedication she so easily displayed throughout it. As one of her granddaughters said, “she loved more than she was loved.”
On Thursday, September 13th, services will be held from 3pm to 5pm at J.N. Boufford & Sons Funeral Home, 110 Bridge Street, Manchester, NH.
In lieu of flowers, Pat would hope that you will do an unexpected and unsolicited act of kindness for somebody that you love. There will be a family and friends meal at Chris Grant’s
home following the funeral. All are invited to come.
For more information and online guestbook please visit www.bouffordfuneralhome.com.